Hi,
This is probably one of those asked/answered 12,000 times. So this is 12,001. 😃
I mostly do 'progressive rock' recordings. I'll use a lot of orchestral backgrounds but they are -not- usually of the 'Epic Videogame' style. I usually do more 'Stravinsky' than 'Hans Zimmer'. For years I've used East West Quantum Leap Orchestra and Symphonic Choir. Works fine. I also have the complete VSL Chamber Strings and Tenor Sax for more intimate stuff.
But now I want to do more complex orchestrations that will require occasional bits of string quartet/octet (think Eleanor Rigby) and a chamber orchestra with the brass/winds/strings up front--ie. carrying the melody. So they need to be -far- more realistic (especially the solo instruments).
I've got a budget of around 500$... with a little flexibility. I don't necessarily need to get -everything- on my list all at once but I DO want to get enough articulations to sound convincing on what I -do- get (ie. the main problem with EWQLO is not the tone, it's that there simply aren't enough articulations to do complex melodies that sound 'real'. The solo brass and winds sound -fine- IMO. But the solo strings? Oy veh! Terribly synthy)
I don't need 'Epic' instruments or a Piano or much percussion. Instead I want to focus on decent solo strings and orchestral strings that can do more realistic lines--especially a good range of staccato articulations that do repeated figures well. I can wait on mutes. I am comfy working with VI Pro.
So... is Special Edition a good choice? If so, what 'bundles' or 'volumes' will do me the most good?
To give you an idea of where I'm at, I'm also considering Embertone solo strings (which to my ear seem quite good.) But I figured it's cheaper if I can get a 'bundle' from VSL (assuming the SE solo strings are decent.)
Your thoughts?
TIA!
---JC