Studiophonik --or-- "Infinite" drums?!?

[HongKongTain]

Hey, Squids -- I have a question.

For someone who is mainly looking for amazing drum sounds, which upcoming product should they be looking at: Studiophonik, or the Infinite drums?

I know Studiophonik has guitars/keys/horns, etc., and it's own player/interface -- as opposed to the Infinite series (which is drums only, and for other samplers). But regarding the sounds of the drums, what's the difference?

Basically, if my MAIN interest is playable drums, which one of these products should be my main focus? Which will have MORE drums, or more DETAILED drums? I'm just a little confused on why there are TWO products coming out... Is one of them designed to be "better"? And if so, in what way?

(hope you can understand what I'm asking)

[Squids]

Well, one of the main reasons why both of them are coming out is that they are in different formats. Studiophonik is in SampleTank format (well, its own advanced SampleTank format that ST will be able to read in a future update...). Infinite Drums is in "streaming sampler" formats like Kontakt, HALion, EXS, Giga etc.

Infinite Drums does have more drums, more detail and each kit is much larger. Consider the average kit size would be about 3-4 times larger than Studiophonik. Maybe more. However, to have all three Infinite Drums titles will cost you twice as much as Studiophonik and you also have to already own a sampler (like Kontakt) because it doesn't come with a playback engine (like SPK does). Basically you get more "bang for the buck" as far as kit variety (plus the additional instruments... which is a huge plus). But, if you are looking for more detailed drum kits specifically then Infinite will offer that. We'll do cross-grades for people who want both. I know quite a few who would. I am one who would use both myself.

[HongKongTain]

Thanks a LOT for the reply!

Yeah, I'm thinking it might be worth my while to think about getting both.

Without talking dates (which I know you can't do), can you tell us which one will be available FIRST?

[Squids]

Thanks a LOT for the reply!

Yeah, I'm thinking it might be worth my while to think about getting both.

Without talking dates (which I know you can't do), can you tell us which one will be available FIRST?

Tough call on that one. It could go either way depending on if we run into any snags along the way. With Infinite you never know what sort of things between the formats and we may decide just to do it one format at a time to avoid those things. With Studiophonik it could be because there is one thing that needs work while the rest is ready to go. That's the tough part about these "everything" workstations... they need to HAVE everything before they can be released! But, that's also what makes it appeal to a wide range of people and last long as a product.

Anyway, Infinite should be ready by some time this Summer. Studiophonik will either be just before it or just after it. Hope that helps.