Hardware samplares... need advizzzze.

[Andre F]

Hello,

I got to the point where I need to upgrade my sound arsenal... that is to replace my little JV-1010 with something that has better specs, sound, and more versatile than JV-1010. I was going to buy XV-5080 but than ran across this article, that said the samplers are the way to go now, 'cause it is like a sound module but with unlimited sounds? Is this true? I have never used one and very skeptical (scared) to try something new that I've never used. Also, how about the sound quality, is it on the par with the likes of XV-5080? I'm very picky about sound quality... I'm going with the hardware (portability) one 'cause I do play live once in the while (weddings more likely), but most likely it is going to be in my home studio. Here's the short list of models I've checked... and got even more confused, as they all have the similar specs... or is it just me being new to them? One thing that made me smile was the price of one of this basic unit is under 1K.

SO here they are:
Akai S5000
E-MU E5000
Yamaha A5000
vs
XV-5080

If you guys have dealt with these beasts, please be free to list your pros and cons about sampler vs sound module. Like I said before, I know very little about samplers, so feel free giving me few incites http://www.audioforums.com/forums/smile.gif

One more thing that I need to know, are they midi capable? I do all of my music in midi, and then turn then into wave files for mixing.

Thank you,
AF

[bombastique]

Some quick notes:

Samplers are fully MIDI compatible, just like a standard synth. Think of a sampler like a synth, except that you can put all new sounds in at any time. Keep in mind, though, that you'll have to load all the sounds/samples/presets, etc. that you're going to use every time you turn on the sampler. Unlike a synth, it doesn't store all of it's data in non-volatile ram. When you turn on a synth, it's pretty much ready to go - with a sampler that's not the case.

In my opinion a sampler is definitely the way to go, unless you're buying a synth specifically for it's particular sound (I use software samplers, as they give me easier access and control of all the sampler parameters...). I really liked the sound of the Virus and couldn't really achieve that sound with a sampler, so I got it and definitely don't regret it. If you're looking to have a box with alot of stock sounds, a sampler would be a good bet. You'll also need some sample cd's, so figure in that expense as well.

The sound quality is as good, if not better than most synths you'll find out there - easily up to the task in any case. The actual sound quality of the samples can be a different matter altogether.

As for the samplers you mentioned - well, they all ARE very similar. I prefer EMU units myself, but that's not to say the other ones aren't as good. I don't think you could really go wrong with any of them, to be honest.

[Andre F]

Bombastique,

Midi ready - this is a really good news to me, 'cause like I said I'm a midi junky http://www.audioforums.com/forums/smile.gif
I guess I also should check out and see which one has more outputs (would be cool for drums to use individual outs for each instrument), 8 outs would be really sweet.
Bombastique, software samplers sound good to me too, but I need this to be portable for performances outside of my home studio... Now, I need to find a music store that carries these samplers... Out of curiosity, do you happen to know which of these samplers comes with a better set of sounds? I was only able to find info on Yamaha A5000 bundle, as it comes with 9 cd's of samples... other manufacturers did not include any info on it, or maybe I was not looking in the right places?

Thanks
AF