Mario. thats so grreat. 54 years ! congratulations. buy her a nice present.
best oldmuso
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
This is just release and its FREE. You either need the full Kontack 5 or you need to install the FREE Decent Sampler Player. It is a 1Gig collection of Orchestral Swells.
There are several demos just hitting youtube today. This is from the author.
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I am pretty happy with this. After about 10 minutes of playing around I determined the sounds are very nice. So I decided to go find the operational manual or an instruction video to figure out how to use it.
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all. one problem i have as illustrated the other day is my wife and i were listening to the tv ; and we both said "wasnt that intrument sound on something else recently " ? thus i'm wondering how much one can customise orch libs and make them unique. so when i put out a song other people dont say the same of my song efforts. this is my biggest concern ie how to make a lib unique to me. (as well i want libs that arent hogging cpu processes/power). best oldmuso
I have a major love/hate relationship with orchestra libraries. This illustrates the 'hate' side.
On one hand, it's faster and easier to use a "Vienna" sample at my computer than the real Bösendorfer in my front room with my wife playing. On the other hand, that real Viennese piano always sounds way, way better than the most expensive VI – enough so that we had the action completely rebuilt during lockdown (thank goodness it came out of her budget and not mine!).
I always hope that a project budget is big enough for a live orchestra and that I'm using my VI libraries to demonstrate ideas only. I can do a lot more tone shaping with a baton in an hour than a computer in a month. If wishes were horses… Anyway, all of the good VIs allow extensive tweaking but that takes loads and loads of time — and I'm always on deadline.
I had hoped that taking retirement from my music industry day job would give me time — then lockdown happened and making music online became a 50–80 hour a week "part time" job.
Well, my churches are meeting in person beginning September. We'll see…
Lament over.
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Mike, what you said is absolutely true; a real instrument will always sound better than an emulated one. And yes you will need to not only spend a lot of time learning an emulation you have to know the nuances of said instrument.
Or you can use my approach, i.e. "that is close enough for me"
Last edited by MarioD; 06/17/2110:28 AM.
I get most of my exercise these days from shaking my head in disbelief.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I want to get into this orchestral thing, but I'm not sure where to start... I'm using Cakewalk by BL as my daw. Should I start with something like the free Kontact player or something else?
Look for an orchestral sound library that takes the free Kontakt player. It will work with Cakewalk. Be aware, the better sound libraries will require the full paid Kontakt player.
That's not the only possible solution, though. There is a ton of research you could do. Or, if you have a Sweetwater rep, they can assess your needs and help.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Look for an orchestral sound library that takes the free Kontakt player. It will work with Cakewalk. Be aware, the better sound libraries will require the full paid Kontakt player.
That's not the only possible solution, though. There is a ton of research you could do. Or, if you have a Sweetwater rep, they can assess your needs and help.
thanks Matt... your suggestions seem like the best place to start.
Download a couple of these and layering them will make them sound more realistic. Also note that some are VSTls and require no addition software to run.
Once you learn about orchestration, there are a lot of books on this, you can advance to better but more expensive sounds.
YMMV
I get most of my exercise these days from shaking my head in disbelief.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Download a couple of these and layering them will make them sound more realistic. Also note that some are VSTls and require no addition software to run.
Once you learn about orchestration, there are a lot of books on this, you can advance to better but more expensive sounds.
YMMV
Thanks Mario... I just did a quick format on one of my old BiaB usb hard drives and will start downloading...
Be aware, the better sound libraries will require the full paid Kontakt player.
Huh? That's not correct at all—ok because it is confusing. Let's see if I can clarify:
All Native Instruments licensed Kontakt libraries use Kontakt Player (free) including the ones from Native Instruments—doesn't matter the developer. Not only that, they have a Kontakt serial number and show up in the Kontakt browser. Any libraries that can use Kontakt Player are also available within Kontakt.
All Kontakt compatible libraries not licensed by Native Instruments require Kontakt which is paid. They do not appear in the Kontakt browser and must be selected manually.
A case in point: The Mercury Piano (as in Freddie's Fazioli) from WavesFactory is available in two versions, Mercury @ $149.99 uses Kontakt Player or Kontakt but MercuryLite @ $59.99 requires Kontakt.
BTW, before I bought Mercury, I didn't understand this either and it was WavesFactory Tech Support who generously took the time to explain these facts of life to me when I couldn't figure out how to run MercuryLite on the laptop I had at the time. (it's a great piano library and a license for Mercury entitles you to a free license for MercuryLite in case you have a laptop or such that can't handle the full resources of Mercury).
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Thanks for clarifying. I should have said 'some' better sound libraries.
From what you wrote, it seems the financial model for at least one company is to encourage you to try a lite version if you already have the full Kontakt player? I suppose then they know they are dealing with potentially more serious buyers?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Besides being a VI host, Kontakt is also a sampler and has a great deal of additional functionality. Kontakt Player is only a host for compatible libraries.
