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Virtual Sampler
The Emagic EXS24 is pretty darn amazing, and is changing the way many people view host-based software samplers. It works native in Logic, and VST/TDM versions are also now available. Emagic has been very good about updates, and in helping this product reach its full potential. We've been getting into the EXS more and more and the bottom line is that it is stellar. It sounds great and performs extremely well, and of course the price is an incredible value. It's also very easy to use Soundware CD-ROMs with it, too. (No special Akai converter software or app is required like Osmosis). We can vouch that the conversion quality of Spectrasonics libraries is excellent (use Logic 4.7 or higher). BitHeadz' Unity loads samples a little bit faster, but EXS is still light speed compared to any hardware samplers. EXS has a great sounding Filter with resonance and "Fat" mode, but only Low Pass currently. Two super-fast envelopes (great for drums) and two LFOs with a full waveform complement are provided...grooviest of all is that they sync to Logic's clock! What a genius user-interface! EXS makes great use of multi-function sliders to conserve screen real-estate. While not as flexible as a Unity or Reactor type system, it's MUCH easier to use, and the pre-wired mod routings make good sense and are what you need to use 99% of the time. (Maybe unless you're Morton Subotnic). Little Hint: If you go to the Controls page, there is a parameter exclusively appearing there called Output Level, which is a headroom parameter. It's set very conservatively by Emagic at -12db to avoid clipping. However, the EXS sounds WAY better when this parameter is bumped up closer to 0db, and clipping is rarely a problem if you watch your levels and listen (what a concept). We recommend converting all our drum and groove libraries at 0db. EXS's playback timing is unreal! (Sample accurate) This is the best feeling sampler I've ever used. (Think MPC, TR-808 and you'll understand what I'm talking about.) Easily as good as the Synclav being driven by its internal sequencer. (This is actually also true of all VST 2.0 virtual instruments.) The VST instrument plug-in format offers some big ease of use advantages over Rewire, MAS, Direct I/O systems. For example: VST Instruments allow for super easy processing of stereo sample Programs. Just open a stereo plug-in and your jammin'! This solves one of our biggest gripes with using Rewire and Logic; stereo instruments in Rewire need two Logic fader channels and seperate plug-ins for left and right (grrrrr). Also, with VST instruments you don't need to deal with MIDI or OMS issues. It's all very simple and straight forward. It's also very easy to turn EXS sampler tracks into HD audio tracks too. This can be a good way to conserve CPU power. Latency is purely an issue of getting a good soundcard and the right drivers (we recommend MOTUs 2408 and 828 interfaces or the RME Hammerfall cards). REVOLUTIONARY THING HERE: The most amazing function of emagics sampler is that your sampled sounds and edits are saved automatically with your Logic song for instant recall! You don't even have to individually save your parameter or sample edits for each channel. This level of sequencer/sampler integration hasn't been possible since the Synclavier and the Fairlight. Definitely a dream come true, as it really changes the way you work in a very positive way. It's such a freeing experience to have your samples MORE accessible than your hardware MIDI synths! The EXS doesn't seem to be a CPU hog either (relative to other software synths/samplers). It's very efficient. We have been able to get 20+ samplers going on our 500mhz Macs. Of course, like all virtual instruments, it still makes one wish for 8 processor G5s running at 2 ghz! NOW FOR THE DOWNSIDES: A few things: There's currently no way in the Editor to set sample ranges from your MIDI keyboard. Only 24 Audio Instruments (like Parts) are available in Logic 4.7, which is a bit of a bummer. Often times, you need a sampler channel just for one effect for one part of a song, and one EXS24 is NOT multitimbral. The word is that Logic 5.0 will have 32 instruments (EXS TDM already has this), but we sure wish they would quit messing around and just increase Logic's Audio Instruments limit to 64 instruments. I guess they are worried about polyphony, but loops and FX often only need a single stereo voice. 24 instruments is enough for a basic Pop track, but for Orchestral work, that's rather under-powered -especially compared to GIGstudio's 64 channels or Unity's 128 channels. You also can't use different fx send levels or outputs within one program. You have to open multiple plug-ins to get different fx or outputs on snare and kick for example. This will apparently be fixed in Logic 5.0. THE GOOD NEWS: Did I mention great sound? Intelligent auto-mapping of samples? Also, the very flexible architecture that can layer and velocity switch unlimited numbers of samples on a key! Single Key Command that backs up all your used Samples and EXS Instruments to a new folder (for easy transport between computers). Also, you want to edit a sample? Hit "E" and BOOM! you're in an excellent Logic style sample editor....stunning! Oh yeah.....did I mention that it does non-destructive cross-fade looping on playback in REAL TIME? How about being able to have all your libraries on HD, and view by categories/sub-categories and even a built-in Search Engine??!! All in all, this thing ROCKS!.....Outrageous, and the certainly the wave of the future! Highly recommended. For more info go to Emagic Hey.. have you heard about 
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