Which software to use for cinematic instrumentals + feedback

[Lizh]

Hi all, I am new here, and I am really keen to write cinematic/atmospheric instrumentals, but the only software I have is garage band and Logic pro x. I was really excited to see the current instrumental listings, but then discouraged because I don't think I have the sound library for it to get awesome sounding strings. I have a Bachelor of Music, so I have skills, but not the tools, and I am a beginner when it comes to music production. So, my question is-where do I start? Is there any point in even trying to submit something for the current listings without great sounding strings? Or is it a matter of learning how to use logic pro x better to create more realistic sounding strings? I don't have the budget to invest in more software at the moment, but wondering what I should be aiming to get in the future for a good home set up that would be considered professional so i can be taken seriously with music that I write.

Here is something that I created recently for an instrumental listing (still waiting for result) but don't know if this piece is something that is considered 'well crafted' in terms of production quality. I created it purely with garage band. Am I being naive to think that it might be enough when it comes to production? https://soundcloud.com/liz-hennessy/the ... z-hennessy

Thanks for your input.
Cheers,
Liz.

[moodscape]

Hi Liz!

I really like the piece in your link. I'm fairly new to taxi so I can't comment on whether or not you should submit. Based on what I heard, I would say yes because it was well composed and built beautifully. With that said though, I'm so young in the taxi thing that most of my submissions are still pending.

Here is the software that I use for orchestral stuff:
Logic Sounds (This would be my first upgrade from garage band)
Symphobia 2
NI Action Strings
Dan Dean Adv. Acoustic Bass
East West Strings Gold
Gofriller Cello

I use some more than others but all of these has a really nice rich tone and excellent response for playing on a keyboard and getting real results. With your skills on what I heard you should see an immediate difference just choosing one of these to update your sounds.

Thanks,
Tory

[Kolstad]

I think everyone is using Spectrasonics Omnisphere.

[TimWalter]

Kostad, thanks for posting this. I myself am also a newbie in that sort of songs and looking to learn what stuff I need to start. Thanks.
Tim

[moodscape]

Ah yes Omnisphere is very good. I have worked with it, I just haven't purchased it and put it into my toolbox yet

[Len911]

Well Liz, you might be a prime candidate for the new composer cloud that people have discussed here on the forum.
http://www.soundsonline.com/composercloud

There is a free 1-month trial. The subscription is $30 a month.

If you have a backlog of compositions or are a prolific composer, I suppose you could have your midi files tweaked and ready, and spend a month downloading and processing them.
Or if your budget allowed $30 a month, you could take the more leisurely approach.

The submission fees are $5, so you might want to go easy on the cinematic instrumental submissions until you hear back on whether the garage band is cutting the mustard or not. Personally I think you could get a more natural and expressive sounding strings than what your sample provided, but that's subjective and listing determined. It's also assuming you've mastered the garageband which I am unfamiliar with. Certainly your composition is worthy of an upgraded set of samples to play it. That's my opinion.

[sansharbour]

Hi Liz

I use Cinematic Strings 2
The strings sound great and have a very easy to navigate GUI

Don

[Lizh]

Thank you all so much for your replies everyone and kind words! I am really excited to be part of the taxi community and I look forward to getting to know you all over time and listening to your tracks. Your replies have helped me so much.
Cheers!