Now HERE'S A No-Brainer

[filkertom]

audioMIDI.com has had some excellent No-Brainer Deals on music software in the recent past. (My favorites were Steven Slate Drums EX and AAS String Studio for $20 each.) Their newest is a doozie, and it's for both Windows and Mac: IK Multimedia Miroslav Philharmonik Classik Edition for $15.00.

Let me repeat that: A full orchestra module, with some of the most superb sounds in the world, for fifteen bucks.

The only problem I can see with it is that it runs on a modified version of SampleTank, which some people don't like. And every sampler has people who don't like it. I happen to not have a problem with it, and in fact recommend you also pick up SampleTank Free. (IK Multimedia's Authorization Software is much better than it used to be.)

Any new music toys you've got?

Comments

[gundo.livejournal.com]

I've a bagpipe module I've been having some fun with, but Eric doesn't want me using it on stage....

[dave-ifversen.livejournal.com]

Why not? Bagpipes are great! (That's one of the only instruments I *really* want to learn to play.)

[gundo.livejournal.com]

I think he's scared I'll learn to play the real thing.

The other thing I've got is a JamVox (http://www.voxamps.com/jamvox/), which I'll be using for upstairs practice. Got it a couple of months ago cheaply and I should have a chance to set it up in the next week or so.

[lizziecrowe.livejournal.com]

Gundo, we're ALL afraid you'll learn to play the real thing...

[mike46.livejournal.com]

It's a long way to the top baby!!! We need those bagpipes ...

[hughcasey.livejournal.com]

I've wondered if there's something out there that let's people who can't play an instrument, read music, or even know the first thing about music theory actually create music. Like, REAL music... not just random sounds or rhythms.

Here's the thing... I took 8 years of piano lessons, and I can't play a tune to save my life. I can't even REMEMBER any of it! None of it stuck. And yet, I have music in my head that I'd love to get out... I just don't have the means. :-(

[palenoue.livejournal.com]

Have you tried Garageband? I know several non-musical people who enjoy making music with it. I remember years ago a friend had just bought a Mac after nothing but windows and he was having all sorts of "New Toy" fun with it. Then he got to Garageband and became enthralled with making music. After numerous emails describing his discoveries and manipulations I asked him to send me a few songs so I could hear what he was talking about. He declined, saying it was all crap, but added "It's the most fun crap I've done in years!"

Now his daughter and two friends are thoroughly hooked on the amps and stomp boxes that are in Garageband. All three are learning guitar and my friend reports they spend hours in the daughter's bedroom, headphones on, guitars and Macbook Pros plugged in, wailing away and not caring much about many notes they miss.

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

Lots and lots of programs. Heck, I've gotta get the abandonware SuperJam! back up online, but... Band In A Box, Garageband, Acid Xpress, and SongSmith, just off the top of my head.