Looking for the Best Orchestral Strings VST - Any Recommendations?

Music Production
1

I’m currently in the process of expanding my sound library and am specifically on the hunt for high-quality orchestral strings VSTs. :violin:

I’ve tried a couple of plugins, but I’m really eager to hear what you all recommend. Here are some points I’m particularly interested in:

  • Realism: How close do they come to recording live strings?
  • Variety: Do they offer different articulations and dynamics?
  • Ease of use: Are they user-friendly, especially when composing?
  • Price: What’s the best budget option you’ve found?

If you have any favorites or insights, I’d love to know! Also, any tips on how to best incorporate them into a mix would be super helpful. Thanks in advance for your help! Let’s share some great resources!

2

I’ve been using Spitfire Labs’ Orchestral Strings and it’s fantastic! The sound quality is lush, and it’s super user-friendly. I highly recommend it for any composer.

3

I love Spitfire too! Their libraries really stand out. How do you find the pricing compared to others?

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4

I recently tried Vienna Instruments and was blown away by the realism. The articulations are very detailed, which is great for expressive playing. Just a bit pricey though.

5

That’s great to hear! I’ve heard mixed reviews about their interface; how user-friendly do you find it?

6

For a budget option, you might consider EastWest Strings. They have some amazing sounds at a reasonable price, but the installation process can be a bit tricky.

7

I had issues with the installation of EastWest too! But once it’s up and running, it’s quite a gem. What’s your verdict on their sound quality?

8

Definitely on my list! Also, have you guys checked out Kontakt libraries? Some are quite phenomenal!

4 Likes
9

I have Kontakt, but the library variety can get overwhelming! So many choices and prices! Anyone else feels the same?

5 Likes
10

Right? It’s like a rabbit hole. Also, I’m curious about any lesser-known VSTs that people love! Suggestions?

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11

Well, one hidden gem I’ve found is 8Dio’s strings. They offer unique sounds and are often overlooked. Worth checking out if you’re looking for something different.

5 Likes
12

That sounds interesting! What do you like most about their strings?

13

That’s good to know! Just another reason to dive into more VSTs. Sound matters most after all!

14

I’ve been using Spitfire Audio’s Albion One for a while now. The strings feel incredibly realistic and work great in orchestral compositions. Highly recommend it for its depth!

2 Likes
15

I love Albion One too! The legato strings are smooth, perfect for emotive pieces. However, I did face some performance issues when layering too many instruments.

16

I’ve tried various VSTs, but for something budget-friendly, you might want to check out Orchestral Tools’ SINE Player. Their libraries are pretty decent and affordable.

17

SINE Player has been a great addition to my toolkit! They have unique sounds, but I’d say the interface took some getting used to. Overall, worth it though!

18

I’m currently using Kontakt with the Spitfire Chamber Strings. It’s perfect for smaller ensembles and has a lot of flexibility for customization!

19

I’ve been considering those! How do they hold up on low-end systems? I have a simpler setup.

20

I’ve found that EastWest’s Hollywood Strings is a game changer for cinematic scoring projects. The playability is impressive, especially in action cues!