StudioWise
Native Instruments String Ensemble
$299 USD
Bottom Line:
String Ensembles’ large orchestra approach is much better suited to movie scores, trailers and the odd symphonic metal project. Though you can reduce the size of the orchestral players, which is amazing, there is less focus on individual players and more on the gravity and weight of the combined orchestra
StudioWise
Spitfire Audio Bernard Herrmann Composer Toolkit
$299 USD
Bottom Line:
Bernard Herrmann’s style might not suit everyone’s taste, and he certainly ran against the grain in the day, I think this is one of the best such collections available, precisely because of the stylised nature – and finally (hands to the sky), an orchestral collection with some real character and vibe
StudioWise
StudioWise
IK Multimedia Miroslav Philharmonik 2
$495 USD
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent collection of well-played and captured instruments. The sandbox-style interface environment is excellent for constructing ensembles, effecting and mixing
StudioWise
Spitfire Audio Symphonic Strings
$799 USD
Bottom Line:
Symphonic Strings is a masterpiece. Delicate, elegant with remarkable openness and clarity in the sound, expressive controls that immerse you in the performance. This is a serious instrument and will become commonplace in professional composer toolkits
StudioWise
Impact Soundworks Ventus Ethnic Winds Bansuri
$99 USD
Bottom Line:
This is a stunning instrument to play. I’m no expert in the genre, but even my rather amateur attempt at performing to a backing track sounded amazing
StudioWise
Sonokinetic Maximo
$495 USD
Bottom Line:
There is no doubt Maximo sounds incredible, beyond incredible really – the performances are larger than life, and even the wacky interface can’t distract from that.
StudioWise
Spitfire Audio Albion V
$449USD
Bottom Line:
Hauntingly beautiful, rich and complex, Albion V Tundra is one of the best on offer by Spitfire right now
StudioWise
StudioWise
Project Sam: Orchestral Essentials
Bottom Line:
…as a solid collection of basic orchestral ensemble sound, this really is one of the best available. Though you’re paying a premium for the Project Sam name, it puts you squarely in the pro market