Metal Gear Solid - futuristic electronics - advice?

[Marcussen]

Hi... what VI's would you say were must haves to produce some MGS2 like music. Electronic action stuff...

I have:

Atmosphere
Trilogy
Stylus RMX
Stormdrums
Percussive Adventures 2 SE

What would you say I should get additionaly if anything?

[janila]

That's a nice list but all sample based. Some nice virtual analogs perhaps? Something from Linplug?

[Ned Bouhalassa]

Have you considered Absynth (http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?absynth3_us)? There's even a new version out now... :D :cool:

[Ned Bouhalassa]

And I don't know if you use Live, but Live and BT's Breakz From The Nu Skool (EW-142) is a fantastic combination, as it allows you to match the beats to a common tempo.

[midphase]

Actually I thought that MGS2 used a lot of orchestral music. The music was done by Media Ventures and the cues I remember utilize lots of orchestral stuff alongside some minor loops.

[Marcussen]

Thanks... yep... But I have all the orchestral stuff down. So what I need are the more electronic side of things. :)

I dont use live I'm afraid. I'll check out Absynth... is it the best of its kind? I dont see my self getting loads of these, so I might as well get the best once and for all :D

[janila]

I've had Absynth since the first version and now the new version is #3. It's a great program for unrecognizable and weird stuff. Not the best basic synth if tuned sounds are the thing you are after but it can do those too. At its best in sound design.

[jeffn1]

Maybe z3ta+, Cameleon or Wusikstation. K-v-R happens to be a great resource for this type of stuff (while Northern Sounds excels in the premium sampled libraries), IMHO.

Good luck!

jeffn1

[Ned Bouhalassa]

Absynth kicks serious *ss. But, IMHO, the top dog for doing all kinds of electronic stuff is Reaktor. Not only are the 'factory' ensembles (the name for each Reaktor instrument) amazing, but there are thousands(!) of additional instruments and fx in the online user library. Of course, not all of these are great, but I've easily come across more than a hundred that made my jaw drop. :p

If the price is too steep, you might also consider Albino. It has an excellent collection of presets, so you can get right to making music.

[Marcussen]

So can Absynth be used for stiff that Reaktor cant? or is Reaktor like the "all-in-one"...

Albino or Absynth? Why would one choose one over another? As much as I know about contemporary samples liberaries, as little do I know about synths!

[Hawkes]

While you're deciding which one to buy, here's a nice free one to check out:

http://www.greenoak.com/crystal/

[KingIdiot]

Vstation gets my vote for stuff like MGS

Its probably better than Absynth if you're not into synths. Everything I've heard from it sounds awesome.

I however think Absynth is the better option if you're willing ot learn.

Its an incredible VST.

Learn how to use filters on orchestral soudns, and detune stuff like flutes

Samples can sound "futuristic" (actually its kidna funny what you're looking for is a retro sound) too.

:)

[Ned Bouhalassa]

So can Absynth be used for stiff that Reaktor cant? or is Reaktor like the "all-in-one"...

Albino or Absynth? Why would one choose one over another? As much as I know about contemporary samples liberaries, as little do I know about synths!

Given the many different synthesis techniques, there is no 'all-in-one' synth, although Reaktor does come close. Some are better at re-creating classic sounds: Arturia and Gmedia's fat bunch, like impOSCar, Oddity, CS80, MiniMoog V, etc. Some have loads of killer presets for the tv/film composer who is on a tight schedule: Atmosphere, Albino. Others may be time-travellers, offering you a taste of tomorrow's music: Absynth, Reaktor, Cameleon5000, Logic's Scultpure. Please note that this is a just a quick, broad overview, and many synths cross over the categories I've listed.

It's easier to decide when you've really narrowed down what you need in terms of sounds, how much variety you need in the timbre, what your comfort level is in terms of tweeking/programming. You can't go wrong with all of the synths I and others have listed! Collect them all!! :D

[robin123]

I would recommend checking the FM synth called Sytrus at www.sytrus.com

It's an excellent FM synth and will do an amazing job for some ambient stuff...

[Marcussen]

I think what I need are bass arps, and rythmic electronic "noise"

[Ned Bouhalassa]

In that case, you might want to take a look at Refx's Vanguard (http://www.refx.net/pro_Vanguard.htm?lang=eng). Download the demo and try it out, especially the Arp and Gate presets. Beefy sound guaranteed. Also, download a demo of Albino 2 (http://www.linplug.com/Products/Albino_2/albino_2.htm), by LinPlug, as it also has lots of Arp presets.

[Marcussen]

Thanks... and which of these have most free downloadable presets? Would be great to buy something expandable

[EricWatkins]

In that case, you might want to take a look at Refx's Vanguard (http://www.refx.net/pro_Vanguard.htm?lang=eng). Download the demo and try it out, especially the Arp and Gate presets. Beefy sound guaranteed. Also, download a demo of Albino 2 (http://www.linplug.com/Products/Albino_2/albino_2.htm), by LinPlug, as it also has lots of Arp presets.

Wow, I've been playing with the downloadable demo of Albino all morning and it sounds great. I'm thinking this might work for me. I need to build up the electronic sector of my sounds too. Thnak for the link.

[Ned Bouhalassa]

Thanks... and which of these have most free downloadable presets? Would be great to buy something expandable
Just download them already! :D :D

[Marcussen]

I have I have! :D

Im trying to decide which to get :)

And one of the factors would be downloadable content

[Veron]

Few years ago , I saw Nord Lead and a Roland Rythm Machine(?) in
Mr.Harry Gregson-Williams gear list.
He maybe using totally different instruments in MGS2 tho.
BTW , I think he`s using a loop from StormDrums in MGS3.
Got the game and soundtrack.
Where its used ,
I think its the loop is only playing at gameplay and after that
theres a Movie scene that comes in , and some other parts
come in that he composed (E.Guitar and some synths ?).
BTW ,I really like the MGS2 soundtrack, and
the MGS3 Soundtrack is also great :)

Also , I listened to the mp3 demo for Vanguard
and thought it sounded great ! Its really great that you
can get this for just $69 !

[Marcussen]

Indeed... I will be getting it... when the project comes closer. Right now im just fooling around with the demo :)