Hi Rikki and Frank,

Forgive me if I'm intruding on your thread, but it was your discussions that "converted" me to the soft-based approach, and I wanted to let you know that I'm up and running with Sonar3SE (I'll upgrade to 4PE soon I think) the full-blown Kontakt, GPO, and an ecclectic array of sf2s.

No regrets at all! Thanks for turning me on to this. I'm just now getting back into a productive phase, as there is quite a bit of tech-like homework and tweaking to do. But as I actually learn how to use some of this stuff, I'm only more and more convinced that the learning curve and occasional settings/compatibility hassles are worth it.

I don't know if you're aware of this, but here's an interesting little tool for only $25:

http://www.cloneensemble.com/

On my wish list is a high quality bagpipes sample, Celtic instruments in general (I've downloaded some soundfont pipes that don't cut it), and one of those vintage warmers (is PSP as good as advertized?)

But although I have an 88 key digital piano (P120) for pianos and other "hammer" type voices, I'm pining for a dedicated midi controller with all the hands-on assignable features. Frank, I know you use an A37, but it seems to lack a dedicated mod wheel and USB. It's also more $ than the M-Audios (Radium61, Evolution MK 461c, etc.) as well as the PCR80 I've been looking at. It's terribly difficult to judge these things when I'm not situated to check them out in person.

If you have any pearls of wisdom on the matter, I'd gratefully listen. I'd rather spend the extra cash and get the Roland if there's a good reason to do so. While I don't need 76 keys, they sure wouldn't bother me, either.

Cheers,

Michael



[This message has been edited by Quasar (edited 09-26-2004).]