Editor’s Note: In the spirit of December’s theme (Gear and Software), we asked our contributors to weigh in with their Top 3 gear finds and why they like them, and we are bringing them to you in a series that we are calling “My Perfect 3″. Here are the three that Emmett Cooke chose, and a short rundown on why he picked them.
My choices for my Perfect 3 weren’t difficult ones at all. These really stand out to me as great purchases, and more importantly investments:

KRK RP5s: I bought a pair of these when I was finished college a few years back, and I still think they’re pretty awesome. The first great thing about them is their price – about $150 each (which was cheaper when buying in euros). Not a bad price if you’re on a budget. I didn’t have much of an idea about monitors when I was buying them, so just went by the online reviews about them, and haven’t regretted the purchase since. Hell, they even look cool! The only thing I could think of that’s bad about them if I had to try would be a tiny lack of bass, but still – if you have a bit of extra dosh, you could get the sub-woofer option with them. One seriously great purchase!

Access Virus Ti Keyboard: When I was originally buying all of my gear for my studio (bedroom studio that is!), I wanted to spend a bit of money on a good keyboard, that would first of all do me as a midi controller, while at the same time have some pretty cool sounds to use in projects, and also be fun to play around with in my spare time. I asked around, and I was advised to have a look at the Access Virus Ti Keyboard. Its most definitively not a cheap keyboard at about $3500, but its most definitively one of the best investments I’ve ever bought. First off, its just plain great fun to turn on and mess around with – the amount of sounds you can get out of the beast is just almost unlimited. I guess its a bit more geared towards electronic music, but if you have the dosh sitting around, and want to try something new – go to your nearest music store and try it out. Its built like a tank, and yet again, it even looks cool! Don’t think I could live without this, having used it for the last few years.

East West/Quantum Leap Software: EastWest have so many great pieces of software out there, that its hard to narrow it down to just one, or even a couple. When I was buying my first orchestral VSTs, I came across East West, and in particular, their Symphonic Orchestra software. It’s such a great price for what you’re getting, and if you’re just starting off, and have the cash, I definitively can’t advise you enough to buy it. Software like Stormdrum 2. Time and time again, they come out with awesome VSTs, and can save you a lot of time, effort and money in the long run.

And my perfect 3 on Santa’s Wishlist:

Zoom H4N – really want a portable recorder, and this is an excellent little one!
A1 Edit Workstation – would love a new desk, and this one is the perfect choice!
LA Scoring Strings – they’re just so realistic – I want!

What do you SCOREcasters think of my choices? Hit me up in the comments!

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EMMETT COOKE is relatively new to the film composing scene having only finished his Degree in Music three years ago, but is quickly learning the tools of the trade. Based in Ireland, and currently traveling the world, Emmett also runs THE SCORE, where he interviews current composers on the scene – ranging from amateur to professional. You can find his SCOREcast bio (and links to his other sites) here.