
Hello everyone! I'm Kito, a guitar instructor in Nagoya. Desktop music is fun. I don't know yet whether the results will follow, but I think there is a connection with playing an instrument in that you can definitely feel your progress.
By the way, desktop music is a deep swamp for guitarists and bassists who go on a shopping spree for musical instruments, effect pedals, and amplifiers.
Of course, if you were asked if you could make songs using the drums and synths that come with DAWs from the start, you could do it, right? I think that some people actually prefer to use software that is light and runs smoothly for one-chorus demos and the like.
On the other hand, the quality of the paid plugins is so impressive that you'll be moved just by listening to them for the first time.
Among the many plug-ins available, I would like to introduce the SPECTRASONICS products this time as a plug-in manufacturer that has been used by a wide range of people, from amateurs to professionals.
1.SPECTRASONICS / Omnisphere 2 (USB Drive) SP
The first product I'd like to introduce is Omnisphere 2, which many of you will already be familiar with! As with all SPECTRASONICS products, they have a long history, and users of the company's products have said that when watching TV or movies, they sometimes notice “Oh, that's an Omni sound” or “That sounds like Stylus”.
I think the most outstanding feature is the overwhelming sound library with over 14,000 types of sounds. It contains a wide variety of presets, including not only pad and lead sounds, but also environmental sounds, sound effects, guitar, piano and more.
As you would expect from a plug-in that is used by professionals, it is a plug-in that is used for a wide range of purposes, from dramatic sound effects to sounds that support the music and make it more lively and luxurious.
As with all SPECTRASONICS products, the quality is very high.
I think that many people would answer that it is definitely a plugin that is worth more than its price.
2.SPECTRASONICS / Stylus RMX Xpanded Drum and percussion sound source
Next up is the Stylus RMX, which is probably the most wanted product at the moment. While Omnisphere 2 is a synthesizer, this product focuses on drums and percussion.
Like Omnisphere 2, it comes with a wealth of libraries and sounds that you can use right away! It even includes sparkling wind chimes.
The last time I was making dance music-style beats, I actually tried using Stylus while being taught how to operate it. I was impressed by how I could drag and drop and use it immediately, and that it had a lot of sound pressure from the start.
If you want to make beats on an electronic drum but find it difficult to get the groove just right, or if you want more power, or if you want lots of beat ideas, I think this is a plug-in that you'll really get into.
3.SPECTRASONICS / Trilian (USB Drive) Bass Synthesizer Plug-in Software
As of 2023, I think that Modo Bass and Modo Bass2 are the most popular bass sounds, but I don't think that Trilian is far behind.
What I found most attractive was that when you set the Velocity to max, the slide-in animation is triggered without having to write any automation! I think I'd want this function even if it was just for that reason.
Also, the sound of the string bass is very realistic, and the quality makes you want to use it actively.
The electric bass sounds are not as rich as those of Modo Bass, but I think they are easy to use and characteristic of Spectrasonics, rather than being extreme settings. They are more suited to those who want an easy-to-use bass sound, rather than those who want a more flashy sound or a sound that evokes a specific bass instrument.
It's been a while since it was released, so the interface feels a little old-fashioned, and you can't fiddle with the types of picks or the specific positions you play them in as finely as you can with Modo Bass. Still, I'd like to buy it and experience the sound of a string bass...
4.SPECTRASONICS / Keyscape (USB Drive) SP Software Keyboard Sound Source
The last one I'll introduce is Keyscape, a piano sound source for keyboards. Piano sound sources are sold by various manufacturers, such as East West, AVI, and XLN Audio.
While there are many plugins that allow you to manipulate various parameters, Keyscape is fairly simple to use. Basically, you choose a preset and then tweak the reverb, EQ, etc. to get the sound you want and make it easier to fit into your mix.
I think the purpose is a little different from the piano sound source, because there is a wide variety of electric pianos rather than pianos.
This time I have introduced SPECTRASONICS products! If you were to buy them all, it would cost you a considerable amount of money - just under 150,000 yen... However, I think that all of these plug-ins will greatly help you with your production.
I'm hoping to get my hands on Omnisphere and Stylus in the near future, at least by the end of this year. Thank you for reading this far. I hope you all have a great desktop music life!
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