|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
I finally have to admit that my Roland JV-1010 was either lost or stolen during one of many moves last year and needs to be replaced. I have a couple of questions for the group.
I'd prefer the identical unit as I am familiar with it and have the documentation for it. I also like the portability and ease of using it on with than one computer. If one of you has one for sale, I'm interested. (I'm looking at two on eBay for $135 and $149, with shipping included.)
I'm also interested in your thoughts on other hard or soft synths in the $100 range. New gear is probably out of the question. I know about the Coyote VSTi, but don't like the idea of buying one for each PC; not ruling it out, but how does it stack up against a hardware module?
Any of your collective thoughts on the matter will be of value.
Thanks,
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498 |
The Forte Coyote VSTi is "ok to good" - I own it, I use it to knock things out (scratch work) but is not my idea of the "one and only" VSTi (actually I've found even on much higher end VSTi's none are "end all be all")
I also had a JV-1010 , as evidenced by the pat/ini file I contributed here years ago, and I liked it but moved up and on to the XV-5080 (and Fantom XR and….)).
In my opinion, if your entire MIDI sound palette (don’t want to start fire fight over synths/MIDI/VSTi's versus RT's - different animals) was an "either or" situation (i.e., either Forte OR JV-1010) - I'd opt for JV every SINGLE time and that is sans an additional SR-JV card. However, that does NOT imply that I think the JV is/was an "end all be all" item either.
as far as you other question - I've not shopped for any small, inexpensive, or eBay (used) HW in a long while so have no idea what can be had in the ~$100 range.
good luck
Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 06/04/14 12:36 PM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Larry, Thanks for your response, especially in light of your experience with both of the synths I mentioned. It mostly reinforces my own thoughts. When I moved to Win 7 from XP I lost the use of my Creative Audigy Platinum hardware synths, which were pretty good for preproduction work. I tried the Coyote, but it was quite a while ago and I wasn't certain about my memory of it. I'm not sure whether I actually need something for finished work as the plan is to import most pieces into Propellerhead Reason for mastering, but I really did like the JV. Although somewhat dated (in the sense that there are several easily recognizable patches), it had a great GM section and some really nice pads. I never had any of the extra sound modules either, but never felt I needed them. Reason, with its optional Refills (proprietary sound sets), blows away all but the most esoteric VSTi's. Mostly I want something to give me a polished feel while working in BIAB/RB. If I never port a piece into Reason, the JV would be at least adequate for what I have in mind. I did get one PM which mentioned IK soft synths, but I really think I have those covered with my Refills. I'll just have to share some new music and let y'all decide.  *** There were other valuables in the box which was lost/stolen, not the least of which was a Roland GI-10 pitch-to-MIDI converter. I had hoped to use it with my GK-equipped guitar to control some hard and soft synths directly. I don't know whether I'll be able to replace it any time soon. Oh, well; plenty to keep me busy without that. R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,744
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,744 |
I use an old Yamaha DX-27S in my studio. It doesn't have touch sensitive keys or weighted keys so that's the downside to it for me. But since I already own it, and have for 28 years or so, I use it when I need to play something manually.
I never use the sounds in it for recording it's audio, other than on occasion I turn the volume up with a piano default to hear what I'm doing. It's sounds are sub-par to the synths I have and they also are "dated" sounding.
99% of the time I use it simply for midi input. I exclusively use softsynths "in the box" to create the instrument sounds I need.
The quality of softsynths and sampled sound libraries these days is simply amazing.
To me, Coyote and TTS are good basic level synths on about the same bottom level as GM sounds but slightly better than the GM stuff that was built into soundcards along the lines of Wave Table synth.
If you're going to buy something for sounds..... buy Kontakt from Native Instruments. It is a professional level synth. The samples it comes with are realistic enough that you can use them on commercial projects without problems. In addition to the stuff that Kontakt comes with, there are literally hundreds of small companies making sound packs that are compatible with Kontakt for every conceivable musical instrument on the planet. Kontakt has a complete orchestra sampled instrument by instrument, guitars, basses, pianos and organs, brass instruments, and even vocal choirs. (I used the choirs in Give me a Chance in the part where the little girl is singing the chorus near the end) and a bunch of other things as well.... including percussion and timpani.
Another sampler synth I absolutely love is the Cakewalk Sound Center. It comes with just about all of their DAW's now including the little MC6T. They too are adding lots of expansion sound packs @ $20 each to expand form the 150 sounds included. (that's how many were with my CSC) I've added a Steinburg piano collection and world instruments to the lineup.
Those are my 2 "Go-To" synths when I need to play something and BB/RB won't fit the bill or do the job. As a good example....on the last song (Hard Way) in my version, the bass guitar when it first comes in on the held notes is played with the CSC using the Ricko bass until the groove starts and then it's RB. Since CSC had a sample that sounded close enough to the RB track's bass sound, I played the exact notes I wanted using CSC.
