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#230486 12/24/13 11:47 AM
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Hello everyone. I want to use BIAB for doing jazz. I play guitar. What is the best solution to getting quality sounds using MIDI? I used to know the soundfont format really well but I'll be using a laptop. I know Real Tracks can sound good but I want to stick with MIDI.

I want to keep my rig small.

Thanx in advance.

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Any good sampler like Kontakt, or Sampletank will work Sampletank comes with BiaB now with a few HiQ samples, and there is a sale on for the expansion tanks for it. Or get a nice hardware solution like these http://www.pgmusic.com/hardware.htm


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Welcome Stevebol to one of the most friendly and knowledgeable sites on the web.

As you probably know the more money you put into MIDI sound sources the better your mixes will sound. SF2s, although dated technology, can still sound good. But if you are looking for more bang for your buck the best, IMHO, all in one MIDI hardware solution is the Ketron SD2: http://www.ketron.com/itemdetails.asp?mod=SD2

A friend of mine has one and it is quit impressive.

Since we don’t know what your price range is it is hard to suggest what to get. Kontakt, Cakewalk's TTS-1, Garritan J&BB, Samplemodeling and many others are very good. But some are quite expensive, just ask my wife!

More info would be helpful.

Last edited by MarioD; 12/24/13 12:13 PM.

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I'll pass on Kontakt I think. I would prefer software but soundfonts might be a pain at this point. Too bad. The Roland looks interesting.

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I used to be very much into soundfonts. I was working on trying to do an original patch at one point using Vienna Soundfont Studio. Never learned the updated version of Vienna. Would using soundfonts on a modern laptop be worth the trouble? If not I might go for a hardware module.

I'm taking a look at Sonix Soundstage now.

Last edited by Stevebol; 12/24/13 12:43 PM.
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Welcome, Steve.

Real Tracks in BIAB sound so much better to me. There is need for both, just sayin'.

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If you are doing jazz I'd take a second look at Ketron SD2 mentioned above; small and independent of the computer (hardware).
I like Roland stuff, but for a jazz backing type setup, the Ketron is a worth consideration. Give it a listen here -
http://www.ketron.com/sounds.asp?mod=SD2


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Thanks, I'm checking out the Ketron now. Something tells me I'll regret going the software route. I know you can get great results that way but it can be a hassle.

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Originally Posted By: rharv
If you are doing jazz I'd take a second look at Ketron SD2 mentioned above; small and independent of the computer (hardware).
I like Roland stuff, but for a jazz backing type setup, the Ketron is a worth consideration. Give it a listen here -
http://www.ketron.com/sounds.asp?mod=SD2


This Ketron sounds awesome to me. It's all about the drums, bass and piano for what I want to do. For now anyway. Maybe some strings here and there. I'm using FL Studio too but not for jazz.

I better learn BIAB now. Haven't spend all that much time with it yet.

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I usually take forever to make these decisions but I've narrowed it down to the Ketron SD2 and the Roland.

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