Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Looking for the best samples.

Whats everyone's opinion on the best sample library for the computer?

I've heard people talk about imperfect samples and east/west.

I just got my Casio PX-5S and its connected to my Mac and would love to record some MIDI takes witha nice sample library. On another note, is it possible to use Casio's samples as a VST plugin/midi?

Thanks

This video sold me on Ivory American Concert D: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWnbja5UXm8

Around here Ivory II (along with American D) and Galaxy II (along with Vintage D) are much more beloved than EWQL, which is actually disliked by many it seems (I don't own it so I'm just reporting what I hear often from those who do). Imperfect samples is used by a small number of people and I hear reasonably good things about it but it's not as popular and beloved as the previous two.

It's not quite clear what the original enquirer is looking for because it says 'sample library'. Do you mean a full range of musical instruments and other sounds, or do you mean piano only?

If the latter, then, as gvfarns says, the Ivory II, Pianotech and, above all, Galaxy Vintage D, are the most often quoted and praised here. All these are considered, to varying degress, good quality, up to date (and supported) technology, good value for money.

If you're talking about the former, then I'd recommend trying Kontakt from Native Instruments. You can audition their player and some of their sounds free here: http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/synths-samplers/kontakt-5-player/

Personally, I'm quite fond of EWQL (orchestras, choirs, rock bands etc) but they are a little tricky to install and I haven't managed to download free auditions....you just have to buy it (they still deal in dvds/pre-loaded HDDs) Also you need to buy a 40 dollar security key called i-Lok to make it work at all (as you do with Ivory).

The internet seems littered with people moaning and complaining about their dreadful experiences with EWQL. This is a very small sample from Amazon (no sorting by me!):

“ I shelled out the money for a product that I can't get to work and I can't get my money back. ” G. Monticello | 2 reviewers made a similar statement
“ Thanks for nothing. ” Anthony | 1 reviewer made a similar statement
“ EastWest doesn't even have a support phone number. ” C. Goldstein

.....but I rather like their panache. Anyone who causes so much ire must be worth investigating.

There are quite a few out there, and different people have their favorites. What really matters isn't what everyone else's opinions are, but what yours is. Some of the piano libraries have free demos you can download and try. You can also try some of them out "remotely" using this site: http://www.try-sound.com

As a VST, no. As MIDI, sure - as long as
your DAW has a MIDI out from the sequencer.
Congrats on your purchase, BTW! If you haven't
already, join the Pxs Facebook group.. lots
of tips and tricks being exchanged there.
(link below in my sig)

Thank you for all the replies and recommendations. I may try Galaxy II out.

I've never heard of this, wow. very interesting.