[REVIEW] Spitfire BML - Flute Consort 1

Discussion in 'Software Reviews and Tutorials' started by Andrew, Jan 19, 2014.

  1. Andrew

    Andrew AudioSEX Maestro Staff Member

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    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb-aEBRBLac

    Spitfire Audio - BML Flute Consort 1
    Prologue
    Spitfire British Modular Library range presents an exquisite series, focused on individual instruments and small sections. BML range is focused on sonic detail, maximum flexibility and abundance of articulations. Sable belongs to this family, but there are a few more.
    Spitfire Audio plans to expand this range quite a bit in the not so distant future, by the end of this year, we should see libs covering the entire range of typical western orchestra members.
    In next two to three days, I plan to cover all its libraries.
    Today, let's start with the most recent one - Flute Consort 1

    Flute Consort 1, released not so long ago, completes the 2013 BML range with four members in it.
    As with Horns, Spitfire recorded one solo and one duo, allowing for easy merging and thus completing the orchestra seating with three players.

    Introduction
    Weighing about 12GB, Flute Consort is a really noteworthy library. Fully fledged with 4 mic positions and a bit enhanced GUI, it's still incredibly lenient on both CPU and RAM.


    Layout & Specs

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    Fig. 1 - Two main Flute patches
    The GUI is great, still straightforward, smooth and a bit more enhanced with Controllers view, although I find it rarely usable. One of its features stand out - remapping. Now it's a lot easier to remap keyswitches and triggering articulations through "Speed of playing" is great as well.

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    Fig. 2 - Remapping - easier done than said

    Vibrato slider is still on/off switch, but Spitfire recorded three vibrato intensities for longs, allowing a bit more control than just NV and Vib
    There are two legato variations - Regular Legato and either Progressive (solo) or Detached (duet). The second one is triggered by velocity, if it's not purged from AudioZ RAM.
    I was taken aback yet again with some never-heard-before articulations on flute, Hollow notes, Harmonics and quite rare Flutter, Multitongue and Overblown samples. Amazing!
    Solo flute lacks overblown articulation, but that's not an end of the world. Punch Cog is now available in regular patches.

    The sound resembles an actual transverse flute very faithfully, all the imperfections and perfections of its sound. Some player noises were recorded together with the performance, which sometimes leave a trail of breaths and key clicks behind the sound. That's mainly a good thing, as it increases realism, but not that great when it repeats over and over again.
    I would advise to experiment with Outtrigger mike, "O" is wide and I like it more than Tree in this lib. As always, correct mic mixing is essential to get most of Spitfire legendary sound. It's actually fun and everyone can do it. *yes*

    Problems & Recommendations
    Very few problems were recorded,
    • Legato transition may overlap when advancing to another note while rasing volume with modwheel. In that case, you hear the louder transition while crossfading, which may disconnect a cressendo phrase. So watch it.
    • Do not use presets, they still don't work well.
    • Stereo Pan and Stereo Width can be adjusted only for Close mikes, too bad, in previous versions it could be set altogether.
    And that's it...

    Conclusion
    Spitfire once more proves that's more than capable of capturing the essence of subtility and detail. BML Range is all about that.
    Flute Consort, featuring solo and duet sampled separately, doesn't disappoint with GUI (unlike HZ01), has a great sound and excellent control.
    As meticulous as Spitfire library can get, 8 round robins on shorts and 2 for longs are included with the package.
    Some great new features were added, such as remapping or Controllers view.
    Overall I can only recommend this one, a bit pricey it may seem, but great addition to your instrument selection. Download or buy it, that's your choice to make.
    Just be sure to try it before clicking Place Order :thumbsup:

    Reviewer's rating:
    9 out of 10 stars
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  3. Introninja

    Introninja Audiosexual

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    Great Review, Andrew :wink:

    Do you think in the future you will be able to put up of samples of the library or links to reference the sounds.

    Just a suggestion thanks as always :mates:
     
  4. Andrew

    Andrew AudioSEX Maestro Staff Member

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    I already did that: Link
    The downside is that it takes more time to prepare demos than to actually write review
     
  5. Cordelay

    Cordelay Ultrasonic

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    Nice informative and educational reviews, i think i'm actually making more sense of the libraries with your thorough reviews than with spitfire's or cinesamples' videos on youtube...
    Thanks a lot!
     
  6. DJIntel

    DJIntel Newbie

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    cool stuff bro keep it up
     
  7. Introninja

    Introninja Audiosexual

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    Yah, i was thinking it was going to be a regular thing :bleh:

    Thanks

    Edit: Well then if you wanna team up i can help in the demo department :wink:
    Note: Nothing like that S&G crap
     
  8. transporter1333

    transporter1333 Member

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    Andrew

    Excellent review (again...) :beg:

    Thanks alot my Friend.

    :wink: :wink: :wink:
     
  9. Catalyst

    Catalyst Audiosexual

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    Andrew's reviews are so good I want to call the new Review section Andrew's Corner. :rofl:
    Your reviews really are a breath of fresh air, I really mean that. I know exactly what I'm looking for after reading them and go about my downloading with precision and skill because I do not have as much time put into this game as you do. The good news is that I'm a hard worked and I'm willing to learn. Thanks again man, I know it takes a lot longer to put these together than it does to consume them. *yes*

    If you appreciate the reviews please hit the thanks button. If you're not a member yet...what the hell are you waiting for? :dunno:
     
  10. phloopy

    phloopy Audiosexual

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    Great review Andrew! :wink:

    And I agree!!!! Infact its the very best flute library I`ve ever tested myself ..... Totally kick ass when you compair with any other flute library avalable these days!

    THANKS!
     
  11. Catalyst

    Catalyst Audiosexual

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    Updated to include YouTuve video samples from Spitfire Audio. I hope you don't mind that I added it to the post.
     
  12. Andrew

    Andrew AudioSEX Maestro Staff Member

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    Thanks Catalyst,
    I actually have an idea that might be as well optimal solution. I'll do it for Horns today *yes*
     
  13. Olymoon

    Olymoon MODERATOR Staff Member

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    Thank you very much Andrew for this review Question : What about the Dry / Wet Sounds?
    In other Spitfire libraries I could test, it was impossible to get a dry sound, even with only close mic, which make difficult mixing with other sounds, and /or deciding, designing your own space.
    Have this been improved in this library?
     
  14. Andrew

    Andrew AudioSEX Maestro Staff Member

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    Since most Spitfire Audio libraries were recorded in scoring stage (Lyndhurst), the sound won't be as dry as for example LASS or Sample Modeling Brass, even with close mics.
    In theory you can use RX3's Dereverb for cutting excessive tails and then apply IR of your choice.
    But in my opinion Spitfires blend quite well with almost anything *yes*
     
  15. Catalyst

    Catalyst Audiosexual

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    Acon Digital Deverberate and another offering from another developer that escapes me at the moment are also up to the task.
     
  16. Olymoon

    Olymoon MODERATOR Staff Member

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    Well at that price point I expect not to use any trick to make these libs usable in any situation.
     
  17. Catalyst

    Catalyst Audiosexual

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    I agree but that's why you have AudioZ, for those times when the price is just right. :wink:
     
  18. Olymoon

    Olymoon MODERATOR Staff Member

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    Of course :thumbsup: and we can dance :break:
     
  19. Andrew

    Andrew AudioSEX Maestro Staff Member

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    Wow it's pretty late now, well sorry guys and gals, Horn Section will have to wait till tomorrow, but good news - half of it is done (the surprise part) :thumbsup:

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  20. Catalyst

    Catalyst Audiosexual

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    Andrew please take your time, we will patiently wait. *yes*
     
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