Although I do use RTs on occasion I mostly use MIDI for the same reasons as Notes. As Notes indicated there is a lot you can do with MIDI, however it does have a learning curve. Fortunately almost all of what you learn can be applied to any MIDI sound source, that is one set of instructions for many different hard or soft synths. Plus this is not a steep learning curve.

My experience says that you can get excellent results with either of the sound modules you mentioned for the cellos, violas, and grand piano. Straight out of BiaB they may sound dull but with a little MIDI manipulation they can sound as good as RTs IMHO plus you can make them play what you want when you want with the sound you want very easily.

I would either use RTs for the Alto sax or a much more expensive MIDI sound source. Saxes are impossible to realistically emulate with inexpensive sound sources. I had to buy Samplemodeling's saxes and a wind controller to get realistic sounding saxes. A good keyboard MIDI controller with an expression pedal would get the same results except that I do not play the keys very well.

A MIDI rule of thumb is the more money you spend on a sound source the more realistic your sounds will be. This includes both hard and soft synths. Having said that your two choices are a perfect way to get into MIDI.

I agree with the other posters that it is not an either or choice when it comes to MIDI and RTs. Use the best tool that fits the job.

{edit} I see that Herb was writing at the same time! Kontakt is my go to MIDI sound source. If you can buy that do it. You will be much happier in the long run.

Last edited by MarioD; 02/07/16 04:56 AM.
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