mooseherman « String Loops Galore! »
Published on 10/25/10 at 12:53This is a bundle of string samples, for use with the Reason application. Reason is a pretty sweet DAW that is more midi-based. Thus, the need for string samples. These are loops, not multi-sampled instruments. They come in the form of REX files, which means that they can be shifted to fit tempo and pitch. The setup of this bundle is really easy, all it takes is having reason installed on your computer first.
SOUND QUALITY
My setup here is a Macbook Pro with Leopard OSX. I have a 4 gb dualcore processor. I use Reason for tracking/composing and Logic for mixing, on the rare occasion that I use either program. I tend to be more of a Pro Tools guy in general but I do like having another DAW for comparison and for more MIDI-based music. I've never really thought that the Strings bundle didn't work for any of my projects here.
There is a ton of variation as far as these loops go. I would say that there is probably a loop that will fit anything you are working on in reason, considering that about 95% of music made in this program is based on hip-hop or techno variations of some sort (to be as broad as I possibly can).
To be honest, though, I don't think a prerecorded sample could ever work for me. Even though these will sound better than any MIDI-sampled keyboard, I don't like the fact that it won't be an original score. I would like to score almost all the string parts myself and I don't like the idea of having pre-recorded loops to choose from, even if they do sound great. I can't help but think that this is the same reason that so much music sounds the same.
OVERALL OPINION
I know I may be biased in my opinion, so that's why I'm going to say that for what it is (a collection of pre-recorded string samples) Propellerhead Strings is a good product. However, I can't recommend that you use them in your original compositions, because frankly, it will no longer be as original. Make your own string samples! It's a good price, though, and if you are just a dabbler in this and don't mind making uninspired music, I would say you're in for a treat. Have fun getting all the creativity done for you.
SOUND QUALITY
My setup here is a Macbook Pro with Leopard OSX. I have a 4 gb dualcore processor. I use Reason for tracking/composing and Logic for mixing, on the rare occasion that I use either program. I tend to be more of a Pro Tools guy in general but I do like having another DAW for comparison and for more MIDI-based music. I've never really thought that the Strings bundle didn't work for any of my projects here.
There is a ton of variation as far as these loops go. I would say that there is probably a loop that will fit anything you are working on in reason, considering that about 95% of music made in this program is based on hip-hop or techno variations of some sort (to be as broad as I possibly can).
To be honest, though, I don't think a prerecorded sample could ever work for me. Even though these will sound better than any MIDI-sampled keyboard, I don't like the fact that it won't be an original score. I would like to score almost all the string parts myself and I don't like the idea of having pre-recorded loops to choose from, even if they do sound great. I can't help but think that this is the same reason that so much music sounds the same.
OVERALL OPINION
I know I may be biased in my opinion, so that's why I'm going to say that for what it is (a collection of pre-recorded string samples) Propellerhead Strings is a good product. However, I can't recommend that you use them in your original compositions, because frankly, it will no longer be as original. Make your own string samples! It's a good price, though, and if you are just a dabbler in this and don't mind making uninspired music, I would say you're in for a treat. Have fun getting all the creativity done for you.