Which Spitfire String library is right for your track?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- A bit of a comparison video, at Spitfire we've made a lot of different string libraries, so theres a huge amount of choice. I've made a quick side by side comparison of the big 5 so you can easily and quickly check out how they sound and what is right for your composing style and the sound you want to achieve on a track.
The five libraries are:
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Symphonic Stings: 0:35
Chamber Strings: 0:53
Studio Strings: 1:18
BBCSO: 1:38
Hans Zimmer Strings: 2:18
Symphonic Stings: 2:47
Chamber Strings: 2:39
BBCSO: 3:04
Symphonic Stings: 3:51
Chamber Strings: 3:37
Studio Strings: 4:08
BBCSO: 4:22
Hans Zimmer Strings: 4:38
Symphonic Stings: 5:13
Chamber Strings: 4:53
Studio Strings: 5:30
BBCSO: 5:47
Hans Zimmer Strings: 6:04
Thank you for those timestamp. Really usefull!
Yeah whoever made these timestamps in the actual video should be fired lol
Spitfire Chamber Strings is next on my list. Wonderful sound, reminds me of that classic primetime British (specifically ITV) detective drama sound!
Chamber Strings: Uncomperable textures
BBC & Symphonic Orchestra: Room character
Studio Orchestra: A combination of texture and room
HZ: Huge epic cinematic sound
That pretty much sums it up!
Thanks that helps.
I currently only have the HZ strings out of these selections and everytime I start playing with it, it puts a huge smile on my face instantly. Its definitly the most fun and powerful feeling thing you can do and Im so happy to have discovered spitfire.
HZ strings really stand out in this video. Bigger and more alive without sounding too hyped like a lot of newer libraries on the market. I guess I gotta start saving up...
IMO Symphonic Strings are wonderful. Big enough to provide that kind of immersive bed of sound feeling, yet defined enough for melodic parts to stand out in a dense orchestration. Top 1 pick for me.
Thanks for your feedback!
My issue with Symphonic Strings is that the timings are off on some of the round robins in the pizz patches. The legato patches are lush, though.
This is the exact video I needed to watch! Thank you so much, Paul
Thanks Josh, glad its useful!
Very useful - and some beautiful little vignettes you've composed to illustrate the libraries. Struck by those vivid chamber strings and rich BBC strings. I know Spitfire gets a lot of 'Not another strings library' grumbles but this video shows the huge variation in feel.
Thanks for the kind words! And yes thats it exactly - its about the choice of sound and texture.
I had no idea you were into composing but I guess the name should have tipped me off.
@@elliespohr Spitfire libraries feature in the music for virtually all my videos. Their Albion Tundra library is a huge favourite I have to work hard not to overuse :8)
@@TheraminTrees Tundra *is* beautiful and it's actually the one causing me the most grief during these sales. I keep having to prioritize other "more versatile" libraries but its day will surely come. Anyway, keep up the great work. Your videos are some of the best out there.
@@elliespohr Thank you. And I wish you a satisfactory resolution to your Tundra grief :8)
Cinematic Studio Strings user, but BBCSO sounds pretty good to me. Just feels more alive than the rest. I also can't say enough good things about the free version. What a gift to the world of music. I use the cello trems all the time.
Glad to help!
Very useful. Thank you!
Hi Paul. Thanks for this video. Burning question: You used BBCOS, but which patch did you use to have the full orchestra ? I have to choose between the string groups (violin1, violin2, viola, celli etc etc) . I don't have a full string preset on my BBCOS.
Great video Paul!
I own a TON of SA libraries (honestly, the majority of my commercial libraries are SA libraries).
I have found a method that is not really covered here.
I mix, match and layer for even more unique string ensembles and sections.
Other than my BBCSO library, I tend to experiment with many different SA strings libraries until I find something that works well for what I am composing.
So, many of the SA libraries are great as individual entries. However, owning a few different SA string libraries, opens additional 'doors' to new and interesting sounds. You just have to step out of the accepted conventions of orchestral music.
Yes I do this a lot when I'm writing - its a great way to get even more depth into the sound!
I am not piano player. I am not musically educated but I think Ican fill the music. And your tutorials help me to create music. Thanks a lot ! Subbed.
