Solo strings libraries recommendation?

[cdbaksu]

I'm searching for a solo strings library to layer on top of my BBCSO (core) and also use as a sketching tool, and was wondering about my options to what I'm looking for:

- (Great sounding) solo strings to sit on top of BBCSO,
- Must run natively on Apple Silicon (so no Kontakt as of yet),
- Feature some-kind of ensemble patch to be used for sketching.

So far the options I've been eyeing are:

- Spitfire's Abbey Road Two: Iconic Strings (core) - great sounding, runs natively on Spitfire's Player, has the 'Arranger' feature,

- OT Berlin Strings First Chairs - not as great sounding as AR2?, runs natively on SINE, unsure about ensemble patch?

They are both 300€, but I like AR2's sound a little more than BSFC, and I'm not interested in upgrading my BBCSO to PRO for the first chairs (which would be more expensive). I've also been reading all sorts of horror stories about SINE on here, but have had no issues what-so-ever with Spitfire's player. So while I'm leaning more towards AR2, I have to ask:

Is there any other library I'm perhaps not aware of that would satisfy my needs in this price range?

Thank you in advance for any advice, and apologies if I've posted in the wrong place.

[Mr Arkadin]

I like Spitfire Solo Strings for layering, although that's with Spitfire Chamber Strings which are both recorded at AIR. I probably wouldn't use them too much soloed, but layering and writing is good, and the cello and violin have a great performance legato articulation (hopefully the viola and bass will get it one day).

As always, if you're not in a rush, wait for some sales. My BBCSO Core upgrade to Pro last sale was about for example £300.

I've had no problems with SINE, but I only have the free libraries and I have yet to be enticed to buy anything from OT.

Have a look at VI-Control for lots of opinions (sometimes too much into the minutiae to be honest):
https://vi-control.net/community/forums/sample-talk.32/

[edit]I just realised Solo Strings isn't available as a player (yet?), it's Kontakt, so outside of your remit, sorry[/edit]

[jancivil]

I have yet to use the one Spitfire thing I have which uses its bespoke engine, I mean that isn't LABS. But LABS has been very problematic as stuff simply forgets how to exist on my system for no reason I can determine.
And SINE has never been a problem. It's far from my favorite engine, as there is no host automation available in what I use, if at all.

Personally I would choose Orchestral Tools over Spitfire per se. So it's hard to advise anyone on these matters, because it accounts for taste. There are numerous other options. The VSL Solo Strings, in the VI player has a basic version at 175 euro. It's fairly well outfitted at that.
https://www.vsl.co.at/en/Solo_Strings_B ... le_Content
where you may compare articulation sets. A true strings maven will want the full, which is over 2x as expensive. Their interface beats the hell out of all others, tho.

[Mr Arkadin]

I don't know if something has changed in recent updates, but LABS (with which I had the same issue with as jancivil) works absolutely fine these days, as do the other Spitfire Player libraries (I have seven). They've improved a lot. I'm on PC with standard stuff like Cubase and Studio One, I think jan is on Mac using VEPro which may factor into it.

[jancivil]

It may well, but it isn't just that it fails to load the thing in VE Pro, the app itself doesn't seem to know what's on here vs not.

EG: I do want this 'Trumpet Fields' installed and working. I uninstalled all of LABS last year, it's not one of the ones I reupped evidently but there's no install button, it's acting like it's there while there is no sign of it on my system. It's a PITA, it's doing the opposite of creating good will here. It's doing that with all the things I recall using. It takes a wholesale deletion and reset, here, just incoherent.

[Chr!s]

I like the Berlin "Nocturne" violin.

Also I would consider exactly how much you plan on using the solo violin. It can just be cheaper to hire a live player in the long run if it's only for a piece or two.

[rasmusklump]

I love the Ircam solo instruments 2.But they need the free UVI Workstation to run. But that is native m1 compatible.

[jamcat]

Kontakt has a release candidate for M1. So you should include Kontakt libraries in your search.

That said, either Audio Modeling Solo Strings, which are pure physical models, or Sample Modeling, which are sample/physical modeling hybrid instruments powered by Kontakt. Samples are by Peter Siedlaczek.

https://audiomodeling.com/strings/solo-strings
https://www.samplemodeling.com/products/stringsv2

Both are incredible, but Sample Modeling may have the edge for tone and realism, while Audio Modeling wins for versatility and control.

[cdbaksu]

Thank you all for your advice!

I went ahead and got AR2 for the sound alone. There's just something about this library, perhaps a sense of realism that I haven't heard in any of the others.

Cheers!