Since our readings were about notation software, I thought I would post links that can be used with notation software to allow for an even more realistic playback. Garritan offers state-of-the-art software that reproduce the sounds of the musical instruments in a jazz and big band, concert and marching band, symphonic orchestra, world instruments, and grand authorized Steinway pianos right from your computer. This award-winning collection is the first library of its kind and set a new standard. Go to the link provided below and check out everything.
http://www.garritan.com/
Also, for any drummers or anyone interesting in getting more realistic sounds from your playback when arranging or writing for your marching band, check out Tapspace's Virtual Drumline 2.5. I have been using Finale for quite some time now and as a percussionist, I can not stand the sounds it produces for the battery. Virtual Drumline features the sounds of DCI world champion percussion section, the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum Corp. Check out this link to see the plethora of sound options it offers.
http://www.tapspace.com/Virtual-Drumline-25-pr-6.html
Also, Garritan offers Virtual Drumline 2 as part of its package. Not as many sounds and samples, but still has quality sounds.
I am not very familiar with Garritan Sounds. Is it like a sound engine? I'm going to look into these sounds when I get some free time. I use midi a lot as backing tracks for students, etc. If Garritan sounds are more realistic sounding that would be great!
ReplyDeleteGarritan is basically a software that produces the sounds of the musical instruments. Garritan uses the ARIA engine, a highly-optimized sample player featuring efficient performance, fast sample loading, and low CPU-demand. It works as a Standalone, Plug-in (VST - AudioUnits - RTAS), and with supported notation programs.
ReplyDeleteMIDI Playback and Recording Features use the Standalone ARIA Player, which allows you to load and playback MIDI files. You can also produce audio recordings of the MIDI file or record yourself playing live.
I am not sure if you said you were a choir or band person, but the Garritan Concert Band and Marching Band includes Drumline sounds from Virtual Drumline 2 by Tapspace. One of my other posts talked about Virual Drumline, but this product includes it...and for the same price as the VD.
Don't know if this helps you? It is great for anyone who composes or arranges work and wants a quality playback. There is nothing worse than arranging or having a piece arranged for an ensmeble and you have to listen to a low quality playback sounds.