Which Sampler To Use? Options

[sonickid23]

So I'm pretty new to the Mac recording world. I'm testing out logic and dp...I'm about to invest in an library instrument sampler. The guy at guitar center suggested sampletankand kontakt, however listening to some of their samples online...I'm not completely sold on the orchestral sections...they still sound too sampled and not very authentic. I'm looking for the most realistic sounding library with an emphasis on strings and piano. I listened to some GigaStudio stuff and it sounded really good, but then I read some reviews that definitely changed my mind. Any advice?

[jrjnsn]

I've been very pleased with Kontakt 2 and the big sample library that came with it. I have EWQL Gold as well, and it's great, but I find myself going to the Kontakt Vienna sounds even more, because Gold has that ambience that's difficult to get rid of if you don't want it. FWIW over on the motumac group I was advised that no single orchestral library really covers all the bases, and maybe that's true....

[mikenienaber]

hey,
Remember Gigastudio (use by Hans Zimmer to score) is a stand alone orchestral app only for PC.
Garitan is pretty awsome, and the miroslav by sampletank is good too. I'm no fan of sampletank at all but you make the call. I would spend money on Garitan. Rule of thumb: Don't eat sea food from a resturant if you can't see the ocean from your seat- don't buy 'specialist' software from a company that makes all different kinds of apps--.
Kontakt is the god of soft samplers- Generally you can't go wrong with Komplete3 NI, as far as drum samplers go Battery (incl in Komplete) is more than anyone needs!.
good luck, and don't compromise.

[rickenbacker]

Maybe start with Garitan Personal Orchestra. If it's good enough for U2 to use on their world tour…