This is a little piece I did to put the the software Cinematic Strings 2.1 through it's paces.
I used one instance of it for each of the 5 string sections: Vlns 1, Vls 2, Vlas, Cellos, Basses. I tried to make use of all the important articulations: Arco, Tremolo, Pizz, Stacatto and Trills.
It was sequenced in Logic with no added processing except some slight panning. The reverb belongs to CS.
I include a (simplified) score.
When I have time I'll sequence the same tune using Vienna Special Edition orchestral strings and compare.
PS, the violas should be divisi but I couldn't be bothered to reflect it in the score!
I hope someone may find it useful or interesting. :)
Replies
Wow! That sounds fantastic! I have been really wondering on getting Cinematic Strings 2. Is it worth it? I have looked at many others like Hollywood Strings, Vienna, Symphobia, Orchestral Essentials, etc. This one really struck out at me. I have Logic as well. You think it's a good buy?
What do you think is a good virtual orchestra library? I can't decide among the plethora of choices! And prices...
Quinn Mason said:
Hmm.. Alrighty. I have just at $500 to spend. I know there are libraries out there that have strings and all these other things in the program. But I'm just interested in getting a good orchestral sound. I'll look into those! I have heard and did small research on GPO but haven't heard of Sib 7. But yeah... I know 500 may not be a lot. But I am finding that it is enough to get a decent library. It's just my options are a little slimmer!
Quinn Mason said:
Hiya Joshua
I haven't actually tried Hollywood Strings as I've been put off by the CPU resources it's said to require. I've got VSL Special Edition and the orchestral strings it has I've found a little thin but I'm going to sequence this piece with them for comparison (when I have time) The full Vienna strings might be better but I get the feeling they are not designed with the same intent ie big fat sound. I like the Vienna solo instruments a lot though.
I also have Orchestral Essentials but the way the strings are organised is in full string patches for each articulation which are limited to arco, trem, stacc and pizz. I don't think it's nearly as detailed as CS but again, I've not played with the full Symphobia library.
All in all I'd say CS is a good buy but I'm still playing around with it and sometimes struggle to make it sound how I think it should! That's the same for all virtual instruments I guess.
For the price, if you need decent strings, I'd recommend it.
Okay, sweet! Thanks for the insight. Looking at Orchestral Essentials, it did seem kinda squirmy and as if they tried to fit too much into one pack. Yeah, virtual instruments can be..interesting to say the least. But thank you again! :)
Michael Tauben said:
Wow. This is an amazing sound set and a cool piece! I would have guessed it was a real string orchestra if I had only heard the recording. I think the second violins are too soft, but I haven't found a system where that isn't the case. Does anyone know if there is anything like this that has the full orchestra?
Hey Quinn, If Ray had known your age he probably would have cut you some slack but comments can only be taken at face value. GPO did serve me for a while too but with all software instruments one soon discovers it's limitations. Even a top of the range pro library is a long way short of the real thing. I found GPO not 'weighty' enough for professional or broadcast application but a useful sketch pad.
As you say, it all depends on money. I've learnt that it's a false economy try and get a whole orchestra for a budget price and it is better to start with one or two real quality instruments or sections and save up for the next.
Unfortunately all this technology, although it's great fun, is an unending drain on ones finances and every year a new and better product appears.
Hey Michael this is a great piece of writing and you've done a great job here.
Personally I like CS. It has a couple of issues but overall it's one of the best libraries for sound straight out of the box.
Thanks James,
I do find some aspects of it problematic and have found I need to work at it to get it to sit in an arrangement with other sound sources. I haven't used Lass or Hollywood or any other major string library so I can't really compare. I'd be interested in what your issues with CS are.
Wow sounds great! I went to their website and I must say I was very impressed! Thanks!
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