With the new virtual-instrument library, Quantum Leap Ministry of Rock ($495), EastWest offers you an alternative to hiring studio musicians.

This 18 GB collection of rock guitars, basses and drums (including the actual kit used to record Metallica's "Black" album), was recorded in EastWest Studio 2 (formerly Cello Studios) in Hollywood, with all programming reverse-engineered from the performances.

The Quantum Leap Ministry of Rock includes Octaplus, Ayotte, Ludwig, and Gretsch drum kits; Fender, Specter, and Kubicki basses recorded through Ampeg and Ashdown rigs; and Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, and PRS guitars recorded through Marshall, Fender, Bogner, Vox, and Buddha amps. Other features include legato bass and guitar samples, clean and distorted release samples, round-robin drum samples, dual-amp guitar and bass recordings, and bundled amp software.