@Pieter Corten said:

Ha, care to explain further? I've read it's very advisable to complement your library with products from other manufacturers to obtain the best results in layering...

I have various libraries from various manufacturers, and I wouldn't recommend anything specific, since "best results" here is subjective and ambiguous, and I don't know what panache sounds like. For me, best results usually means using 16 or 18 violins for a violin section, not 36 violins.... I'd also ask your question to whoever advised you to layer.

Some people like adding Dimension Strings on top of other VSL string libraries to add complexity and realism. Other than that, you can mix and match, but it will take you further away from the sound of real strings, even if the impression is one of greater realism. It all depends on what you are writing; EWQL Hollywood Strings mixed with Dimension Strings can sound good together, but no real orchestra would ever actually sound like that. If you are just using DS to add shading and complexity to another library (without sounding like you're using two orchestras), perhaps it's best to just use whatever non VSL library you like the sound of, and then work with mixing them to get the result you are after. I wouldn''t consider mixing larger libraries such as LASS and Appassionata, but you might happen to like the sound it.

I certainly disagree that you need to mix libraries to get the most realistic sound, but there are certain advantages that you can find by mixing libraries.  In my opinion if you can't make something sound good with one of the newer current-generation string libraries alone, then the problem is not with the library in the first place.  It's something with the arrangement, reverb, etc.

There are certain advantages you can get from blending libraries, but that might be a bit more specific to your personal workflow.  It's not as much about "realism" as it is about your own needs.  For example I blend Dimension Strings + LASS because I need as many options for divisi as possible.  You might be looking for a particular blend of colors in which case you would find the libraries that fit your own particular preference.  Etc.

Are you using just the SE strings? If so then start by using MIRx on them (instant panache).

After that get the full libraries of the strings you like the most

Mixin libraries for string is simply must. I tried it several times. Just listen to any Jay Bacal demos here, I think he does it all the time. Of course, you must know what you are doing. It is not about mixing Orchestral strings with Dimension Strings but opposite. DS should be main sound and OS only to color it, beacuse DS doesnt sound like big orchestra strings alone and it is not intended to sound like that.

Try to litsten to real recorded orchestras, you hear one or two string players little bit in front and then all the players behind, this is jus for definition. Recorded music doesnt sound like if you are listening real performances, it is completelly different aproach.

If I can place 20+ microphones in MIR, it should be another story. Just listen to this www.digitalconcerthall.com one of the most sofisticated sound recording of orchestra on earth. It sounds beautiful, but nothing like real orchestra if you sitting in Berlin Philharmonic for real.

@Pieter Corten said:

I won't buy other articulations from VSL as I allready have the most important ones from the Special Edition bundle. LASS might not be the most realistic sound but it does sound beautiful...

Save your money and buy at least full standard library of VSL, it is huge difference. And I definitely save for DS instead of buying ANY strings library from other company.

I agree with Icecubeman.  Having started with SE and then some of the full libraries (standard + extended), while SE is good, the full libraries are in a completely different league. 

I agree with the others--don't buy others if you only own VSL SE.  I still disagree that mixing libraries is a must, though.  One single library in good hands can do anything.  Every library on the planet in bad hands can't produce anything that sounds good.

If you give some examples of the string sound that you are going for, I'm sure several people could suggest which libraries to look into.

VSL instruments are all recorded "dry" so that you can use any type of reverb and effects to shape your sound to what you want. Without any reverb on them they can sound pretty flat, but with a nice reverb and good panning they sound amazing, and with MIR they are incredible. That's why I suggested your get MIRx, (if you don't have it already). It will give you the big wow factor sound that I think you are looking for, and you can demo it for free.

It sounds like you are getting started in midi orchestration, so before you buy any more libraries, I'd suggest you make midi versions of several different pieces that you like. Starting with solo or solo and piano, quartets, chamber, then orchestra or just orchestra sections. You don't have to do the entire piece,  just  a page or two so you can try out the different articulations and see how varying articulations changes the realism. Learning midi instruments is no different then learning to play an actual instument, and there is a learning curve to the VSL libraries, but it is definitly worth it. Also, you'll get better results if you actually play each part into your DAW and edit the articulations, vel x-fade, etc... as you like, as opposed to entering the piece into Sibelius/Finale as their playback can sound rather robotic. You may also want to look into VIP, for it's humanize function, which you can demo as well.

I'm just throwing out these suggestions, because I don't know what your budget is. And, once your start looking at adding additional string libraries or LASS the cost can quickly add up, and that's not including the hardware you need to run them on, VEP, or more expensive versions of MIR!

My suggestion would be to work with SE and whatever other libraries you have for now, until you hit a point where no matter what you do, you just can't get the sound that you want, then start researching what you need to get that sound, it could be a midi trick, effects, or a certain library. I know from experience it is very easy to spend a lot of money on synths and samples that sound incredible on their own and are great fun, but once I added them to my studio their sound didn't blend with the rest of my gear or they just didn't have the features I needed for my workflow.

Best wishes,

Michael