css

I know I'm oh so special coming here to ask about strings sample libraries, but I want to throw my situation into the ring: Despite being a college student with times when I'm financially stable enough to buy new libraries being few and far between, I've amassed a decent-sounding virtual...

Today I'm sharing with you something very special. It's a composition that I wrote in 1995 and re-created just recently. The music is based on a short story which originated in an RPG that I used to play for quite some time. It involves a snowy village, a white wolf, a mysterious curse and, of...

Hi All. I'm very much used to Expression Maps but I wanted to try more old school approach and build a template with all articulations on separate tracks. So I started with CSS and I put 16 instances of Violins 1 into single Kontakt multi, I set every patch to hold only one articulation and...

A new single that I've been working on lately with CSS mixed with Noire and a few Spitfire libraries. Soon to be released on streaming platforms this week.

In CSS's default settings CC11 is the volume. I can't see visually anywhere what's the actual CC11 value. If I modulate it nothing moves. Do you have any clue? Thanks

To cut to the chase, I use FL Studio as my DAW and I have CSS as my string library. 99% of FL Studio users that do virtual orchestration I have noticed use BRSO Articulate as to help with writing and I can certainly see why. However, I have noticed that it would take some time to setup all the...

I sat down and experimented with the short articulations in CSS 1.7.1 tonight, try listen to the attached mp3s (please excuse my sloppy playing, it's just to illustrate) Example 1: Alternate between Spiccato and Staccatissimo. Example 2: Staccatissimo only, but with varying velocity. Higher...

I am using FL STUDIO 21 with BRSO articulate and I have this annoying thing with CSB Staccato notes. Each time I hit PLAY button in my DAW, no matter what I do, it reset the articulation to SFZ. Even if I draw an automation, it reset to SFZ i understand they are velocity value controlled but how...

How does this sound to you: Is it alright, or ? :) If you want to see how it's programmed, check the spoiler below. All help appreciated!

So, the title pretty much explains it all. I own Berlin Woodwinds (all libraries), Berlin Brass, JXL Brass, and CinePerc/ARO Perc. I am looking to buy a quality string library to complement them. I am on the fence between going all OT strings (strings, symphonic, con sordino, special bows 1/2...

Hey all! Feedback highly appreciated. It has been a long time since i've uploaded some more Room Impression tests. These are done to check my template's balance and response of the room. What do you think? I'm using mostly CSS series together with Pacific and Berlin Studio from...

First I want to thank @Alex W for making these libraries, as well as updating them so they've become even better 🙏 I've used CSS since it came out, and it's been the library that made me want to write orchestral music again (cause it just sounds more real to me). Adding a few live instruments...

Hey friends! I wanted to share with you a quick video going over my personal string writing process. I've been fortunate to do string arrangements for my clients (including Tina Guo, RoomieOfficial, and others), so hopefully it's of some use to you. Please enjoy!

As someone who mainly uses Cinematic Studio stuff (CSS, CSB, CSW) and had recently just finished my collection with CSW, I'd love to hear the tips and tricks you've discovered for this series! It could be anything from programming tips, mic mixes, mixing tips, etc. Feel free to share them here :)

This has been an ongoing thing for me with Dorico and CSS even before I had this dual setup (running solely through Dorico on the PC, not using VEPro). The strangest part is that the correct articulation will trigger if I click on the note in the score and watch the Kontakt multi, however, it...

I recently acquired Virtual Sound Stage and am using it with my core orchestral libraries Cinematic Studio Series (CSS/CSB/CSW) and BBC Symphony Orchestra percussion. I really like how it brings clarity to my orchestration however the feedback I've gotten on some of my mixes is that it's "too...

Except percussion, this track was entirely made with Cinematic Studio Strings / Brass / Winds. Feel free to leave your comments & have a good one!

Being an amateur, I was hoping that BBC Symphony Orchestra Core would cover my orchestral needs. There is one specific problem: The string sustains are so sluggish (I believe that is the right word). The crecendo from hitting the keys until the tone is at its full, is so long, and I can't find...

So I'm still trying to decide what library to get, and with Black Friday coming up I figured if better hurry. Heres what I'm looking at: BBCSO Pro Definitely a great library, but more oriented towards classical type scores, which is great, but not exactly what I'm going for East West HOOPE...

