If I started orchestral composing in 2024, I'd buy these sample libraries

This is a really helpful video for folks just starting out. I needed it 6 months ago, though I’ve tried to take a similar, thoughtful approach to building a toolkit!

Edit: @zedmaster Is there a specific reverb you are using (like Berlin Studio or another convo option) to put CSS and the Arks together in Teldex or another room?

I think I will ultimately be owning libraries from both companies, but my biggest concern is if CSS can be dried out enough to sit well with the OT stuff.

For a low budget, I would recommend also a Musio subscription (lot of stuff for $99 a year), you can do really a lot with it and if it is not sufficient, you already know better what you need next.

What is your opinion about Pacific Strings instead of CSS for a beginner? I was thinking about buying whole CS series this black friday, but after reading/watching available material I came to a conclusion, that it expects more experienced user, while Pacific is more straight forward and sounds also great, so I decided to skip CS for now, and buy PS instead (and also get a loyalty intro price for the rest of Pacific).

VannKraken said:

This is a really helpful video for folks just starting out. I needed it 6 months ago, though I’ve tried to take a similar, thoughtful approach to building a toolkit!

Edit: @zedmaster Is there a specific reverb you are using (like Berlin Studio or another convo option) to put CSS and the Arks together in Teldex or another room?

I think I will ultimately be owning libraries from both companies, but my biggest concern is if CSS can be dried out enough to sit well with the OT stuff.

Click to expand...

Just bought Berlin Studio a few days ago. So far I've just been using Seventh Heaven. Berlin Studio should help add extra Teldex glue here

dreamliner said:

For a low budget, I would recommend also a Musio subscription (lot of stuff for $99 a year), you can do really a lot with it and if it is not sufficient, you already know better what you need next.

What is your opinion about Pacific Strings instead of CSS for a beginner? I was thinking about buying whole CS series this black friday, but after reading/watching available material I came to a conclusion, that it expects more experienced user, while Pacific is more straight forward and sounds also great, so I decided to skip CS for now, and buy PS instead (and also get a loyalty intro price for the rest of Pacific).

Click to expand...

Pacific is great! But keep in mind that it's a larger ensemble size than CSS and it's hard to make it sound smaller. It also has more of a hall sound baked into the samples compared to CSS, which is also hard to reduce.

For these reasons, I think CSS is more versatile. But if you are looking for symphonic strings, Pacific is a great pick. Also because it's very straightforward to use.

That's a very nice tip on how to enter the Kontakt ecosystem through a cheap crossgrade.

I think, however, that since Staffpad incorporates all of the Muse libraries for free which is all orchestral sections, string soloists, keys, choir and harp it is well advisable to start out with a Staffpad installation for under one hundred bucks as an entry point...

dmusic said:

Any reason for not including Musio at the lower budget points?

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Well, why Musio and not other more affordable options?
I believe the answer is very straightforward.
I think @zedmaster (please correct me if my assumption is wrong) has provided recommendations based on his knowledge and personal experience.

That's how videos like this should be, and viewers should interpret them in that context.

Great stuff

juliandoe said:

Well, why Musio and not other more affordable options?
I believe the answer is very straightforward.
I think @zedmaster (please correct me if my assumption is wrong) has provided recommendations based on his knowledge and personal experience.

That's how videos like this should be, and viewers should interpret them in that context.

Great stuff

Click to expand...

You nailed it. Lots of other valid options, but these are what I'd buy myself based on my experience.

I tried many libraries (but not all of course) and this is what makes most sense to me for those budgets and the musical style I described in the video <3

I was rewatching your older videos and then ran into this one. I especially liked this format and content of this video especially the lower tier options you’d pick to create a starter set up.

I really like your reviews for the new releases and I do watch them as they come out! But I especially enjoy your older videos detailing your journey and stories.

how about MUSIO?

@odod Juliandoe already answered this for me earlier :D

juliandoe said:

Well, why Musio and not other more affordable options?
I believe the answer is very straightforward.
I think @zedmaster (please correct me if my assumption is wrong) has provided recommendations based on his knowledge and personal experience.

That's how videos like this should be, and viewers should interpret them in that context.

Great stuff

Click to expand...

There are valid other options, MUSIO is one of them. There are also others. But the ones in the video are what I would do. How about you?

I have gotten lots of libraries but not many I regret. I probably would have gone with one of these options (no experience w. the high cost choirs):

Option 1:

1. SF AROOF collection
2. SF AR One Modular Violin + Cello (then viola+2nd strings when/if released)
3. NI Komplete Ultimate 14.

Option 2:

1. AI Nucleus
2. AI Areia
3. AI Solo
4. NI Komplete Ultimate 14.

Option 3:

1. SF BBC SO Pro
2. NI Komplete Ultimate 14.


Then add a choir or two to any of the options:

Low cost option: SF Originals Epic Choir
Mid cost option: Strezov Choir Essentials
High cost option: AI Chorus / AB Eternity+Genesis

Then add a great reverb + SSL channel strip.

If I would start now, I would start almost the same as when I started:

Cubase + Hollywood Orchestra + Omnisphere.

Only difference is I would now immediately add Berlin Studio to it.

I bought that trio on a gamble. I knew nothing about sample libraries, I just did some research and came to those three. Turns out my intuition is very, VERY good. It taught me to really listen to my gut more often.