Vienna Symphonic Library Forum
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  • Performance Set and Garritan, Dan Dean, etc.

    Hi all, [H]

    Does anyone use the Performance Set with core performance libraries other than the Orchestral Cube - and if so, how good are the results you've gotten from that? From listening to the demos, the Orchestral Cube samples sound exceptional, but not much more exceptional than my Dan Dean and Garritans.

    I'm assuming that there will always be an advantage to using the Performance Set and the Orchestral Cube samples because they were recorded by one team, therefore fewer EQ tweaking is necessary, but I'm also very comfortable with using the libraries I have and am thinking about holding off on the Orchestral Cube purchase. But I'd like to know what the tradeoffs are from those who've already done this.

    Thanks in advance for your feedback

  • The first edition perf set covers french horn ensembles really well, and I don't find myself needing the orch cube much. The same cannot be said for trumpets and bones- they are missing dynamics, but this will change in the pro edition. I like the orch cube brass better than Dan Dean Brass Ens, but do not think they are in a completely different leagues- there are actually some similiarities, although Vienna takes to spacial placement with reverb better. Dan Deans samples are very centerd somehow, and are harder for me to work with placement wise - the naturual ambience of Vienna is just bit more flexible, I guess.

    I love the wind samples in the performance set, except for the oboe. The cube samples are not significantly better than Dan Dean winds in my opinion. The leg. of the perforance is definately the real magic.

    SI strings and the Performce set mix OUTSTANDINGLY well. I'm very glad I have SI to compliment the performance set. If I had to pick between the cube strings and SI, SI is definately my choice. I can't say the same for GOS, I like the cube strings better. I'm looking forward to mixing Vienna with more ambient libraries like QLSO.

    The percussion is nice but I prefer more ambience on some things. I don't think the results with Vienna perc. are significantly different that what I've achieved with LOP and UOP.


    Colin

  • I'm using the orchestral cube with Garritan Strings (as well as Miraslav Vitous, Siedlaczek and X-sample libraries) and think the VSL is essential mainly because of three reasons - 1, the legato which is of course normal for actual orchestral players, but utterly non-existent until VSL; 2, the quality of the pianissimo samples, which is throughout all the instruments extraordinary - very natural and warm, unlike many other cold-sounding sampled strings; and 3, the excellent programming which is very useable and practical unlike (again) some other libraries (for example, the use of velocity in a range restricted by the dynamic range of the instruments, instead of ridiculously huge as in the past). Though everything else in it is great also - the oboe is not liked by some people so far simply because it is incomplete - they haven't yet finished recording the vibrato espressivo samples.

    The Garritan is a fantastic, lovingly created library also, and a great compliment to the VSL in strings because it specializes in some wonderful subtle varied bowings and breaks down first and second vns, giving a perfect compliment to the Vienna legato sound (not to mention the other intense espressivo sounds, etc.) You probably won't go wrong investing in the VSL, Garritan or Dan Dean - they are all obviously very serious libraries and each have their own strengths and weaknesses. There is no "perfect" library, but the Vienna sure comes close!

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    last edited

    @scores4film said:

    I don't think the results with Vienna perc. are significantly different that what I've achieved with LOP and UOP.


    Colin


    But if you don't have LOP and/or UOP, Vienna perc is wonderful [:D]

  • I too have found the SI strings to excellent to add with the legato. I've even been doing a complete blend of the VSL and SI strings and find that it gives the overall sound a more realistic sounding texture. It has mainly to do with the natural ambience that is in the SI strings, which adds more depth and realistic placement.
    The SI library is much more complete in selection and articulations, plus it has a great sound. The main strenght in VL is the performances, which are out standing.
    Compared to these two, I find the GOS lacking.
    If you can only afford to buy just one string section, I would lean toward SI. But the best is having both.