Vienna Symphonic Library Forum
Forum Statistics

192,787 users have contributed to 42,853 threads and 257,642 posts.

In the past 24 hours, we have 2 new thread(s), 13 new post(s) and 175 new user(s).

  • Symphony Orchestra on MacBook Pro?

    Hello,

    First, I am absolutely thrilled at the quality and innovation of VSL products and website.

    I am starting a project with a concert pianist to arrange some of his music for symphony orchestra. I am a little intimidated by all the different options there are for editions, bundles, ... and software.

    So, here are my questions:

    1. Is it feasible to get a convincing demo arrangement with VSL on a MacBook Pro 2.8 GHz Core 2 Duo 8G Ram?

    2. Which library would I need to buy to do a full orchestra score?

    3. What VSL software do I need that runs on my Mac?

    4. What is your recommendation for a DAW/Midi editor for this (I used Cubase and Logic as well as ProTools to great extent in a former life)

    5. Does VSL play nicely with mastering converters like the Lynx Hilo?

    Thank you for your help. Cheers, Oliver


  • last edited
    last edited

    Hi oliverletz, 

    ThatĀ“s a tough question, as all terms you used are relative.... (convincing demo, full orchestra score...)

    IĀ“ll try an answer: 

    @oliverletz said:

    1. Is it feasible to get a convincing demo arrangement with VSL on a MacBook Pro 2.8 GHz Core 2 Duo 8G Ram?

    2. Which library would I need to buy to do a full orchestra score?

    3. What VSL software do I need that runs on my Mac?

    4. What is your recommendation for a DAW/Midi editor for this (I used Cubase and Logic as well as ProTools to great extent in a former life)

    5. Does VSL play nicely with mastering converters like the Lynx Hilo?

    1) This computer is already at least 3 years old (or is it 4)? You will reach a limit at around 25 instances of Vienna Instruments, I assume. 

    2) Ideally, the Super Package [:)]. It depends on the used instruments, articulations and section sizes, and of course on your skills, time and expextations.... 

    3) Again, it depends. Vienna Instruments and Vienna Ensemble come with each VI Collection, the Pro Versions and additional software (Vienna Suite, MIR PRO) need to be purchased separately. Here is a link to our video tutorials

    4) IĀ“d use whichever you like best. Depending on how long ago you lived your former life, you will see many improvements and changes in all programs.

    5) Our software behaves like any instruments plug-in, really. Hm, maybe I didnĀ“t understand this question....

    Best,

    Paul 


    Paul Kopf Product Manager VSL
  • With 8 gigs of ram, you will be limited.  You can run SE 1 & 2, SE 1+ and 2+ with 8 gigs of ram, but depending on what you mean by "cinvincing" demo, you may want the dynamics patches in the extended portion of the full libraries.

    Another key question: what do mean by full orchestra?  Are you looking at something along the lines of Beethoven, or say, Mahler?  From your post my guess would be that you are not looking to do "Hollywood". 

    With the full libraries, for a standard full orchestra, starting with Orchestra Strings I and II, Woodwinds I, Brass I (all standard and extended), and Perciussion 1 standard, will get you the Beethoven level orchestra.  Given you will be doing arrangements with piano, adding the Vienna Imperial would probably be wise.  Chamber Strings I would be very helpful for layering, as would Solo Strings I (but since you are interested in full orchestra, solo strings would possibly be a lower priority).  If you are looking for a larger orchestra, adding the 2nd woodwind library could be of use in order to add key secondary woodwinds.

    In general, it would be wise to try to figure out specifically what you mean by "full orchestra" first, and then start looking at libraries.  Also, if you really want to do "full orchestra" in a "big" sense, you will need a better processor, and probably 24 gigs of ram (or at least 16 as a bare minimum/32 if quad channel).


  • last edited
    last edited

    @Paul said:

    1) This computer is already at least 3 years old (or is it 4)? You will reach a limit at around 25 instances of Vienna Instruments, I assume. 

    2) Ideally, the Super Package . It depends on the used instruments, articulations and section sizes, and of course on your skills, time and expextations.... 

    3) Again, it depends. Vienna Instruments and Vienna Ensemble come with each VI Collection, the Pro Versions and additional software (Vienna Suite, MIR PRO) need to be purchased separately. Here is a link to our video tutorials

    4) IĀ“d use whichever you like best. Depending on how long ago you lived your former life, you will see many improvements and changes in all programs.

