[noob] Where to start with Sibelius and VSL?

[NotationMaster]

Dear all,

first post here ever. 

I use Sibelius Ultimate 2020.3 on Mac and I would like to get better sounds than what is included while not losing the still acceptable if not decent articulation management of the Sibelius Sound Engine.

I am a full-time music engraver so by now I do not need something stratospheric, just something that has a Sibelius SoundSet, that it is reasonably easy to install and configure and that gives me a) better sounds and b) some kind of management possibilities. 

Could you please point me towards the best product for a true starter as me? Also, is it possible to have a trial period? 

Forgive me but I need to start from somewhere. I will probably make a ton of stupid questions and I apologise for that in advance. 

Thank you so much everyone and I hope everyone is safe and well.

Yours

NM

[andi]

Hello Michele!

Thanks for your interest.
For starting I would recommend getting the SYNCHRON-ized Special Edition Volume 1. You have the most important orchestral instruments with their most important playing techniques included there.
https://www.vsl.co.at/en/Synchronized_Special_Edition_Bundle/Synchronized_Special_Edition_Vol1

We have made Sibelius sound sets for almost all of our libraries. So all these libraries can be integrated in Sibelius. As an introduction I recommend checking out our VSL and Sibelius tutorial.
https://www.vsl.info/en/tutorials/guides/sibelius-integration/introduction

I'm sorry to say that it's not possible to get demo versions of our libraries, but if you don't like a product, you can return it within 14 days after the purchase.

Best regards,
Andi

[NotationMaster]

Thank you Andi, very appreaciated!

While browsing I had seen this product: https://www.vsl.co.at/en/Starter_Editions/Smart_Orchestra. Is this a completely different thing? Better/worse? 

Now for a couple more questions:

1. assuming I would purchase the one you advised, would it come through download or through a physical support? My Mac has 500GB and is 4years old so filling up quite quickly. Is it possible to load the samples from an external drive? Should it be an SSD to avoid loss of performance? 
2. concerning the license: is the usb-licenser the only way? Just because in an age where USB-C connectors are widespread keeping a dongle attached and the risk of forgetting/losing/it breaking is much more realistic than one would think. Should one always have 2 keys in case one fails? Isnt there an e-licenser option? 

Thanks for the tutorial! I have pinned it for watching! 

All theb est

[andi]

Hello Michele!

The Smart Orchestra is not better or worse than the SYNCHRON-ized Special Edition. It has a different concept. The sections of the orchestra have been recorded in groups for Smart Orchestra. So you can get good sounding results pretty quickly. It is easier to control with DAW software though. To get your scores with all the single voices to sound good, I would rather recommend the SYNCHRON-ized Special Editions.

All our libraries are download products, but can be ordered in physical form in addition. You get this option after putting a product to the basket. Anyway, the physical devices you can order from us are just for installation and not the device that should hold the installed sample content. SSD devices are recommended, but not required for all library products. The SYNCHRON-ized Special Editions will also work with normal hard disks. With big orchestral arrangements you may have performance problems though.

The eLicenser key will hold your license(s) and is our copy protection. Our products can't be used without it.

Best regards,
Andi