Has someone here already had experience with MOTU ethno? or was able to compare EastWest's RA to Ethno?

about MOTU's Ethno I have these specific questions which I am curious about before considering buying it (the price is really attractive...)

1. Are the single instruments (not loops) programmed to where the modulation wheel on a controller keyboard can be used for expression by default? (I don't want to program everything myself... only changing if i really need to)

2. Are the samples multi-sampled, by which I mean if you hit the same note twice, is there a alternate sample sounding in order to enhance realism?

3. How realistic is the playing of melodic instruments e.g. bowed string instruments? How well is it programmed e.g. legato and other expressions? How playable is it right out of the box?

I'll be grateful to hear about your experiences and advice...

I have Ethno and I'm very happy with it. I'm pretty sure the answer to your questions is yes. Go to the MOTU site and click on Ethno and check the MP3 demo files there.

DANO10

thanks, but the demo files on the website are worthless because you cannot distinguish if they have used loops or not. you cannot preview a single instrument for example.
they do not even have a real list of what exact instruments and with what expressions are included. this lack of information together with the attractive pricing just makes me wonder...

i am already using eastwest orchestra gold and their storm drums which both is of good quality. now, in technical terms i would like to know what kind of compromises i would have to settle for if i decide for the motu ethno.

Electronic musician magazine has a review out this month & may be accessed by their website.