ordered an Allenstein... Software/Plugin Recs?

[ikon1234]

I'll have a kickass PC, Mbox, Edirol Midi keyboard, Reason 2.5, plugins that came with the Mbox, Event 20/20s (for now). I'll have maybe $500 bucks to spend. I will be making house/techno. What do you guys recommend I get as far as software and plugins go? I probably don't need Battery right now because I can use Reason for drums. I want Reaktor Session for sure.

I was thinking of maybe a Juno 106 (used of course), but will I need it if I have Reaktor or another soft synth?

I think a friend is giving/selling me some Waves plugins - Masters, Restoration, Native Gold, and Renaissance.

I'm also looking to use a lot of samples because I want to use a lot of real instruments so should I get a sampler?

[Jon Dickinson]

Dude, see how you get on with what you're getting in the first place. Only when you have used the setup for a little while will you know where you're feeling the need for something extra. I pretty much use the same basic setup, and since taking that plunge, the main things I have done is buy:

1. Quite a few Reason Refills.
2. PSP Vintage Warmer
3. V-Station.
4. Pro53
5. impOSCar.

I can recommend them all, but there are demos of most of these, so just give them a go!

[Voideco]

If you can get your hands on that Juno 106, I'd say go for it! Nothing beats hardware. It may take you some time to figure the machine out. Also the software plus your new rig will take you some time to learn, but in the case of hardwaresynths, equalling that old fat analog sound I always say get what you can get, it may not be there later on anymore and you'll always find use for it. The 106 is particularly suitable when it comes to techno/trance etc, the stuff you wanna make, so......
Softsynths you should consider as a nice addition. I don't know battery/Reaktor so I cannot judge their quality but that 106 will be definitely worth it.

[ikon1234]

Thanks for the advice. I think once I get it up and running I'll demo some stuff. I want at least one software synth though. I think Reaktor Session will do. (I can get it for like $145)

I'm really itching to get the 106, but can I get those sounds easily from other synths or software? Like a Roland JV1080 or something? I've also seen Yamaha DX-7's for sale.