I have Chamber Strings and you can double these up using midi transpose function and also get that 'symphonic' sound (in fact I think it's better than Symphonic Strings as it has more definition) I also have Studio Strings which I mix with Alternative or Solo Strings as my chairs for a more 'close' sound or for pop/rock/hiphop arrangements. I did like the BBC on this too, but Chamber Strings are my favourite.
Thanks Allan - yes I sometimes use that on Chambers, its almost like an overdub sound, still intimate but somehow thicker in texture.
Have a couple of these already but I think Chamber Strings is next on my list.
Much appreciated, Paolino.
This demo makes me so happy I got BBC Pro last Black Fri. Though there's a lot to be said for Symphonic and Chamber. I can see the usefulness of each though not all are my thing.
Thanks! Its great to have that choice - music is so subjective, we all love different sounds. And sometimes even on diff days we choose different sounds!
Very useful! Is this "mix one" you mentioned for BBCSO something you get with the Core version? I'm a bit afraid of not having access to individual mics as things might get a bit too roomy for my needs.
Thanks! Yes this is the mix you get with core.
Thank you for this.
Glad its useful!
I love all of these sounds.. the one thing I am not sure of.. do you have to learn/know how to "program" them for the different nuances, like plucks, long strokes, etc? I hear for example orchestra pieces and have the sounds from Spitfire Audio (cant stop spending money on all the incredible libraries.. just got Neo and Aperture!).. but I am unclear if I have to somehow learn how to use the different sounds to get what you guys do in your music.. or it's just selecting the right patch and it all just works. If I do have to learn.. is there tutorials on how to use those various types of sounds (like the strings, cellos, drumline drums, etc)?
Hi Kevin - there's no really any specific things, just try all of the different sounds (make sure to check in the advanced folder where more sounds live!) - and go by the sound. If you are having something that will be played by live players there are just a very few things to bear in mind like, it takes a second to switch from bowed to pizzicato and back so you can't do that change without a break.. but mainly - follow your ears and just go for it!
@@PaulThomsonMusic Excellent! And thank you for all that you and team do! These videos are by far the best/most helpful of any I have seen. Plus.. you guys are amazing composers! You and the rest of the Spitfire Audio videos that come out are one of the few things I get super excited when I see an email with upcoming release!
Chamber Strings is my favorite. The ensemble patches just sound so good right out of the box, oftentimes I'll just use that and not even bother splitting it into sections. Symphonic Strings sounds great too, but the ensemble patch just doesn't work as well as the Chamber Strings one, so you need to write for the individual sections to get really good results.
And the Chamber Strings flautando ensemble patch is simply pure magic.
Thanks Justin - love the Chambers!
I own several of these libraries yet Symphonic Strings always seems to be my go-to.
Would be great to know how the new Appassionata strings fit in here too. Thanks.
Thanks Paul
You're welcome Karim!
Love your videos Paul. I only wish there was more of them :-) As a side note, what happened with your lighting? There's a lot of noise (visual noise, not audio) in your recent videos. It nearly looks like snow.
Thanks Nico! I am using a zoom lens to get a bit closer in but it has a lower aperture, I'm going to increase the lighting a bit!
Thanks for this Paul!
Anyone got any advice on the expression and dynamic automation? Despite recording it on live with faders or manually inputting, I can’t seem to get a natural realistic sound on the longs. Any sort of curves I should be aiming for?
Thanks Ryan - the problem most people have when they start doing this automation is making moves too quickly. you have a huge dynamic range between 1-127 - try just operating in a small range of that!
@@PaulThomsonMusic Ah thanks for the tip and for taking the time to reply Paul. I’ll give that a go and keep practising!
Damn those SS sound fantastic.
Thanks Jake! They are quite rich aren't they!
Love my SCS Pro, SSS Pro and BBCSO Pro but in the end, you cannot beat that “we are a real orchestra” feel of BBCSO. If someone came to this thread to decide what to buy, SCS and BBCSO are my top picks. Just noodling around to try and compose with the rich tone of SCS is crazy good, then BBCSO fills all the gaps. And no, I don’t work for Spitfire, lol. 😀
Thanks Paulie!
the shorts from SCS sound the best to me
They are bitey!
