Pre-purchase Questions from Sibelius User

[AndyM]

I recently came across this the impressive video at 

and have been reading through this forum and site for an hour or so now.   However, I still have a few questions, and I was hoping someone might be able to assist:

* I work primarily with Concert Wind Bands, Marching Bands, and smaller brass and woodwind ensembles; therefore, I was thinking that the best things for me to purchase would be Special Editions Volumes 1, 2, and 4.   Does that sound appropriate?   (Note:  I also have some scores that include choir + wind band.)    Should I consider the "Plus" editions/bundles (i.e., the "articulation expansions"?)

* I'm a little confused on how licensing works for multiple computers.   For example, if I have Sibelius installed on my home and work computers, would I only be able to use VSL on one of the computers?   Or, would it work on both with one "Vienna Key" (or would it require a second key?)     

* I see from the video that VSL includes a house style and a sound set for Sibelius (which is a great bonus!)   Are there sample .sib files available anywhere to test and see things in action after everything is properly setup?

* Can anyone suggest any other Youtube videos, website, blogs, recordings, etc. that feature VSL being used in conjunction with VSL?   

* What other software do folks here utilize to enhance and/or process playback in addition to their notation software?  (I'm speaking primarily with regard to users who would enter their music into notation software first, which might be the opposite of most in the music industry.)

* Any other thoughts, suggestions, etc?

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EDIT:   I just came across this video as well:  

   It does mention some tutorials which are available from within MyVSL.   So, I'll keep those in mind.

[andi]

Hello AndyM!

Thanks for your interest. I'll go straight to your questions.

The Special Edition volumes 1, 2 and 4 would be a good starting point for you indeed. You can't go wrong with the PLUS volumes either as they will add articulations.

You can install our software and libraries on more than one computer. The libraries can only be used on one computer at any particular time though. The key with the license(s) needs to be attached. You only need one key unless you use libraries in a network with Vienna Ensemble Pro.

I'm sorry to say that there are no demo .sib files.

Some users which start a project in notation software do the finetuning and mixing in DAW software like Cubase, Logic or Pro Tools.

There is a dedicated manual for registered users on how to use our libraries with Sibelius.
https://www.vsl.co.at/en/MyDownloads/Notation_Related

Best regards,
Andreas Olszewski

[AndyM]

Thanks!   I'm almost ready to make the purchase -- I just have a couple more questions:

* To impliment VSL with previously existing Sibelius projects, would I just import the VSL house settings and then follow the video for setting up the instruments, etc.?

* In looking at your PDF entitled "Optimizing Sibelius Playback with Vienna Ensemble", you list the various articulations for each VSL package starting on page 7.    My question is this:   You list all of the articulations for the Special Editions first, but then later on (pg. 13), you list articulations for VE Woodwinds and Brass seperately.   Since the Special Editions include most woodwinds and brass, does that mean that the articulations in this section (pgs. 13-14) are included with the Special Edition?

* Large concert band scores often use at least 34 staves/parts.   This will not be an issue with VSL using Vienna Ensemble, correct?  (In other words, I don't need to worry about getting Vienna Ensemble Pro. for basic Sibelius work, correct?)

[andi]

>> To impliment VSL with previously existing Sibelius projects, would I just import the VSL house settings and then follow the video for setting up the instruments, etc.?

=> More or less. Please note that the score will not sound great automatically, just because it is played by our samples. To make great playbacks, you have to finetune all notes in regards to best fitting articulation, dynamics, note length and start position.

The articulations listed in the chapter "… VE Woodwinds + Brass" are for our bigger instrument collections and single instruments. They are not included in the Special Editions. A detailed list about what's included in the various libraries can be found under "Sample Content" on every product page.

You can use as many instruments as you like and as your computer is capaböe of playing back. If you want to use more than 16 instruments in one Sibelius playback configuration, you will have to activate a second Vienna Ensemble instance.

Best,
Andi

[AndyM]

@andi said:

The articulations listed in the chapter "… VE Woodwinds + Brass" are for our bigger instrument collections and single instruments. They are not included in the Special Editions. A detailed list about what's included in the various libraries can be found under "Sample Content" on every product page

Thank you so much for the clarification.    With this information in mind, the only articulations I would probably regret not having are the glissandi, slides, and flutter tongue.   I think I can live without those for now, and could always buy the individual instruments later if there was a composition where I felt it was truly necessary.

The "VE Percussion" section (page 16) is vague, and I understand the reasoning for that.   My only question is whether I would notice a big difference in using the percussion instruments as included with the Special Edition versus the "VE Percussion".    Are the most common articulations and settings included with the percussion instruments in the Special Edition versions?

Otherwise, I did want to let you know that I am aware that no sample library can magically sound awesome played through Sibelius without tweaking and/or post production.  So, don't worry, I'm not expecting a miracle.   My only concern is choosing a high quality sample library that will do as much for me in the beginning as possible so as to minimize the post production work.  And, with the video and other documentation that you have created yourself, I think that VSL has worked harder towards that end than most other products.

Thanks!

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EDIT:   After the information gained in this thread I went ahead and made the purchase a few minutes ago.  I went with the Special Edition Bundles #1 and #2 and then the Special Edition #4.    Good use of the January 2017 sale!

[andi]

The most important percussion instruments and articulations are included in the Special Edition. To see what you get in addition by purchasing the Percussion instrument collection, please check out the sample content on the product page.
http://www.vsl.co.at/en/Percussion/Percussion_Complete#!Sample_Content

Have fun with your libraries.

Best,
Andi