    5) Our software behaves like any instruments plug-in, really. Hm, maybe I didnĀ“t understand this question....

    Thank you Paul and noldar12 for your very helpful replies!

    You are right, I did not specify clearly enough ... let me try again:

    Convincing should be read as "proof of concept" to convince record labels, sponsors and other vested parties that the project has enough value to move forward with it. It sounds crazy, but we are actually planning to establish a brand new touring orchestra for this project. (Maybe I need help ... of the mental kind ... [<:o)] ) 

    Full orchestration ... well, as I said, we will be performing these scores with piano plus a 40 to 50 piece classical orchestra, depending on the final score. I know, this is not much to go on, but it's all I got so far...

    1. Yes, the computer is 3 years old. Looking at the demos and tutorial videos I would think that 25 instances of VI should give us a fighting chance to create the desired "proof of concept", no?

    2. Super Package ... hmm, interesting - I guess along with a full arsenal of slave computers ... a second phase effort, maybe. I was looking at the Special Edition bundles and thought that the complete SE bundle should give us the tools to at least create a useful scetch of what we are trying to create. Am I missing something here? Also, if we taste blood - so to speak - and see the need to upgrade to the full versions, there is a reasonable upgrade path, right?

    3. What am I giving up if I just use the non-Pro versions of VI software? Would the Pro versions even run cleanly on my Mac?

    4. I liked the patch switching with VST Expressions in your demo video. It seems a much cleaner approach than the key assignments. Is this only available through Cubase or does Logic have something similar? To be honest I could go either way in terms of DAW software. It's been about 16 years that I did any serious Midi editing (last studio in Baden bei Wien - currently hailing from Dallas, Texas). Which one has the best integration with VI and stable performance on MacOS?

    5. I am using a Lynx Hilo as AD/DA interface for recording and mastering. I guess that VI does not care what I/O the DAW uses if it is instantiated as plug-in. How about in stand alone mode? Can it use any audio-out defined in the operating system? 

    Thanks again for helping out an old dog (crazy, but still kicking ... so, off to another wild adventure!). 

    Cheers from Texas,

    Oliver


  • Hello Oliver in Texas...

    If this is opportunity knocking, you really want to get it right the first time.  [:D]

    Does the early stage of this project have a budget?

    If so, new or newer hardware must be considered.

    Perhaps the complete Special Edition Bundle with newer hardware is the way to go.

    Then as you've said, there are upgrade paths if necessary...

    If you blow your budget on samples without enough hardware to use them, this project could be over before it begins.


  • As a 30 year Apple user, (27 on the Mac) it pains me to say:

    If you have DAW options other than Logic, you may want to use them with VSL.

    Specifically, Logic and Vienna Ensemble Pro, do not care for one-another. Yes there are work arounds but you won't need them

    in ProTools for example.

    It's unfortunate because I've always found Logic much more user friendly than most DAW's


  • last edited
    last edited

    @Mike B Studios said:

    If this is opportunity knocking, you really want to get it right the first time.

    Hello right back Mike in Hollywood,

    I treat every opportunity - especially the self-created ones - as if this was the defining moment of my life. Anything less won't do. Getting it right the first time is still a prime objective when it comes to spending money on project specific tools (toys). As much as I never shy away from buying highest-end recording hardware, I am more than cautious with any computer hardware and software purchases. The depriciation curve is just too steep for comfort. Also, the time investment in getting up to speed on a specific system has to be taken into consideration. 

    Budget is as always with my projects - as much as necessary, as little as possible. 

    I was thinking of getting a Mac Mini as a slave for hosting VSL and using my laptop for the DAW and editing. Any thoughts on that idea?

    I appreciate the heads-up on the Logic front. I am not too surprised to be honest. ProTools unfortunately does not apply due to it's limited Midi editing functionality and the lack of notation integration. My last project was completely based on ProTools and I actually enjoyed working with the audio part of it. Unless I hear anything to the contrary I guess there will be Cubase in my future ...

    Thank you for your advise.

    Cheers, Oliver


  • Several in these forums use Mac Mini's or Mac Mini Servers in their (Master / Slave) chain, and appear to be happy with them.

    As for hardware I meant a new or newer computer, but I see you are addressing that. I should have been more specific there.

    Hardware encompasses so much in this world of music. Additional hard drives and maxing your Ram is always a good thing as well.

    Sounds exciting Oliver.

    Good luck.