orchestral libraries advice

[Scarlet Pumpernickel]

Am I correct in understanding, VSL uses it's own "DAW" and authorization system doesn't work with the iLok?

Also, here's the quote, I got from BestService' newsletter today:

"This offer is valid from June 20th, 12 pm CET. Vienna Ensemble Pro 7 is the most reliable and resource friendly music software solution for CPU intense and RAM hungry plug-ins. Speed up your work-flow by easily creating a network of multiple computers, or even when you’re on just one computer. The First License of Vienna Ensemble Pro 7 comes with Epic Orchestra 2.0. This packed 73 GB sample collection includes essential articulations of large string, woodwind and brass ensembles, drums and percussion, as well as stunning highlights from Vienna’s Synchron Series. Availability as single licenses, integrated FX, simplified automation and a remote app are only some of the new features. Get Vienna Ensemble Pro’s First License at € 145 and every Additional License at € 65, only through June 30th."

[enroe]

I am tempted to buy a decent basic set of orchestral instruments to experiment with.

Since you want to experiment first, I would check how far I get with the
"free libraries" if I were you. The best known are:

-- "Sonatina"
-- "Virtual Playing Orchestra"

But there are many more. And I know that some musicians have achieved fantastic
results with it. After you have gained experience with it, you can decide much better
what you need additionally: More articulations? More velocities? ...

Because when it comes to authentic orchestral arrangements, you will probably end
up with VSL. But maybe you don't need that level of detail at all?

I know some people who - almost in a buying frenzy - bought all kinds of small and
large libraries - with all kinds of dongles and activation mechanisms - and then found
out that they don't use them at all. They were more interested in the buying itself ...

[risome]

Spitfire Audio-They are not cheap but are very good value foe money in the long term.They also have sales and offers throughout the year

[Gamma-UT]

Am I correct in understanding, VSL uses it's own "DAW" and authorization system doesn't work with the iLok?

VSL uses eLicenser. I'm pretty sure you need the dongle - I don't think VSL supports hard-disk licences.

The instruments don't need Vienna Ensemble Pro, they run fine in a regular DAW. VEP simply makes it easier to spread playback across multiple computers or if you're using it on just one as a way of loading a big bunch of instruments and keeping them loaded when you switch between projects in the DAW itself. If you have all the sample instruments running from the DAW, they'll be reloaded when you change projects. Unless you're switching between projects a lot, it's not going to give you much and it's not something to bother about if starting out.

[jancivil]

Not sure this still applies, but around a year ago VSL liberated the VE Pro 7 demo from the elicenser process. Either way, 30 days w. full functionality.

[jancivil]

any other orchestral products that are in the same ballpark? (costing <300, requiring <35GB).

https://www.vsl.co.at/en/Starter_Editio ... oduct_Info

175 euro, installed size 9.9 GB.

[jancivil]

Regarding VE Pro “not going to give you much”
It runs your plugins in a separate process than the DAW host. It’s configurable as to allocation of ‘threads’, ie., cores. Its multicore handling is probably better than yer DAW. For a really orchestral approach, it’s def more robust and lets you do far more w.out freezing tracks, or having to commit to printing audio.

[Scarlet Pumpernickel]

After wading through VSL website, it looks like Epic Orchestra 2 (73GB!) can be run in a DAW through Synchron Player (VST, AU, AAX).
Currently it is offered in a bundle with Vienna Ensemble Pro 7 for 145Eur. To me, it's main drawback is the licensing system; also, as far as I can tell, it doesn't include any solo instruments (as opposed to BBCSO and Berlin Orchestra Inspire 1).

Edit: On closer inspection, Epic Orchestra 2 appears to include some solo woodwinds and brass, but I wasn't able to find any solo strings.

[jancivil]

No, there def aren’t any solo strings in it.

The size of it reflects that this is a sort of Synchron Stage library now. ie., you get everything w. the room sound. IIRC, you can eschew installing some of that bit.

[jancivil]

By “the room sound” I do not mean baked-in, it’s a mixer send paradigm. Synchron line uses a full-fledged mixer (incl an excellent algo ‘verb). Goes from totally dry to super ambient; channels have options, ie., close mic’d to mic’d further back and so forth.
The best demonstration I know of is the Synchron Yamaha CFX Piano product. on Youtube.

Epic 2 is not really comparable with anything else out there. You get teasers for non-traditional libraries like FX Strings and Smart Spheres. The latter is produced w. FX, and it’s more like synths than acoustic orch in the end. Their FX are fantastic. Saturation incl numerous tape machines modeled, chorus/flanger, plate, delays...
I’d have to look to see what the Epic Orch includes, which I cannot atm. But, your room sound is taken well care of, and the seating defined for you, in preset form

They’re dealing drugs, basically, first taste is free...

[Scarlet Pumpernickel]

Yes, it looks very impressive indeed although a bit eclectic.

Having said that, I think, there would be a lot less drug related problems in the world if soon to become addicts were required to buy (additional) usb dongle which they had to ensure yearly.

[cleverr1]

I recently decided to improve on the Komplete Ultimate libraries and here's what I found:
+1 for Spitfire BBCSO Core. I have the pro version which is the same thing with additional mic options. The brass is more subtle that some others, but the consistency and overall sound is breathtaking.
Also in that price bracket is EastWest Hollywood Orchestra Diamond which you could check out with a short subscription to their cloud service. You don't get solo strings as you do with the BBCSO.
These two have most bases covered here. To add to them I'm waiting for stuff to go on sale, like Trailer Brass for loud and in your face, and Embertone's Joshua Bell Solo violin.
As has already be pointed out once you cross the threshold it's tempting to blow a lot of money on this stuff.

[Scarlet Pumpernickel]

I recently decided to improve on the Komplete Ultimate libraries and here's what I found:
+1 for Spitfire BBCSO Core. I have the pro version which is the same thing with additional mic options. The brass is more subtle that some others, but the consistency and overall sound is breathtaking.
Also in that price bracket is EastWest Hollywood Orchestra Diamond which you could check out with a short subscription to their cloud service. You don't get solo strings as you do with the BBCSO.
These two have most bases covered here. To add to them I'm waiting for stuff to go on sale, like Trailer Brass for loud and in your face, and Embertone's Joshua Bell Solo violin.
As has already be pointed out once you cross the threshold it's tempting to blow a lot of money on this stuff.

@cleverr1 Are you sure, there are any solo strings in the BBCSO Core, because I didn't find any on the product page:

https://spitfireaudio.zendesk.com/hc/en ... O-contain-

I would gladly be proven wrong on this.

[jancivil]

scroll down:

The Core edition adds the following 7 solo instruments to the list:
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Horn
Trumpet
Tenor Trombone

[Scarlet Pumpernickel]

I did scroll down and what I read seems to contradict what cleverr1 has written:
"You don't get solo strings as you do with the BBCSO."
unless he meant BBCSO PRO.