Hi folks.
I used to be very into MIDI and home recording with multitrack cassette, etc. as a hobby, back in the 80's but got away from it. I'm getting back into it now and looking to invest a few dollars in some software.
I'm comfortable with audio software since I do a lot of digitizing vinyl records and audio restoration so I have a decent array of VSTs, editors such as Adobe Audition and iZotope RX, and also have Reaper for a DAW. I play electric and acoustic guitar and have an interface (Steinberg UR44) for recording. I also have a small M-Audio mini keyboard as a controller plus an old Korg M1 I may press back into duty as a MIDI controller, or possibly sell and invest in a new full-sized controller keyboard.
What I don't have and want to get is a good set of samples, instruments, loops, patterns, etc. These are mainly for rhythm section, piano, pads, etc. It's only for hobby purposes, nothing professional or live.
I find myself trying to decide which of the following to choose: Reason 10, Sampletank 4 or Kontakt 6. Reason and Kontakt are roughly the same price whereas Sampletank 4 Max is about $100 cheaper until March 5.
I've been leaning towards Reason since its 30-day trial gives me access to the complete set of sounds, loops, patterns, etc. whereas the free versions of Sampletank and Kontakt don't really give me an idea of everything they include (yes, I've checked out the lists of instruments available for download for them).
I'm wondering if I should just pull the trigger on buying Reason since it seems to have everything I need and some interesting possibilities to add as refills (the piano bass and drums refill for example). Or, would I be better off grabbing Sampletank and using it with Reaper. It seems to come with some loops and patterns plus there are lots around the net for free or reasonably priced. Kontakt seems a bit more elusive but some of the comments I've read around the net seem to indicate it sounds better than Sampletank.
Obviously this is a Sampletank forum so I guess I'm looking for your take on why Sampletank would be a better choice for me. Thanks