Beautiful score, this is how you hear a musical heart sing. This library doesn't make it nowhere easy for us to write scores with. But those who do get past the steep programming, end up with perfection.
I've since re-installed SS pro 2 after watching this post, and am I glad I did. Very cool features I never bothered with previously. Thanks for the post.
Best video on these strings. Thanks. These also have a unique feature when playing all of the sections at the same time, the GUI separates the sections DIvisi style, and you can change the split points with the keyboard graphic slider. This is great for fast, one pass, studio strings in one pass that sound authentic without the doubling that happens in most single ensemble patches of most strings libraries. I don't know any other strings libraries that have this feature. $149 upgrade pricing if you own NI Studio Strings Pro is a steal for these.
Thank you for the good video .What I do enjoy about the string library is how I can customize the articulations .I prefer to use four separate instances of the individual instruments than using them all in the single application .
Your reviews are great! I'd love to see one for Session Horns Pro, half review, half tutorial. I have trouble getting them to sound as good as other users I've heard. I'm sure you'd have some great tips.
You make it sound better even that NI's own demo video. Thanks. I have a good reverb, VSS3 which will make it sound good. I tried to demo 7th Heaven a while ago but at that point I think they needed you to have a iLok dongle or something so I passed on it. I'm very happy with Vss3 though.
Yeah, I agree. I don't own Session Strings Pro 2, but more often than not I use Session Strings (1) Pro instead of Strings Ensemble from Symphony Series because I don't like the way they play/sound. They're not bad, but they're not good either
Excellent video, it covers elements that are not even covered on NI's videos. So glad you demoed the violins isolated. Question: What about round robins? Are there enough? Or do you get that gun machine effect if you played repeated notes on some articulations?
Hi. Can u please cover a Sonokinetic's phrase-based library. And please focus on the midi export region and how can we use midi data with other libraries.
Hey Cory, once again thank you for your time and continued comittment and dedication in providing top quality reviews on sample libraries to us all. It really does help the likes of us that are looking to buy sample libraries but unable to decide whether they are good or not, which your channel showcases so well! It was just to ask have you tried out Hyperion Strings Elements by Soundiron, and if so what do you think about them?
I've tried them, but I've been putting off giving an opinion about them until the full version comes out (by the looks of it it'll never come out). Overall I think the short notes have great variation but the long notes are stiff and the legato is almost non existent.
@@CoryPelizzari Thank you for your reply Cory, just to clarify are you talking about Micro or Elements? As it's Elements I'm referring to having more articulations, control and expression as I know Micro is more limited in terms of articulations, features and only includes scripted Legato whereas Elements has more features and includes True Legato? Nevertheless I will take your word for it. It would be good though to know your thoughts compared to other string libraries, in terms of what it has to offer.
@@mrvad-up8cc I think compared to other string libraries it has a more comprehensive set of short notes. The legato isn't good though and the longs just sound a little cerebral. I did some editing work on the strings years ago and the full library still hasn't been talked about let alone released, just Elements and Micro. If you're after a good palette of staccato lengths and spiccato lengths it's a decent buy at $100 (it's on sale as of now as well).
@@CoryPelizzari Thank you for your reply once again Cory, and also for your time. It's very much appreciated. Please continue to keep up the good work! You're an inspiration!
I'm looking for an affordable VST with real sounding strings for pop/soul/rock type production. This is a really good review, and makes me think Session Strings Pro 2 is just what I need. I will start with the non-pro version first, see if it will do on ot's own. If not - upgrade! But these strigs sound so clear and clean, ansd many of the big, expensive VSTs sound like massive cinematic strings, which I fear would go not so well in a pop song... Are you playing all this by using only the mod-wheel and keys? Or also a sustain pedal or anything else?
Is there a way to have a 6 violin ensemble for example? I don't quite understand what are you changing when you go from violins 1 to violins 2, how many of them are we hearing actually?
my first reaction when see the title was cringing “what ??” ...then played was the first bit of the samples.. i was “whoaa!” .. and now i’m left with a dilemma.. “whyy”
When I use this library alone in Kontakt, it works perfectly, however, when I use it in conjunction with other libraries (piano, for example) the strings sound like the sustain pedal is always on. Has anyone had this problem and knows how to solve it? Thank you very much.
Check that the sustain pedal that you used in the piano is not used in the same track that the strings are playing. That happened a couple of times to me and that was the problem.
@@CoryPelizzari Hey, thank you for the replay. What are your thoughts on Embertone's Intimate Strings Bundle and Cremona Quartet for solo sections? I'm basiclly trying to figure out if I should buy komplete 14 ce, or individual libraries. I'm making all types of music, but mostly hybrid- orchestral.
