Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

Not sure if I wrote it here or in another E-Mu group, but yes, Adv. 
Orch. has two banks of 128 presets and 58 ROM instruments. This does 
not (in my opinion) reflect a lack of samples.  I think sample space 
is probably full.  I suspect its more a matter of how the samples are 
used.

My guess (based on my hearing) is that some/many/most/all of the 58 
ROM instruments are multisamples. (Not sure if I have a drum map file 
somewhere.  Anyone?)

Adv.Orch does NOT have assignable ROM instruments for specific 
instruments (oboe, clarinet, bassoon, etc.).  Think of it as an 
ensemble/total orchestra ROM, not as a ROM of individual orchestra 
instruments for strings and winds.

However, Adv.Orch percussion sounds are individual sounds (not 
ensembles).  Tam Tams, Tympanni, etc. seem (at least to my ear) to 
have long natural decays.  Cymbal crash presets sound very 
orchestral, although it sounded to me like they have a slight pizz 
hit (at least in the range I tested).  Cymbal crash presets also have 
cymbal rolls (soft to medium loud, then fairly rapid soft mute).

As to whether or not its what someone wants, as usual its up to 
individual needs.  I recommend looking at the preset list and ROM 
instrument list.

Others have said that Adv.Orch is quite good sound-wise.  I can't say 
that because I haven't compared it with anything else. If possible, 
give it a listen.

Hope this helps.
Dr. Steve


  

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "critten98" <travis.crittenden@c...> 
wrote:
> I have only heard the drum rom and was very impressed, but that's 
> not why I'm chiming in...
> 
> If I remember correctly, you only get 2 banks of presets with the 
> Orchestra ROM. If so, you had better REALLY want to only add 2 
banks 
> of Orchestra presets. Sounds like a lot, but rememeber, it's and 
> orchestra ROM. Not just strings, but Oboe, etc... too. Might not be 
> a huge selection of sounds you will really use in a composition 
(not 
> sure what styles your into though)
> 
> If it were me, the Drums. Need good strings? Me too. How often? Not 
> too often. And there are more than just strings in there, but how 
> how often do you need those other sounds?
> 
> Need good drums? Always. And three helpings, please.
> 
> -T
> 
> --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, aeon <aeonlux@c...> wrote:
> > OK...so imagine you had one ROM slot left and money
> > burning a hole in your pocket (heh!)...and you knew
> > you were going to get one last ROM for that slot...
> > and the choice was going to either be the Protean Drum
> > ROM or the Siedlaczek Orchestra ROM.
> > 
> > assume that you had no greater need for one over the
> > other, and each would suit the music you create.
> > 
> > why would you choose one over the other? please
> > address the quality of the base samples, the mapping,
> > the looping and the quality of the patches that utilize
> > those samples.
> > 
> > for example, do the patches have effective velocity
> > control for expression, modwheel assignment for sound
> > shaping and the like?
> > 
> > again, I could use some realistic drums and percussives,
> > but I could also use some orchestral section sounds,
> > and I wonder what people who own one or in particular
> > both might have to say about them...the more words the
> > better!
> > 
> > 
> > thanks so much in advance!
> > aeon