In my experience this far, I’d say this. Getting a sound out of them is really easy. Getting a good, expressive, musical sound out of them is a lot more work. They are a unique instrument that you will have to learn to play. And you might spend a lot of time chasing that expressive sound that you want by buying a wind-controller and a nice reverb because IMO, these instruments sound a lot better with a wet signal.
Wow. I hit the jackpot with this thread. You guys are all very helpful and I truly appreciate this level of discourse. This sort of insight. It's valuable as advice, and valuable in terms of sparing me (and anyone reads this) from perhaps making expensive purchases in wrong directions. Your highlighted remark above is my impression of the SWAM instruments, and I LIKE that. I want to learn to play them...AS INSTRUMENTS as you say...but I'm not sure I'll ever have the chops. And that's an important reason for my launching this thread. Thanks.
On the other hand, there are other instruments that have a lot more of the expressive performance baked in and are quicker to get a lovely sound from.
Another very helpful distinction.
To my ear, the SWAM instruments seem to be at different levels of realism so I’d consider each instrument on its own. For example, maybe the strings have the sound you like, but that doesn’t mean the oboe will be as well-matched.
I will seek more demonstrations / videos with that in mind. Also, when I get closer to a decision will
absolutely request a free trial.
...I’m also checking out the new release from
acousticsamples (VWinds are on sale right now). They sound expressive and lightweight even though they are
not a pure physical model. But passing a physical modeling purity-test isn’t going to guarantee good music.
Point taken, and much appreciated. I have a lot to learn, and now that you guys are expanding my awareness, I have a better idea of where to look next. Thanks to you all.
You can always complete your bundles later. I started with just the SWAM solo violin (which I like). That was enough so that I had a more grounded idea of what I can get out of it based on what I put in. I’d recommend that route.
It's funny. The prices of these libraries are
HIGH. If you've been swimming in this pool for a while, I suppose they don't jar you (like the frog slowly coming to a boil, ha). I think we become desensitized—no matter what we're shopping for—once we become accustomed to "the going rate." Whether a library, a car, a house. Once we get used to the "typical price range" we're able to focus only on relative/comparable prices
within that range. At least that's what happens to me.
And if you're actually
earning decent remuneration with these tools, the price might be more acceptable. But I'm neither used to this market's price range, nor am I earning a dime by using any library. So I'm struggling with Price, and as such, am susceptable to the
"Penny wise, pound foolish" tendency. I look at the
HIGH cost of the SWAM All in Bundle, and compare it to the EVEN HIGHER cost of assembling the same (or similar) combined library piecemeal. My inclination is to buy the entire bundle to save a few hundred bucks, BUT...as you astutely point out, half of that bundle might
not suit my needs... As usual, no easy answers. Thank you.
They are also going to have actual string sections (supposedly later this year) which I’m really excited about.
Good luck!
That's
Audio Modeling / SWAM who's planning string
sections later this year...? Or do you mean another source?
Thanks for the good wishes. I think I'll have much better "luck" armed with insights gleaned from the helpful comments you and others contribute to this thread. THANK YOU ALL.