@@SantiS_If you're making more varied or combined genres I think it would benefit you to get an all in one toolkit like Komplete to start off with. That will give you plenty of jumping blocks for a variety of tasks while you search for more specific "dream" libraries. Komplete's stuff from my experience is only very loosely suited for orchestral work (for dedicated orchestral work I rely on the Cinematic studio Series among others) but like I said, it's better to have a good hub of tools to sink your teeth into rather than buying one specific library at a time and constantly having to wait to complete your ideal collection before you get stuck into serious work. Carpet bombing before laser targeting basically.
Not yet. To be honest I'm diving deep into Seventh Heaven Pro (I'll be making a tutorial soon) and I haven't touched any other verbs except for Valhalla Room for my next video on placing instruments in a space.
Spitfire's Chamber Strings definitely aren't for funk and pop. They're dark and wet sounding. Session Strings Pro 2 is much more suited to modern styles. Personally I find this and Cinematic Studio Solo Strings to be good for tight passages with a studio sound.
Cory Pelizzari I know this is a big ask, but would you mind checking out this example of one of the sounds I’m after. It’s a sample from a hip hop song (MF Doom, Ghostface), but after some digging I learned it is from an old Japanese anime soundtrack from the 1980s. To me this is classic 1970s, early 1980s, TV melodrama strings. Like something you’d hear on Hart to Hart. Would Sessions Strings Pro be your go to for this kind of vibe. th-cam.com/video/g8drsAgt_Yo/w-d-xo.html FYI, I’m having trouble logging into my Patreon account, but when it is resolved I’d like to subscribe as I LOVE your content and would like to pick your brain about this kind of stuff from time to time.
Sessions Strings Pro 2 would definitely be able to handle that kind of vibe. If you have any particular questions/inquiries you can always send a more detailed email to me at cory.pelizzari@gmail.com - I always like to make time to help out composers who reach out for more info as it can be daunting going through the maze of academic and non academic info about music creation.
They're two totally different libraries with different applications. Considering USE is like a lot of other hall recorded string libraries I'd say I prefer Session Strings Pro due to its usefulness as a smaller drier library.
Did you create your own patches with your presented key switches? They look handy and they are not included in the stock patches that came with Studio Strings Pro 2.
Man......smh.. I wasn't for sure I'd like this because of the 1st Session Strings. but, I like what I'm hearing with this demo. I might have to invest in this version
@@CoryPelizzari Ah hey since you replied, thank you so much for your service Cory! You're one of the best sample library reviewers on TH-cam, and thanks to you I own great libraries like Cinematic Studio Strings/Solo Strings/Brass and ProjectSAM Swing Series. Keep up the good work my man!
For anyone curious about where I got that whizpopping noise, it was Soundiron's Flatulus library.
I immediately thought "SoundIron"? when I heard that. lol
I thought that was from 8dio's string library!
got Flatulus a while. Soooo fun… nice you integrated that one, I laughed my ass off
@@TheSnowLeopard 🤣
Beautiful score, this is how you hear a musical heart sing. This library doesn't make it nowhere easy for us to write scores with. But those who do get past the steep programming, end up with perfection.
Cory. You are possibly the most musical reviewer of these products I have come across. Thanks.
These reviews are just pure art
*sigh* _proceeds to redowonload Session Strings Pro 2_
#metoo
the chamber sound example at 14:48 is total mastery. Thanks for hanging this stuff up for everyone.
The library is really beautiful. Especially in your skilful hands.
Thank you!
I’d love to see one on Session Horns Pro as well!
This is the best review I've seen on this, NI official stuff and Groove3 included. Your music is so beautiful. Liked and subscribed!
I've since re-installed SS pro 2 after watching this post, and am I glad I did. Very cool features I never bothered with previously. Thanks for the post.
Best video on these strings. Thanks. These also have a unique feature when playing all of the sections at the same time, the GUI separates the sections DIvisi style, and you can change the split points with the keyboard graphic slider. This is great for fast, one pass, studio strings in one pass that sound authentic without the doubling that happens in most single ensemble patches of most strings libraries. I don't know any other strings libraries that have this feature. $149 upgrade pricing if you own NI Studio Strings Pro is a steal for these.
This is just what I've been looking for as a first string library. Thank you for the video Cory.
Amazing review as always. I'm so glad I found this channel. The PROPER way to review plugins :D
Thank you for the good video .What I do enjoy about the string library is how I can customize the articulations .I prefer to use four separate instances of the individual instruments than using them all in the single application .
Thank you Cory!
Instant subscribe! Great review and can’t wait for more 👍
I appreciate your objective reviews.
