VSL Scoring Bundle

[Lotias]

You can also use the Master Filter (under Options) to smooth out transitions by tracking the MIDI CC (set in Ctrl Map). In the Full Libs (probably extended) there are plenty of actual sampled dynamics (not sure if these are in SE libs or not).

I think I did mention that in my post, but it only works in specific cases - the filter will not sound very good on its own.
It's VSL's main big weakness, really - crossfades are not smooth in a lot of patches, probably because they valued avoiding phasing over smooth transitions. Although I haven't seen a solo instrument library where the crossfades are painless outside of Chris Hein/Sample Modeling. And a majority of the older libraries don't loop on legatos, partially why I'm looking forwards to their new Synchron libraries - all the new ones haven't neglected on looping samples. It's an uncommon opinion, but I actually think their string ensemble libraries perform the best (except for Chamber Strings I where the legatos on cello/basses are left unlooped) - smooth crossfades, looped, and transitions between dynamics are not as noticeable.

 

[benatural]

I think I did mention that in my post, but it only works in specific cases - the filter will not sound very good on its own.
It's VSL's main big weakness, really - crossfades are not smooth in a lot of patches, probably because they valued avoiding phasing over smooth transitions. Although I haven't seen a solo instrument library where the crossfades are painless outside of Chris Hein/Sample Modeling. And a majority of the older libraries don't loop on legatos, partially why I'm looking forwards to their new Synchron libraries - all the new ones haven't neglected on looping samples. It's an uncommon opinion, but I actually think their string ensemble libraries perform the best (except for Chamber Strings I where the legatos on cello/basses are left unlooped) - smooth crossfades, looped, and transitions between dynamics are not as noticeable.

Thanks to you and others for the info about full libs. It seems like I can stick with SE then.

What have you heard about synchron? I picked up the full synchron percussion package and it sounds amazing. Very curious to see what's next.

 

[Lotias]

What have you heard about synchron?

They wanted to make libraries recorded in the natural ambience of their Synchron Stage, since their idea was to A. let composers mix sampled instruments with live instruments recorded in the venue quickly (they are all sampled in the ideal position) and B. let composers mock up a piece on the stage and then move to live performance in the real venue. Apparently their MIR Synchron Stage wasn't quite the same? Perhaps doing it this way makes the libraries more different than "same instruments except way more detailed this time!"

The reason I'm excited is that it's exponentially more detailed than their previous sampling projects, as far as we've seen from Synchron Percussion I - in fact it's exponentially detailed compared to a huge majority of libraries on the market. Examples of that are how detailed the celesta is, and the inclusion of playable glissandi rolls on the timpani (fairly sure no other library offers that, at the moment). Plus it's a rare library where all the different mics are just as musically useful as the others - even the close mics sound pretty good, despite being mono. From how Synchron Percussion I is, I feel as though the next releases will also be incredible.

I think it's important to note one thing, though - on certain percussion the crossfades are still not nearly as smooth on rolls. I definitely noticed it more on the cymbals where that can be incredibly important, but I'd have to get my hands on the library to make sure (maybe I'll check out the Vienna Audition Credits thing).

 

[kimarnesen]

In general I'm skeptical about bundles with just parts of full libraries, or lite versions of great libraries. Yes it's tempting any time there is a sale, and we are indeed easy to tempt. But too often you end up spending money on a bundle with things you never planned using, and at a later point you realize you want to buy the full versions anyway, or something better to a higher price, and in total you have spent much more money than you would if you just invested in the best libraries from the beginning.

The same applies to buying 3-4 cheaper libraries during a couple of years because you are never happy with it, but you don't want to spend $1.000 on one great library. But you end up spending that much anyway and are still not happy with it.

It's called psychology

 

[syrinx]

Slightly OT... I love VSL winds. I have the special edition and like them a lot. Aside from more articulations, what benefit is there to upgrading to full single winds? Example, dynamic xfade in SE is completely unusable, is that improved in the full version?

The sustain and staccato patches usually have more dynamic layers in the full versions, the legatos have the same amount. I find the full versions great but that's mainly because I like having different types of staccatos, portatos and sustains to choose from. I wasn't mindblown by the added dynamic layers, although there is a slight improvement of course! Also, IIRC, the standard downloads and SE both only have whole tone sampled instruments. So if you upgrade you get half tone samples which also helps.

If you get the SE Plus versions, you get almost the same stuff as the standard download libraries. Don't do the mistake I did at first and buy standard instruments when having SE Plus, just go straight to full version in that case.

EDIT: Sorry seems you already got an answer. Seems I was on a cached version of the thread and didn't see the second page...

 

[syrinx]

You can also use the Master Filter (under Options) to smooth out transitions by tracking the MIDI CC (set in Ctrl Map). In the Full Libs (probably extended) there are plenty of actual sampled dynamics (not sure if these are in SE libs or not).

Yeah, using filter is a sometimes overlooked feature when using VSL.
No, you don't get the performed dynamic samples in SE libs.

 

[syrinx]

MIR gives you lots of additional controls over important parameters that can greatly affect the sound such as the ability to position the instruments exactly where you wish, a secondary mic for a much more expansive sound, mic character EQ and room EQ. You also get Miracle which is essential for adding algorithm liveness to the IR sounds of MIR. I could not imagine using VSL with only MIRx, it just doesn't offer enough control for me. MIR is the other half of the VSL sound IMO. If you don't use MIR, then preferably you have something more substantial than just MIRx such as Altiverb+Lexicon Native.

Oh crap... The others kind of persuaded me to stick to MIRx but now you just made me still want MIR.

 

[EgM]

Don't forget that the extended versions have sampling on all notes, SEs have sampling every 2 semitones.

 

[synergy543]

Oh crap... The others kind of persuaded me to stick to MIRx but now you just made me still want MIR.

MIR is quite powerful and you can get some good results with it. However, it does take some effort to understand all of the controls and parameters and you need to tweak them carefully. Its not just an out-of-the box solution. It definitely takes some work so be prepared to dive deep if you want to get the best results with MIR. The danger is that if you don't get a good grip on it, its like trying to wing it at the controls of a 747. I've heard more bad sounds with MIR than good ones, but that's mainly due to lack of understanding. YMMV.

 

[C-Wave]

MIR is quite powerful and you can get some good results with it. However, it does take some effort to understand all of the controls and parameters and you need to tweak them carefully. Its not just an out-of-the box solution. It definitely takes some work so be prepared to dive deep if you want to get the best results with MIR. The danger is that if you don't get a good grip on it, its like trying to wing it at the controls of a 747. I've heard more bad sounds with MIR than good ones, but that's mainly due to lack of understanding. YMMV.

Well as a visual person, as well as a musician, to me Mir Pro has always beaten the graphs of an eq, nothing beats a stage representation, plus with a lack of proper knowledge bad results can come out of any sound mixing solution.
so.. my two cents.