First day with Cinematic Studio Strings (and CSSS!) - goodbye BBC SO Pro?!

[@filmscorelife4225]

Incredible library! My whole Superman Legacy soundtrack and Batman Brave and the Bold uses this!

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Great! Thanks for watching

[@OfficialStevenCravis]

Tom, Your composition and arrangements are amazing! Cinematic Studio Brass is also outstanding.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

You are very kind; thank you so much!

[@composahwithabohohwah]

Woodwinds are also!

[@Angelcomposer]

The warmth, expression and vibrato of this library is second to none and perfect for slow passages. Of course, it is also good for quick parts of a musical theme... in my opinion, this library is unbeatable. Perfect. 😊

[@Harrysound]

that automation lane makes a lovely piece of art!.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thank you!

[@tkalsnv]

Amazing!!! A beautiful composition and very good video! Keep it up :)

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thank you very much! More to follow on CSS very soon!

[@israelcanova]

All props for your composition, for sensibility and musicality!

[@TomHarroldMusic]

You’re very kind, thanks very much!

[@KrzysztofElantkowski]

Such an amazing piece Tom! Congratulations! Would love to hear extended version in the future.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

You never know, if I get the time I might just extend it!

[@saf1304]

Bro is INSANE, just casually plays a masterpiece pretending it's not a big deal

[@TomHarroldMusic]

You're supremely kind, thank you!

[@benhawkins6029]

Beautiful composition!

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks very much! Much appreciated

[@averilwilliamsmusic2957]

WOW, so beautiful, just found your page and had to subscribe. Excited to learn and share!

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thank you very much, that’s really kind!

[@GoldnhourMusic]

This composition is out of this world 🔥

[@TomHarroldMusic]

That’s very kind of you, thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@YankInches]

This sounds so good, I for sure have to get CSSS

[@TomHarroldMusic]

It’s amazing! Thanks for watching

[@yahbin77]

That was magical.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@eddiecharlesrosemond7052]

As a composer and orchestrator myself ; very inspired work... Wonderful ! (you should try out "Pacific Strings Suite" 1st !!! ;)

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thank you for watching. I will try it out!

[@MikeBurnsArrangedAccidents]

I call that library Pacific Portamentos. Once you notice, you can't unhear them. Still the best of anything recent. Glass Strings were too busy putting in functionalities no one cares about to include legato.

[@dougjamesberwick2625]

Great video, and thanks for showing the score!

[@TomHarroldMusic]

No problem!

[@SOUNTH11composingdesign]

Great video. Thank you. I like the details.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks very much! More to follow soon

[@joobastudio]

Thanks for sharing ! What a beatiful composition !

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks so much!

[@theinvitation1198]

Superb demonstration of CSS, well done. Cinematic studio series are my favourite lib developer, I have all their libraries with exception to their piano.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks very much. They are indeed a tremendous series. I enjoy them very much.

[@VHF.brunoverdoni]

Beautiful short piece Tom. Would it be possible to have a peek at the sheet music, even partly. I just think I would learn so much from looking at all the intricate parts and voice leading. Thank you.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks very much. I’ll see what I can do! I’m going to do a video on orchestration for strings anyway so hopefully that might be of interest.

[@micwarren21]

I have bbcso core, but I'm saving for css, beautiful sound, and beautiful composition. Great Demo.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks very much for watching!

[@D20Music]

As someone also with BBCSO core, I recommend getting CSSS first (unless you can get both). They work perfectly with the BBC strings, or with my personal preferred string library, Spitfire Studio Strings. Legatos and portamentos work in the same way and compliment both libraries - and they sound 🤌😙 I still haven’t got CSS, but I think that might change that this year. There’s always a $100 discount for owning one of Cinematic Studio’s products.

[@micwarren21]

@@D20Music I appreciate your response and the information. Thank you.

[@Al-Ghaeb]

Sounds really realistic! you have a nice musical taste too, thank you very much for this video.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@johnzuker]

Beautiful piece.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks very much! Cheers

[@mysterybro100]

CSS has a negative track delay of -60 to -70. With the exception of the legatos. Very consistent envelopes. These plus the sound makes it the best on the market IMHO. Nice work!

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks for the info!