At first, it's counterintuitive as in the Mercury example but makes sense when you know that 3rd party developers must pay a license to NI for a library to be compatible with the free Kontakt Player. I have some other libraries where the $29 or freebie requires Kontakt but the $99 works in Player.
NI offers teaser libraries that work in Kontakt Player. Their expensive libraries come either with Kontakt/Komplete or as an add-on but they also work with the free Kontakt Player—you don't get the sampling and other functionality if you use the Player.
UVI offers something similar but they give the sampler/synth a different name: Falcon. UVI Player is free. They and 3rd party developers let you know if VIs work in UVI or if Falcon is required. Two different names ends a lot of confusion.
I like the way IK does it. SampleTank is a very powerful player. It can be downloaded as CS for free. All paid versions use the same free player. I didn't realise this last year when my SampleTank3 libraries were giving me grief over MacOS Mojave and now I'm looking at a pricy upgrades. So I downloaded SampleTank4 CS for free to evaluate. Oh wait… now all my ST3, Miroslav, TotalStudio libraries open up in ST4 with more functionality than before and nothing is asking for new licenses — just like UVI, the actual player is free. Got it!
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There are many advantages to spending the money on the full Kontakt version. The ability to add simple scripts to create needs (but you will need to do some learning). For example, even the trumpet in the Factory Selection can be made to sound fairly good by adding the pre written script to make the trumpet monophonic setting the portamento suitably thus creating a simulated legato. There are many things one can do with the full version of Kontakt not possible with the Player version.
Within no time the full version pays for itself when you include the free and cheaper patches.
Also a lot of the Orchestral Synths have there own players. For example, Vienna Instruments Synchron Player for the various VI libraries, Spitfire just to name a couple. Spitfire Labs even has free stuff not requiring Kontakt.
My thoughts Tony
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For a pop song, you typically don't need a full orchestra. Strings, flute, oboe, english horn, french horn - you're mostly looking to add color to a song, not write a extended flute and string trio. Large number of articulations are generally overkill.
Don't worry about uniqueness. These are orchestral instruments, and you're not writing for sample library connoisseurs, are you?
GPO 5 is rather dated, but it's fairly complete. I'm rather fond of the flute and double reeds.
Amadeus will also get you a full collection of instruments. I find the english horn a bit underwhelming, and in general it lacks detail, but it'll get the job done. The "Symphony" patches will give you that "full blown" orchestral sound without having to work
BBCSO isn't complete, but it's got some nice sounds, especially the strings. No solo instruments - they're all recorded in pairs. But the price (free) for the student edition is perfect.
The Miroslav CE edition is has some lovely sounds in it. The sound is more "detailed" than some of the other libraries.
Having the full version of Kontakt will get you access to non-Player versions of Kontakt libraries, which is a good deal in the long run. NI's got a Summer sale coming up.
The full version of Kontakt comes with the Kontakt Factory Library, which includes - among other things - a fairly complete collection of orchestral instruments. That might be sufficient for your needs.
There are a lot of things that these sample libraries can't do. The Golden Rule of writing with sample libraries: write to the library's strengths.
Once you've got a core library, you can then focus on getting single instruments to fill the gap of what's missing.
For example, Embertone has a lovelyChapman Trumpet, for $30. They also have the Popelka Bassoon, also $30. There are plenty of libraries out there to check out, so you can find exactly the sound you're missing.
If you focus on getting a smaller collection of sounds that you like, you'll be less likely to go trawling through your collection looking for something that fits.
Well... lots of good suggestions in the previous comments.
I'd start with Native Instruments Kontakt. If you want a good starting point, and money isn't really an issue, I'd suggest the Komplete package from NI. Last time I looked, it had Kontakt and somewhere close to 10+ other synths. All with different characteristics and a ton of virtual instruments and sounds. In addition, there are easily hundreds of third party vendors who make unique sound libraries that only work with Kontakt. You not only get the basic orchestral and band instruments but you get a bunch of soundscapes, and other sounds that go into what it sounds like you're wanting to do.
In my humble opinion, you can not go wrong using NI as a starting point. They have a huge and ever expanding library of sounds, it is relatively affordable compared to other synths and libraries on the market, and the most important thing is that everything they have sounds good.
Many years ago, I picked up Komplete and have never regretted it. Huge bass synths, drums and percussion synths, soundscapes..... my only regret is that I don't write music that can use it to it's fullest.
I have a few other synth libraries.... East West, Miroslav, and a few other ones but the Komplete package is my go to synth when I need something unique.
As far as something sounding dated.... I think it's more a factor of how it's used vs the actual sound.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
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Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
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We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
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With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
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-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
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XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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