Hi all-
I've read a bunch of threads on this topic and I understand the core differences between the VI and Synchronized libraries. But I can't seem to find out what's driving the price differences between some of the products across the two offerings that apparently have the same samples and articulations. These price differences make me think that I'm not comparing apples to apples when trying to chose between the product families (aside from the upgraded player and reverb options).
For example, the Synchronized Woodwinds page says that the product incorporates VI Woodwinds I and II, and sells for 345 euros. Great. So I would think that the Synchronized version, all things being equal, would be slightly more expensive than the VI version of the same, given that Synchronized comes with a new player and other reverb options. However if I go over to the VI page, it lists full VI Woodwinds I and II for a combined price 840 euros (current sale price aside), which is way more expensive than the Synchronized counterpart! Why would VI (the older technology), sell for such a premium over of the newer Synchronized version? What am I missing?
Is it that I should be comparing VI Woodwinds I and II standard libraries (priced at 320 euros) to the Synchronized Woodwind library (priced at 345 euros)? Or is that VSL is trying to signal, with pricing, to new users like me that we should forgo the old and more expensive VI versions and jump into the new products, given that, all samples remaining the same, the new version offers additional features for a cheaper price (less than half the cost of the old version!)?
Sorry, I'm a CFO by day (composer by night), so maybe I'm over-analyzing the numbers, but I'm trying to understand what VSL is trying to signal to us about their future product development with their pricing model before I go "all-in" and make a significant investment in their libraries. If Synchronized Woodwinds truly uses the same samples and articulations as VI Woodwinds I and II, as mentioned on the website, but yet VI is selling for more than twice the cost, it sounds like VSL is simply discouraging new users from purchasing their older VI product. I just want to be sure!
BTW, I have the same questions around Synchronized Solo String pricing vs. VI Solo Strings I and II. I believe the website indicates that the products use the same samples. If so, with VI's higher price, there would be no reason for anyone to invest in VI at all, right?
FWIW, I did purchase another vendor's woodwinds library after getting frustrated by VSL's site. Sad because I would much prefer to have just 1 go-to library and love the sounds of VSL (It's probably the only company that I think I might actually be able to use for all of my orchestral instruments ). Lack of a development plan, especially given the large investment required, makes me a little skittish. But given the current sale on VI instruments, I may reconsider if I can figure all of this stuff out and be confident in my purchase. With the standard pricing model, why would anyone purchase VI instruments?
Am I thinking about this right? Am I comparing the two offerings the right way? Is there a comprehensive spreadsheet or table somewhere that lists all VSL products by instrument and articulation across the various Synchron, Synchronized, and VI offerings? That would be HUGE! I would imagine that this would only take VSL a few hours or maybe a day to put together, but would be a huge win based on the similar feedback I've read on these forums. It's so simple that if this doesn't exist, it makes me think there's a hidden motive as to why it doesn't - which gives me cold feet about investing one product or another. Again, maybe I'm thinking too much like a finance guy ;-). I want to jump in but...cold feet!
Any advice is much appreciated!
Thanks!
