Berlin Strings v Afflatus

[NoamL]

Written without harshness Can we be real that the only reason one would consider these 2 libraries as competitors is that they're both very temporarily on sale and there's an urgency that "the deal will slip away" by next week? In every other sense, these products are miles apart in what they aim to do. Take a step back, decide what you really are lacking in your template, and then get the matching product, regardless of if it's the best available BlackFriday deal.

I think you've got lots of great strings already, the only thing you might be needing (if "css2" meant CS2) is a very dry and close recorded library. Afflatus seems better in that regard. But buying that library - regardless of how on sale/intro priced it is - is buying a lot of stuff you may not need, like all the ensemble patches mixed with woodwinds or ethnic instruments.

 

[galactic orange]

Afflatus works very nicely with all of those libraries as you can get a nice dry sound and a beautifully wet sound with their built in IR. So, the short of it is, if I were in your buying situation, I'd need to ask myself, "What libraries do I already own." If you already own Cinematic Strings 2 or Cinematic Studio Strings then I would go for Afflatus.

It's funny. I thought the same thing myself, until i played library, and then realized everything Cory said in his walkthrough video was dead on.

That's one of the reasons I appreciate Afflatus. It saves on disk space.

...they pull me back in.

 

[Cory Pelizzari]

Written without harshness Can we be real that the only reason one would consider these 2 libraries as competitors is that they're both very temporarily on sale and there's an urgency that "the deal will slip away" by next week? In every other sense, these products are miles apart in what they aim to do. Take a step back, decide what you really are lacking in your template, and then get the matching product, regardless of if it's the best available BlackFriday deal.

I think you've got lots of great strings already, the only thing you might be needing (if "css2" meant CS2) is a very dry and close recorded library. Afflatus seems better in that regard. But buying that library - regardless of how on sale/intro priced it is - is buying a lot of stuff you may not need, like all the ensemble patches mixed with woodwinds or ethnic instruments.

In total agreeance. They're two different tools for two different composers with two different jobs in two different scenes.

 

[xguitaristx]

Written without harshness Can we be real that the only reason one would consider these 2 libraries as competitors is that they're both very temporarily on sale and there's an urgency that "the deal will slip away" by next week? In every other sense, these products are miles apart in what they aim to do. Take a step back, decide what you really are lacking in your template, and then get the matching product, regardless of if it's the best available BlackFriday deal.

I was just thinking the same thing. At the end of the day, BS and Aff almost can't even be compared, because they are so different. Different in sound, different in content, and different in purpose.

When it comes to buying any library, I think one should decide which sound they prefer the most. That's the most important attribute to me.

 

[Cory Pelizzari]

I was just thinking the same thing. At the end of the day, BS and Aff almost can't even be compared, because they are so different. Different in sound, different in content, and different in purpose.

When it comes to buying any library, I think one should decide which sound they prefer the most. That's the most important attribute to me.

My #1 question/rule when buying a library - "What are you going to use it for?" - and even then I buy crap I never needed during sales.

 

[HelixK]

Read the comment again. I don't point out the flaws of other "developers", I point out that Chamber Strings and Berlin Strings have weak scripting especially in the legato area, whereas Afflatus has smoother scripting and presentation, but is still not "flawless" obviously. Facts, my friend, facts.

Obviously I'm not suggesting you are bashing developers. I am sorry, I could have phrased that a lot better.

I do not own Chamber Strings but I have heard so many wonderful things coming out of it. Listen to "The Magician" on Spitfire's website and tell me if that suggests any issues in the legato area. If anything, it's one of the smoother and responsive legatos I've heard in samples.

I know that's subjective to opinion but I would not call Berlin Strings scripting "weak". Capsule is awesome! Sure there are inconsistencies but after you learn the library like an instrument, it's a breeze to work. I use it every day and believe me when I tell you that I would trash it in a heartbeat if I felt that any of its quirks are delaying my work.

Yes, BS can be very demanding on the system, so beware. Berlin series are "orchestral tools" aimed at the pro market, now at an unprecedented affordable price. I wouldn't even think about it at 40% off...

 

[HelixK]

I take it you haven't been here very long.

I know some might have strong opinions, but to be offended? Really?

It's funny. I thought the same thing myself, until i played library, and then realized everything Cory said in his walkthrough video was dead on.