So many great options. Which libraries are the originals series strings from (Intimate and Epic)?
Thanks! So Epic is the oldest version of Albion 1 ('legacy') and Intimate is the old Albion 2 Loegria - but we've gone back to the tapes and remastered, tweaked everything.
@@PaulThomsonMusic that’s awesome! I have the Albion libraries on the wish list. 🙏🏾
I was surprised how good the chamber strings seem to be the one
They are very interesting - super small sections (4.3.3.3.3) but amazingly punchy!
Funny - I think the most realistic sounds for a regular (classical) symphonic string orchestra are Symphonic Strings for the legato, and Zimmer Strings for the spiccato. Wouldn't expect it to be spread out like that!
Very nice. What would be even more helpful is to say and/or demonstrate in what contexts each of these might be YOUR goto to achieve a certain feeling. Thanks!
Thats a great idea - added to my to do list!
@@PaulThomsonMusic Thanks! Looking forward to it.
I've already purchased BBC Symphony Orchestra and I'm sooooo happy with those amazing instruments. But I don't think I have enough yet. As soon as my bank account is no longer in the red, I think I'll go for Chamber Strings.
Yes BBC is a lovely sound. Lots of choice and variety across the collections!
Excellent choice!
I have no clue how to use different mices. Is this like putting different reverb on each sound?
Kind of - but don’t think about it as reverb. It’s the room. The absolute most significant thing that changes the sound of an instrument is the room it is recorded in. The mic sliders give you the ability to change the sound within the room - how much ambience and positional info you are using. Think of it as the “Tree” being the main component - then add more Close to add detail, and more Ambient to add depth and length. The mics are incredibly powerful to help you shape your sound.
@@PaulThomsonMusic And if each Kontakt instrument had specific room mice, wouldn't the mix be a bit muddy? Thank you for retrogade trick too. I'll personally buy if you and Spitfire decide to make a compositional masterclass.
I like the Studio String Professional but with a bit more reverb
I have only Albion One, plus all the Labs, a few originals and Eric Whitacre choir.
Such a hard choice as to what to get next. To my ear, HZ strings sounded the most different, cinematic I guess, from the rest. Perhaps Symphonic strings sounded the most beautiful to my ear.
I should probably get BBCSO as that gets me a lot more than strings. Can't afford Pro right now so probably Core, but will I be missing out on a lot with Core only. Wow Core is 27GB and Pro is 628GB, hmmm... is Pro something I should break the budget to get? Worth it?
I see Paul says in a comment "Yes BBC is a lovely sound. Lots of choice and variety across the collections!"
Music is a hobby for me -- which is what I will spend 90% of retirement doing -- not a profession so.... which is one reason why Albion One is really good for me.
BTW really love all the Spitfire does, including Paul & Christian's videos, and that series of Homay and Oliver making a film score, and the fact that they pay musicians royalties. It's all so great for the music world. I would love to come to England some day and see Air Studios, etc.
Thanks for your kind words Richard - from what you have described, I would say the Core version of BBC would be enough for your needs, but as you say they all have a very different sound. HZ probably the most unusual of all, and Symphonic the very typical hollywood big score sound. Symphonic has a huge variety of articulations so there's plenty to keep you going for a long time of discovery in there! But with BBCSO Core you would get good coverage over the whole orchestra so maybe thats the right choice. Its very subjective! Whichever you choose, you are supporting musicians and we thank you for this!
Thanks for comparison. BBCSO sounds most real for me.
It's good to use symphonic strings and when I need a divisi I use chamber strings
I would be curious to see some of the other String libraries as well for a total comparison - the Albions, LABS and Originals, and all those...
great idea - on the to do list - an ensembles comparison!
@@PaulThomsonMusic and the Appassionata and the Intimate Strings, and the Abbey Road ones... it's almost like y'all have a lot of string libraries! :D
yes an Albions sections comparison would be really cool. they each have so much individual character, but hearing them compared would likely provide ideas for combining as well! thanks for another great video@@PaulThomsonMusic
Paul, stop distracting me with your lovely voice leading and melodic use of harmony.
