Brian Walton

I wouldn't really know. In my mind/experience everything other than Jamstix is effectivly static loops with some minor buttons to create variation. Unless they are going to do a drastic overhaul in that department and create something world class and next level. I don't see the value. Give the free JamStix version a test run (never used the free one myself), but once you hear what it does, I'm just not sure how you go back to accepting static midi files again. The midi files AD or any other program/package offers would only be things I'd end up loading into JamStix to create a groove. And I disagree with your premise. A drum VST can be used just like a dumb synth...you have to play it, mainipulate it, etc to create the sound you want. A vst piano doesnt' play itself and if I can't play keyboards but still want to use it, there are tools like Sclaer or EZ Keys that can assist with the process. Drum VST is no different. Those MIDI loops it comes with are going to get used up and old real quick. I agree that MIDI files, Track Building, Groove Creation is in fact the weak part of the software, however - I'm not convinced a company like XLN is going to invest in the AI tech to bring that up to Jamstix level or beyond.

I thinking they haven't had enough of these "new products" over the years to know how they will handle a new version. If they don't charge for AD3 for AD2 users then great, I'm all for it. I will say they do need an upgrade. However, it relates to the authorization process which is horrific. Every Windows update the program seems to think you just got a new computer it is the only program I have out of over 100 that seems to have this problem.

They really don't need to. More kits could be added to the existing AD2 engine, it has nothing to do with needing a different engine/version. My vintage guitars also still play and sound just as good as they used to. Billboard hits have been made with AD2. Sorry, I don't think we need something that "sounds better" getting quality sound out of the program is on the person sitting in the chair. If top 40 hits with mega studios and budgets can use AD for a drum sound, I think we know where the bar is. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qnxHbvferhyRDdOD4Loom No, they are not my favorite kits (frankly Drum Core has that, and the samples they used are likely even older than AD2) , but this has more to do with the kits sampled than the actual sound. AD 2 is capable of playing back drum recordings/samples. Garbage in Garbage out. As long as they put a good sounding recording into the AD2 interface it is good enough. SD3 is just absurd. I don't need over 230 gigs of drum samples. I just Jamstix to run AD. If I didn't have that my argument against all the programs is we need something that isn't just statically using midi files. That is where the tech needs to head, not improved sound quality. Take off all the effects in the program and use your own. If you cant' get a usable sound out of that, the time to move to a different hobby/profession. My .02

Most aftermarket plugins at one time were not really attainable for the hobbyist. $200 for a compressor emulation, etc. It was crazy. Melodyne I have to kind of respect doing that, both unique and a tool that does a lot of potential damage in non-pro hands. ? I got Studio after a couple upgrades since the "free" version , which I don't consider free as Cakewalk Producer was not exactly cheap. But even with the discount has been a waste of money. The polyphonic audio to midi was a let down, and I've had major issues with the tempo mapping ARA integration with Sonar. I basically don't pitch shift vocals, so the features I wanted it for didn't live up to expection. On the vocal side, there are not many options that really do what Melodyne does at a pro level. Compressors, EQs, etc that is where I don't understand the idea of a $150+ plugin when other cheap options exist. The average person can't even blind test between two of them with the accuracy you would expect for the premium price.

What I quoted was someone hoping for AD3....which undoubtely would be a paid upgrade, and AD2 would then inevitably no longer be supported.

Not sure about a switch to subs (as I just don't agree with the notion) But I think we can all generally agree the field has changed regarding the cost of plugins and the percieved value in them. At one point WAVES was built on a model that cost an absurd amount of money per plugin. Now, top shelf plugins are $10-30 year round across the specturm. Companies that charge $150+ for an effect (outside of something like Melodyne), no clue how they even stay in business.

no thanks. I'd prefer AD2 to continue support instead of a money grab on a upgrade I don't need. AD Still sounds just fine, and if you just need more grooves, there are plenty of other option on the market to add to it/map and translate to, etc.

People that are going to avoid paying for legit software at all costs are not going to rent software at $120 a year. Especially when the bundle doesn't offer much of value that you could get for the same price and own outright for less. Take 2 years of rental for example. I could buy more VST effects than I'll use in a lifetime for less than $240 with Larry's help. Just look at the soundspot model. 2 months worth of payments here and you could basically own everything they have made.

I say no to subs. You want to try something out? Many options on the market with fairly long trial periods. You want to add something to the tool box? Tons of cheaper or almost free options. $5 or less for Computer Music Magazine and that would give months worth of testing alone (and keepers). Melda Free bundle, these free or Cheap Izotope offers (Neutron Elements, Ozone Elements, and PhonexVerb - right there gives a rather insane amount of control at some of the highest quality available). Most in the bundle I'd call "filler" where you can get a free option that is just as good, and limited use. (ex: tube screamer plugin, I don't even want to use the real thing, let alone a digital simulation of one)

I went through the process then decided not to bother installing it. With Izotope giving away Neutron Elements (and already have presets for things like Waves Omni-Channel), I'm doubtful I'd use it much.

Ahh...the last "free" one on a bunch of stuff didn't see Computer music , though I nabbed some random other things. Must have missed the CM one.

I've never seen a 3 for free offer. Last post was also 3 for $1.

code is in the op

So ....a VST that encourages Copywright violations? ?

They had numerous $1 - $2 sales at Plugin Boutique before, this is nothing new. I think I paid a whopping $7 or so for Firefly and $5 for glitch previously. The rest I got for about $1. each.

ilok with only one authorization. If this had normal izotope liscencing it would be a complete no-brainer. I'm debating on buying it again, becuase if I don't I'll just end up avoiding using it on projects with the single instance.

no, it is on sale for $150 (minus in cart discounts)

Not an endorcement of any of these, but yes, I do believe others are creating IRs already. https://www.ownhammer.com/store/ https://lancasteraudio.com/wgs-impulse-responses-warehouse-guitar-speakers/ https://www.cabir.eu/en/ As for other AMP modelers using specific Speakers/Cabs I'd say yes https://www.strymon.net/products/iridium/

How about posting an example of your current results. That might provide some insight. Traditional Classical Recordings are just a Stereo Pair,in the room recorded live. Having everything in the box as a separate track has its own challenges to get a similar style of recording. However, getting a "big" recording should actually be pretty easy. Translation to other systems is a challenge. Many mixers will use stereo monitors. Adding a sub can be deceiving for translation in some other formats. unless you have a great ear and learn how it will translate.

The plugin has a splash page at launch that says it will get progressively more annoying over time. FYI

Without anyting else running certainly sounds like there is another issue going on. 8 Gigs of RAM is on the low side, but shouldn't be a show stopper if the DAW + Union is basically all that is going on.

Lots of factors. Depends on the GEN of the processor, as well as your RAM, etc. Not to mention how much you have going on in your project. If you are nto seeing any resource problems in your project then you should be fine. I usually have to put some synths + effects as one of my first tracks then Freeze the track to free up that processing. I certainly have other things that can be worse than Union.

You are correct. A difference of £0.41 I think it is a pretty good deal and could get usable content even without the velocity aspect. Wish it was less CPU intensive, but lots of VSTi are that way these days.

Don't think it was cheaper. Agree it is a bit of a resourse hog, but I'm pretty sure they updated to include velocity responsiveness , or at least that is what I read.