Feature:
Built-in MIDI rules with iMIDI lets developers create plug-and-play instruments that pull up different samples and resonance models depending on how you play. Add that to 24-bits, unlimited poly, great content (including Vienna Giga Symphony from VSL), GigaPulse, compression, parametric EQ, 8 MIDI ports, ReWire... ?
Quality:
If you really load up the instruments and slam your CPU with GigaPulse instances, you can bring things to their knees - especially if you have old drivers or an old BIOS (as I did). Still, when you learn the limits on your machine, it just keeps on ticking. I've had perfect reliability when making good sounding music. If you hit things hard enough to pop and click, take it back a notch and things will be fine. It's great for a .00 version, but could be better.
Value:
It's the best sample player bar none. Add the content and GigaPulse and it's off the charts.
Desirability:
Being able to mix and match my old libs and mix them together with GigaPulse is a godsend. My results sound better than anything I had done before. Being able to load all of VGS at once is also great - I have the entire orchestra available at my fingertips. Giga does it all from fast scratchpad to finished mixes.
Sound:
24-bit sample playback, unlimited polyphony, world-class instrument resonance, mic and room modeling with GigaPulse Pro all add up to the ultimate sound from a sample player. GigaPulse is especially delicious. Every impulse set sounds great. Some may be drier than you're looking for, others may be too wet, but they all sound wonderfully musical.
Support:
Tascam could really do better with their PR and customer service. They are a bit underfunded and understaffed in this area.
Overall:
This is a keeper, pure and simple. I can't imagine the competition beating GS3 by enough of a margin for me to switch. My next musical dollars will go to more libs, not another sample player. I'd buy Giga again to keep my libraries playing and sounding their best.
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