pre-purchase advice/questions

[whinecellarstudio]

Hello,

I'm new to the VSL scene (been a big fan of several competitors), but after hearing some recent demos and checking out the new VI interface, it's time for me to jump in.

I could use some advice though. I absolutely MUST have Appassionata Strings - exactly what I've been looking for. However, I'm also stoked about Solo Strings and Chamber Strings. BUT, I can't get them all right now due to other budget priorities...

Here's the big question. Would it be worth getting the older Horizon versions of Solo Strings and Chamber Strings for now (as they're less expensive than the VI versions) - or would I kick myself later because the VI interface is so much better? I'm a heavy EXS user, and if I understand what I've read, the Performance Tool will take care of a lot for me without a whole lot of tweaking?

Also, is there an upgrade path from the Horizon versions to the VI versions? Please forgive my ignorance - still trying to wrap my head around the many options and hierarchy of the whole VSL world. Maybe I should ask this - is the Horizon series even available anymore now that the VI line is essentially the "new hotness"?

Thanks so much in advance - can't wait to jump in!

Jim Daneker
Whine Cellar Studio
www.whinecellarstudio.com

[cm]

welcome jim,
well, i'll leave comments regarding appass to the more qualified friends, but there are kind of upgrade paths from say horizon chamber strings to VI chamber strings (a discount on the extended library of the VI chamber strings collection is given when you have registered horizon chamber strings) - please see our discount calculator and check the respective combination.

horizon solo strings might be hard to find meanwhile though ...

the performance tool for exs works as a plugin to exs and basically handles the legato transitions automatically, although there is an alternation and a repetition mode also, which might need some more user interaction and understanding - please see the tutorial teasers here http://vsl.co.at/en-us/68/331/211.vsl

IMO the biggest advantage of the Vienna Instruments player is to have an instrument on a single midi track instead of needing several ones for different articulations, though points of view might differ
christian

[edited for typos ...]

[Christian Marcussen]

@Another User said:

Here's the big question. Would it be worth getting the older Horizon versions of Solo Strings and Chamber Strings for now (as they're less expensive than the VI versions) - or would I kick myself later because the VI interface is so much better? I'm a heavy EXS user, and if I understand what I've read, the Performance Tool will take care of a lot for me without a whole lot of tweaking?

You would absolutely kick yourself. Wait till you can afford it.

My advice would be to get APP strings. Then if you dig the interface and working with VSL you can save for more collections. If your not sold, then you only spent monet on App strings, and can get the Horizon series if you prefere working with regular samples.

[whinecellarstudio]

That's what I figured. I would much rather have many articulations in one instance than have to call up lots of EXS's.

Thanks for the comments. On more question: I've heard so many great things about Epic Horns - are they available in VI format, or are they only available in the Horizon series?

Thanks again,

Jim

[Christian Marcussen]

They are part of the Brass II package.

[dsstudio]

I think you should get EXS24 Solo Violin NOW!
Then buy a VI solo Violin later for a full Standard ... then get an extended for only 35$ - you'll have both FULL solo violin and EXS24 version, that way you can call up lots of instance [:)]
Sonny