I will let Bluezplayer do the explanation given he is further along this path than I am. In general, the considerations are similar to hardware modules, e.g., Sound Canvas, MU100, etc. You would need to consider your application and the amount of money you wish to spend. For example:

* Live performance vs Studio
Arranger Software vs Sequencers, etc.
* Soft Synths:
Do you require GM/GS/XG - Program changes?
e.g., LiveSynth Pro, Sample Tank, Sonic Reality, etc.
Do you require very high quality accoustic instruments?
e.g., GigaStudio, Kontakt, Halion
Very Expensive!!!
* VSTi/DXi Host:
Are you going to run more than one soft synth?
e.g., B4, LiveSynth Pro, Kontakt, effects, etc.
If you do you might need a host program like Brainspawn's forte Ensemble, Sonar, etc.

Once you have decided on your application and the overall quality of the sounds you wish to have that will determine your hardware requirements. If you are going to use your system for live performances then a midi controller keyboard and a Laptop may be the answer. Otherwise almost any computer will do. If you are going to use high quality accoustic instruments then you need to get a pro quality sound card and use 2 7200 rpm 8mb cache hard drives (applications & samples). The hard drives are important in that the sounds are streamed from the hard drive in real time with very low latency. This allows for very large sampled instruments, e.g., Bardstown Bosendrofer 290 Grand Piano at 2.5 GB, etc. In addition, if you are going to use very high quality software effects, particularly reverb (more than one instance of reverb, e.g., separate reverb for each loaded instrument) then you need to spend more money on the CPU, e.g., 3.2 GHz, etc.

Otherwise the actual use of soft synths is much like hardware modules - just send it program changes and control changes or alternatively change channels on your midi controller keyboard, etc. - and play!!!! Plus you can tweak the instruments to your hearts delight and then some. The trouble is you may not find time to make music!!!


[This message has been edited by Frank L. Rosenthal (edited 01-23-2004).]