Need a better option instead of Microsoft Wavetable Synth

[tgoes]

As my message title says, I need a (much) better option instead of Microsoft Wavetable Synth. In the past, I used a hardware midi sequencer and a hardware sound module (Roland Sound Canvas),which was ok. Then I traded my old system for a Notebook Computer and since then I've been using the Microsoft Wavetable Synth as a midi device on Cakewalk to play MIDI files on stage (live music). However, those sounds are awful compared to the Sound Canvas - they are treblish, much less real and sometimes even irritating. I also tried the Virtual Canvas and didn't find it too different. Is there a way to improve sound without having to go back to a hardware sound module? I often hear about sound fonts, sampled sounds, but I don't have a clue how I'd go about getting that, or installing it, so that it would show up as MIDI DEVICES in Cakewalk. I'm looking for improved sounds and I assume exist due to the latest technological advances, but I don't have a clue on how to find it. Any help and hints will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Reegs]

Hi tgoes,

What version of Cakewalk are you running? Depending on its version, you may have the option of using VST soft synths. If that's the case:

Soundfonts are one option. You can download some of these from places like sf2midi.com and load them into Cakewalk.

Another option is to buy a General Midi Soft Synth and route your tracks through this. These typically feature high quality sounds of all 128-midi standard instruments. Your choices along this route include EastWest Colossus (soon to be replaced by Goliath) and Native Instruments BandStand. I am aware of a third option by Garritan that should be coming out this spring. With any of these instruments, you'll insert the soft synth into the project file and assign each track to an input. Then you'll load the proper intrusments into the corresponding channels in the soft synth.

Best,
Reegs

[itsplayed]

http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/instruments.asp

[tgoes]

Thanks Reegs and itsplayed.
Reegs, my Cakewalk version is 6.0 and I use this older version because it allows me to have playlists. I also have version 9.0, but this one has only a Virtual Jukebox, which is not as convenient to use on stage and I use it to play live. Can I use soundfonts with Cakewalk version 6.0? Any other suggestions of software where I have access to Playlists and Lyrics view? Thanks.