Dp3 And Virtual Instruments, travelling: tired of poor GM quality Options

[kk07003]

Hi,

Great forum!

Hopefully all of you can help me select a soft-synth program. I'm new to the world of virtual instruments and I need help

I going to be traveling (G4Tit 1Ghz 15" OSX, 9.2.2) and I want to have access to midi patches without taking a rack module with me. I'm looking for a program that will work within the DP and Finale environments. An added bonus would be if the program worked as a stand alone application (not only as a plugin). I'm looking for realistic acoustic instrument patches (woodwinds, brass, classical instruments) Most of my work is big band and jazz related so I don't really use any of the hip-hop, rock, loop related stuff.

I'm interested in hearing what software synth/sampler and samples you would recommend.

Does anyone have some good info about DP's new MACH5 program?
- Looks good on their website

Thanks -kk