All user reviews of 4/5 for the IK Multimedia SampleTank XL 2.5

The installation of IK products was never very easy before they created the '"authorization manager." Otherwise, no incompatibilities.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Today, W7 64 on an I7 processor. Before, XP 32 on a dual-core machine. It has worked perfectly with PT6LE, PT8LE and PT10.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought it in 2005. I always use it, although with other signal sources. I chose it at the time to get acquainted with software samplers and to have an "acoustic" sound library that was as varied as possible, knowing that I had a synth.
Regarding the sampler, you can do certain things with it, but it's a bit cumbersome. The GUI is more than limited, it's not Kontakt.
When it comes to the sound library, its variety is definitely its main strength. I have since then gotten better quality sound sources, but you can nevertheless find good ideas, sounds you might have never thought of.
Its value for money is all right. Now, when it comes to whether I would buy it again...it's been 7 years since I have it, and IK has made a modest evolution from V2 to V2.5 in 8 years... Which makes me think that IK will have to update it to more current standards. I have never seen a software that doesn't change... Maybe for the 10th anniversary?

I run a Macbook and have had no compatibility issues in Logic 9, Ableton 7 or as a stand alone unit. 
The manual is clear enough.  I have only used it a few times to find specific things and they were easy to find.
This thing is pretty big.  There are also a lot of options and parameters to adjust.  I would say that it is not very simple, but actually daunting the first few times. 
Once you get used to the layout, it starts to make pretty good sense and the typical functions become easily accessible.


SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Yes, the software works correctly so far.  I have had no audio drop outs nor has the software ever crashed or lost any presets.  Like sampletron, this thing is solid. 
The performance is pretty solid in the way of response.  The presets are set to give you a natural feel for whatever the sound is and it reacts well with my Keystation 88.  Also the patches switch quickly which is nice.
I have been using the sample tank for about a year now.

OVERALL OPINION

There are some pretty good patches in this guy and quite a few to choose from.  This was my main sample arsenal for a long time until I started getting into Logic's stuff.  Some of the Horn's are good (especially ensembles), as well as the organs, some electric pianos, and the orchestral stuff.  Over time though, I found myself using Logic more and now I only go to the Sample tank if the EXS 24 (Logic) doesn't cut it. 
What I like least about this thing is how small it is.  It seems like you should be able to adjust the size or the unit and especially the size of the text (way to small). 
I honestly can't remember how much I paid for this, maybe $200? 250?  Either way, I would suggest doubling that amount and buying Logic 9.  It gives you the whole production/performance package with a big enough sample library to keep you satisfied.  But overall, if $250(?) is the peak of your budget, this is a fairly good colleciton of instruments.  If you don't rely on it for superb piano/keyboard sounds, it can do all the rest good enough.
I will quantify the precision of sound with a 8 out of 10.  Lots of decent sounds, nothing that will blow any minds though, but enough to get you covered for most instruments. 
This was my first big sampled library.
I would probably not do it again only because of Logic 9 (or 8 back then) being the better way to go.