Hi All. The sale season is approaching, and I need some dry strings (or at least more dry than what I have). I’m talking about close-mics without room tone. I’ve been using a bunch of Spitfire string libraries (Chamber, Symphonic, BH, LCO, a bunch of Albions, Solo Strings, Alt Solo Strings...

Hello, so I have started using this amazing library but right at the very start it gave me problem regarding Modwheel/CC1. So this happens if I wanna use staccato or pizzicato tab. In Cinematic Studio Strings everything works fine but in Solo even if I'm using modwheel or modulation in Editor it...

Sale season is quickly approaching and I'm wondering how these 2 libraries compare. I'm guessing the discounted price would be 299 for css and 125 for appassionata. What does SFAS lack that CSS has? Thanks!

Hello All, I am assisting a composer and he wants to automate controls such as Portamento, con sordino etc. with midi CC in Cinematic Studio Strings library. Now, CSS has CC58 that has vibrato and other controls mapped to it (depending on the value, the right articulation will be chosen). I was...

Cinematic Studio Strings - polyphonic legato Possible?

Another orchestration exercise by yours truly. This time i made a mockup of the first 6-ish minutes of Beethoven's 10th (The Barry Cooper arrangement, not the AI one). I'm not 100% happy with the mix but i've been around this for too much time already and my ears are getting tired for today...

I was going to release a new mockup but in light of the new CSS update 1.7 I will post about this one from a couple months ago. The truth is it has the same problem I am dealing with now. I am looking for a more convincing mix that sounds as realistic as yours does. Mine seems a little flat by...

Hi, I am a big James Bond fan. So I was very sad to hear the passing of Monthy Norman. In this video, I wanted to play the famous James Bond Theme with different sample libraries. As I'm terrible at the mock-up game, this video only focuses on the main theme line. The idea is to compare the tone...

An original composition, SAKURA, a name inspired by Japanese Sakura tree, and melodies from japanese anime universe... Hope you'll enjoy it. Do not hesitate to post your feedbacks. I used all Cinematic Studio Series librairies (CSSS/CSS/CSB/CSW/CSp), with Soniccouture - Hammersmith free for...

I've found an infuriating CSS (Cinematic Studio Strings) bug that I am really struggling with. The sound is really gorgeous and I don't mind any legato latency. I love playing and noodling around on these tracks. My keyswitches and CC changes are all great but the transport is somehow completely...

This is the first time I really work with my sample libraries and I learned a lot. It's great! Comments are welcome :)

G'day all! Finally picked up both CSS (Cinematic Studio Strings) and CSSS (Cinematic Studio Solo Strings) and getting stuck into them! I'm wondering what your individual approaches to the vibrato control are for each section? Do you link it to the mod wheel? Do you go ride the Vibrato Control...

Hey friends! In today's video, let's cover and compare a few string libraries that have beautiful soaring legato, so you can choose for yourself if you're on the market for a new library. Enjoy! Quick note: I recorded this before Spitfire Appassionata came out, so I may do a follow-up including...

Hi, I have CSS and CSSS and I am having problems with some notes being incredibly out of tune. I saw that there were other threads about this and that other people were also having this problem. I have this problem with cellos with either CSS or CSSS between C3 and C4, some notes are just...

Hello world! As a proud owner of BBCSO, the Anthology Violins and Cellos as well as EW’s Hollywood orchestra (the new 2021 one), I am looking for that striking and defining string sound. No Hans Zimmer “I will blast 10.000 violins” nor “we recorded 30 players but it sounds like 10” sort of...

Hi everyone! Made this mockup of James Newton Howards score from Treasure Planet. One of my favorite childhood movies. Don't want to make this an advertisement. Just wanted feedback on the mockup itself! Best, Rico

Hey friends! For those of you on the fence about this developer and whether or not you think the libraries are worth the investment, I put together a super short video demoing the patches so you can decide for yourself. In case you're curious, the strings and woodwinds are my go-to, while for...

Hey friends! In today's video, we'll dive into my personal approach for lush string writing, and explore some techniques to achieve a full and rich sound by defining how we use each string section. Please enjoy!

A new mockup I would like to share with you. This is a rarely mentioned soundtrack from Alan Silvestri, I like, Contact. This cover was performed on Cubase Pro 11 with mainly Cinematic Studio Series virtual instruments libraries. Of course, I would be happy to receive feedback from the...

