You might try a software sample package like SampleTank 2. The strength of ST2 is that it comes with a wide range of sounds and is extremely flexible.

Thanks to all so far that have put their 2 cents and advice into this. I am getting a clearer idea of what is involved and what is needed. My next is part of the 'awkward' transition.

I have done all my compositions via Finale or Sibelius notation. My question is now, what program would be the best to be able to take that notated midi file and pull it up into that program/sequencer and place sets of sample files on the different notated lines? Is this possible? or do you have to basically work from scratch inside one of these programs.

I am leaning towards Giga Studio and I am looking at all the other upgrades I need to make to use this program. It looks like I will need a huge hard drive so I am looking at some new systems with 200gb hard drives and lots of ram capability.

Anyone able to answer the above question? Thanks.

-Kal

You can use Finale or Sibelius with Gigastudio. When it is running it will give you a new option to select for your midi out device, so any midi-based program can use it. It actually has up to four sets of 16 channels, so you'll actually be able to have more than the standard 16 channels that most soundcards come with. The question is whether or not your soundcard can play 64 voices at once (64-voice polyphony) or if your processor can handle it (1.7ghz does the trick for me).

There is no real need for a huge hard drive unless you're going to go crazy with samples and spend thousands at once. Usually you should just build up your library over time, doing research and making choices as you go along. There is no single perfect setup, only what works well for you. Also be prepared to be disappointed, or to give your samples time to grow on you. Why I like using Cakewalk better than Finale is because it gives you better control over things such as note velocities, volume, panning, and the mod wheel. You will need to work with these things in order to get the sound you want.

So the answer is yes, you can use Finale or Sibelius in conjunction with Gigastudio, but I wouldn’t advise it. You do need a midi sequencer of some sort, though, because Gigastudio won’t play/edit them on its own.

Sil,

Thanks for your input again. I haven't worked with cakewalk perhaps I will look into it, but in general I want to stick with the notation form of music creation as I have a better idea of what is going on. From other programs it looked like you just drop loops or percussion beats and then throw in other samples and alter the pitch. This is something I want to avoid.

Giga Studio Orchestra version states that it has an extensive sound library with all 3 sample packs, Orchestral Samples of all the instruments, Solo samples etc..

Now I know I have to do some upgrading which I've read from Giga Studio. I currently have a sound blaster card (which I know needs to go if I use giga studio). What would be some recommendations for a sound card? My current system specs are as follows.

2.4ghz Intel Pentium IV processor (might be Pent III)
720mb DDR RAM
40gb hard drive

The reason why I mentioned a big harddrive is big giga studio installs all the sample files onto the hard drive and runs them from there. And they have gigs of sample files.

So any suggestions for a decent soundcard at not such a high price? Something to get me started? Manufacturers web-site would be good as well.

Thanks again.

Cakewalk has both the notation editor and "piano roll". The former isn't as advanced as Finale, but the roll gives you so much more control over the durations/dynamics/velocities/etc. that once you get used to it, you'll wonder how you ever did without it. And when it comes to midi and not actual performance, you need control more than anything. Finale + Gigastudio will just upset you; believe me.

I purchased Gigastudio a long time ago, and all it came with was Gigapiano (and a sample editor in case I wanted to make my own). I had to purchase orchestral samples separately, usually one at a time, but if their orchestral library sounds like the best deal to you, then go for it.

Your computer specs sound better than mine (I’m not an audiophile, I’m a composition student). The only difference is my soundcard is a Yamaha sw1000xg. Whatever you get, make sure it is Gigastudio compatible, and can run its own midi channels along side the Giga ones in case you need to mix and match your sounds. I can’t recommend anything in particular because I only really needed one card.

Yes, you will need hard drive space to store the samples in order to use them, but hey, it’s not like your going to use every single sample at all times. I only have 10 gigs dedicated to samples at the moment, and it’s all I need for a full orchestral. Of course, if your samples are newer, they might take up more space because, well… they’re newer.

I HIGHLY recommend a Yamaha Motif ES rackmount or keyboard. I love mine!

http://home.comcast.net/~jeffie7/pstringsfluteupdate.mp3
song I did for NestEggStudios awhile back. This is using a Motif and nothing else.

Quote:

Original post by DavW Almost all keyboards use real recorded sounds, gone are the days of FM synthesis chips. However, the quality and the way they play the samples is the important factor. Cheaper keyboards/sound modules/software/etc will have one or two samples for the whole range of notes, where as expensive keyboards/sound modules/software/etc may have several samples for each note, using different velocities and playing styles to create an extremely realistic sound if used well.

Boy, I'll say. The old keyboard I had... you could actually tell which sounds were real and which were "adjusted" [grin]. I didn't realize there were many that actually used several samples per note; that's awesome, if you know what you're doing!