abacab

Freebies are always NFR.

I wonder if this means the release of SynthMaster 3 is right around the corner?

That's no-brainer territory there, unless you already have one of the big boy wavetable synths! This has a great factory library, and it's also easy to make your own sounds. Same engine as SynthMaster 2.9, but only one layer, so easier to learn.

That would be the best alternative for internal sound chips.

If one really cares about DAW performance, it is always best to avoid internal sound chips and/or generic ASIO products. Stick to a pro audio interface with vendor supplied ASIO for best results! Plus a reliable audio interface vendor should stay on top of Windows latest development, and supply users with the most compatible drivers and bug fixes for them. You get what you pay for in this case!

What Doug said! ^^^

I would say for $5, think of it as "GAS relief", LOL!!! And I concur with Starship's love for Hybrid. It makes some wonderful sounds, especially the moving pads. There are tons of them in there, and the architecture of the synth lends itself to movement. 2 layers, and 3 oscillators per layer! Just wish AIR would make the GUI bigger!

Purchasing AmpliTube 5 SE would get you in at the $149 level. Satriani at the $99 level would then be available to you as a freebie.

😁

I forgot that I had Drumazon in my PIB account that I had received as a freebie a while back. So I installed it. Dang, is that GUI small with text hard to read, even on a standard HD display! 😢

Yep, still Hybrid 3. Nothing to see here, so move along... 🤣

Clever indeed! Those virtual X stomps are 150 credits each in the Custom Shop! "Only" 600 credits for the set. But you can buy 500 Gear Credits for $349.99, less if you apply some Jam Points! Then $99.99 for the last 100 credits... (buying 300 credits x2 ends up same price as 500 + 100 credits).

The Satriani pack will work, but you would be missing out on AmpliTube 5's new cabinet section with VIR technology. Only available in SE and above... Comparison: https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/amplitube5/?pkey=amplitube-5-se

You can use many keyboard controllers with Cakewalk, but unfortunately you will need to do some research and deep diving to get most of the functions mapped. There is typically no plug and play hardware support with Cakewalk where MIDI controllers are concerned. There was once upon a time, when Cakewalk was owned by Roland. But those days are long gone. If you search the many threads on this forum, you will discover some "how-to" instructions from users who made theirs work. But it takes more than just plugging them in, and expecting full satisfaction! If you require fully integrated, out-of-the-box, support these days, it is best to research a hardware and software combo that is fully supported. Ableton is one of those companies that has partnered with hardware manufacturers, among others. Many controllers say they support leading DAWs, but sadly Cakewalk is typically not on their leading DAW list. Not a slam on Cakewalk, by any means, as I have used it for over 20 years. It just is what it is. A fantastic DAW!

Can anyone compare this with Soundiron Hyperion Strings?

I was looking for the instructions tonight, and stumbled upon this! Good stuff, it worked! Thanks!

Well I'm up to 7 freebies that I can never use... 😢

Based on comparison with what?

So I was on the fence as well. Did I need another analog? I thought that I had VA fairly well covered, especially with u-he Repro in hand. Well, the answer is, that the tone of this thing is ridiculously, OMG good! Not quite as polite as Repro, so it would be a great analog synth for cutting through a mix. More oscillator options than Repro has as well...

Sorry, looks like the Tracktion 40% off sale has ended. From Tracktion yesterday, 9/7:

Still liming for my mode wheel... 😉

What instruments did you get the poly-aftertouch working with?

Yep, and it's very easy to slip into an overnight or carry-on bag. It's laptop-width, so it fits well with a compact mobile rig. And I keep it right in front of my monitor at home, for quick keys access! Some have described the Xkey as having only a slight vertical action being a negative, but I rather like them! Sort of like laptop keys. They actually are very nice for doing a portamento gliss on a synth! Nice companion to a conventional controller! https://xkeyair.com/xkey-tour/ https://xkeyair.com/xkey-photos/

I went with a CME Xkey for a portable 25-key controller with full width keys. I had tried an Akai with "slim" keys that didn't click with me, so I returned that one.

This is what I get from Soundspot when I try to open a support ticket: 😧