I also need a DAW, but that's second priority to the instrument set. I'd prefer a setup that lets me get back into production with the least amount of friction.
My primary style interests are epic and high energy EDM, trance, and a little hardstyle, but I branch out quite a bit.
Reason seems good except the virtual rack interface pains me and I like VSTs without ReWire. I'll consider it. Ableton Live looks tempting and the demos of their instrument packs sound great. Someone liked Komplete better than Live's instruments, but then I'd need a DAW. My budget is $300 to $500, with a hope I can upgrade/expand later.
Here are some things I know I need:
- A synth capable of detailed, high quality trance leads. Supports Unison. Tube-modeled distortion would be good, but could be a separate effect.
- Five or ten drum kits covering styles like trance, house, or hardstyle. Modern sounds. Please no TR-808/909.
- One or two synths good for bass lines, covering the same styles as above. A reimagined TB-303 would be okay, but please more modern sounds as well.
- Reasonably high quality strings.
- Some smooth, pad type sounds, but not 80's/90's sounding.
- At least one reasonably high quality piano.
- A synth good at random, hard to classify textures.
- A really high quality reverb that can do a "huge" reverb sound.
- Side-chaining or other range compression.
Thanks for your help!