Performance Legato Winds are recorded so well and seem to behave in this perfect way. The silent stage really is a visionary concept which surprisingly no one has caught up with. On top of that, the recording team is a world class ensemble in itself. And let's not forget the very patient musicians who are really singing wonderfully with these instruments which now sit on our hard drives.

Dave Connor

I like the French Oboe perf. legato samples. I think that package contains the finest sampled instruments of all time.

does the cor anglais that comes with french oboe do the same for the viennese cor anglais, that the french oboe does for the viennese oboe? Does this question make sense? What I mean is, is the cor anglais that comes with french oboe sound as wonderful as the french oboe itself? (can't bring myself to like the viennese instruments and still use my Esi32 samples for the double reeds.)

@rawmusic said:

does the cor anglais that comes with french oboe do the same for the viennese cor anglais, that the french oboe does for the viennese oboe? Does this question make sense? What I mean is, is the cor anglais that comes with french oboe sound as wonderful as the french oboe itself? (can't bring myself to like the viennese instruments and still use my Esi32 samples for the double reeds.)

Short answer - Yes. The English Horn is played in the 'French' style, meaning with very expressive vibrato - beautiful. The Eb clarinet is a wonderful bonus as well, just as good (maybe better) the VSL's Bb clarinet. In short - BUY IT! (if you can afford it.)

-mvanbebber

wow - quick reply. Thanks for that. I might just have to buy it now. Need to either drug the wife first and do it before she wakes up, or cry solidly for 2 days....

@rawmusic said:

wow - quick reply. Thanks for that. I might just have to buy it now. Need to either drug the wife first and do it before she wakes up, or cry solidly for 2 days....

That was funny, but true. When I need to get a VSL "fix," I don't tell the wife, I have a separate bank account for that type of stuff. eBay has been my source of "music toys" income for years now - you'd be surprised what people will buy! Maybe you could give that a try... [:D]

-mvanbebber

@rawmusic said:

does the cor anglais that comes with french oboe do the same for the viennese cor anglais, that the french oboe does for the viennese oboe? Does this question make sense? What I mean is, is the cor anglais that comes with french oboe sound as wonderful as the french oboe itself? (can't bring myself to like the viennese instruments and still use my Esi32 samples for the double reeds.)

I love all of Pro Ed - BUT the best 'value' to date is the French Oboe library (with additional instruments as mentioned). There is not a bad sample in the bunch. Simply stunning [[:|]]

Rob

Just purchased. Agree completely. Aside from that my fave is the solo strings. Layered and by themselves they are incredibly useful. Worth the money for sure.

I have not tried the synful stuff so I can't say they are as good of a deal now but I don't regret that purchase for one second.

Clark

Without a doubt: The Solo Strings. For months I've just toyed and played with them, they're so beautiful. Then, just last month I finally copped [Irish slang: 'realized'] how to get the perf_tool working with Kontakt and, I mean, WOW!! Just LISTEN to that violin portamento, perf_legato and _detache.

I'm strongly considering getting the Chamber Strings. Does anyone here have both? Do the Chamber strings measure up to the Solos?

From What I hear - the Chamber strings do LOTS of stuff the ensemble and solo does not. I also REALLY like the sound of the samples. IMHO - they are the best recorded of the lot. Wish I had $600 to get them (and another PC to have them as part of my template).

Rob

Banquo,

In a word, yes.

I wouldn't say they are better than the solo strings but they are more versatile, being perfect for divisi work for the larger strings or in a pop setting with rhythm section, etc. I also layer the solo on top of the chamber to get extra movement from the sound.

I bought the chamber strings a week before they went on sale (argh) but I don't feel cheated because they sound amazing and work really well with the other strings. Definitely worth it. They are a steal with this sale.

Clark

thanks for your input Clarkcontrol, I can imagine how they would be more versatile. they have the 'ensemble' patch for lazy people [:D] which the solo strings doesn't have [probably a good idea, would it even be useable?]

there are times when I don't want something as heavy as the Opus 1 violins, but i usually just go for the GPO 'orchestra bulding' technique. Works nice, i have to say [:)]

On the other hand, I love the Greig allegro on the demo page..
/me ponders...

anyway, the point i was originially making: Solo Strings rock.