But its still there a tad (I'm on v2 as well). But I'm not complaining because it's understood. Just stated that because it is on purpose for realism, to capture the pro players playing, in case someone overlooks that note after they've made the purchase...

Nonetheless....An very nice first orchestral library, and although I don't have PS's Orchestral Essentials, I would agree that they would tremendously compliment each other well. I have a lot of FX sounds and such from my other libraries, so I'm good with not having OE "yet"!!!

Looks like the v3 update to Albion I is out now!

Man... I'm out for the weekend... Guess I have to wait!

I will say this: It's totally awesome!
Brass is fantastic and the new round robin legato is like a whole new library.

Gee thanks!

If you are on Mac make sure you are careful how you handle the 'samples' folder, as Finder does a simple folder replace, not merge behaviour, like in Windows.

I am home now, and downloading! Yea...I read the instructions first, but thanks for the heads up. Lots of new content, especially for an update...Awesome!

Man....so I've got it installed, but not a chance yet to play with the update still. How's the experience so far?

Someone advised to me Albion. I am looking at Garritan Instant Orchestra.

I already own EWQL Symphonic Orchestra Gold XP, Kirk Hunter Emerald and Virtuoso Pro, Kontakt (NOT the latest version - I think I own NI Komplete 4) and Miroslav Philharmonik (sampletank).

I also own EWQL Symphonic Choirs and Storm Drum 1.

So I am pretty well stocked up on orchestral instruments and am not up to upgrading Komplete to the most recent version (Kontakt acts really finicky for me - never can rely on it).

I just need some orchestral effects, much like Vivace has. However, I really like what I hear with Garritan Instant Orchestra for what I am missing and the Aria engine looks great.

Would Albion help me in any way? Symphobia (1 and 2) is a bit expensive for me right now - money is VERY tight - and I can JUST afford Garritan at $150. Spending $400 to $700 is just impossible right now PLUS I have to get the newest Kontakt.

Of course, I am not in a rush and can wait for a big client to come in - but until then, I feel Garritan IO would serve its purpose for now.

What do you all think? With all that I have, would Albion really be needed?

Mike

Mike, I think you answered your own question quite well.

If you really need another library then sure, go for GIO. You can always get Albion later. I don't think Spitfire Audio is going to go away for a while. And I think you will be really happy with GIO in the meantime. Maybe you'll even decide that you don't need anything else. I know that even some Garritan nay-sayers have commented that it sounds really good.

You're on Komplete 4... so what version of Kontakt is that? It sounds like you're having a lot of trouble, so probably a wise thing to stay away from Kontakt based libraries until you can afford a more recent version (and resolve whatever other computer issues might be making it so problematic for you ). I don't remember right now whether Albion comes with Kontakt Player (I think it probably does) but it does require at least that you have the latest version 4 of Kontakt. You would have to double check. Also Spitfire is a British company so you're putting our dollar up against their British Pound... so kind of expensive if you're in the U.S.

Project Sam items aren't an issue as far as Kontakt since they do come with the player. OE requires v5. Also, you are aware that Vivace is also Kontakt based? (v5.02 required and compatible with the free player)

All of which is why I said, I think you answered your own question already.

I have Kontakt 2 - that is what comes with Komplete 4. It is a pain in my tush.

I have noticed that the Kontakt 2 player is much more stable than Komplete 4's Kontakt 2. I have no problems with that - and I use it for Garritan JABB v2, EWQLSO Gold XP Pro, EWQLS Choirs, Stormdrum, Kirk Hunter Emerald and other libraries (they come with it). I just cannot edit anything or make combis. I don't know why, but a brand new install of Komplete 4 plus updates cripples Kontakt 2 - I cannot even define the core library folder - it just hangs.

I have no other software of any kind that crashes on my system. It is totally stable and without problems. Just Kontakt 2.

Mike

Kontakt 2 is extremely outdated, and most sample libraries today use Kontakt 3.5 or 4, minimum.

Yeah, I know. I am just not willing to update to Komplete whatever at this point - always updating each and every year - I just cannot afford it and I don't even use most of the product.

Oh well. Does not matter. I am mostly using Halion, Vsampler and whatever comes with my sample libraries anyway.

Mike