Hi everyone! I've been busy with an ambitious template called Project Colossal. Its designed to work with the Cinematic Studio Series. It delivers a clear, transparant orchestral sound. This results in an even better and realistic balance while programming your music. Something very valuable to...

I would like to share with you my latest mockup done with mainly Cinematic Studio Series libraries. I really enjoyed doing this. This is one of my favorite soundtrack from John Williams. Hope VI Control followers will like it. Libraries used: - Cinematic Studio Woodwinds (CSW) - Cinematic...

Recently, I've been listening to the soundtracks of modern JRPGs such as the Xenoblade Chronicles (2) and Octopath Traveler's OST quite a lot and I've been amazed by how they sound so amazing, yet clearly different to most "western" scores. Before gassing anything new, is there a way to achieve...

Hello there, here is a track that i wrote in a few hours, i'm satisfied with some things that are happening in there, but there is something that seems a little weird, and i don't get what it is... If someone could help me, whether it be for composition, or arranging, or mixing or whatever bugs...

Hi there! I am having severe dificulties in kind of virtualizing these bars from the famous E.T. Flying theme: My interpretation is that, within a bar for e.g. Violin 1, I should play two notes alternately in fuses (3 paralel lines) during 24 repetitions (to complete a 3/2 tempo bar). Am I...

Hi there, I have my CSS patches separated out into shorts and longs, and have a specific Bass Pizzicato patch I want to use, and want the Pizz selection to stay where it is. However, for some reason, despite setting CC58 (or any other assigned CC for that matter) to 0, the change in controller...

Hi all, what are the best mic settings for CSW for a chamber sound? I find the mix mic too up front for that purpose even after adding reverb. I ended up mixing the main mic with a bit less of the overhead in my demo featuring CSW. Did I go wrong?

Hi friends, need help with this. In CSS, when playing the legato patches, it seems there is a volume bump when I land on a sustain note (after few legato notes in a phrase). Like if the transition between the legato sample and the sustain sample is not smoot. I can clearly see the volume...

Everyone, I'm a Logic ProX user. I was looking for information because I wanted to use the cs series that I really love better. And then I found a really good solution, the logical editor of Cubase. There are many reasons why I can't change in logic, and the biggest reason is the usability of...

I made a little "opening track" last year and published it January 1st, so I decided to do it again! Happy new year folks! The beginning is a little dark, but it brightens up.

Hi, I just experienced CSS and I will need some help because I encountered some small problems concerning the repetition of notes (e ;g quarter notes for block chord accompaniment) with the patch sustain legato off 80 BPM. ( e,g full ensemble sustain legato off ), but also with a "traditional...

I made a brief comparison video to showcase the differences in sordino legato between Cinematic Studio Strings and Century Strings 2. I prefer Century Strings Sordino if I truly want a sordino sound, whereas CSS’s sordino is nicer for sound design purposes. I like layering css sordino with...

I experimented with css + tundra combinations tonight and found pairs that I really love. I'm curious what other people have tried with regards to combining these two libraries. Here are the pairs I used: Violins Violas Cellos Here's a short demo with valhalla room reverb. CSS is first...

Hey everyone! Today's video features my top 5 string libraries. I'm a big believer in 'less is more', so if you're looking for a comparison of over 50+ libs, this isn't the one for you. Here's are 5 key factors that I look for in a string library: Detail of sound Recording quality...

Please be generous with me here! :shocked: Second time I try a mockup. I made this for practice reasons by only watching and listening to an orchestral performance on YouTube, no sheet papers etc. Therefore, some instruments are missing for sure. Besides reverb, it's completely unmixed. Also I...

Enjoy and feel free to leave feedback if you have some :) Thanks! Strings: Cinematic Studio Strings, Metropolis Ark 1 & 2 Brass: Metropolis Ark 1 Woodwinds: Native Instruments Symphony Series Choir: Metropolis Ark 1 Percussion: Damage, Action Strikes, Native Instruments Symphony Series...

I have no “pro” string library and do much more classical mockups and pop arrangements than film music. Seeing that SStS is probably going for half the price on Apex and having the edu discount for CSS, which one do you think would be a better purchase for my use case? I’m aware that CSS gets a...

I guess the title says it all. I have the opportunity of getting CSS for $279, as I have an educational discount. As usually discounts don’t stack, what are the chances that a sale price would go lower than this? Should I just get it now for this price or wait for a future sale?

