What do I purchase?

I was sourcing a pipe organ VST and happened across the NI plug-ins… It seems I need some kind of whatyamajig and a thingamabob.

PLEASE HELP A REALLY OLD HAS BEEN catch up to the 21st century.

My portable studio:

2 AMD boxes running XPsp3 and Sonar X, MOTU midi controller, Delta 1010LT… On the instruments side is an M-Audio 88, a Korg SK and various Alesis gismos supplementing drums and sequencers. The computer hardware and OS have been updated and running AMD A-10 and windows 10 for now.

OK stop laughing, however funny (SAD) it really is. I need a direction for new and improved workflow. I am thinking about the S88 MK3 w/ Komplete 15 Ultimate and the 2 pipe organ plugins.

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Vocalpoint

"I am thinking about the S88 MK3 w/ Komplete 15 Ultimate and the 2 pipe organ plugins"

If this combo is your end game - you may need to budget for a new computer and probably a new audio interface as well.

Windows 10 is out of support on Oct 14, 2025 and I am unaware of any modern drivers for the Delta 1010 (loved that card back in the day!) here in 2025.

And I can't tell if your Windows XP (SP3) mention is for an actual active PC or just a mention - but that is a dusty footnote now and cannot be used for any modern NI hardware or software.

If you are sticking with Windows - you will need a Windows 11 capable PC and a modern supported audio interface. Which will make a nice home base for the S88 MKIII and Komplete 15

PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/47297/what-do-i-purchase

PLEASE HELP A REALLY OLD HAS BEEN catch up to the 21st century.

Being really old then you most likely has discovered that nothing comes free and that with respect to computers then the 'game' 'always' has been to create the need for constantly upgrading your hardware and your OS. At this point in time things has not changed.

If you have the money then follow the advice of VocalPoint and get yourself some modern computer equipment (someone here will be able to give you suggestions should you need that) and then upgrade your OS and your software…

On the other hand then if you do not have the money for all that or do not want to have to brush up your skills with learning how the newer software/hardware works then you should stick with what you have until it breaks. Taking drive image based backups of your OS drive and file backup of software can often be of help when things breaks down and you have to re-install after a repair. (to the extend of how software DRM allow you to switch hardware).

BluesJamJim

I apologize for incomplete info: My final destination will be an AMD 7 8700G with 64G RAM and a ton of i/o, and just was waiting for EOL for 10 before migrating to 11. (I don't know why)

I was setting the stage from which this dusty ashed phoenix was buried… My main concern was if this combo (NI bundle) is suited for me, there are so many options and a pretty high price tag. I want a turn key system that will last the next ten years.

Thanks to Everyone for their input, oh, any suggestions on a new audio interface, If I source one more piece of hardware I will loose what hair I have left.

THANX AGAIN!

PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/238855#Comment_238855

there are so many options and a pretty high price tag.

Do what I did , wait for a sale and then buy. How future N.I. pricing and bundle policy will be only N.I. knows. Previously the added price has been the same if you a.g. first upgraded from Komplete Select to Komplete Standard and then later upgraded to Komplete ULtimate or CE as if you had bought e.g. Komplete C.E. right away. (if buying with same discount each time).

Check the Compare Komplete 15 bundles page for present pricing (prices shown are always present prices)

I want a turn key system that will last the next ten years.

Nobody can promise you that anything will run for 10 years and also keyboards has a 'life' depending on use , use/storing conditions , luck , whatever. The best to do is to backup at least your computer system drive using drive image based backup and combine that with file backup as needed and treat your stuff well and then hope for the best.

Native instruments software and hardware generally is of relatively good quality in my opinion , but electronics is electronics and software is software and I make no guarantees of anything.

As for software use then if you get Komplete 15 Standard or higher tier then you get the full version of all the N.I. 'Flagship' apps and can also enjoy unlicensed Kontakt libraries.

N.I. gives you Komplete Start for free but that only has the Player version of Kontakt , N.I also gives you some free plugins via Plugin Alliance.

E.g. SonusCore have seven free items for Kontakt , but six of them require full version of Kontakt. (of the free libraries then only "The Orchestra Elements" works with the Player version of Kontakt)

Fracture Sounds : Blueprint Collection , 21 free Kontakt instruments that works with the free Kontakt Player. To get the 'Blueprint series instruments then you are required to subscribe to a newsletter to get the link to be able to buy the instruments at zero cost (no CC required) Every individual instrument in the collection require it's own key to redeem in Native Access and is a download of it's own.

