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  4. Questions about content and sample quality (Cube vs SE)

  • Questions about content and sample quality (Cube vs SE)

    W
    W
    Hello

    I am considering purchasing VSL. I am comparing the Special Edition Plus Bundle Full (with the extended libraries) versus the Symphonic Cube (standard). I'm mostly interested in chamber orchestras at the moment.

    1. Are the sample qualities the same in both of these, or is the Special Edition some lower grade "reduced CPU" version of the real mcCoy?

    2. Is there a listing or chart indicating which samples of the Special Editions come from which individual DVD collections? I'd like to know what the overlap would be if I purchased the SE package and then started adding DVD collections.

    - Dan
  • Beat KaufmannB
    Beat KaufmannB
    last edited
    last edited

    Hello Dan

    and welcome in the family of VSL!

    Example for the Chamber Strings

    ...I'm mostly interested in chamber orchestras at the moment.

    A) Then I recommend buying the chamber strings (Full). You get all the samples for playing most of the stiles from baroque to Pop...

    Further: The chamberstrings library supports all the instruments with the same articulations. So even the basses come with trills etc.

    In other words: You will be able to play the strings part with a maximum of realism.

    B) In addition to the Chamber Strings I recommend the SE - Library (if possible the full version). So you will have the most important instruments of the orchestra (incl. Percussions, Harpsichord,  Organ,... check the table)

    Even if you only get some articulations per instrument (stac. portato short, sustain, sfz, legato, ...) you will be able to play nice and really sounding pieces - together with the chamberstrings. You also can collect experiences and you will love some instruments more and more. So later on you can buy the full library (Woodwinds, Brass etc.).

    In general: You can use all the possibilities of VSL with the SE Library as well but with a reduced amount of articulations.

    And a final word: If you are new to the subject "making music with samples" you will learn that it is a very complex matter. So, a good result doesn't only depend on the amount of articulations but also on a good audiomix, on the natural usage of samples (depending on instrument), on the arrangement and so on...

    That's all so far...

    I wish you a successful start. Choosing samples from VSL makes "half of the race" [;)]

    Best

    Beat

    Perhaps you will get further recommendations here... Let's  see

    - Tips & Tricks while using Samples of VSL.. see at: https://www.beat-kaufmann.com/vitutorials/ - Tutorial "Mixing an Orchestra": https://www.beat-kaufmann.com/mixing-an-orchestra/
  • W
    W
    wow thanks for a very comprehensive reply!
  • BillB
    BillB

     Which ever direction you go, be sure to get the Pro version of the VI player. It makes a huge difference.

    I'd also just reiterate Beat's suggestion to carefully study the intsurment listings and their sample content.  While the SE bundle covers all the basses, you also don't want to end up buying things twice.

    Dorico, Notion, Sibelius, StudioOne, Cubase, Staffpad VE Pro, Synchon, VI, Kontakt Win11 x64, 64GB RAM, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, August Forster 190
  • N
    N

    VI Pro 2 has many advantages over the free VI player that comes with the sample libraries.  However, since you are just starting out, I would strongly suggest that you learn to use the free VI player first, before looking at VI Pro.  The free VI player offers quite a bit, and while VI Pro is the better way to go long-term, it is far more complex.

    One advantage to the full libraries over the SE libraries is the number of dynamic articulations (found mostly in the extended portion of the libraries).  The dynamic articulations - a wide variety of crescendos, etc. - can help a great deal with realism.
  • W
    W
    Thanks to all for the excellent advice...

    Ended up going with the Symphonic Cube - if necessary I'll add the Chamber Strings II later. The SE package was very tempting - but I know I would just end up wanting the bigger package so I splurged a bit. Also ordered the Special Keyboards dvd to get the harpsichord.

    -Dan