If I Started Orchestral Composing in 2024, I’d Buy These Sample Libraries

[@MaximeLuft]

Thank you for including Majestic Horn! As the creator of the library, I'm very happy to see it there :-)

[@krakapoww]

Gonna check it out, sweet price point mate

[@MaximeLuft]

You should! @@krakapoww

[@lovelymusicnow4404]

subbed, gonna get it thanks mate and great job

[@MaximeLuft]

@@lovelymusicnow4404 Thanks!💯

[@danielx40]

Damn. You did it? Nice job and the pricing!

[@kozz7092]

Wait what?! Only 6k subscribers are insane, the quality Is terrific for those numbers. Thank u for these usefull videos, u deserve more

[@danielx40]

Shhh🤫… don’t tell the others.

[@Coleecool]

Ngl that mental health note kinda helped me out. I just got paid and I'm saving for a mac but I felt myself wanting to spend it on a new plugin. Thx

[@KevinKuschel]

glad to hear, and good job!

[@BenBerkenboschMusic]

Big props to Kevin for providing everyone with an amazing guide to buying sample libraries. And also thank you Kevin for showing care. Great video!

[@d_lydian]

For free! And not sponsored!

[@marvinmusic16]

Ben!

[@BenBerkenboschMusic]

Marvin!!

[@KevinKuschel]

@@marvinmusic16 Marvin!!

[@makingmusiconline2309]

Surprised that Spitfire BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover (free) wasn’t a suggestion. Glad you mentioned Labs and Pianobook.

[@JuicyLeek]

Yes, this is a very decent library of free orchestral instruments

[@MikJames-d1g]

It has a lot of problems. It's great for training purposes, but the sound quality just isn't there. Not only are you limited to 1 dynamic layer and no round Robin's, the instruments themselves are only sampled across half their range, and down/up tuned to fill out the range. It sounds fake because it is.

[@warriorsponnie8467]

One thing i would add, is the OPUS subscription from East West fro 20 dollars a month. It has helped me alot over the years, especially on specific projects. Plus you can cancel it if your budget gets tight.

[@saxmanash]

Yeah Opus is really the one. I'd say FL Studio as a DAW is good cause free upgrades

[@story_arc]

So much this. Subscription aside, Hollywood Orchestra is bigger and better than Nucleus and the Cinematic Studio series combined and is often on sale for $400 USD. A no-brainer.

[@cmtcfu]

@@story_arc hollywood orchestra sounds like anal cheese.

[@TommyLellan]

I have just discovered this, and as a poor person it has helped IMMENSELY. I just wanted to put that out there, because it's 99% negative comments about it saying they've sold out. Maybe they have, but for some people such as myself, it has made such a huge positive difference.

[@CraigRodmellMusic]

Thank you for mentioning "US$" in the price rather than just xxx dollars. I do get a bit tired of hearing that such-and-such is cheap at just $100, but by the time it arrives on my credit card bill, it's more like $165. I bought BBCSO Core last year. So far it's my only orchestral library. Money VERY WELL spent!!!

[@sonicsatsuma1256]

Totally agree. Finally got BBC Core with discount + BF, only £230! My go to for traditional sound. Very nice single mix. Beefed it up with CineBrass on sale for £120 + Splash Sound Epic Perc 2 for only £18…. then, oh no, Audio Imperial Epic bundle (Jaeger, Cerberus, Solos, Fluid Brass, Fluid Woods) went on sale for £320. I just couldn’t resist as I wanted that trailer punch and thought it was a bit of a one off. For around £800 I should be covered for a while I hope. I love my BBC SO Core as my starting point though. Feels great to play.

[@CraigRodmellMusic]

@@sonicsatsuma1256 If you have any music you've made using Core, reply to this with links, and I will have a listen. I seek out and listen to new music that other people have made using Core. I also have a couple of tracks of my own, made using just Core, on my own channel.

