Best full orchestra as first library?

[exponent1]

Ewqlso, or one of the stripped back VSL packages. They both have amazing sounds, and a few drawbacks (ewql has an odd way of prioritizing which instruments need which articulations, and also is bad with their naming of patches, on top of the fact that th “play” engine is still pretty crap, then with the VSL stuff you’ll have to spend time with mixing, Ewing, reverberating and panning to get things sounding like they are in a nice space together), but I think these would probably get you moving pretty nicely.

The albinos and similar products focus on ensembles and ways to lay down an idea without having to have tons and tons of tracks going, this will sacrifice lots of flexibility though.

If you don’t need very deeply sampled instruments and you are looking purely for a “writing tool” than GPO is a legit option, and cheap too.

This is legit advice, thanks! I'm looking forward to virtual orchestration for final production not just sketching. I'll explore the VSL starter editions.

Kirk Hunter Diamond or NI Symphony Essentials (there should be sales in winter)

Thanks, I'll look into those too.

[jancivil]

The thing about the Synchron-ized SE is you are given a 'proper' orchestral seating and a really nice room, while you can make all kind of mixing decisions in that paradigm, vastly more than the Kontakt Spitfire, Orch Tools 3 or 4 mics/trees. And being SE, you grow from there with breaks on the more detailed products. Also significantly reduced promotional price now. Vol 1 "Essential Orchestra" 220 euros.

The interfaces by VSL are so much better than these other things. Orchestral Tools is coming out with a new one, though, don't know when it'll be out.

[el-bo (formerly ebow)]

I'll explore the VSL starter editions.

Just make sure you are in full accord with their license agreement, with respect to lost license, dongles etc. It may have changed, but it used to be that they would expect you to pay 50% of a new license fee, by way of recovery, if you happened to lose or have your dongle stolen. Something similar, anyway. Either way, it was enough to put me off ever considering their software. No interest in supporting such draconian and anti-customer nonsense

[el-bo (formerly ebow)]

I really like Amadeus from SonicScores, but I have no comparison...

I have this, also. Nice little all-rounder for an amateur such as me. Also have Soundiron's Hyperion Micro (Might take advantage of the current upgrade to elements).

[enroe]

I'm currently using the free Virtual Playing Orchestra to learn orchestration, will try
and buy something commercial during Black Friday sale.

VPO has already the basic articulations (sustain, staccs, ... ) and the attack
can be set by mousewheel.

So VPO is a good start to learn playing instruments and instrumentation.
This way you'll experience what articulations you'll additionally need for your
special style. And that would be a good starting point for looking for a bigger
library with more articulations.

Maybe you don't need the whole range of articulation the Vienna Symphonly L.
gives? You must find out for yourself what you really need.

[exponent1]

I'm currently using the free Virtual Playing Orchestra to learn orchestration, will try
and buy something commercial during Black Friday sale.

VPO has already the basic articulations (sustain, staccs, ... ) and the attack
can be set by mousewheel.

So VPO is a good start to learn playing instruments and instrumentation.
This way you'll experience what articulations you'll additionally need for your
special style. And that would be a good starting point for looking for a bigger
library with more articulations.

Maybe you don't need the whole range of articulation the Vienna Symphonly L.
gives? You must find out for yourself what you really need.

Agreed! I think it's more of GAS for me now. I'll stick to the free resources for now while I learn. Thanks for the response.

[Ah_Dziz]

Kirk hunter’s stuff is good. I used it a good bit in the Kontakt 2 days. I would bet that it is comparable to many of the “Bigger names” out there.

[jancivil]

I wouldn't.

[vitocorleone123]

I really like Amadeus from SonicScores, but I have no comparison...

I have this, also. Nice little all-rounder for an amateur such as me. Also have Soundiron's Hyperion Micro (Might take advantage of the current upgrade to elements).

Hyperion Elements is out now (micro owners get discount) for $79. It’s a full, punchy, modern, chamber orchestra. No winds or percussion.

[jancivil]

Not a full orchestra then