I randomly had this theme stuck in my head for the last weeks or so. Made a quick cover yesterday, to maybe get rid of that. Orchestration is not 100% like the real thing, but close. I think the Cinematic Studio Sound fits pretty well. Winds (barely audible, but there is a flute, oboe and...

Hey Everyone! Back again with a quick youtube video. I picked up CSS as my first string library after seeing all the love it was getting on the forum. It definitely didn't disappoint! I've since acquired others, but always come back to this one. The legato scripting is just so smooth. I wrote...

Hello there! I've been struggling a lot lately while mixing my tracks because of some libraries. I acquired CSS/CSB last Black Friday and it's amazing, really. But when it comes to mixing them, I cannot freely manipulate high frequencies with Passive EQ, Multiband compressor, Saturator -...

This one is already a couple of months old, but rather than forgetting that I ever made this I decided to release it as a single at this very fitting date :) Enjoy, happy new year!

Hey guys! I wanted to share with you the cover that I did using only CSS. It's not perfect but at times CSS sounds beautiful! I'm falling in love with it all over again :inlove: Anyway, I hope you like it and Merry Christmas!!

Edit: was able to answer my own questions

Over the last weeks, I got the oppertunity to write filmscore to picture for the first time. "To those We leave behind" is a no-budget short film project, written, directed and edited by a good friend of mine. It is the story about two estranged sisters, who have to stick together on a journey...

Thanks to everyone for your feedback!

I am currently having issue with the Legato Articulation of the 2nd Violin. Whenever I stop the playback I get a super loud release sound as if the dynamics are suddenly put to 127. Does anyone else experience such problems with CSS?

Hello, I'm having an issue with Cinematic studio strings Violin II section in that, one note (G3) sounds way out of tune to my ears when i apply any vibrato. i've attached a sample of the note along with some melody for context. any ideas on a possible fix would be nice. Thanks, T.rshaw

Hey everybody! Long time lurker, first time poster. I've found so much help in this forum and finally I have something to contribute! My apologies if someone else has posted this fix to work around the varying delay times of the CSS legato transitions but I couldn't find any mentions of it...

Hey all, My track Memory of Tomorrow was selected as the featured track of the week by the Global Composers Network FB group. It was made as a part of a piano & strings album for tv music. I thought I'd share it here as well. CSS with CSSS used as first chairs and the piano is NI The Giant...

Hey guys, I did a quick comparison between these 2 popular string libraries. I find they do have a different sound, but actually work well together as well.

Hi Everyone, I wanted to share a story of which I'm very proud of. Since I was little I always dreamed of being a film composer after hearing the fantastic soundtrack of Once Upon A Time In The West. I took keyboard an piano lessons and after a while I really got addicted to the whole...

This one is part of the album I'm currently releasing and my 9th composition overall. In my opinion, it's definitely my best release so far. Any listen and feedback is much appreciated. Libraries used: CSS MA 1 MA 2 Albion ONE Action Strikes Kontakt Factory Library

:)

Hi all, I recently completed a new track and thought you might enjoy it!

Hello Awesome Community Members, I recently added a much powerful Mac Mini to my workflow (Yay!), in addition to my 2015 MacBook Pro. I already have CSS and CSS Solo libraries installed on my laptop. But I now want to install those on my Mac Mini WITHOUT going through the painful process of...

Hey guys, I recently got CSS and it's a quite nice library, but I was wondering, what dynamics is CSS recorded at? Is it somewhere from p to ff? I like the sound of the library, though I find that they can't go that loud, or is that just me? (with CC1/Modwheel all the way up) I obviously don't...

Hey all. I've written a long and detailed explanation on how to build Cubase Expression Maps that work with CSS. Due to the way CSS (and all the Cinematic Studio Series instruments) is built, having a proper way to control it via Expression Maps is not straightforward. You can find it here...

I was testing out some new production techniques and wrote this simple trailer track in the process. I really, really like how thick Trailer Brass sounds when used like a guitar pad, almost. These brass players don't need to breath so let it rip! Haha Anyways, I think the track turned out...

I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to brass, but I feel like this is a pretty great-sounding, user-friendly library. There's also some CSS in there, as I hadn't played with it yet, either.

Hey guys, Long time lurker on this forum and love CSS (cinematic studio strings) and have noticed it's popularity in this forum. But I see a lot of common complaints about it being "too dark" or "too reverby." I've made this short youtube video to show you how I've tweaked the strings to be...

