driscollmusick
Active Member
I downloaded two days ago. I have a somewhat unique workflow (working in Finale to send MIDI data into Cubase running simultaneously), so "playability" via keyboard is not really something I have assessed. I don't have a demo but I have been trying to work it into an existing orchestral piece and here are my initial thoughts:
The "Full Mix" works quite well in the context of my previously all-Spitfire Symphonic template. Without any tweaks of reverb, placement or volume, it sounds quite integrated with SS Winds and Strings, but with a lot more power and presence than the SS Brass (this is exactly what I was looking for).
Extended ranges, preprogrammed crescendos (including Sfz-Cresc) and variable trill speeds are also super helpful (your mileage may vary).
I am having trouble getting the shorts to articulate correctly, though this may just be the learning curve (usually this is the hardest thing to get to sound realistic)
I wish there were more explanation of the Divisi concept. There are two Horn sets ("Horns1" (includes solo Horns 1 and 3) and "Horns2" (solo Horns 2 and 4)). But each of these two sets also includes extra horn pairs (Horns 5+6 and Horns 7+8, in "Horns 1" and "Horns 2" both). In each of these sets, you can select "Duet", "Trio", or "Quartet", but in practice what are the "Trio" and "Quartet" settings actually doing if they are pulling in *pairs* of horns? Is "Trio" actually two solo horns (1/3) + a pair (5/6) = 4 horns?, is "Quartet" actually two solo horns (1/3) + two pairs (5/6/7/8) = 6 horns? If you set it up as a "Trio" and play a triad, are you actually getting solos on two notes and a pair of horns on the third? The nomenclature is confusing, so I will need to spend some more time on this.
The "Full Mix" works quite well in the context of my previously all-Spitfire Symphonic template. Without any tweaks of reverb, placement or volume, it sounds quite integrated with SS Winds and Strings, but with a lot more power and presence than the SS Brass (this is exactly what I was looking for).
Extended ranges, preprogrammed crescendos (including Sfz-Cresc) and variable trill speeds are also super helpful (your mileage may vary).
I am having trouble getting the shorts to articulate correctly, though this may just be the learning curve (usually this is the hardest thing to get to sound realistic)
I wish there were more explanation of the Divisi concept. There are two Horn sets ("Horns1" (includes solo Horns 1 and 3) and "Horns2" (solo Horns 2 and 4)). But each of these two sets also includes extra horn pairs (Horns 5+6 and Horns 7+8, in "Horns 1" and "Horns 2" both). In each of these sets, you can select "Duet", "Trio", or "Quartet", but in practice what are the "Trio" and "Quartet" settings actually doing if they are pulling in *pairs* of horns? Is "Trio" actually two solo horns (1/3) + a pair (5/6) = 4 horns?, is "Quartet" actually two solo horns (1/3) + two pairs (5/6/7/8) = 6 horns? If you set it up as a "Trio" and play a triad, are you actually getting solos on two notes and a pair of horns on the third? The nomenclature is confusing, so I will need to spend some more time on this.