CSC can be had for around $40 or so with a purchase of MC6 from Cakewalk. Kontakt is a bit pricier so shop around to find the best price. Older versions can be had in the $300 price range. Well worth the cost for a synth at this professional level.
BTW: You can often find older copies of Komplete for sale on Ebay or Amazon at really nice prices. The synth you want is Kontakt BUT>>>>> if you can find KOMPLETE 6 (or up) at a good price, buy it. Komplete is a collection of several of the NI synths. I picked up K-6 several years back. The other synths in the package have some really nice pads and strings as well as all sorts of other sounds in their libraries. In the komplete package you also get a drum synth called Battery. It's a really good purchase that you will not regret.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 06/05/14 04:33 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,382
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,382 |
Richard it sounds like you are looking for a GM module that will replace your Creative Soundfonts. If so then DL SFZ+ Professional. It is a free VSTi soundfont player that is really good. Read about it here: http://www.cakewalk.com/products/SFZ/Get it here: http://www.store.cakewalk.com/b2ceuro/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=35-CWSZ1.40-20E This of course assumes that you still have your soundfonts. I hope this helps.
I haven't lost all of my marbles but there is a small hole in the bag someplace!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,744
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,744 |
I used the SFZ basic font player for quite some time before I bought the NI komplete 6 package. If you look at some sites on the net, you can find some fairly decent sounding fonts to use with it. If you go to my website and click on the LINKS, you will find a few links to pages where I found some decent ones. And they are free.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,382
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,382 |
Hi Herb,
Like you I used SFZ basic for SF2s until I purchased Kontakt. I still have a quite large collection of SF2s that I rarely use. SF2s are a thing of the past but as Richard was looking for a GM replacement, at least I think he is, then I suggested the SFZ+. Personally I think SF2s are very close if not as good as some of the free or the under $100 GM VSTis. YMMV
I haven't lost all of my marbles but there is a small hole in the bag someplace!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Hi Herb,
Like you I used SFZ basic for SF2s until I purchased Kontakt. I still have a quite large collection of SF2s that I rarely use. SF2s are a thing of the past but as Richard was looking for a GM replacement, at least I think he is, then I suggested the SFZ+. Personally I think SF2s are very close if not as good as some of the free or the under $100 GM VSTis. YMMV
Agreed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,744
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,744 |
Yeah...if I check my laptop, I probably have all those SF2 fonts in there still.
When I built my custom DAW, I had purchased K-6 and some other high quality synths so I never bothered to migrate the old SFZ/SF2 stuff into the new DAW.
I agree totally that if money is a problem, and you are realizing that the TTS/Coyote/GM Wavetable stuff isn't cutting it anymore.....SFZ and fonts are the next logical step with free fonts. And there are thousands of fonts on the net for free. Check that KVR website.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Being a regular on the KVR Audio site, I'm not sure it's the place to go looking for soundfonts. Most folks there are using softsynths, but not in a general midi sense of things. Very few 'orchestral' composers there. Mostly electronic stuff, some rock, less folk and very few folks using GM as a backing track mindset. I'm trying to remember the old sites that were the treasure trove of soundfonts and I'm drawing a bit of a blank. Soundfonts.it used to be one of them, but Guido has moved on to much more interesting stuff with physically modeled instruments that are actually outstanding. Ah yes, google is our friend. Hammersound.net is a huge one: http://www.hammersound.net/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
I used to use a Roland XV-3080, which probably has a lot of the same sounds found in the Roland JV1010 synth. General Midi sounds tend to be kind of unspectacular.. and I find that the results I get from the Coyote forte GM synth are not that different from the GM in my hard synth.
what I liked about the hardware synth was all the other non-GM patches... but, IMO today's soft synths are better.
Best bang for the buck is the occasional $99 deal on one of the better soft synths, and use it in conjunction with Coyote forte if you need GM sounds. Forte is cheap and quite passable for a lot of GM applications
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Thanks for your responses despite my intermittent presence here. My wife and I are undergoing a sort of relaxed crisis. You have given me some good information upon which I plan to base my eventual decision.
Gratefully,
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Richard, you did answer one question with this inquiry - you are cool with joysticks for modulation.
I hate them. I'm a wheel guy. This rules out nearly all KORG and Roland boards for me.
Another board to consider as a killer gigging axe is the Casio Privia PX5s. Before you buy anything, check that bugger out.
-Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079 |
Richard, If you have soundfonts then FlStudio is a good place to look. There are many versions but the interesting part, for you, is that one can use the demo, full program with some limitations ie save a project, indefinitely. I did so for a year (!) and bought the Producer edition, when my finances settled out and now have free updates for life!! You can overcome the save by exporting each track as a wav, a bit of a limitation but it works. It runs as a VSTi OR via rewire. Also has good proprietary effects and instruments I find it excellent and use it in every song I produce with BIAB although I haven't tried it as a vsti in BIAB. try it, it's free and the demo shows how good this program is. Alyn
Last edited by gibson; 07/14/14 10:24 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,868
Posts797,099
Members39,974
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean