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  4. Need a bit of help starting off with VSL

  • Need a bit of help starting off with VSL

    M
    M

    Hey, first off I'd like to mention that I already own the EWQLSO platinum plus and some of their ethnic instrument packs but I'm currently looking to expand. Now, I don't think that the EW stuff is bad per say, but I do dislike the Hollywood-esque sound and prefer dry samples with lots of different articulations especially since I'm a master student in music technology and composition/work in the field. I'm looking to expand generally speaking but I do realize budget things could limit me. I'm currently thinking about using 1000-1200 euros or so.

    As I've mentionned I really prefer more realistic and dry libraries, especially as I'll be working with SPAT and possibly orchestral compositions with the use of ambisonics. The main thing I've been looking at is the VSL stuff sometimes sounds so dry that it hurts, but at the same time gives more possibilities and they seem to have the most articulations available.

    I've been wondering about the SE bundle but then the articulation list is a bit more limited or perhaps go for full chamber strings or Dimension strings. Hell, I've even considerd stretching my budget and going for both Dimension collections that are out. Any thoughts? I do want to expand but I also realize that the budget is limited so I might only have to do one section, in which case solo/orchestral strings is probably the best bet.
  • civilization 3C
    civilization 3C

    Besides the amount of articulation, which when you go deep VSL provides SO much more than other orch libs, a thing VSL has that no one else even approaches is the Dimension paradigm, which records individual players as they are playing in ensemble so your ensemble comprised of individuals matches reality in a way that is unique to sample libraries.

    I think if I could acquire both that I would without  second guessing. Otherwise I base decisions on articulations per dollar amount.
  • N
    N

    Welcome.  You mention a couple specific libraries, but one question: what sort of music do you see yourself writing?  What do you most need?  If you need a basic full orchestra SE can be a good way to go.  The full libraries (standard + extended) offer several long-term benefits over SE, not to mention far greater articulations.  Certainly, if you are looking for something different from EWQL, then either chamber or solo strings can be a good starting point.  The VSL woodwinds are also highly regarded.  Dimension has many advantages also.

    In any case, if your budget allows, and you do opt for a full collection, try to get both the standard and extended portion.  The extended portion adds many articulations, and dynamics as well.  When seeking to do a realistic as possible mock-up, having the widest range of articulations can be helpful.  Again, the key is to have a good idea of how you intend to use the library.

    Another option, if you opt for SE, and even if you go with the full libraries, is - once you get comfortable using the free VI software player - is to get VI Pro.  VI Pro gives much greater control over the samples, and the "stretch" function allows the creation of all sorts of alternate articulations.  The "humanize" function can also really help with realism by allowing one to program subtle intonation and timing errors.

    Also, FWIW, having used both "Play" and the VSL player software, VSL's software is in an entirely different league than Play, and the ability to fully create your own custom matrices in VSL a real help.  VSL's articulations are also much more consistent from instrument to instrument than is the case with EWQLSO. 

    As for general overall sound and flexibility, I have come to greatly favor VSL over EWQLSO.  To me, VSL has a much more traditional orchestral sound.
  • M
    M

    Thanks for the answers so far :)

    I mostly write traditional classical music and some more contemporary type stuff. At this point I'm not really scoring for film with the typical dramatic sound and neither am I interested in that. I also often use sample libraries to help when writing for an actual ensemble, so I can get a bit of a better idea of how something would sound.

    I'm aware of the extended libraries, and my thought was that whatever I get should be extended and to get VI Pro no matter what because of the extra functions. I like to be able to really edit to get as much realism as possible.It just seems to be a very difficult choice for where to start. The special edition bundle seems fantastic, but at the same time the amount of articulations per instrument are rather limited.
  • PaulP
    VSL Team
    PaulP

    Hi maladie, 

    The Special Editions are generally a good starting point, as they provide you with a lot of instruments that are more flexible than you think, especially in combination with VI PRO. 

    And there are upgrade paths available, so you can add more articulations for different sections or instruments as you need them in your arrangements (you might not need the Wagner Tuba Extended Library...). 

    Best, 

    Paul

    Paul Kopf Head of Product Marketing, Social Media and Support
  • M
    M

    Thanks Paul. Really thinking of getting the full SE bundle. I can't seem to find the sampling rate of the samples though, any info on that? Is it just 44.1, 48 or 96?
  • PaulP
    VSL Team
    PaulP

    Hi maladie, 

    it's 44.1kHz/24 bit.

    Best, 

    Paul

    Paul Kopf Head of Product Marketing, Social Media and Support