Muito bom. Bela revisão. Obrigado.
Your reviews are great! I'd love to see one for Session Horns Pro, half review, half tutorial. I have trouble getting them to sound as good as other users I've heard. I'm sure you'd have some great tips.
Just had a listen. Great idea. it gives us a very good sense of the possibilities for articulation. Turns out your music is awesome also. Great video.
You make it sound better even that NI's own demo video. Thanks. I have a good reverb, VSS3 which will make it sound good. I tried to demo 7th Heaven a while ago but at that point I think they needed you to have a iLok dongle or something so I passed on it. I'm very happy with Vss3 though.
Seems like a better library than Symphony Series String Ensemble, albeit with a significantly smaller sound.
You get a thumbs up for typing "albeit" instead of "all be it".
Yeah, I agree. I don't own Session Strings Pro 2, but more often than not I use Session Strings (1) Pro instead of Strings Ensemble from Symphony Series because I don't like the way they play/sound. They're not bad, but they're not good either
Superb review as always! Also I love the last composition damn it’s so good!
I must spend more time with this library!
Sounds really good
Excellent video, it covers elements that are not even covered on NI's videos. So glad you demoed the violins isolated.
Question: What about round robins? Are there enough? Or do you get that gun machine effect if you played repeated notes on some articulations?
Is this the same Session Pro 2 I have? I guess it's me then.Your reviews are Outstanding!!
Great stuff-not many reviewers will give sample pieces in 5/4. Keep it up! :o)
Hi. Can u please cover a Sonokinetic's phrase-based library. And please focus on the midi export region and how can we use midi data with other libraries.
Hey Cory, once again thank you for your time and continued comittment and dedication in providing top quality reviews on sample libraries to us all. It really does help the likes of us that are looking to buy sample libraries but unable to decide whether they are good or not, which your channel showcases so well! It was just to ask have you tried out Hyperion Strings Elements by Soundiron, and if so what do you think about them?
I've tried them, but I've been putting off giving an opinion about them until the full version comes out (by the looks of it it'll never come out). Overall I think the short notes have great variation but the long notes are stiff and the legato is almost non existent.
@@CoryPelizzari Thank you for your reply Cory, just to clarify are you talking about Micro or Elements? As it's Elements I'm referring to having more articulations, control and expression as I know Micro is more limited in terms of articulations, features and only includes scripted Legato whereas Elements has more features and includes True Legato? Nevertheless I will take your word for it. It would be good though to know your thoughts compared to other string libraries, in terms of what it has to offer.
@@mrvad-up8cc I think compared to other string libraries it has a more comprehensive set of short notes. The legato isn't good though and the longs just sound a little cerebral. I did some editing work on the strings years ago and the full library still hasn't been talked about let alone released, just Elements and Micro. If you're after a good palette of staccato lengths and spiccato lengths it's a decent buy at $100 (it's on sale as of now as well).
@@CoryPelizzari Thank you for your reply once again Cory, and also for your time. It's very much appreciated. Please continue to keep up the good work! You're an inspiration!
It's pretty good for layering because with a bit of eq I think the overall sound, even on the 'stiff' longs is pretty nice.
Sounds like a quantum leap compared to the first Session Strings library. :D
Hello, thank you for the very nice video. One question: You created the presets yourself, right?👏👏👏
How do you control expression? Can't find a switch to make it on like in Version 1 😶
I'm looking for an affordable VST with real sounding strings for pop/soul/rock type production. This is a really good review, and makes me think Session Strings Pro 2 is just what I need. I will start with the non-pro version first, see if it will do on ot's own. If not - upgrade! But these strigs sound so clear and clean, ansd many of the big, expensive VSTs sound like massive cinematic strings, which I fear would go not so well in a pop song...
Are you playing all this by using only the mod-wheel and keys? Or also a sustain pedal or anything else?
Is there a way to have a 6 violin ensemble for example? I don't quite understand what are you changing when you go from violins 1 to violins 2, how many of them are we hearing actually?
Nice man indeed better than the NI demo's
my first reaction when see the title was cringing “what ??” ...then played was the first bit of the samples.. i was “whoaa!” .. and now i’m left with a dilemma.. “whyy”
When I use this library alone in Kontakt, it works perfectly, however, when I use it in conjunction with other libraries (piano, for example) the strings sound like the sustain pedal is always on. Has anyone had this problem and knows how to solve it? Thank you very much.
Check that the sustain pedal that you used in the piano is not used in the same track that the strings are playing. That happened a couple of times to me and that was the problem.
what do you think works better as a chamber strings library? Session Strings Pro 2 or Light & Sound's' Chamber Strings?
