These sounds don't get a lot of play here in PGM forum, but they are some remarkable libraries and now all on closeout sale. --web site and utube video currently all down????
However, there are a number of products more expensive than they've been on sale. For example, Virtuoso Ensembles is listed at $75, but has been on sale at APD for for $70, and even as low as $29 several times.
And Diamond Orchestra is listed at $125, and I bought it for $50.
Since APD owns Kirk Hunter Studios, so they can set whatever price they want. So I could be wrong about all this.
Note: Kirk has clarified that even though the owner of APD has said he owns Kirk Hunter Studios, this was the first Kirk had heard about it, and that's not the case. Whee!
However, there are a number of products more expensive than they've been on sale. For example, Virtuoso Ensembles is listed at $75, but has been on sale at APD for for $70, and even as low as $29 several times.
And Diamond Orchestra is listed at $125, and I bought it for $50.
Since APD owns Kirk Hunter Studios, so they can set whatever price they want. So I could be wrong about all this.
No you are correct David. Diamond Orchestra was on sale for $99 when I bought it and it was on sale for $50 just recently. In fact the two that are/were on sale are more expensive then when I bought them.
Unclear if the pianist is a total beginner or a professional jazz player?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I am afraid it is a bit of a marketing shell game with pricing. There is a discussion of this over in VI-Control if you are interested in the rest of the story.
A word of warning: KH Lyric Series String Quintet does not work in Kontakt 8. It does work in Kontakt 7. Both the Virtuoso Ensembles and Spotlight Strings do work in Kontakt 8, at least for now. I am using the latest 3.4 GHz, 64 bit version Windows 10 with 32 gigs of ram, thus my system is not the problem. So if you have Kontakt 8 you may want to try the demos prior to purchasing. YMMV
Unclear if the pianist is a total beginner or a professional jazz player?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Interestingly, here's what Kirk says about his decision to close Kirk Hunter Studios:
Quote
Many have speculated about my decision to step back. There’s no single reason, but primarily, at 65, I feel it’s time to pursue more creative and enjoyable ventures, which are already gaining traction. Additionally, with the rise of AI and evolving technology, I believe the business model for sample library development no longer aligns with my goals.
I am seeing a lot of this lately (or maybe just noticing it!) It reminds me of when I was younger and the imported rug stores would have a "Going Out Of Business" sale about twice a year. And they never seemed to really go out of business!
A word of warning: KH Lyric Series String Quintet does not work in Kontakt 8. It does work in Kontakt 7.
Since the requirements currently say "FULL version of Kontakt 6.6.1 or newer (not the "player" version)", there's no reason to expect that it wouldn't working with Kontakt 8.
Yes, Kirk sent me all new files for download of Virtuoso Ensembles, after I told I could no longer play them on my new DAW . Turns out I still had the "files" what I was missing is the NI license #. So KH then sent me a new licence. Can't get any better than that.
So I am listening to Virturoso Ensembles for the first time in over a year and they sound as wonderful as I remember! I also have Kinetic Strings Plus AND Adaptive Strings. I can tell you that they all sound beautiful (which is why I bought them). Also the programming and GUI are as good as anything I have see for VSTis. The problem, for me, is that I have not been able to write with these sounds due to my limited composing skills. But they sure are "ear candy"!
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