[@TrevorWesleyOfficial]

Sounds great bro! I have CSS... But I can't really use it most the time because of the extreme delay and it takes forever to find each note's perfect timing... How do you do it bro? I love the sound of CSS I just can't find the right work flow... Delaying the whole track still creates problematic notes.

[@AnilJohnsonJohnson]

Amazing composition, Brilliantly arranged and programmed.. CSS sounds awesome.. could you let us know if you have used eq on the same and reverbs.. cheers n Thanks..

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thank you so much. I use a combination of Altiverb and Sonnox Reverbs

[@rodterrell304]

Wow, so good, Wish I could afford these and had a use for them. Since I'm no pro, there is no point in purchasing this library, but it sure is gorgeous! Beautiful piece too.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks very much!

[@cesmcmyth]

Hey Tom, congrats. you write beautifully. don't apologise for nuances only you notice. keep it up.. really good.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks very much indeed!

[@bellinghammond]

could you possibly post the midi file for those interested in learning how to do orchestration? (like me :) and yes, a video on setting up the VCA (logic user here too) would be nice

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Great, let me see what I can do!

[@saf1304]

Yes please...

[@cryptocurrencyinvestor6082]

Yes that would great to see how to set css up in logic

[@simonpassmore]

Thanks for the shout-out Tom! And welcome to the CSS club... you'll never go back haha. I'm on a monthly break from Coffee page while I get these VWinds demos done but will get back on next month. Where's your composition Patreon??

[@TomHarroldMusic]

You were a big help in me joining the CSS club! Looking forward to more demos from you soon, they’re always so great. And who knows, maybe a Patreon will come one day…!

[@davidgomezcomino]

Thanks for sharing. Can I ask you why you use Pshift plugin in some instruments?

[@TomHarroldMusic]

No problem! It's a trick I got from Simon who I mentioned in the video. The process of transposing one section down a semitone (and changing the MIDI so it still comes out the same) makes it seem just different enough from the original version to make it sound like different players to the first. Please don't ask me how it works, but it sure does!

[@MusicOfTheSilverScreen]

you'r my inspiration sir

[@TomHarroldMusic]

And you are very kind!

[@AirArtStudiosOfficial]

Wow❤ beautiful music

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks very much!

[@TommyLellan]

Please score films. I miss this kind of work in the movie industry. James Horner, John Williams... So rare these days.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Yes it’s something I’m working towards just now. Thanks for watching!

[@YipengLuo]

I want to try layering bbcso with css for wider room sound

[@TomHarroldMusic]

My next video will do exactly this!

[@redguitar6062]

Looks like an excellent library and not a bad price either. I've heard that modelling synthesis is now at a point where it's becoming viable. Do you have any info on that approach too?

[@svenhansen5176]

A really beautiful piece! After having written it in Sibelius; Do you use MIDI file export, or is there a smoother way to communicate with your DAW?

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks very much, I'm glad you liked it. Yes I usually do use MIDI file export then programme the MIDI after that - I'll do a video showing my workflow on this at somepoint soon, I think!

[@maviaksaç]

I started writing strings with this plugin. But when i find BBCSO i love the tone and mic set-up in it. I didn't like the muted sound because there was significant loss of high frequencies in CSS. I still like CSS for the legato mode but if i have to choose one, probably i will choose BBS becouse of the tone.

[@crackcaster]

what's the difference between cinematic studio strings and cinematic studio solo strings?

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Cinematic Studio Strings are a full string section; Cinematic Studio Solo Strings are the leader positions / solo string elements of the larger ensemble

[@davidhenderson819]

Beautiful composition! I am not a proffesional or even a good amatuer, but I prefer the BBC version. CSSS is a little cloudy, but the solo's are perfect.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thank you very much! I think both libraries are good for different things and contexts

[@alontrigger]

Sounds beautiful. I am using BBCSO Core (non legato) layered with sample modelling strings. I prefer the sound of BBCSO and the programming and flexibility of Sample Modelling.

[@TheMelodyofChaos]

How does Cinematic studio strings compare to the new East west hollywood strings 2 ?

[@TomHarroldMusic]

I’m about to find out - video coming very soon!

