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I have the m-audio powered pro tools program and for orchestral work I've been using Garriton Personal Orchestra, but the critiques suggest better string samples further suggesting Vienna Symphony Library system. I have concerns that it is not compatible with my recording set up. Any one have suggestions about a high-quality string library that meets TAXI's bar and that would be compatible with my program? Any thoughts on this East-West program?thanks in advance for any help.BillyKidd

Hey Billy,Both the VSL and EW libraries are top notch libraries. As far as compatibility, I'll have to defer to someone else's judgment, but I would image they would be compatible.... I have both. I use the VSL samples far more than the EW, but I've had VSL a lot longer, so my opinion may be a little skewed. Of course, money is a big factor. The EW stuff is cheaper, and it seems to be always on sale here.Zinkone more thing... I think SAM Brass is way better than VSL or EW for brass samples.

VSL is selling off their older libraries right now, East/West is doing the same thing. I use East/West, I like the bigger Hollywood sound that I get with their stuff. I've heard good things about the SAM brass and they sell their sections individually or bundled and the prices are pretty reasonable IMO. I've been tempted to add some SAM instruments to my arsenal.If you're already using Garritan then East/West will be compatible with your system because they use the same basic Kompakt player, the main difference being the interface and the "under the hood" keyswitch programming, etc.If you are leaning toward East/West, I would recommend the Gold bundle if you can swing it. You get the concert hall in the releases of the samples and it sounds very nice. Dave Walton and others on the forum use the Gold library to great effect. I have the Platinum version and have found some good use for the other mic positions (the main difference besides the price!). Another thing to consider is upgrading to Kontakt 2. This would allow you to mix and match presets from any library that already uses the Kompakt player (Garritan, E/W, etc.) and it is much more memory efficient when run as a plug in.I've gotten some contracts through TAXI partly on the strength of my orchestral music and I consider the upgrade I made to East/West a large part of that success. I don't work for any of these companies, BTW Good luck!Mazz

Mazz and Zink,thanks a whole bunch...I think I can afford the EW Gold so I'll look into that...by the way, what is the brass system you both referred to?Billy Kidd

Project SAM: http://www.projectsam.com/libraries_ext_05.htmlYou can buy all the brass libraries bundled or one at a time. The demos sound pretty nice!Enjoy,Mazz

No prob.SAM Brass is killer!!! Very playable and sounds great. Keep it in mind for down the road. Good luck with EWZ