[@MajorGRecording]

I'm a hack guitarist and bass player with a home studio trying to get into playing keyboard and composing. Thanks for this! One thing that I've found that you really should have included is the free Spitfire BBC Symphony Orchestra. Subscribed. I've checked out a few of your posted videos and will be watching them over again I'm sure!

[@V-A]

What a fantastic video! Very informative, silky smooth editing, and a very likeable host. +sub

[@combatwings]

Thank you for the tip about getting Kontakt 7! I've been wanting it for a while now. Finally able to get it for a decent price!

[@KevinKuschel]

Glad I could help!

[@FernandoQuevedo]

Thank you for the opening advice. Spot on!

[@ritchxmusic]

These videos were so helpful a few months ago when I was trying to get a handle on all these libraries. Thanks Kevin.

[@Septeemberpain]

Thanks for this very thorough video and love how you included that beast of fx software at the end

[@davidohayon3678]

What a great video! Hope I'd see this before black friday!

[@masonvalentinemusic]

About to get the Berlin Strings bundle from OT to upgrade my strings... couldn't be happier with my decision, I particularly love the sound that the Berlin series has - I was very torn between CSS and Berlin (my top two decisions), but opted for the latter since there's just so much more to work with, and the opportunity for so MANY compositional directions and ideas. CSS is beautiful, don't get me wrong.

[@Todzuum]

Ya, I believe they both can be used for cinematic , but OT I believe had more intense composition in mind like classical or romantic era style.

[@masonvalentinemusic]

@@Todzuum definitely! I'm more into that style lately, but the series comes with the con sordinos, which are great for the cinematic stuff.

[@Jaymetal95]

Thank you so much for this, you are exactly the channel I needed.

[@MLaurence]

Thanks for this list! I haven't bought any orchestra stuff before and this is really helpful

[@Bashanvibe]

I just caught the sale!!! I’m finally in the NI world!!! I can finally get some of these!!!

[@johnhill762]

Highly recommend Nucleus for beginners. But I think Hollywood Opus is also a nice upgrade after Nucleus, for the higher budgets. It’s top notch.

[@allancowieLM1]

Thanks my friend for the recommendations!. There are some amazing libraries now.

[@CaseyFulton-OrchestralAudio]

Today you can get the berlin series orchestra for just $100 with musescore. Its a compressed version of the full product but there are advantages to using notation software including changing the dynamics of your whole orchestra in 2 seconds compared with a daw.

[@RafaelToscano]

Thank you for the video. I’m beginning with orchestration - and music production in general - so it is a bit overwhelming to know what I could get. This video helps a lot! The main difference is that I already use Ableton Live, so I’ll stick with it.

[@patzumbrunn]

I have a lot : Spitfire, Orchestraltools….big fan of those But i started to buy the Cinematic Studio Series. Woods… already this. I go on on. Love it

[@jenstornell]

CSS seems like a safe bet. Everyone seems to love it. It's a bit over budget for me right now.

[@DudesCover]

Thank you so much! this is so informative!

[@dafingaz]

And save some $$$ for external SDD. :) I'd go for build your own or Samsung T series.

[@FreestyleEntOnline]

I haven't composed in years so this video is veeery helpful thank you so much, so excited to get back in there

[@KevinKuschel]

Glad to hear!! Good luck :)

[@AugmentedWaves]

Wow, this is so great, thank you for making this! I'm just starting in orchestral music and these libraries sound like a great investment. Could you make something similar for mixing orchestral music? No idea where to start there

[@ZoolsEpicMusic]

Nice and helpful video Kevin, thanks

[@music_is_magic]

Those are some great recomendations… but in the high tier budget I think VSL synchron package beats everything. Really worth investing into.

[@alex_opr]

I wished I found this channel sooner, thanks for sharing all this info Kevin!

[@dustintheblacklight]

Kudos man, cool and useful video for everybody! If a beginner has got the full Kontakt I would recommend some 8dio libraries like Anthology, Century brass, Insolidus currently on sale too.

[@Ivan.Nikolic]

thank you bro!

