I've been using soft synths and samples for years now. Spent a good deal of money on commercial stuff and a good deal of time wading through freeware apps. I don't regret a minute or dollar of it though. I have a Korg M3, Motif ES and a Tyros 2, and I like them all, but I'd never be able to replicate on any of them some of the stuff I have on the computer.

I'm partial to synth sounds, both analogesque and digital soundscapes, and this is one area where my hardware falls really short vs even some of the freeware synths out there. That said, I have quite a few acoustic emulators as well that match or exceed some of the sounds in any of my hardware.

Diki gave a great list to start with. I don't have everything on his list, but have played in other studios that do. I do have Real strat, EZ Drummer and Gigasampler, along with a host of other stuff. All great apps.

Steinberg's Hypersonic 2 is a great all in one, a software equivalent to a modern workstation, but I think it may now be out of production. I also don't care much for the dongle scheme.

The Korg M1 software you mention sounds.. pretty much exactly like my old Korg M1. Spot on in fact.. but then again the M1 would never have been my first choice for acoustic emulations, even in the hardware version. Ditto the Polysix software.. Just like I remember my old Poly6.

I can suggest a few more commercial offerings.. all of these I have in my home studio..

Guitars - Musiclabs Real Strat and Real Guitar, Chris Hein Guitars, Plugsound Fretted.

Piano - Edirol Super Quartet and Orchestral ( the latter is also good for orchestra type sounds ). Plugsound Keys, Luxonix Ravity ( an all in one like Hypersonic 2. )

Synth based sounds, pads, strings, etc.. I could go on forever with these, but at the top of my list include Lin Plug Albino, Imposocar, Superwave Performer, Z3TA, Pentagon, and NI Pro 53.

Before you spend your money.. maybe check out some of the freeware at KVR-Audio. There is a ton, some not so great, but others that are magnificent.

For pianos - the 4front modules ( acoustic and Rhodes ), EVM grand Pianos, and The Safwan Matni offerings are all quite good. DSK synths also makes a pretty decent freeware piano ( both electric and acoustic ). Mr Ray is an excelent wurli emulator, TikiClav does a realnice Hohner Clavinet.

For strings and orchestral.. check out the DSK freewares, especially "Virtuoso".

There are many more out there. Many excellent synth based freewares.. Synth 1, Minimogue, Superwave P8, ZR3 ( nice alternative to the commercial B4 for organs ), Polyiblit, Herc's Abakos.. to name a few.. The Safwan Matni stuff is superb, especially for world type instruments like an "oud" for example.

Good Luck in your search

AJ




[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 12-14-2008).]