[@bartmuz]

CCS are more "legato" lirycal transition, but BBC sounds much "deeper". Bear in mind, that BBC is made for full orchestral mockups - not only for pieces for strings! It is also different size of string section

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Yes you’re completely right. I just think the legato and overall string sound might be more convincing in CSS. Might be my poor programming with BBCSO but who knows!

[@bartmuz]

@@TomHarroldMusic I don't have BBC - I have Spitfire Studio Strings ,Chamber strings and appassionata. I thinking about buying Cinematic Studio Strings too - I like expression of the legato transitions of them. I have a lot of experience with blending libraries to get better result. I hate of blending libraries because of problems with procesor :) In fact I really like the expression of the CSS

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Yes I’ll be seeing how blending CSS, BBCSO Pro, EW Hollywood Orchestra and Cinematic Studio Solo Strings works!

[@redguitar6062]

How do you visualise all the automation info at the same timelike that in Logic?

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Select all the regions with CMD+A, then double click on one of the regions. Then click somewhere in the piano roll window, and press 'A' - that should bring up the automation data for the selected regions. Let me know if it works!

[@robertjason6885]

There are differences in vibrato between the 2 software offerings.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

There certainly are. I love the CSS vibrato, it's amazing!

[@robertjason6885]

@@TomHarroldMusicis The CSS pressure sense as to the pronounced vibrato, or are those samples natively playing that way?

[@TomHarroldMusic]

I haven’t altered the vibrato at all

[@robertjason6885]

@@TomHarroldMusic Ah, so it plays as it plays? If you want a straight tone are there specific samples for that? I have some of the lesser “Pro” BBC software, Labs, etc. BTW, that was a very fine composition. Vaughn Williams in those beautiful voicing and chord progression. First rate!

[@TomHarroldMusic]

@@robertjason6885 thank you very much! Yes I’ll need to explore the vibrato further. There might be a CC control for it but it’s pretty great out the box.

[@cryptocurrencyinvestor6082]

Finally bought ccs thanks to your inspo. After downloadingloading it on the free kontakt 7 player,, I can only play 1 string at a time. It won't let me play 2 or more at once. Is that normal?

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Great! Turn off legato and try again; let me know if that works

[@cryptocurrencyinvestor6082]

@@TomHarroldMusic Wow. It works! Thank you. How do I add the legato in after recording it.

[@renakmans3521]

Beautiful. Funny question: did you play this into Sibelius and then it transferred to the DAW or are we just looking at the score while listening through the DAW? I’m a bit new at this:/)

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks for watching. I sketched this on manuscript by hand, then orchestrated in Sibelius, then imported the midi from Sibelius in Logic to programme / create the demo.

[@AndyGrayedout]

I keep thinking about getting the CSS , do you find them easier to play/program than the BBC ? . listing to the BBC vs the why you have processed the CSS at the end you got them sounding very close almost the same as the BBC :)

[@TomHarroldMusic]

I've literally had them for 48 hrs so I'll let you know if they're easier to programme :) I'd agree that the sounds are very, very similar, but CSS has that sheen/consistency/legato that I think the BBC lacks a bit.

[@charlesyateschalfant]

Very nicely done! I love both string libraries but CSS has better legato and the programming is second to none.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thank you! Yes the legato in CSS is superb.

[@replicant6]

Beautiful writing. I definitely prefer CS. Smoother and more focused sound.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thank you!

[@therantingboy]

"It's not perfect" plays Vivaldi level composition

[@TomHarroldMusic]

You’re very kind, thank you 😃

[@bartmuz]

I finally decided to buy CSS too. I realy like them and agree with many things U say. In fact I also like spitfire strings. Sounds deeper, but CSS have better legato transitions and more expressive vibrato. Take care about reverb - the more reverb, the less natural them souns

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Fantastic! Let me know how you get on with it. I’ve got some new content on the way very soon with more CSS!

[@bartmuz]

@@TomHarroldMusic Nice. I have subs your channel, so I will observate a new vids. Regards!

[@guyshard]

May I ask whether you have ever hesitated and/or compared with the new Synchron Duality Strings from Vienna Symphonic library ? Thank you very much.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Yes I have. I considered it, and Berlin Strings; CSS was my choice as 1. It blends so well with CSSS, 2. The legatos are extraordinary 3. So many of my peers/colleagues use it as their workhorse string library that it can’t be all bad!

