rikkisbears, I mainly use CDXtract to convert from one format to another. It is not perfect but with a little editing you can get most of the samples to work as they should. Simple conversions such as the GM500 to soundfonts work very well. I also use Awave Studio.

In addition, Kontakt will do conversion from soundfont, giga, etc. to its format.

Again with a little effort you can setup excellent wavetables including soundfonts. Keep in mind these are upfront investments and later on you are merely updating or making minor/smaller improvements as you require them. This is what is so good with a software based system. The secret is to stay with it even though some days it looks like you are taking one step forward followed by 2 steps backwards.

Rikki, you can use more than one instance of any sample player or synth and send various channels including layering in forte to the synth or sampler of your choice. You can save this as a scene and instantly change your setup to another scene (different effects or voices).


[This message has been edited by Frank L. Rosenthal (edited 12-26-2004).]