Michael A.D.

Thanks Zinc - that certainly explains my issue.   I guess I'll have to play with the basic version a bit more to make sure I want it, and so far I am liking it.    Most likely I will be ordering the Pro version in a few days.

I've started to play with the basic version, but I'm stumped how you get it to act as a VST inside my DAW (Reaper).    The program does not seem to have created either a VST3 or DLL (for VST2), so I'm not sure how they are making it work.

Has anyone been able to run it inside their DAW?

I've looked at their YouTube video, but it just basically says "Insert the plugin".

Check out this keyboard made of paper:

https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/playable-paper-piano-shows-promise-of-printed-electronics/

Wow!   These are the best sounding synthetic vocals I've heard - far superior to Vocaloids and AlterEgo.  I'm going to have to get the demo and start fooling with this!

Not to hijack this thread, but I wish XLN had not removed access to the MIDI files themselves.  You used to be able to download the MIDI files you owned from each MIDIPAK so you could use them in other apps.   Obviously you can still save them as MIDI files after you import the MIDIPAK into AD2, but it's not as convenient. 

I know there are issues with Jamstix for Mac (plenty of warnings on their website), but for Windows it's great.  It's my favorite drum software as it's designed to work like a real drummer - it will only play what a real drummer can play - 2 arms and 2 feet.

It's drum samples are not great, so I usually replace them with other kits, and the program makes that easy to do.

If Jamstix has one major problem, it's the learning curve.   This is not like any other drum program so it will take some time to understand how to use it, but if you want a program that can emulate a huge amount of styles and drummers, then Jamstix is the way to go. 

Also, it's incredibly inexpensive compared to all the other drum software on the market.  Right now it's on sale for $119 for Jamstix and every add-on which includes 191 styles and 41 drummers.

And there is a free demo version that will give you a good taste of the program and it never expires.    So, if you have some time and would like to get a fantastic drum program, then check out the demo:

https://www.rayzoon.com/index.html#free_version

Thanks Joe - that worked!  (I guess that I too had never right-clicked in the Banks... I was right-clicking on the word Banks, not in the list itself!)

I got a free expansion with my $9 gift credit, but I cannot figure out how to get it into their player.  They even provide a you tube video, but the video does not match their player.  Lots of folks on that you tube page are having the same problem.   Oh well, at least it did not cost me anything.

RipChord is one of my favorites - it's better than Cthulhu if you want to create chords that you can play with one finger.   Why it is better?  It's easier to edit the chords, you can name the chords, you can arpeggiate/strum the chords, randomize their velocity, etc.

Want to create a chord that would need 15 fingers to play?  No problem.     

And since it's free... what are you waiting for?

https://trackbout.com/ripchord 

The Julie Vocal Collection is a fun pack for $3.99 - I recommend it!

http://lesproductionszvon.com/julies_page.htm

Here are 2 of my favorite chord 'toys'.  And they're both freebies:

RipChord is like the chord portion of Cthulhu, but more powerful and easier to use.

https://trackbout.com/ripchord

Chordico is an online chord generator and it's great for coming up with unusual progressions.

https://chordi.co/

Free drum kits:

https://www.reddit.com/search/?q=author%3Alunch77 AND title%3Adrumkit

ToneBoosters makes some great stuff.  I use Barricade 4 on the master track of EVERY tune I create.  They describe it as "Transparent, mastering-grade true-peak compressor and limiter" and that's exactly what it does.  Highly recommended!

APD does give away free stuff quite frequently.  I know I have gotten some freebies the last few months.

14 minutes ago, cclarry said:

I stopped using XLN a while ago...

Do you have a favorite drum program?  I tried the EZ Drummer demo, but was not impressed... thought AD2 was better, so I still use those drums, but I also use JamStix a lot though I usually substitute better sounding kits.    I also use various kits with 3rd party MIDI files... I really the OddGrooves MIDI files.

I'm curious what you're using.

I bought Oscillation Strings last night... I have most of his stuff and have to say that they are terrific!   If you're doing any kind of orchestral/string stuff, you should check these out. 

There's LOTS of great covers by Graham Parker.  Here's one:

1 hour ago, hsm said:

My pick would be Ample Bass Upright.

Yep - that's the absolute best choice!  Grab it when it's on sale.

On 10/2/2021 at 1:15 PM, Paul Young said:

I'm waiting for that 12 tone serialism app.

Not quite 12-tone serial stuff, but you might enjoy this FREEBIE.  You can generate some really crazy stuff with it:

https://www.codefn42.com/transition/index.html

Or he's too busy having a great time now that he knows there are so many great choices for him to explore!

I downloaded the demo and I can usually figure out most programs, but I cannot figure out how this connects to a DAW.   It says that it creates a MIDI output by itself, but that ain't enough info for me to get it working.  This program needs a manual or a tutorial, otherwise, I give up.

1 hour ago, Shane_B. said:

Without someone to play my creations for I really don't see the point.

I disagree.  I create music for me.  It's a process that I enjoy.  

I'm 67 and I think music keeps my brain and body engaged in a healthy way.  

That promo is absolutely hilarious - and it's hard to believe they are serious, but I guess they are, and sadly I guess people fall for it.  

Some of the things they forgot to mention:

We are putting this on the internet, so you know it must be true. 

Don't worry about the price because soon you'll be rich as people will be buying your music as soon as they hear it.  

We spent a million dollars creating this product, so you know it's great!    

All you have to do is press one button to make absolutely incredible music - what could be easier?

If you google FREE VST you will probably come up with a lot of stuff.

On this forum you can read this thread:

I grabbed the MDoubleTracker...  I'd been waiting for that one to go on sale.

You might be saying "Well I could just duplicate a track and pan each one left/right."

And you could do that.  (And I have done that.)

But just demo the MDoubleTracker and you'll see how it very slightly varies the pitch and timing of the track to create a really nice stereo effect.

Highly recommended!