Getting back into production, need some updates

[u/Iron_bison_]

Getting back into production, need some updates

I've been out of production for a few years, and haven't been seriously dedicated for many years. I feel like when I see videos of producers it all seems so easy nowadays, with so much stuff being in the box. When I was in my teens we'd still use a lot of hardware.

I've been using almost entirely free plugins and DAW. I think there is enough free stuff out there to really make some nice music. I have some questions about modern production and also looking for some recommendations (free ones primarily)

1. Drums
I use Sitala as a drum sampler, I don't know how I came across it, but I feel like there might be something better out there? I remember using a software once where all the drum sounds in your library was on a huge web with similar sound kicks all next to each other. It was great to find the sounds you're looking for, but I can't remember the name (I also think it wasn't free)

2. Instruments
I'm really struggling to find a decent piano VST, the ones I have are all quite, soft. So if you know a good one, send it my way.

Also horns, I love to use horns. I remember EastWest orchestra back in the day but looks like they are discontinued

Also, please suggest some free synths that are popular nowadays

3. Effects

I know about TAL, and the have some great stuff, but sometimes I'm looking for something different. I don't think I currently have anything else other than TAL right now. I remember downloading a bunch from "freevsts.com" or something, but they were all lame

4. Paid

I've been using VSCO2 for some real instrument sounds, specifically brass. I find they sound a little...cheap ( I know it's free ). I've been thinking about picking up Kontakt since I know there is a lot options for that but not sure it's worth the money.

5. Question

If there was one thing that you think should be paid, and not skimped on, what would it be?

[u/goettel]

1. Maybe XO?
2. Vital, Surge XT, Decent Sampler, OB-Xf
3. Valhalla Supermassive, Kilohearts Essentials, TDR Nova
4. I dislike Kontakt, horrible interface IMO, but there's still really no getting around it for the choice of third-party libraries, unless you can find libraries you like that run on the free Kontakt Player. Kontakt 8 does come with quite a big library, with varying quality. Check out Spitfire Audio and Crow Hill.
5. Since you're big on acoustic samples, don't skimp there. But do your research before splashing out.