That's very reasonable and I would never discard the "you need to play it to understand it" factor. I guess I will find out next week.

 

[Cory Pelizzari]

Obviously I'm not suggesting you are bashing developers. I am sorry, I could have phrased that a lot better.

I do not own Chamber Strings but I have heard so many wonderful things coming out of it. Listen to "The Magician" on Spitfire's website and tell me if that suggests any issues in the legato area. If anything, it's one of the smoother and responsive legatos I've heard in samples.

I know that's subjective to opinion but I would not call Berlin Strings scripting "weak". Capsule is awesome! Sure there are inconsistencies but after you learn the library like an instrument, it's a breeze to work. I use it every day and believe me when I tell you that I would trash it in a heartbeat if I felt that any of its quirks are delaying my work.

Yes, BS can be very demanding on the system, so beware. Berlin series are "orchestral tools" aimed at the pro market, now at an unprecedented affordable price. I wouldn't even think about it at 40% off...

Same thing goes for Chamber Strings - they can sound beautiful, and I've made many tracks with them, but those who own and use Chamber Strings avoid the bumpy patches or notes and focus on the stronger elements.

Afflatus's scripting is so effective because of its divisi switching and near-perfect polyphonic legato, which is priceless for many composers working on deadlines.

 

[Cory Pelizzari]

I know some might have strong opinions, but to be offended? Really?

Have a look at my thread for Hollywood Choirs and you'll see just how offended people can get... even people who develop the libraries...

 

[SoNowWhat?]

I don't own Berlin Strings so I can't really compare the two. But, judging from the content list, Berlin Strings has the core articulations plus a few extras but you really need the expansions to compete against the content of Spitfire Chamber Strings. Afflatus does have some the core articulations but in a chamber string sized ensemble that is a few players shy of Berlin's compliment. That said, Afflatus offers quite a bit more in terms of stylized articulations you can't get from any single strings library.

Now, I can't give my opinions on Berlins Strings in terms of use and where thrives and fails. I can say that a few of my friends who own it say they rarely use it and found that they prefer Chamber Strings from Spitfire and Cinematic Studio Strings as their "workhorses." Berlin Strings appears to have some cool articulations that aren't available, like the playable Glissandi patch. I would love that patch but totally won't pay the discounted price only to use that. For me, the money making Strings that I use day in and out, are Cinematic Studio Strings and Cinematic Strings 2. I supplement more stylized patches from SF's Chamber Strings such as the measured trems, playable runs legato, and a few others. Aside from those being the workhorses. I will reach for ensemble patches from the Albions (most 1 legacy and 2 Loegria). Afflatus works very nicely with all of those libraries as you can get a nice dry sound and a beautifully wet sound with their built in IR. So, the short of it is, if I were in your buying situation, I'd need to ask myself, "What libraries do I already own." If you already own Cinematic Strings 2 or Cinematic Studio Strings then I would go for Afflatus. If not, and you are truly dead set on Berlin Strings, go for it. The 40% discount is worth it for that content. I just don't have the drive space or need for Berlin Strings.

I hope that's useful.

Best,

Chris

Thanks Chris. That is in line with my thinking on the matter. As above, I have bread and butter covered and want some cream and Maraschinos.

 

[SoNowWhat?]

It's something you can't quite grasp unless you play the library for yourself. There are plenty of articulations in there for basic scoring, and plenty for expressive scoring. It covers common and uncommon ground, but it just doesn't cover the more technical aspects one would want if you're gung-ho about getting your piece exactly the way it was notated. For notation, you'd go with things like Berlin Strings, Chamber Strings or Dimension Strings.

Would it be fair to say with Afflatus you have to play to the samples? Or am I oversimplifying it? I realise this applies to all cases of sampled instruments but some more than others. It was one of the first things I realised with Brit Drama Kit and I was absolutely fine with that but if you want to bend something to your will maybe it’s not the best option?

 

[SoNowWhat?]

In total agreeance. They're two different tools for two different composers with two different jobs in two different scenes.

But...I don’t even have a scene!!??
(cue Hoodoo Gurus).

I was just thinking the same thing. At the end of the day, BS and Aff almost can't even be compared, because they are so different. Different in sound, different in content, and different in purpose.

When it comes to buying any library, I think one should decide which sound they prefer the most. That's the most important attribute to me.

