I'm going to reiterate that playing a physical instrument is not the same as using a vitrual one. You have to learn how to play it first. The same could be said of synthesizers, you have to learn how to use it, right? Well, not exactly, cause these darn things called presets. Who cares how a complex synth like Serum works if we can just load up cool sounds, right? I wish I could download presets to level up my trumpet playing skills
I get it, some people are more interested in the end product than the process, and presets and technology in general allow them to do that. Is using a virtual string modelling synth cheating? In terms of actual talent, maybe... But in all reality no, because using it would require a separate skill set (processing, FX, etc... no modelling synth can compare to the real deal without some serious work, ya know?).
Eino wrote:have studied and perfected their skills to one, or two instruments.
I can't say I'm cheating when I sit down, and play a.Steinway grand piano.
Exactly. Physical instruments require some skill to play [well]. A serious time investment by both the instrument manufacturer (eh, sometimes) and the musician. It makes sense, if you have never played/learned how to play a piano, you can't just sit at one and play like Mozart.
As I've said, I think that these are separate mediums (physical vs virtual). IF* you are using a synthesizer that is based off of knobs that the user fiddles with to create different sounds with, would that be comparable to learning the techniques for different tones on say, a trumpet? Parallels, anyone?
*Some synths are completely based off presets, like Nexus. Physical modelling synths fit in this category too, they are designed to emulate physical instruments, so I would place them more in between the two groups (physical vs virtual).
slipstick wrote:As you say there's merit to both views. if you feel that designing all the sounds is vital to making your music and that using any pre-existing sound is cheating then go for it.
I think composing the notes, finding or making a suitable set of sounds and getting the arrangement right is enough of a challenge for me. A bit like a classical composer and orchestrator puts the notes together and arranges which instruments will play which parts but doesn't feel the need to invent brand new instruments because violins and pianos have already been done
.
Steve
I like and agree with this, Steve.
At the end of the day, this whole topic is based completely off of opinion, so there will never be a right or wrong answer. If someone just wants to make music, presets are probably their choice and that's fine. I actually tend to think of people that use presets as more composers than producers (arranging instruments vs making stuff from scratch).
Ultimatum: Make music how you want to, your mileage may vary.
