Re: [MMM] A sampling of samplers?

"Jonathan M. Szanto" wrote:

> Hey List!
>
> So, I just *know* that some of you are experienced with samplers,
> either
> hardware or software based; what I'd like is any big tips on a
> purchase.
> I'm leaning to an actual hardware box for now, as I can put it in my
> mobile
> rack for when I need to cobble sounds for the orchestra or opera
> (tuned
> gongs, large church bells, sound effects) without fussing with the
> laptop.
>
> One thing I'm considering is what *was* near-top of the line, say, two
>
> years ago. This way I'll be fairly current, compatability-wise, and I
> don't
> have _huge_ demands to make of the box, but won't have to pay for the
> absolute cutting edge. Also, I'll probably plan on preparing the
> samples in
> the digital realm on the computer, rather then relying on the sampler
> for
> too much editing.
>
> Any suggestions *gratefully* appreciated...
>
> Cheers,
> Jon

Go for the best you can afford, Akai, Kurzweil or Emu , with the most
RAM you can stuff into it. You'll get as many opinions on these as there
are individuals but if your need is for faithful renditions of sound
sources (rather than producing cutting edge twisted jungle or techno)
they all deliver the goods as well as each other.The Akai S5000 is an
industry standard with up to 256meg. It retails at about �1K sterling.
The Emu E5000 is the competition at about the same price. The Emu E-6400
Ultra is dearer but very desirable. Or less expensive is the Emu ESI
2000. All have SCSI to interface with your PC. These are real
workhorses, designed to suit working pro musicians who bash them day in
day out.

Good luck