Hi, This weekend I've thrown together a VST to automatically compensate for the different delays in CSS. I've previously created a solution only for Reaper using scripting but this version should work as a VST in all DAWs. You just have to place it before Kontakt. This version will: - Detect...

I use Studio one and would be grateful if you could tell me how to best answer these questions for S1: 1. How do you write in Modulation/ CC1 data for CSS? I look at the midi examples Alex W has posted on youtube and it looks like there is a CC1 swell (like a smooth triangle) almost on every...

After the success of my LOTR mockup, and since I have too little work and too much time since I move back to Switzerland, I decided to tackle a new piece. I asked for suggestions and received quite a few... but finally I decided to go for what I consider the ultimate challenge for string writing...

I'm sorry if this is in the wrong forum, feel free to movie it. After moving back from the US where I was studying, I spent the past few weeks setting up my workstation and creating a new template in Reaper. I decided to do this mockup of "The Lightning of the Beacons" form the LOTR soundtrack...

Here's a short minimalist piece with heaps of that non-vibrato from CSSS. I was going for an organ/pad like background texture by using clustered chords across solo instruments, illusion of a larger ensemble and all that. I really think you can use this vibrato switch to great effect, I agree...

Hey everybody, I've made a new mix of my orchestral piece 'Seven Kings'. I've also added a choir and some percussions like taikos. I think the music is better like this. I would be happy to have your impressions and feedback on it. Thank you !! And thanks for listening !

Enjoy!

Christmas time is upon us! This is a short re-harmonization for strings. Lossless HERE

Edited original post to reflect the shift in focus of this thread to one particular issue: Looking at getting either SCS or CSS for black friday (SCS will be 25% off so around $500 and CSS will be 20% off so around $320) but had a quick question: I noticed that both SCS and CSS are recorded...

After messing around with Miroslav Philharmonik 2 (which is dreadful), which I bought on sale some years ago, I decided to save up for Black Friday sales and get a decent Solo and Ensemble String library (and get winds/brass sections later on). A year ago, my mind settled on the CineStrings...

I have a project I am working on involving MIDI created in Finale. 1)String Trio score was created in Finale then imported into Logic Pro X 2)Created Three tracks for each instrument (Violin/Viola/Cello) 3)Cello switches from Legato to Staccato near the end. The original MIDI imported fine and...

To give a little background behind this piece... my brother recently got engaged and a few people around me suggested that I compose a piece for his wedding day. His fiance is a big Disney fan so I decided to try and aim for something along those lines. Lots of inspiration taken from...

Has anyone figured a working solution for Cubase Expression Maps and CSS? The articulation switching works flawlessly with the MidiCC58 system, but when it comes to leg/non leg and Sord/non Sord (which is also set up wiuth CC58) I can't get it working in expression maps. I tried to set it up in...

Been working on a project where strings need to sound full, yet very intimate. The track itself (especially where strings come in) do require a bit of intense vibrato, and I've found that CSS fills that gap the best for a spacey, yet intimate sound. My current problem is that I need to make...

Hi ! I share with you my last track entitled Lacrimosa, written for choir, piano and string orchestra. I hope that you'll like it. Thank you for listening and for your impressions. Keep tuned to my last news by registring a like on my facebook page, thank you ...

I have some issues when automation CC parameters with CSS. Not as bad as with my Spitfire stuff, but this is still... strange. Please look at the above image. I have opened Cinematic Studio Strings on this track, and Logic understands what it needs to do to both show the name of the...

Hi, I wrote this song by imaging Chinese historical drama OSTs or a man doing Tai-Chi on the top of a sacred mountain. :) It's a short piece but it took a long time to write it because I have learned Harmony and Counterpoint at the same time. The libraries I used are as follows: Strings...

After purchasing CSS lately I decided to test it out re-creating a film theme I wrote last year for an upcoming film Nora by Brain Zoo Studios.

Hi ! This is my last composition for orchestra entitled 'La Vallée d'Eschcol'. Hope that you'll enjoy it. Thanks for listening and for your feed-back.

Hi, I have just finished the arrangement for string orchestra of my piece 'Libera Me'. You can now listen to the whole audio track. For this demo, I have used again my go to string library CSS. I hope that you will like the rendition. Don't hesitate to comment. P.S. According to Morodienne's...