[@Thuen88]

There is also VAT added on top on many libaries like CSS for many Countries

[@Lamberilio]

I'm starting Orchestral Composing in 2024 and these videos are a great help! (Especially the budget section, 😅😅 Thanks, Kevin!

[@PendelSteven]

12:56 I second this. In fact Studio One Professional has been my first and only DAW since version 2 Get the pun? I second this? :) Anyhow, it's an awesome DAW 13:20 In fact, I recommend choosing Komplete over Kontakt. You get Kontakt plus a whole lot of really nice sample libraries and virtual instruments. That way you venture out a little further. I'm especially thinking of the Spotlight Collection which you get with it. You get for example: koto, darbuka, oud, cajon, conga, djemben and dozens more. Plus guitars, drums, synths and more.

[@Pianistec]

My GoTo would be: Choir: Oceania 2 / Chorus, Strings: Pacific Strings, Brass: Metropolis Ark 1, Percussion: Damage 2, Rest & Addition: EastWest Composers Cloud

[@kha6205]

Thanks for this good info, I’m subscribing for more great content. I’m just a dedicated hobbyist producer more experienced w/pop styles of music, but trying new things like orchestral interests me. Your lowest budget selection is packed with great stuff but one difficulty all those separate tools creates is that there is a different interface and learning curve for each one. IMHO that can make it harder to learn the tools (as you so wisely recommend) and develop a cohesive process for creating music. Is there merit to saving up and then buying a more integrated library?

[@waltertill1388]

Wow - best overview ever! Thanks a lot!

[@shannonjamesbeck]

Great video Kevin and really smart advice!!!!

[@ronnyb5890]

@Kevin Kuschel i would propose buying musio one for 299$ it has all the cinesamples instruments ever made plus all the instruments that will come out this year, and there are no lite versions,you have everything, even 2 sorts of legato's, there also are some synth patches included from well known and expensive synthsn you also have samples from the 808 and linn drum machines, nest year will be musio 2 wich will give you all the instruments from that year, at a reduced price for woever has musio one, cheers Kevin

[@replicant6]

Oh man I wish I had known this years ago. I started with BBCSO Core, which I find pretty useless for cinematic/epic music. The shorts are drenched in reverb, the longs have a slow fade in... sigh. Then I bought Metropolis Ark 1, which is great, but a very specialist library. I got EW Composer cloud and I like the Hollywood orchestra sounds. They are HUGE on the hard drive space and CPU usage. I just got Nucleus Lite, and I love the sound and playability. I'm upgrading to the full version ASAP and it'll be my workhorse library. I hope I'll still get use out of the others for flavor. I feel like I threw away so much money. If I could do it over, I'd start with Nucleus, Cerberus, and expand out from there as I need. Cheers. Great video!

[@hansbystrom9983]

I understand that Strezov is the most well known developer for choirs, but honestly - Nucleus Lite for shorts + Originals Epic Choir for sustains and you are covered. Nucleus is by far the best purchase you can make. The sound quality, workflow and content is second to none.

[@johnhill762]

I just made epic boss music with nucleus choir and originals epic. They work very well together.

[@Adrian-lb9to]

Thank you, Kevin! Very useful 👍

[@FrioVentus]

Great choices!

[@Mopantsu]

Interested to know what people think of the BBC Core, Abbey Road and Albion One libraries.

[@Djoeeeeee]

amazing video really i just subscribed

[@karolus266]

Thanks man

[@binaryoptionstrading360]

This is very helpful!

[@vitorcarvalho5716]

What about the Eastwest libraries? I have the composer cloud stuff.

[@jenstornell]

I can recommend a few ones that did not go into your list but that you may have heard of; Scaler 2 (for finding new chords), Zenith (epic soundscape / percussion), Spire (synth), Nexus (but not the orchestral packs) and Amy + Maggie voices from Musical Sampling. I can also recommend Analog Labs which is a free soundscape/analog synth.