BluesJamJim

Thanks PF, I had been perusing that very idea and spent about an hour math-ing out the various ways of purchase and I am thinking of ultimate with the MK3 and later upgrade to CE. As to the life span of equipment, I am 66 and I made my legacy equipment last 20 years and everything is still working as it was when I purchased it.

I am having a hard time making a decision on an audio interface, my delta 1010LT is still performing well but has no future in my new studio hardware setup. Any suggestions or compass headings would be appreciated.

Thanks again for taking your time to help!

PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/238890#Comment_238890

I am having a hard time making a decision on an audio interface, my delta 1010LT is still performing well but has no future in my new studio hardware setup. Any suggestions or compass headings would be appreciated.

I have noticed that opinions vary on that and of course also depends on how much that you want to spend. I think though that most people tends to go with USB audio interfaces these days. But @Vocalpoint knows so much more about this than I so perhaps he could be so kind as to give you a suggestion ? (thank you at VP 🙂)

Vocalpoint

@BluesJamJim

"I am having a hard time making a decision on an audio interface, my delta 1010LT is still performing well but has no future in my new studio hardware setup. Any suggestions or compass headings would be appreciated."

If you could let me know what ballpark your are in - for budget - I can easily make some recommendations.

Cheers

BluesJamJim

I don't really have a budget other than the best for less. I googled your RME UCX-II, and almost fell out of my chair. I had the same sticker shock 46 years ago when I started my studio. '77 Challenger was only 6K dollars, only being the key word. I haven't checked car prices lately but I'm pretty sure they cost more than 6K.

At this time, I have, 3 keyboards (soon to be 4), SR16, DM5, Axes, Mics, and a bunch of analog legacy comp/limiters, effects, and on. Instead of recording to a 2 inch tape recorder, which was not cheap, or the tape. Sold it, moved to the digital world and wondered why I was using mylar. The kewl thing about this studio is that it fits in two anvil racks, while I was doing live sound reinforcement for touring bands… Then I got old stopped moving 2 tons of equipment twice a week, sold the outboard gear and set up the studio in my basement.

I just want something that will produce a quality product at the end of the day.

VP, YOU are the man! Thanks for your time, insight, wisdom, and your geriatric pity.

Vocalpoint

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/239014#Comment_239014

Things have changed drastically since I used my Delta 1010.

Regarding interface choices - I would give you three to start:

Low $$$ = Any entry level interface from Presonus will never let you down - especially of there is a chance that Studio One could be in your future. These two are like bread and butter.

Medium $$$ = Anything from Focusrite - specifically their excellent Scarlett range

High $$$ - Universal Audio, Audient, SSL, Presonus Quantum series and of course - the king of the hill - RME live in this range.

As noted - RME is my choice here. Have had two of theirs - the first in 2008 (the Multiface II - unbelievably still fully operational here in 2025) and my current workhorse - the UCX-II purchased in 2021.

My choice of this brand comes down to two things - drivers and stability. Not exactly for the budget conscious but if there was ever an interface that earns the name "the Tank" - this is it.

Good luck in the search and do let us know what you decided to run with.

BluesJamJim

My kindred Delta buddy,, GRAZIE MILLE… I have your recommendations on my clipboard and now to filter them. You know I could use a new ride,, I might look good driving a Tank.

Thank you so much,, this means a lot me. I was really insecure in making a decision. I have made stupid purchases in the past that stung financially.

Have a GREAT week!

Vocalpoint

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/239019#Comment_239019

Anytime. Do keep us in the loop as your build out the new rig!

BluesJamJim

You won't miss a beat.

BluesJamJim

VP, I found myself sourcing again,, I can't stop! I found this by accident:

Focusrite Clarett 8Pre X Thunderbolt Audio Interface (2015) - Used It is in excellent condition, drivers are available for 10 & 11 and am wondering if this would be adequate. It lists for $540 with shipping.

I am looking at the PreSonus Quantum HD 2 $400 or Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen $400… Since I am not contracting professionally anymore , latency, advanced routing options and higher specifications are not a concern. AAAUUUURRGGGG!

Thanks mon ami

Vocalpoint

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/239160#Comment_239160

If it were me - "New" would vastly (and soundly) trump anything from 2015 for starters. A bigger caveat here is that Thunderbolt is dead on Windows - you need to stay far away from that. Probably why the price is so good.

Standard USB3 connectivity, modern driver support AND warranty is where you want to be in 2025

The Presonus and Scarlett options you list are both excellent and either would serve you well.

BluesJamJim

There is a special place in heaven for you, you are among the angels!

THANK YOU!

BJJ

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