A belated welcome to the world of sample libraries!😃

Personally, I use Sonar but it looks lke you're on a Mac and I don't think Cakewalk makes a version for Mac.  Logic seems to be the go to DAW for Mac users but that doesn't mean you should jump the DP ship. 

Again, I would work with what you have.  Discover what limitations DP8 has and if they become intolerable to your work flow then consider something else.  It could be that DP8 might actually have more than what you need but first let's see.

As for your question about articualations, I like keyswitching.  I program the keyswitches into the MIDI in the Piano Roll view.

I've said this a thousand times on this forum before but I will say it again, never let the score dictate what articulations to use for the sonic realization of your score.  The written score may say "Legato" but for some reason a combination of portatos, sustains and portamentos just work better.

Again, welcome to the world of sample libraries!😃

Thank you (both) for your notes. I have already made quite a step forward with recording a DP track and then overdubbing keyswitches. The VSL libraries are quite stunning when you start to get control of them. 

Hi,

Use of the most suitable articulation for each note is key so you can end up with a lot of articulations on a single midi track. I used to hand enter the articulations as often I needed changes quicker than I could reliably switch from my keyboard. What sped up the process for me was using the VSL remote (free) on an iPad the connection being over WiFi. You can record all the articulation commands as you go and then move them if necessary in your DAW.

Also use of volume control, crossfade volume and positioning each instrument appropiately in a mix all helps.

Finally if an articulation is not quite fitting try others that might not appear to be obvious choices - in the mix they may provide the desired effect.

Julian

Thanks for the info. Where can I get the VSL remote program. I looked in the Apps store using my iPad but it wasn't there.

Thanks Beat

I am intrigued by your phrase, ""world of controlling VI". I wish I knew what that means, because I want to be more aware of how to use these incredible samples that I have purchased.

P

Hi daerp,

The VI PRO Remote App is actually a browser based app, and there´s a dedicated manual available for it here.

Best,
Paul

Thanks for the reply. I understand now.

Paul

@daerp said:

 and Digital Performer 8 and Finale 2014.5. 

Sould I be looking at purchasing Cubase? Is VSL more suited to that enviornment.

Regarding workflow...: If you are into Finale, and prefer to work in traditional notation, it is pretty straight forward to use that as a front end to a DAW.  Personally, I use Cubase (and to a certain degree Reaper) and VSL VEP to host all the instruments, and route MIDI OUT from Finale to the DAW via internal (virtual) Midi Cables.  When you record arm the tracks in the DAW you have live, interactive playback any time.  If you want to record Midi into the DAW you just press the red button... much simpler than exporting and importing Midi Files.  Articulation switching is done with Finale's Human Playback system.  The culprit (for many) is that you have to learn and program that yourself.  A starting point for learning this is to look at some premade files, such at the one available from VSL, and expand on that. My orchestral template uses HP Prefs for 13 different libraries from over 10 companies. (PM me if you want to know which ones:)). It works great, and there is usually very little post-editing to do in the DAW if you utilize Finale's capabilites to the max, such as Shape Playback etc...

best,

@daerp said:

 and Digital Performer 8 and Finale 2014.5. 

Sould I be looking at purchasing Cubase? Is VSL more suited to that enviornment.

Regarding workflow...: If you are into Finale, and prefer to work in traditional notation, it is pretty straight forward to use that as a front end to a DAW.  Personally, I use Cubase (and to a certain degree Reaper) and VSL VEP to host all the instruments, and route MIDI OUT from Finale to the DAW via internal (virtual) Midi Cables.  When you record arm the tracks in the DAW you have live, interactive playback any time.  If you want to record Midi into the DAW you just press the red button... much simpler than exporting and importing Midi Files.  Articulation switching is done with Finale's Human Playback system.  The culprit (for many) is that you have to learn and program that yourself.  A starting point for learning this is to look at some premade files, such at the one available from VSL, and expand on that. My orchestral template uses HP Prefs for 13 different libraries from over 10 companies. (PM me if you want to know which ones:)). It works great, and there is usually very little post-editing to do in the DAW if you utilize Finale's capabilites to the max, such as Shape Playback etc...

best,

If you have your music complete in Finale, you might be better off exporting a midi file and leaving it in your DAW. Passing MIDI through a virtual cable won't give you the most important advantage of a DAW, which is more powerful MIDI editing; a realistic mockup requires lots of MIDI editing. I export midi with no human preferences into Cubase. I would use MusicXML, but Cubase can't import it properly from Finale.

@johnstaf said:

If you have your music complete in Finale, you might be better off exporting a midi file and leaving it in your DAW. Passing MIDI through a virtual cable won't give you the most important advantage of a DAW, which is more powerful MIDI editing; a realistic mockup requires lots of MIDI editing. I export midi with no human preferences into Cubase. I would use MusicXML, but Cubase can't import it properly from Finale.