[@francoisbonet289]

For the $300 range, I'd go for a perpetual license of Musio which at the time of this video was in the $299 range, and muscle out any cash possible to go legit on Reaper over the next 60 days... All Cinesamples catalog at your fingertips.

[@tolula9927]

Musio gets no love here. For $10 a month, it's exceptionally good and versatile for beginners. The engine may not be powerful (yet), but I'd say it's a pro for beginners as you won't be intimidated by too many customization options. For the remainder of December, they offer 3 months for just a buck.

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

If I were starting now and only had $300 to spend, I'd go to Sonoscore TODAY and get: 1) Hollywood Orchestra Opus Edition 2) Forbidden Planet 3) Orchestral Essentials 4) Warhorns ALL for $299!! But the deal ends today.

[@johnhill762]

Sonuscore* And I agree: Hollywood Opus is a great library that you can’t go wrong with. I use it in conjunction with Nucleus all the time.

[@lfomelody756]

Best review🙌🙌🙌

[@EarthNantanat]

Thank you so much!

[@jenssieckmann]

Superb, condensed and balanced overview. In fact, I went through all budgets with only a few diviations. BTW what's the name of the goose on the coach?

[@youssefessam8637]

what the name of the arps made in 6:18 min?

[@ChrisPenfold]

Another good freebie is ProjectSam The Free Orchestra

[@Sorsill1122]

Great video! What do you think of UVI Orchestral Suite ?

[@SteviesCreativeArts]

Awesome! Confirms a lot of my thoughts and intentions, however one question left (speaking im high praise from Teldex sound): What do you think of the OT Berlin Series & expansions?? Quite pricey, but in the long-run a an even better investment with more sound depth / detail for a professional composer? After all: GREAT reviews, Kevin! I am a fan and since a couple of months I regularly drop by to watch your stuff. Very informative, useful, and funny. Thanks!!

[@jonrudyard9362]

This is a brilliantly professional Video - Kevin's a great talent. Let me say this though....if the use of a sample library is a training ground for working with a real orchestra (which I suppose it should be - unless it's there to put orchestral players out of work!) then I do not see the point in expounding the virtues of a collection that groups together for example, all the woodwinds on one keyboard group or one that fails to separate out Soprano and Alto singers or Tenor and Bass singers! You'll learn very little using these types of shortcuts as it's not what the art of orchestration is all about. These collections may be usable for Video game type scores on a pretty basic kind of level but will not help an aspiring composer to understand how a real orchestras really works. I'd love to see Kevin show the best sample collection assembly for making a (almost!) perfect recreation of the Rite of Spring - for example.

[@KevinKuschel]

Thanks! I agree, I prefer orchestral libraries with full instrument/section control over grouped ones.

[@THISISMYHANDLETODAY]

Leaving out Orchestral Tools is insane - they have a free string vst that easily matches CSS (I own both)

[@KevinKuschel]

Which one?

[@danviridian]

Hey Kevin, what library would you recommend for a string quartet with a dry/intimate, realistic feel, playing mainly pop covers? Virharmonic Bohemian maybe? Thanks! :)

[@jenstornell]

The full orchestra libraries are so expensive that I went all in on cheaper libraries. I now have Musio subscription, EastWest subscription, Nucleus Lite. Now I can't make up my mind if I should upgrade to Nucleus Full for $150 or not (sale + discount). It's hard for me to see what I miss. In the end I want to close subscription services as they are cheap now but are more expensive for each month.

[@Ultimate_Wasabi]

I have all the Audio Imperia libraries, and there is a crossgrade pricing on top of the sales. The reason being that most of the libraries contain small portions of others (ex: Areia has some components of Nucleus, but expands on it). I don't like subscriptions either as they add up over time, so this is the path I chose. I really believe Audio Imperia is the best value for your money. Are they perfect libraries? No - but they are excellent, get updates, and will serve you a long time.

