We have a great thread for free plugins and whatnot -- but what about pro plugins?
If money weren't an issue, what plugins/digital instruments would you use? Specifically if you're going for that professional album sound.
The first thing that comes to mind is NI's Guitar Rig/Combos, Akoustik Piano, Elektrik Piano, and B4 II. Does anyone have experience with these? How nice do they sound? Nice enough to use on a serious record?
I vote Reason for excellently versatile virtual instrument. It's great for analog synth type sounds, drum machine, sampler, and keyboard stuff like Rhodes, B3, piano, etc.
I think soon I'm going to buy this sample set, which comes with Kontakt, which I've never used before. Hopefully it won't suck.