I'm so busy hearing the colours of the notes interacting in pleasant ways that I barely noticed the difference between a symphonic section and a chamber! :)
You are very kind Nic!
@@PaulThomsonMusic Not at all, great work as usual, Paul!
For that HZ pirates of the Carribean type of sound for me the best one is either symphonic strings or BBC
They've got that weight and punch! The HZ strings is much much bigger than those soundtracks so it is probably too big to do POTC.
@@PaulThomsonMusic Yes, for the short strings example HZ strings sounded a bit reverby and muddy in the low end.
I've bought a fuck ton. None of them have gone unused. TLDR: Get a nice base purchase like an Albion, then dive into their more "colorful" libraries. Longer version: I Can tell you if you're starting to get into this type of thing--the albions are full on vehicle. Buy it, go write you something beautiful. They each have a different style. But for my money, the odd shit is the best. The Hauchka toolkit is just fantastic for adding color to just about anything--and it's so unsuspecting. The strings and anything Hans Zimmerman--including that big ass piano recording at AIR studio is fantastic, but you're going to be paying for it. You will have to sell your grandma. Also, I don't like using strings ever, so while I have them, and Spitfires beat out the competition, they take up too much room in a comp. Be bold. Strip it down and make it good. Their Labs give excellent bang for buck. You can get some real unique sounds that will take your compositions in the directions you want. Orbis is another one that knocks it out of the park that adds color. The Whitacre choir--again, it's too good. It's like using cheat codes. It makes everything sound fantastic, but I try not to use it. I'm rambling. But look at their odd stuff. Don't go for the "obvious" orchestrated things. Pull your trousers down, be brave, and show people what you really have.
Which Spitfire String library is right for your track? Answer, all of them :-)
But maybe not simultaneously though!!
@@PaulThomsonMusic I have been guilty of using more than one in a project, but not all at once.
No faster legato patches in any of the Spitfire libraries saw me spend my money on their competitors this Black Friday Season.
Looks like your camera was struggling to pull in light from whatever dark cellar you're locked in lol
Agreed!! More light for things I'm shooting now!
Dont want to be rude but what is with the camera paul ?
The resolution is 360p because it's just been uploaded. Try waiting a few hours :)
Sorry - its the processing taking a bit longer than normal! should be HD now
@@PaulThomsonMusic Thankss!
A lot more deep hiss on the BBCSO. Why is that?
BBC and Hans Zimmer are the best hands down.
Chamber Strings it is, then.
I do love the Chambers!
@@PaulThomsonMusic one of the finest libraries in the spitfire catalogue. I am saving my money just for this one. Stay safe out there. I love your work
Short answer: all of them.
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For all the pomp/videos/adjectives, Abbey Road never made the list. Not good enough? Or rather not good enough!
It's not finished yet actually... the strings legato is only in the legendary low strings pack as of now, yet there is huge potential in ARO to be honest, it's nice when it comes to sound out of the box without tweaking. BBCSO has great playability, HZS has great sound, ARO ist pretty much in between.
@@instrugramm "Not finished" as we head into 2022? or simply not released (think of the drip drip revenue stream it generates).
It's not a full strings library.
@@pixelcat_yt At £449 and each selection costing nearly £50 until they brought out the collection at a reduced price, wouldn't you think ought to be? That's (CH excluded it from his 50% offer recently).
@@gowoke_gobroke Well, it just isn't. It's an ensemble sample library. Albion One is also 450 pounds, and it also is merely an ensemble library.
"sPacato strings" starts at 2:33;😉
Hey Paul Thomson why can't you pack your libraries into categorized libraries such as "strings", "woodwinds", "brass", etc?
That would save people like me from spending hundreds of dollars buying libraries only to find that the sound we are actually looking for is in another library costing hundreds of dollars more.
maybe read the descriptions before buying lol
@@nathanielwise508 Do the descriptions tell me if this is the particular sound I need in my music?
I usually listen to the sound to see if it fits what I'm doing.
Don't you?
The winner to me is Hans Zimmer Strings it the more powerful due to the number of players.
As the owner of Spitfire Epic Strings and Spitfire LCO Strings this video was quite surprisingly useless to me.