Vienna Special Edition Complete Bundle

[zuul-studios]

Hello -

I'm thinking about expanding my instrumental library which is mostly orchestral/acoustical in nature. For me, it would be a major upgrade financially. The orchestral library that I'm thinking of getting is the Vienna Special Edition Complete Bundle. At Sweetwater Sound, this bundle costs a bit over $1700.00. It may look expensive but getting such an orchestral library is relatively cheap compared to other bundles by VSL.

Here's my question which is directed toward ANYBODY who knows VSL libraries. . . . Is it worth it?? Does it sound realistic enough and does it provide enough articulations to spend this kind of money???

Here's a link to the VSL web site that talks about this Special Editions Complete Bundle.

http://www.vsl.co.at/en/211/261/2066/2090/2193/1776.htm

Thank you in advance for any additional information or any comments you may share.

Ted

[FMiguelez]

Hi, Ted.

VSL is truly amazing.
This particular package you mention is fine, but you must also know it is limited in terms of articulations and patches. I would think of it as an entry level library, and as a great way to familiarize yourself with their products.
After you outgrow it there are paths to get bigger versions with more stuff, if you think you really need them.

I have the Super Package, and could not be happier with it.

You must also know that, in order for these instruments to sound as good as they can, you must do lots of detailed programming (CCs, keyswitches, etc.), but I'd say this applies to any library in general.

I think they have demos over there done exclusively with this library collection, so it suggest you check them out if you haven't and see if you like what you hear.

Is it worth it? You bet it is!

Would you be running it along VE Pro, or how would you use it?

[FMiguelez]

Oh, and another thing: Does that package include VI Pro or must you buy it separately? This is very important, because it is the interface you'd be using to program everything.

[zuul-studios]

I already own VSL's Ensemble Pro 5 which I'm really beginning to enjoy as I use it more often. It's because of this that I'm wanting to "upgrade" to VSL's "Entry Level Library"! LOL!! $1700+ is quite an entry level library! I'm thinking about also purchasing MIR Pro 24 as well then upgrade to the full Mir Pro when more $$$ is available.

I'm no stranger to programming, but I'm not necessarily expert at it either. I'm hoping that the Special Edition Complete Bundle will have patches with much of the programming set-up for use. Or, will I have to create my own patches configured with CCs, keyswitching, etc??

So. . . How does the VSL's Special Edition Complete Bundle plus Ensemble Pro 5 (which I already own) plus Mir Pro 24 sound as a combination (for now)???

Finally. . . Are there any issues with VSL instrumental libraries and DP 8 (and Mountain Lion)??

Thank you very much!

Ted

[FMiguelez]

I already own VSL's Ensemble Pro 5 which I'm really beginning to enjoy as I use it more often. It's because of this that I'm wanting to "upgrade" to VSL's "Entry Level Library"! LOL!! $1700+ is quite an entry level library!

I know. Their stuff is quite expensive, but it's worth every penny.

I'm hoping that the Special Edition Complete Bundle will have patches with much of the programming set-up for use. Or, will I have to create my own patches configured with CCs, keyswitching, etc??

There are pre-made presets which you can use, but I don't know if they come included in this particular bundle. Ask the VSL guys about it to know for sure (their tech support is also very good).
Some of the pre-made presets are nice, i.e. the Universal preset includes many different articulations, etc., but even then, I always suggest to make your own matrixes and presets.
Nothing beats that because you make them YOUR way with your idiosyncrasies.

I can tell you right now that if you do so, try to come up with some kind of "master plan". The idea is to program all your instruments in a similar way when it comes to keyswitches. That way you know that, no matter what instrument you are using, C0 is always Short Notes, D#0 is always fp, G#0 is always crescendos, etc, otherwise you will go crazy! You can have two sets of this: one for high instruments and another for low instruments.

Also, take some time to program at least some of the CCs (cross-fade velocity, expression, etc.), so you can take advantage of all the features and you can make them sound great.

So. . . How does the VSL's Special Edition Complete Bundle plus Ensemble Pro 5 (which I already own) plus Mir Pro 24 sound as a combination (for now)???

I think it sounds very nice!
You will love it!

One of my next purchases will be MIR. I can't wait! It sounds a-ma-zing. But apparently, one needs a lot of computing power to run it successfully.

Having said that, another option for you could be to postpone buying MIR and using that money to buy one of their larger bundles instead... You'd have more instruments and more articulations (more detail). Any good IR reverb would do in the mean time... Just a thought

Finally. . . Are there any issues with VSL instrumental libraries and DP 8 (and Mountain Lion)??

Still in DP7/Leopard and SL here, so I can't comment on the above.
But in my system everything runs flawless.

And what about VI Pro (not VE Pro)? Does it come included in this bundle? I ask because if it's not the Pro version, the older free VI is sort of limited too (I'm talking about the old one with the eye on the middle). You want to make sure you have this one, if possible:
http://www.vsl.co.at/en/211/497/537/1456/1083.htm

[zuul-studios]

I tell you, I've been listening to much of the demos for both VSL's "Special Edition Bundle" and for their more expensive bundles. The sound, even at "just" the SE level, is phenomenal! (I can hear the difference between the "SE" bundles and their more expensive bundles). Your very kind responses have wetted my appetite even more. I have been saving up $$$$ for just such an investment. I'm not quite there, yet. I'm just wondering if I should continue saving the money and purchase their more "pro" bundles. In the meanwhile, I'll be spending more time on the VSL website researching and dreaming.

Again, thank you very much for your thoughtful and in-depth responses.

Ted

[MIDI Life Crisis]

It's still a lot of dough! Dang!