I am currently scraping and saving $$$ to purchase some VSL product because it seems to be the very best.
Here are my system specs:
Dell Studio XPS 8100
Intel Core i7 CPU 870 @ 2.93 GHz
1.2TB hard drive
8.00 GB Ram
64 bit OS
At this point in time, I am specifically interested in the Solo Strings. I am focusing strictly on working in the string quartet genre.
I primarily input notes via midi, by hand. Although I might "play" notes in more often in the future, for now drawing the notes in one at a time is fine.
I understand that I can use the stand alone software, i.e. the Vienna Ensemble. But I cannot see how the notes are put in using that. I am open to getting something else if that is easier.
That is the background pretty much on what my needs are.
Here I am interested in any feedback, suggestions, or whatever information might be useful from you more experienced VSL users.
Thank you personally for any time you may put in on this on my behalf.
jamsa
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At the very beginning, please advise...
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As has been stated, VSL ensemble is just for playing back the samples. You may want to research the forum for information on how VSL works with notation programs (a whole separate forum area). What program are you currently using to enter notes: Sibelius, Finale, Cubase, Sonar, other?
At the very least, getting a second hard drive, just for storing the samples would be wise if at all possible. When you start using the same drive for all audio content creation tasks, overall performance quickly decreases. Using VSL samples is very different from simply using a computer's internal sounds.
Also, with concentrating on string quartets, try to save up for the solo strings extended library as well. For maximum realism, having both the standard and extended libraries would be helpful (though the standard library alone will certainly enable you to get started). As a classical bass player, for a traditional classical sound, VSL solo strings (even those in the SE versions - what I currently have, though solo strings are currently on order) are by far the best, IMO. They offer the most articulations, and allow the greatest number of bowing choices, not unlike how a player approaches a piece.
What audio card will you be using? It is highly advised to get at least a semi-pro audio card. If at all possible, stay away from a "Soundblaster" type card - great for watching movies, not so great for audio content creation. Even something like an inexpensive M-Audio Audiophile 24/96 would be better than a Soundblaster for content creation (the Audiophile 192 is somewhat better though). Echo also makes some good budget audio cards. Roland/Edirol would be another budget option. It would probably be best to stay with either a simple PCI, or PCIe card, or perhaps even a USB card (higher latency than PCI or PCIe). A firewire audio card is likely to be iffy on a stock Dell (to get good firewire audio card performance there are some very specific chipset requirements).
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OK, thanks. I currently use Propellorhead Record. I know this will not work with VSL. So, I am also looking into something to cover that side of things. From poking around here, it sounds like Cubase is a good candidate. I wonder if the Cubase Studio five would do the trick, or do I need to spring for the top of the line, Cubase 5. Any thoughts on that one?
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I really like Cubase (Especially the VST Expression, which is also perfectly supported by Vienna)
I think you should be fine with Studio Edition.
Possible Limitations I would see for my work with Vienna Products:
- Limited Number of VST Instruments (32 VS 64)
- Some Plugins Missing (Only Algorithmical Reverb VS Algorithmical + Convolution Reverb)
Best regards
Gabriel
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My current hard drive is 1.2 terabytes. Would I still prefer a second drive? I agree, I will want the extended version too. I am still a bit unclear about the sound card stuff. I had an M-box which seemed ok to me. But, it doesn't support the Windows 7 platform, so it is useless... Guess I'll talk to my local music store about this, see what they recommend. thanks for your responses! ~j~@noldar12 said:
At the very least, getting a second hard drive, just for storing the samples would be wise if at all possible. When you start using the same drive for all audio content creation tasks, overall performance quickly decreases. Using VSL samples is very different from simply using a computer's internal sounds.