So I'm still using the EWQL symphonic orchestra strings, and I believe its time for an upgrade. I'm leaning towards Cinematic Strings 2, but I'm not sure if there are upcoming sample libraries that I should wait for. I did listen to some Spitfire Mural demos and concepts, but I'm not sure it has that "sound" I want (too much reverb for my tastes perhaps?). I have a very open mind however and I'd appreciate to hear lots of suggestions. Thanks.

 

Cinematic Strings is great.
I also like Kirk Hunter Spotlight Strings and Solo Strings, and his sections are good, too.
The Kirk Hunter Diamond Orchesrtra is wonderful.
KH's sampling is good (and essentially dry), and the articulative controls are easy to use but realistic-sounding.
Also: Blakus Cello and Friedlander Violin by Embertone; Garritan Stradivari Solo Violin.

 

If you're into symphonic strings you're going to love Berlin Strings (+ Exp) by Orchestral Tools.

 

Maybe post an example of the sound you're after? Section sizes? Articulation variety? Something?

For example, Berlin Strings sound very good but they're about half the symphonic sections size. (You can double them though)

LASS is also great but needs more processing (positioning, reverb).

Symphobia is sections but has big sound and body. Older but still relevant.

If you want to invest in current, expanding libraries I would recommend Berlin Strings. (http://audiosex.pro/index.php?/topic/9877-orchestral-tools-guitars/)

 

Spitfire's Strings related stuff.

Evo

 

I've been searching for the perfect library for ages. Working in film/television, I've used most of the big names, symphobia was great for some atmospheric horror stuff, and it has a nice big sound for its general ensemble patches. But I settled on LASS for the last couple of years, they makers work hard to provide an experience that suits a composer, and they have a great attention to detail, even though some of their patches sounded a bit out of tune. I used their solo strings (1st chair) many times and had most people fooled. I also wasn't digging LASS's interface. Superficial I know, but it just wasn't sexy and a little bit confusing.

However, then along came Spitfire Audio.

For my tastes, ears, and working method, Spitfire has hands-down the best string libraries. The sound, the ease and clarity of articulation swapping. The different microphones, and damn, it looks good.

My 2 cents.

My first 1st post.

Hi.

Aleos

 

In addition to the libraries here, i can suggest NI Session Strings, Action Strings, 8Dio Adagio, Solo Violin, Big Fish Audio London Solo Strings (yeah very cool i think).

And you've forgetten Vienna Symphonic Library Also Neoycmatic Strings is a good choice too. I think almost all libraries are cool, they have advantages and disadvantages according to them.

 

And CineStrings...

And Agitato...

:dancing:

 

There are more alternatives as plug-in too but list will be too long if i write all of them There are also cool soundfont files.

I think Hypersonic's (version 2) string patches are very cool too and there are Aria Sounds Solo Cello, Violin for Kontakt and many more..

Signor Paganini Solo Violin, 4scoring Solo Violino Virtuoso (i didn't try these) maybe you haven't heard of them.

 

Please join this topic too http://audiosex.pro/index.php?/topic/15933-presets-and-setups-sharing-area/page__p__105463__fromsearch__1#entry105463

Actually it is related to this topic here and maybe you've good string presets to share

I can share my last original song too if you don't mind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N-XYm8y3EY

 

As I expected, I'm now faced with a huge list of suggestions, and I'm not sure what to do haha.

 

Listen to some demos and videos.

 

This is a so classical advise and many people talked about that before too, the VST plug-in or library that you are using is realistic or not quality depends on you, the program itself can't do anything. You have to spend time for learning (software), playing, it is a process

Actually this is a very important point, there isn't best instrument (i think and it is relative of course) or plug-in, that's the human to make it better, best etc.

 

Word