Samplers and Virtual Instruments... which ones?

[mikedalby]

hey guys, this is my first post, and i am wanting to buy some virtual instruments/plug-ins controlled by midi / VST... i am pretty certain for drums i want to buy BFD... is this a good choice... i am a songwriter and my job at my label is to build general tracks, write the songs, sequence the parts, and then i send them to our mixer...

what i am looking for is a drum sampler where i can not only use the accompanying loops but also build my own grooves.. (as i said, i'm quite set on bfd) and i also want to get an orchestral based sampler, as i am also an arranger, and want great sounding ensemble and solo strings, wind, horns, and to write good sounding accompanying parts of such instruments to the songs and music that i compose... i am a more traditionalist sounding composer / songwriter and would only use a couple of synthesized sounds when writing songs...

i have been looking at the MOTO software, symphonic instruments (i also want it to be compatiable with pro tools as well)... is this a good choice or has anyone got any better/ other suggestions...

appreciate any help/ direction to what i need greatly

cheers

i'm new to this so be gentle. ha

mike dalby
michaeldalby@dashmusic.co.uk
www.dashmusic.co.uk

[David]

Hi Mike.

BFD sounds like a great choice for you.

MOTU Symphonic is great for the price, and gives you a punchy, warm sound that is perfectly tailored to moder productions. For a more realistic (and dry) sound you can look into many other orchestral libraries.

Kirk Hunter has a new EXS24 library: http://www.kirkhunterstudios.com/

There is also Garritan's personal orchestra.

And the heavy players: Sonic Implants, VSL, EWQLSO... if you have the $$$.