Matching VE Dynamics with Sibelius Play

[randallshinn]

I am working on an opera, and since Vienna Instruments has no male voices, I have been using Sibelius 6.1's Sibelius Play for the voices, and VE for the instruments. I noticed that the soft dynamics on Sibelius Play were much softer, so I tried the option mentioned on another post and set in VE I set both Expression and Velocity Crossfade to use controller CC11. Now the dynamics match much better. I'll have to see if this approach creates unforseen issues, but it did solve the mismatch between Vienna Ensemble dynamics and Sibelius Play. (I have felt before that Sibelius's default dynamic values might be a bit exaggerated, but if I decide to adjust those values I can do it in the playback dictionary.)

I would also like to know if Vienna Ensemble Pro can be called up from inside Sibelius 6.1. If so, it looks like something I should purchase.

[andi]

 Hello Randall!

There is no problem in using CC11 for Expression and Velocity Crossfade at the same time. As you have noticed yourself, the dynamics may be a bit exaggerated, but if the dynamics of your other instrument are exaggerated too, it may fit. ;-)

Vienna Ensemble PRO can indeed be called up from Sibelius 6.1.

Best regards,
Andi

[randallshinn]

Thanks, Andi. I've purchased VE Pro and I'm in the process of trying it out. I noticed that when I was in the process of choosing a soundset that I had options such as VE Special Edition Plus and VSL Ensemble Special Edition Plus. Don't remember the latter possibility before. Is one newer or preferable over the other?

[andi]

The Special Edition Sound Set is for the Special Edition matrices and the Special Edition PLUS Sound Set is for the Special Edition PLUS matrices (matrices marked with "+").
As you have registered both collections, I recommend using the PLUS matrices and Sound Set.

Best,
Andi

[randallshinn]

Andi,

Just a quick note to say that playback with VE Pro and Sibelius is great. I gave up on Sibelius play for vocal songs because I didn't want the exaggerated dynamics of using CC11 twice, and I prefer the crossfade. Kontakt 2 seems to work fine in combo with VE Pro, so I've ordered Kontakt 4 to get their new choral library, and a 64bit playback module. VE Pro has sold me on the benefits of using 64bit processing to access the 16Gigs of RAM I loaded my MacPro with.

Now if you guys would only do a full choral library with some solo voices....

Quick question: does crossfading work on Timpani, or not (like the other drums)?

Randall

[andi]

Hi Randall!

Velocity Xfade also works with Timpani.

And here are some other good news for you. We are working on a full choral library that should be finished before Christmas. Just subscribe to our newsletter and you will receive all the latest news on our products. You can do that here:
http://vsl.co.at/en/Profile.vsl?ReturnUrl=http://community.vsl.co.at/forums

Best,

Andi