[@guyshard]

@@TomHarroldMusic Thank you so much for taking the time to answer.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

No problem!

[@SamRedfern91]

I am a BBCSO Pro user also, got it when it first came out, I must have spent thousands of hours with it, and I still feel that I can extract more and more realism from it but I do think about getting CSS a lot. There are terrible BBCSO Pro performances out there, but also absolutely amazing ones (Andy Blaney), on the other hand, everything I’ve heard from CSS is spot on. So I guess a realistic sound is far more easily attainable with CSS than BBCSO or perhaps CSS is objectively better than BBCSO, I'm not sure. I wonder what library you would go for to bolster your woodwind and brass arsenal? I personally think about the AV Infinity libraries. Also, nice shout out to Simon Passmore, he’s great!

[@TomHarroldMusic]

I don’t think it’s a case of one being better than the other; I think for me CSS has just yielded better results results (on day one of me having it) that would’ve taken significantly more programming time in BBC to achieve. I’ll still use BBC everyday, CSS is just another tool to use. I have Aaron Infinite Brass - they are stunning once properly understood/programmed.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Woodwinds I just use BBCSO Pro. The oboes and bassoons particularly are gorgeous.

[@SamRedfern91]

Yeah that's the impression I get, it's easier and quicker to attain a realistic sound from CSS, BBCSO requires some wrestling time. It's interesting that you can't say that CSS is simply better than BBCSO however.@@TomHarroldMusic

[@SamRedfern91]

Yeah, I quite like the flutes also, Cor Anglais I tend to feel a bit meh about.@@TomHarroldMusic

[@SamRedfern91]

I think what characterises my working experience with BBCSO is that for the longest time it might sound a bit meh, and sometimes I don't really enjoy my time with it, I'm just persevering but then in the end it comes together. Sometimes deadlines are so harsh that I don't quite make it though, I get sort of 90% towards realism. So I have an eye open for software that gets to a realistic place with less time spent wrestling with the software.@@TomHarroldMusic

[@stavros86ioannidis]

🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼❤️

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thank you!

[@MikeBurnsArrangedAccidents]

It's sad that after 10 years there isn't a string library that is unquestioningly better than this. I actually prefer MSS and Areia but you can make the case that CSS is better in some ways. Where the hell is Aaron Venture? His brass and Woodwinds were the be-all/end-all.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

They all have their pros and cons. CSS can be annoying to programme whilst others are easier to get right with less programming but don’t sound as convincing. All down to personal workflow I suppose!

[@minder01]

Very good comparison and amazing programming. Personally I just find the response better in BBCSO, not having to deal with Kontakt and the sound of those players is just fantastic. The playability is out of this world and the fact is integrates so well with Logic is great. Dynamic controls are there, articulation setups are straight forward and mixing options are endless. In my findings, CSS sounds like Jurassic Park while BBCSO Pro sounds like Jaws.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks very much! I agree; the two are very different tools - I am extremely impressed by both products for sure, and I will probably use both equally (and layer them, too, which I think will be tremendous once I discover that properly!)

[@mr_don_key]

for this piece though, i prefer bbc so more. reason is that it is more classical live performing sounding, less hollywood hyped mixing. Also it has way less slurred legato's, and lots less dramatic vibrato.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

You make a fair point - that's the whole reason to have options :)

[@AdMBandLeader]

Why do you sound like Elon Musk? Jokes apart, nice video. And btw, awesome playing, out of this world stuff, honestly.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks very much! I suppose it’s my Scottish accent that’s a bit Muskesque 😂

[@anticomunistadoms]

this demo with little conversation, all volumes normalized (you dont need move volume control alltime)= studio.kzbin.infoQHoI9liCeFc/edit

[@TomHarroldMusic]

Thanks, but I didn’t give permission for you to use my video or music. Please remove

[@jenstornell]

It just cost so much money.

[@TomHarroldMusic]

I’m very fortunate to get educational discount, but I agree it is pricey. But it’s worth it. I promise!

[@SgtMStewart]

It's worth every single penny

[@simonslee73]

They both sound good, to me though CSS sounds a little more processed and maybe “plastic” whereas BBC sounds more raw and “real”. Depending on the application both are useful though.