And this was my understanding too but good to have a few people confirm that I am on the right track. I know what I should do if I go ahead now. Thanks to OP for starting the thread I hope you got as much out of it as I did.

 

[cadenzajon]

Would it be fair to say with Afflatus you have to play to the samples?

This is my question/concern too. It sounds beautiful, but I'm not sure that it's something I would be able to use for mocking up, say, Tchaikovsky... ?

 

[Cory Pelizzari]

Would it be fair to say with Afflatus you have to play to the samples? Or am I oversimplifying it? I realise this applies to all cases of sampled instruments but some more than others. It was one of the first things I realised with Brit Drama Kit and I was absolutely fine with that but if you want to bend something to your will maybe it’s not the best option?

I'd say yeah, to a degree. They're certainly more playable than your average play-to library though. There's a bit more elasticity there, especially because the legato is a bit more responsive to speed.

 

[Cory Pelizzari]

This is my question/concern too. It sounds beautiful, but I'm not sure that it's something I would be able to use for mocking up, say, Tchaikovsky... ?

Not for classical mocking. This library is definitely for creating, not programming.

 

[SoNowWhat?]

I'd say yeah, to a degree. They're certainly more playable than your average play-to library though. There's a bit more elasticity there, especially because the legato is a bit more responsive to speed.

Thanks Cory.

Not for classical mocking. This library is definitely for creating, not programming.

Yep. I think I get it now.

 

[sostenuto]

******** Afflatus's scripting is so effective because of its divisi switching and near-perfect polyphonic legato, which is priceless for many composers working on deadlines.

Learning tons thru these /your posts, yet so much unknown until Afflatus is purchased.
I use The Orchestra, BO_Inspire 1&2, TM Macro, Vienna Smart Orchestra, Albions.

How do you 'categorize / describe' Afflatus in company with these Libs … viewed as Composer working on deadlines ?

 

[Cory Pelizzari]

Learning tons thru these /your posts, yet so much unknown until Afflatus is purchased.
I use The Orchestra, BO_Inspire 1&2, TM Macro, Vienna Smart Orchestra, Albions.

How do you 'categorize / describe' Afflatus in company with these Libs … viewed as Composer working on deadlines ? ( Completely apart from Berlin Strings comparisons )

All I can say in that regard is that stylistically it plays well with these tools - more so with Spitfire and Orchestral Tools due to being recorded in halls. In that capacity, pulling up the close mics in Afflatus can really boost the spot clarity for the strings while the other libraries handle hall wetness for brass and percussion for example.

Categorically - I honestly think Afflatus belongs to Afflatus - in that once the brass and woodwinds are released, there will be complete synergy for those sections. The reason I say that is because Orchestral Tools tends to have a stark tone, while Spitfire tends to have a dark tone, whereas Afflatus has what I'd describe as a "film" sound - in other words a warm, vintage throwback to 70's scores.

Also, personally I'd use Afflatus as the primary string tool because of how fast the ideas can be made and completed from the start line, with the other palettes being used to work the rest of the piece around it for flavour and fullness.

 

[sostenuto]

All I can say in that regard is that stylistically it plays well with these tools - more so with Spitfire and Orchestral Tools due to being recorded in halls. In that capacity, pulling up the close mics in Afflatus can really boost the spot clarity for the strings while the other libraries handle hall wetness for brass and percussion for example.

Categorically - I honestly think Afflatus belongs to Afflatus - in that once the brass and woodwinds are released, there will be complete synergy for those sections. The reason I say that is because Orchestral Tools tends to have a stark tone, while Spitfire tends to have a dark tone, whereas Afflatus has what I'd describe as a "film" sound - in other words a warm, vintage throwback to 70's scores.

Also, personally I'd use Afflatus as the primary string tool because of how fast the ideas can be made and completed from the start line, with the other palettes being used to work the rest of the piece around it for flavour and fullness.

Many thanks, Cory.
This addresses my interests really well.
I appreciate your detail, especially with the fairly off-topic inquiry.

Regards

 

[madfloyd]

When did Afflatus come out? An hour ago I took advantage of the BF sale and bought Berlin Strings. I also bought Berlin Brass so I could use the $100 voucher I had.

Reading this and listening to a bit of the Afflatus videos I'm wondering if I should have bought Afflatus. Gawd it's hard keeping track of all the offerings on the market!