Free BBO - next step(s)

[Dreams]

Hi all

I am writing because I am in doubt. Where should I go from the free BBO. I am new in the world of orchestral libraries. I have also downloaded Spitfire BBCSO free version, but i believe the VSL is the way for me - below you'll find my thoughts on this:

I am thinking of buying the following: Andromeda and I am in doubt if i should buy Violins (Lyra, Musca) and some percussion , but what is the difference between Eridanus and Dorado?

Also I have been looking into SYNCHRON-ized Special Edition Volume 1 + 2, but then I don't need Andromeda - correct?

It is very frustrating, there are so much out there and so many companies producing orchestral libraries - how should i decide. I've read reviews and seen videos, but it does not make it easier.

Maybe I should just buy Andromeda (or Nucleus or Metropolis Ark 1 or BBCSO Core and the list goes on) and use it for a while and se what needs will show up?

Budget: aprox. 400 €

So if some can help/advice and help me in the correct direction, I would be very happy :-)

Best regards

 Dreams

[jhstrong]

Hi there!

Welcome to the amazing world of VSL! I've been using VSL products for almost 10 years, and I highly recommend starting with the SYzed Special Editions. I started back long before the Synchron Series and SYzed libraries, and I have to say that the Synchron Player is very intuitive and easy to use. The Special Editions are a great place to start! It gives you access to individual instruments, along with a few select ensembles, crafted with impulse responses in the beautiful Synchron Stage in Vienna, but you can opt to use the dry samples in the Mix Tab and Mixer Presets in the Synchron Player. I hope this is helpful!

Cheers!
jhstrong

[Dreams]

Thank you for the greetings - yes it sure is amazing and thank you for the response as well.

So you would advice me to buy SYNCHRON-ized Special Edition Volume 1 & 2 instead of the Andromeda with Lyra and Musca?

Why do you advice the SYzed instead BBO - I mean the BBO is a newer product than SYzed?

Also do you know what the differences are between Eridanus and Dorado - both are percussion and drums!?

Sorry about all the questions 😳

Thanks again

[jhstrong]

Hi Dreams, I only advise for the SE because of the access to individual instruments with access to certain ensembles. I feel like BBO is great for “sketching” in terms of orchestrating for ensembles. But the SE is great for access to individual players. Obviously, it comes down to choice and what you’re looking to accomplish with your new Virtual Orchestras, but that’s how I like to use the VSL libraries. The BBO focuses primarily on sections rather than individual instruments and players. With SE 1+2, you gain access to ensembles, but also individual instruments for solo passages. Regarding Dorado and Eridanus: Eridanus features pre-programmed riffs for percussion, while Dorado is just percussion ensembles that you’ll need to program for passages and riffs. I hope this is helpful! Cheers, jhstrong

[Dreams]

Hi jhstrong

Tanks again and you have been very helpful. I believe you are right, I should go for the SYzed as it i have access to individual players of the orchestra. If I, in the he future, would like to have a "sketching" library will  the Andromeda go well with the SE 1 + 2?

Br. Dreams

[jhstrong]

I believe Andromeda will go well with the SE! Considering they’re all using the sonic “signature” of the Synchron Stage, they’ll blend quite well together.

[PaoloT]

It depends very much on what you want to do. For an essential orchestra, including all the solo instruments ready to use, I would go for Synchronized SE 1 and 1+. It's not the new generation, but it sounds great and it is ready to be integrated to more recent samples. This is excellent for classical writing.

Paolo

[daviddln]

Hi

Personally, I would recommend BBO Series over SY-zed Special Editions. BBO libraries were recorded at the beautiful Synchron Stage. And also, there is the 2 + 1 offer this month. So, if you have 400 euros, I would recommend Orion (woodwinds), Lyra & Musca (Strings) and one of the Brass packs. It should cost you 385 euros.

Best, David

[PaoloT]

@daviddln said:

Personally, I would recommend BBO Series over SY-zed Special Editions. BBO libraries were recorded at the beautiful Synchron Stage.

Being aware, however, that these are for the most part ensemble libraries, with no solo instruments (and only strings sections).

But it all depends on what the OP is trying to do with orchestral libraries.

Paolo

[Dreams]

Thank you everybody for the input. I decided to go for the Andromeda and the Synchron-ized 1 & 1 plus.

In this way I will have the "sketching" ensemble package as well as an inspirator (is that a word?) and get solo instruments as well. Time will reveal my future needs 😃

As I wrote in my first post, it is really difficult to choose a library as a beginner. There are really many products and reading on diverse forums etc. is just more confusing. We'll, when i started using Cubase I have always looked into VSL as, in my ears, they sounded more authentic and not "candied".

It has been really helpful to get input from other users of VSL - thanks a lot 👍

Now I am just waiting for the license key to arrive 🎵

Best regards Dreams 😉

[PaoloT]

@Dreams said:

Thank you everybody for the input. I decided to go for the Andromeda and the Synchron-ized 1 & 1 plus.

It seems a nice balance! The bare&bone tools, and the massive sound of the full orchestra!

Paolo

[Dreams]

Yes, Paolo, I hope so. I can't wait to get my hands on these products.

Do you know if Andromeda is replacing BBO Free and therefore I should delete/uninstall BBO or should I just let it be as is?

Br. Dreams ;-)

[PaoloT]

@Dreams said:

Do you know if Andromeda is replacing BBO Free and therefore I should delete/uninstall BBO or should I just let it be as is?

No, the Free (I call it 'Alpha') library and Andromeda are different, and to me they can be considered two halves of the same library.

Paolo

[Dreams]

Ok, so the Alpha has features that Andromeda has not and therefore I should keep the Alpha version as well?

I that correct understood?

[PaoloT]

@Dreams said:

Ok, so the Alpha has features that Andromeda has not

Not features, but different sounds. You can use them in the same piece. Andromeda is richer in content, but 'Alpha' contains something different.

Paolo

[Dreams]

@PaoloT said:

Not features, but different sounds. You can use them in the same piece. Andromeda is richer in content, but 'Alpha' contains something different.

Paolo

Thanks, I understand!