Vienna Symphonic Library Forum
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  • Special Edition, Pro Edition, and recommendations

    Greetings everyone,

    My name is Daniel Andrews and I'm a pianist/drummer and an aspiring composer.

    For a while, I've wanted to get a more realistic orchestra sample library (using free/tiny/outdated sample libraries and other such things doesn't work so well [:O]ops: ).

    After listening to a number of the largest sample libraries, VSL has stood out to me as having some of the best solo instruments, the best legato performances, and all in all the best collection of instruments.

    That said, I was hoping that you seasoned composers and pros would be able to give me a little advice and point me in the right direction.

    So here's the ultimate question I want to answer:
    Should I get the full Pro Edition (currently discounted) and GS3, or should I get the VI Special Edition?

    It seems that a lot of samplers are using the VST and stand-alone plugin approach instead of using an external program like Gigastudio. Would any of you recommend sticking with Gigastudio, or would I get better results/be-more-future-proof going with the newer Vienna Instruments as a VST plugin? (I'm using Cakewalk Sonar 6 producer)

    Besides a larger number of instruments and articulations in the Pro Edition, and 24-bit with a lesser number of instruments/articulations in the Special Edition, what major differences exist between the Pro Edition and the Special Edition? (More velocity layers in Pro?)

    I hate to ask questions that may be so obvious to you, but I must learn somehow, and what better place to ask than here. [:)]

    Thanks VERY much in advance for any ideas and suggestions. [:D]

    // Daniel Andrews

  • I think you could cut this decision down to one line: You get what you pay for - the price tag is quite different for your choices. While VSE having a more broad view with bits and pieces from many VSL products, Pro Ed. stays more focused on orchestral sounds. There are not only more velocity layers for most, but also more articulations that could make quite a difference in renditions, making it easier to get a realistic orchestral sound. But buying Pro Ed. won't be the last investment into VSL sounds, as you may find yourself wanting to add another VSL color (e.g. Epic Horns, French Oboe), while VSE could already satisfy you with offering the basics of most of VSL's products. If your goal is ultimate realism in mockups and your writing and orchestration skills could make use of what Pro Ed. is offering, I'd take this route. If you do worry about being future proof - you could still update the Pro Ed. to VSL VI's. The by far less expensive route not offering ultimate realism but a solid base to build up on is the VSE one. Saving a few pennies here will allow you to extend it by the things you like better with VSL VI's or from other companies.

    Good luck with your choice,
    PolarBear

  • Thanks for the advice.

  •  I'm sorry as it's probably to late but i would  buy the Pro editions as you will get much more samples and much more details. I hope it's not too late because there's a 30% off going till sept 15.


  • I ordered the Pro Edition last week before the discount ended. EDIT: And it seems that the 2nd post in this topic got lost in the forum conversion. :(

  •  I thought i saw a post earlier. I think you made the right choice. I've translated mine to K2 and things went rather well but it's still needs work. Being able to load/save the scripts with the instrument is very cool. And you can load a lot more samples in K2 than you can in giga, on a Pc that is.