In regards to expression and room sound I'd say L&S Chamber Strings. Session Strings Pro 2 feels much more strict and dry.
@@CoryPelizzari Hey, thank you for the replay. What are your thoughts on Embertone's Intimate Strings Bundle and Cremona Quartet for solo sections? I'm basiclly trying to figure out if I should buy komplete 14 ce, or individual libraries. I'm making all types of music, but mostly hybrid- orchestral.
@@SantiS_If you're making more varied or combined genres I think it would benefit you to get an all in one toolkit like Komplete to start off with. That will give you plenty of jumping blocks for a variety of tasks while you search for more specific "dream" libraries. Komplete's stuff from my experience is only very loosely suited for orchestral work (for dedicated orchestral work I rely on the Cinematic studio Series among others) but like I said, it's better to have a good hub of tools to sink your teeth into rather than buying one specific library at a time and constantly having to wait to complete your ideal collection before you get stuck into serious work. Carpet bombing before laser targeting basically.
12:15 Les Claypool style LOL
Thanks for the review. Did you tried the demo of Spaces 2?
Not yet. To be honest I'm diving deep into Seventh Heaven Pro (I'll be making a tutorial soon) and I haven't touched any other verbs except for Valhalla Room for my next video on placing instruments in a space.
@@CoryPelizzari We are waiting for part 2! Take your time, thank you :)
How does this compare with Spitfire Chamber Strings? Spitfire recommended that to me specifically for funk, jazz, pop stuff.
Spitfire's Chamber Strings definitely aren't for funk and pop. They're dark and wet sounding. Session Strings Pro 2 is much more suited to modern styles. Personally I find this and Cinematic Studio Solo Strings to be good for tight passages with a studio sound.
Cory Pelizzari Thanks so much for all of the advice you have given me. Are you still doing Patreon?
Cory Pelizzari I know this is a big ask, but would you mind checking out this example of one of the sounds I’m after. It’s a sample from a hip hop song (MF Doom, Ghostface), but after some digging I learned it is from an old Japanese anime soundtrack from the 1980s. To me this is classic 1970s, early 1980s, TV melodrama strings. Like something you’d hear on Hart to Hart. Would Sessions Strings Pro be your go to for this kind of vibe.
th-cam.com/video/g8drsAgt_Yo/w-d-xo.html
FYI, I’m having trouble logging into my Patreon account, but when it is resolved I’d like to subscribe as I LOVE your content and would like to pick your brain about this kind of stuff from time to time.
Sessions Strings Pro 2 would definitely be able to handle that kind of vibe. If you have any particular questions/inquiries you can always send a more detailed email to me at cory.pelizzari@gmail.com - I always like to make time to help out composers who reach out for more info as it can be daunting going through the maze of academic and non academic info about music creation.
0:37
Story of my life.
Hello brother, can you help me?..why does modulation not work at my session string pro 2?
You have to choose on the main GUI page how you want the dynamics to react. You can choose "velocity" or "mod wheel".
@@CoryPelizzari oh yeah..😊👍 thanks very much brother.. And then its work.. 🙏
How many RRs do the shorts have? Very unrealistic on repetitions?
Plenty. I don't know the exact number but you can play fast passages and they sound natural.
@@CoryPelizzari cool. Thank you for another great review 😁
Do you prefer this to United Strings of Europe (which review I also saw)? Thanks!
They're two totally different libraries with different applications. Considering USE is like a lot of other hall recorded string libraries I'd say I prefer Session Strings Pro due to its usefulness as a smaller drier library.
@@CoryPelizzari Cool, man. Thanks.
Did you create your own patches with your presented key switches? They look handy and they are not included in the stock patches that came with Studio Strings Pro 2.
Yeah I just separated legatos, shorts, dynamics, slides, pizzicato, tremolo and trills.
Good idea and handy. Thanks for the tip.
What, this doesn't sound nearly as bad as I thought... basically forgot about owning this from Komplete
Man......smh.. I wasn't for sure I'd like this because of the 1st Session Strings. but, I like what I'm hearing with this demo. I might have to invest in this version
I long for those slow portamenti, but otherwise I don’t particularly like the sound
Huh, SSP2 is actually really good! Unlike SSP1 which was... kinda garbage
Yeah I only liked the short notes from the first one.
@@CoryPelizzari Ah hey since you replied, thank you so much for your service Cory! You're one of the best sample library reviewers on TH-cam, and thanks to you I own great libraries like Cinematic Studio Strings/Solo Strings/Brass and ProjectSAM Swing Series. Keep up the good work my man!
brooo please someone upload it so we can dl for free