Software VS Hardware Sound Modules

[klaus]

Just after a little insight on how people view Sound Modules. I use the Cakewalk TTS-1 for creating live backing tracks and it's fairly good. Have tried the NI Bandstand and and others. Use to use a Roland JV 1080 which was really good as well. But it's far quicker using Cakewalk TTS. Interested in other peoples views.

[levi2]

i got roland vsc and hyper canvas also yamaha xg softsynth i only use these to listen to midis on pc but for pro sound i use a yamaha mu50 sound module much better sounds from it

[JohnG]

For simple editing I use the dreaded MS GS thingy on a laptop so it's easy to edit away from home. When taking a bit more care I have the S-YXG100 softsynth that has VL emulation in it. For pro it's the trusty MU1000 and MU128 combo (midi linked back to back) plus their internal expansion cards (80 channels (5 x 16) and an amazing 342 note polyphony) for orchestral mixes I haven't found anything that comes anywhere near it. With the WX5 wind controller (no rude remarks please!) the MU128 and a VL daughter board is great fun. Just sooo many different wind sounds. No, really, stop laughing please!

[midimart]

I have used many keyboards and sound modules in the past, but many succeeds others. So to keep with the times I use the Edirol SD80 Sound Module. You can hear the quality of this little module as I record all of our mp3's through this.

I have never rated any soft synth for live performances, there is no comparison with a dedicated sound module.

You can get second hand sound modules, SC55 - SC88 - QY100 etc very cheap nowadays. And all from Roland/Edirol or Yamaha are very good.

I think you will find the same answer from anyone who has got or even listened to a dedicated piece of kit, that there is no better or anything that comes even close to a Midi Module or Keyboard.

Soft synths...... Bah!

[mastercaster]

Another reason that I want to use a sound module is so I don't have to upgrade my computer just to get better instruments. I currently use a mac mini G4 1.25. Most new soft synths require much more. My compter still does what it did when I bought it so I see no reason to upgrade. However I am hoping that I can get a Roland Soniccell once some reviews start rolling in, and some extra money. It looks to a decent value for me as it is also a audio interface, a sound module and a backing machine.

[JazzCat]

Well, it just so happens I just had to do homework that compares the pros and cons of VSTIs and hardware sound modules, for the Computer Music class I am taking.

Here it is:


In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of using a VST instrument as compared to using a real hardware MIDI instrument? Please be detailed in your explanation.


VSTI pros and Hardware cons:

Having back up hardware units is much more expensive than backing up software.
VSTI’s require no physical MIDI ports.
VSTI’s don’t take up physical space in your home or studio. They only take up room on your computer’s drive. Physical storage space is needed to keep hardware units, not to mention a higher electric bill from plugging all that hardware in!
VSTI’s require no cabling so one source of noise is eliminated.
A VSTI can’t wear out like hardware does.
Many VST’s offer upgrades so the VST improves with age verses hardware, which does not.
Some free VSTI ‘s can be found on the internet, although their quality may be lacking in comparison to a quality VSTI that is for sale.
You can purchase vintage instruments that you may not be able to find in hardware at all now. For instance, Moog synths.
You can use multiple instances of a VSTI. You can’t do that with hardware units unless you own multiple units.
Vith a VSTI settings can be saved along with song data so you can get a mix back exactly as you saved it.
Many VSTs are made to appear much like their hardware counterpoint so if you are already familiar with the hardware unit you will already know how to ‘tweak the setting’ of the VST.
Virtual instruments may be used in conjunction with virtual effects and virtual dynamics processors and virtual EQ so there’s no need to route through external hardware units. All work together within the environment of the sequencing program and so, reducing the possibility of audio quality reduction
Playback timing is often better than a hardware equivalent due to bandwidth and speed restraints of MIDI hardware.


VSTI cons and Hardware pros:

VSTIs must be used within a host program. If the sequencing package doesn’t support the VST format, you will not be able to use it.
Normally there will be no latency issues using hardware devices alone because they are a completely separate entity from the computer and do not bog down the CPU. However, playback time on hardware my not be as fast as a VSTI. On the other hand, VSTIs may cause latency problem as more are used. Any hardware and VSTIs used in conjunction with each other may not be playing back perfectly in sync due to differences in processing times.
Hardware can be used with any sequencing programs.
With a MIDI hardware controller you can make multiple realtime controller changes at the same time whereas with a mouse, only one change can be made at a time, although a few VSTIs, such as Groove Agent, allow you to use a controller keyboard device to control many functions.

[JazzCat]

Right now I use a hardware unit. The Ketron SD2 sound module. It claims to be sampled sounds but I'm not sure if I believe that. There are decent sounds, and most people like Ketron sounds over Yamaha or even Roland. But, support is pretty bad than their manuals are worse, and it is quite obvious Ketron has no plans on improving it.
You should see the spec sheet on the Ketron SD2. What a joke. I could get more information from someone who's never seen one! LOL!

Now don't get me wrong with my badmouthing Ketron, the company. I like this little unit just fine. People put up with poor service and lousy manuals because of the famed Ketron sounds.

[levi2]

basically i go thru what the end result is for the sound ie i d/l status quo medely midifile from here played it thru my laptop linked to the P A used edirol vsc which was like a billy bontempi keyboard then tried the edirol hyper canvas which was better then tried the yamaha softsynth and vst plugin both sounded same but were good then i used my hardware kit the yamaha mu50 and the midifle rocked was brilliant as i said earlier i go for the best sound for end results and in my own opinion i dont think vst have a patch on the hardware sound