I use Cakewalk and TTS so TTS is my default synth for BB/RB. TTS is one of the better low priced synths...
Depending on what you want your synths to do, the really nice ones start at several hundred and go up. Kontakt from Native Instruments is a good commercial grade/quality synth. I believe it's around $400 or so...give or take.


I try NOT to use midi tracks unless there's no other way and then I use samples which sound better.


BTW..... if you buy MC7 from Cakewalk for $20 it also has the Cakewalk Sound Center synth which is a sample based synth and it comes with some nice sounds.... plus, they sell add on sound packs for $20 each.... It's a great deal


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.