Showing posts with label effects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label effects. Show all posts

Native Instruments KOMPLETE 7 UPDATE Software (from previous version of KOMPLETE) Review

Native Instruments KOMPLETE 7 UPDATE Software (from previous version of KOMPLETE)
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(More customer reviews)
Native Instruments are putting the pieces together. I first bought version 3, just as version 4 was coming out, many years ago and have since upgraded to versions 5, 6, and, now, 7. Version 6 was somewhat pointless: they didn't entirely deal with 64-bit operating systems; even though the price was radically reduced they left off so much that it should have been called in-Komplete.
This time around they've kept the price low, they've gotten everything to run well within the 64-bit environment, they've added a ton of extras, and they've even created a fix for Kore 2 to fully integrate with Komplete 7. Is it any wonder I'm so happy?
Komplete's core programs are: Absynth, Battery, FM8, Guitar Rig (software only), Kontakt, Massive, and Reaktor. This should be enough that you can do just about anything within a computer to make music. Even though it's a great package version 6 dropped the emulations of acoustic and electric pianos, Hammond and other electric organs, and the Prophet V synthesizer (Pro-53). Many of the sounds were still in the sample libraries to be played within Kontakt but the dedicated instruments were gone. Earlier versions had redundant samplers like Intakt and Kompakt but also some pretty crazy processors like Spektral Delay and Vokator. All gone.
Now they've really thrown in the goodies: sample sets like Scarbee's bass guitar and electric pianos, the return of Vintage Organs (each of these instruments has a much improved GUI), top quality acoustic pianos, and '60s Abbey Road Drums; there are several new synths, playable within Reaktor (which itself has received a major overhaul)--Prism, Spark, and The Finger; several effects sets such as Rammfire guitar effects, Reflektor convolution reverb, and Traktor 12 DJ effects (all operating within Guitar Rig); and a beautifully twisted set of instruments for the Kore player by sound designer Jeramiah Savage, Acoustic Refractions. There is so much to play with you might forget the real reason for buying Komplete is to create something new.
Probably my personal favorites are the sample-based instruments by Scarbee. The sounds are lush and the interfaces are easy and attractive (though many of us will have a long, steep learning curve to master the bass).
Best of all, it's been working very well within my Vista 64-bit system.
I have a few freeware instruments and G-Force's M-Tron Pro, all working within ACID Pro, but, really, I don't have much of a need for any other software instruments. This time it does feel Komplete. (Take the time to explore all the features at Native Instruments website.)
A word of warning for the meek: this is a 90 GB package which takes hours to load (and a lot of hard drive); and you'll need to download fixes to several of the programs when you get the Service Center running, if you want everything at optimal performance. If you have Kore 2 it's a must to download the update.

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Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3 - Kontrol Version Review

Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3 - Kontrol Version
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There's not much I can say that isn't already covered by professional testimonials, video reviews, and product demos.
In short, Guitar Rig 3 is an extremely versatile, powerful effects system. The hardware is extremely solid-- I've carried this thing around to live gigs, stuffed it in a backpack as carry-on for a plane ride, even spilled a little bit of beer on it (not recommended). The worst I've done is dinged it with a falling mic stand. It put a small scratch on it (similar to scratching the paint on a car door), but that's about it.
There's definitely a slight learning curve for the software itself, but you can download the demo from their website to see if it's too much for you to handle. All the help and tooltips are plenty to keep you moving along-- and spending more time playing music and less time twiddling knobs. However, the cool part is that if you like twiddling knobs and settings, you can spend countless hours dialing in all kinds of vintage, modern, or never-heard-before sounds. My friend, (a lead guitarist who owns an analog guitar pedal company), despite being a bit of a sound purist, was really impressed with the sheer number of tones I can emulate. Sometimes, the sounds have a tendency to be a little bit 'digital' sounding if you don't adjust them properly, but the software upgrade to Guitar Rig 4 supposedly improves some of this. (I haven't tried it yet myself). My solution was to add an analog pedal (Philosopher's Tone) to the front of my effects chain.
I use an Intel-based Macbook Pro and a Peavy KB3 amplifier.
PRO TIP: a keyboard amp is the way to go since they have a higher frequency range that allows you to get the full range of tones out of the software. If you go with a specific guitar amp, you may severely limit the variety of tones the software can produce. The software itself effectively mimics all kinds of vintage amps--more than most people could ever afford to own. This may seem unintuitive, but if you spend a little time on the Guitar Rig forums, you'll find this out from others' experience too.

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Microsoft Plus SuperPack for Windows XP Review

Microsoft Plus SuperPack for Windows XP
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I purchased this software thinking that I could take my digital images, create a slide show with music, and then burn it to dvd for the family to watch.
Unfortunately, the disk that I got gave me some error messages that when I called tech support (one hour hold time)they told me that my error message meant that I could create files, but they'll only run on my computer, not on my tv dvd player. In addition, you need to buy additional dvd burning software, because the dvd burning software imbedded in this software package will only create dvds that will run on a dvd player with the Microsoft logo on them. (The package says the dvds will run on almost any dvd player)
So I asked for my money back. However, since it took me more than 30 days to find all of this out, they refused a refund.

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Serif MoviePlus X5 Review

Serif MoviePlus X5
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I use Serif MPX5 and Sony Vegas Studio, because both run smoothly & error-free on my Duo-Core XP PC. I can't say the same for Corel, Cyberlink, Adobe, or Pinnacle Studio(a real horror show). I found MPX5 very easy to learn & use, and surprisingly powerful with many transitions, effects, titles, and menu options - all easily implemented. My only complaint is it doesn't accept third party plugins which is why I have Sony Vegas. I'm using a Panasonic HDC-TM700 camcorder and find MPX5 renders HD footage beautifully to both AVCHD and SD formats, haven't tried Blu-Ray yet.
If you decide to use MPX5, try the Chroma Key-Color Pass effect, lots of fun.

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Edit your videos with MoviePlus X5. It has powerful, yet easy-to-use, editing tools and studio-quality effects so you can create stunning movies in minutes. Import video from your camera, phone, PC - anywhere! MoviePlus X5 is compatible with all popular video file types. Make your movies look amazing with over 200 stunning effects & transitions and use powerful tools like green screening and picture-in-picture to wow your audience. There are exporting presets for iPods, iPads and PSPs and you can burn HD videos to DVD or Blu-ray Discs or upload your movies to the web and share them with the world.

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