Soft Synth and Sampler to use w/ Cubase?

[fenester]

I'm putting together a system for sound design (for film/performance, etc.) and am using Cubase SX as my main software. (and still learning it)
I'm looking for advice/suggestions on what software to add to it.
My background has been working with real recorded sounds and manipulating them with effects and layering.
I'd like something to function as a VSTi sampler and also something to function as a flexible, mulitfaceted synth VSTi (i.e. has many different types of synthesis available).
I've been looking at using Halion and then some synth program, but then was looking at Reaktor which seems like it might fill both functions.
What would you recommend?
Does Reaktor work as well as a dedicated sampler app. like Halion?
(if it makes a difference I'm using XP w/ 1GB RAM, will update to 2GB shortly)
Thanks in advance for the help, and sorry if my questions are vague.
-fenester

[fenester]

bump.

[KrazyKarl]

u should check out jeskola xs-1, I haven't used it but i understand it has the least aliasing of all the main samplers and is cheaper too

[fenester]

cool, thanks, I'll check it out.

[Armadillo5]

I don't really know Reaktor so I can't comment on that. But for sampler Vsampler 3 (www.vsampler3.com)should be as good as HALion for 1/2 the price.

For film music try Atmosphere (www.spectrasonics.net) and definately try Crystal 2.4 (www.greenoak.com) as it is FREE.

[Mr EggyToast]

I use kontakt for my sampler o' choice, and I lurve it. It's really quite powerful, gives you plenty of options, and can essentially function as a complete synth on its own thanks to the wonderful filters and automation.

Also, in the latest version, you can split up beats/vocals/anything without needing to use an external device, and it's really quite smooth.

So that's my .02

[seanw]

You should also check out the Emulator X. www.emu.com. For audio quality and value, it's a hard package to beat.

[fenester]

Thanks again for your suggestions. I'm running around the web trying to compare all the specs at the moment. Hopefully this weekend I'll get into a store to play with them.

-fenester

[fleizenkruz]

if you're into film production, try ableton live from www.ableton.com ;)