[@jenstornell]

@@Ultimate_Wasabi Thanks! I contacted the support ones and it's good as well. Thanks for giving me a direction. :)

[@JB_2505]

Hi Kevin, watching this a year later (black Friday sale is back on) I have some great libraries such as the entire metropolis ark series using cubase 12 pro. I’m looking to get Talos and Cerberus as they’re both only 99$ currently (and maybe chorus as that is an amazing choir library). My current interest is finding great mixing tools for after the mockup. Including EQs and Reverbs etc. I’ve seen the PRO Q series but they’re quite pricey, I was hoping for some advice on some budget friendly mixing tools?

[@KevinKuschel]

Great idea for a future video! Thanks

[@Iwantapplez109]

I've tried Talos. It's good until you need to swell from soft to loud and vice versa, it falls apart completely. A shame since it sounds kinda good. Loops are kind of short too and a bit noticeable if you do long braams. But overall it is a good library, i'd just layer it with other ones that can handle swells more gracefully.

[@TwstedTV]

For those on a tight budget, but want a quality orchestral library. East West OPUS is a go to on holiday discount specials. Some people on forums say the sounds are dated, I just think they are hating on it because as we all know, that there are really snobby people on the net. They are bias to their library, so when someone mentions EastWest Opus, they go bananas in full bias mode. 😂😂😂 For those on a tight budget Opus is great.

[@YungstarProd]

Keepforest and Heavyocity for the win.

[@PeterTomlinsonComposer]

Great vid Kevin! My only question is where can I get the goose in the background? I feel like it would greatly improve my compositions 😛

[@KevinKuschel]

It's a duck. Admittedly, a huge one. It's from Korea :D

[@tanmoyroy2599]

Thanks for the illustrative video.....Can you guide me for harps, which is the best library?

[@MichaelFenley]

Ty very very much. But more please.

[@constantin_singer]

Thanks for the video! Surprised to see no Spitfire Symphony orchestra even for the bigger budget option, what’s your opinion on it? Do you think they’re not worth the price or don’t do what Cinematic studio orchestra can do?

[@KevinKuschel]

I don't own Spitfire Symphony Orchestral, so take it with a grain of salt. From what I saw, I think the Cinematic Studio Series has better programming and consistency. Spitfire has nice tone, but with something like Berlin Studio by Samplicity you can also make Cinematic Studio sound like a nice orchestral hall.

[@Todd63790]

Hi There appreciate your video can I ask i'm looking for a string library that really reflects the older baroque /romantic sounds e.g sounds that aren't too bright/clear ; do you know of any string libraries that you could recommend ?

[@benedictstock6539]

Bro, just forget every library you mentioned in this video. I've got Albion One, Nucleus and 16 gigs of Ram. I recently bought Musio by Cinesamples which is their complete collection for 299$ in an own plugin which is 100× less RAM/CPU intensive as Kontakt. The only disadvantage is that you have no mic pisitions yet, but I wouldn't care as a beginner. There is nothing out there which nearly comes close to this deal.

[@Clasam09]

Hi Kevin, just saw your best strings for beginners video. What would you suggest is the best all in one orchestra sample library for beginners. Not so much traditional scoring but some hybrid, and pop/electronic, occasional acoustic singer/songwriter. Thanks tons.

[@KevinKuschel]

Check my All in one orchestra tier list video. Nucleus is probably nice for your use case

[@Clasam09]

​@@KevinKuschelwould the answer be the same if you were focusing on hybrid scoring? Thanks!

[@matcauthon6697]

Hi Kevin! Any thoughts on CineSamples? Like the brass/strings core + pro versions?

[@forcerising9071]

Great video, not much to disagree with. Excellent breakdown. Musio is great, I always find my way back to CS in the end, just great sounding orchestras. EW Opus is also a great sounding orchestra but the plug in is a system hog for me even with 5.2Ghz CPU and 64GB 6000mhz memory. Feel free to disagree, personally I can’t keep good performance with many instances

[@njapostol]

Can you please make a list of good String VSTs that don't need Kontakt or any other third-party rubbish please?

[@wok82]

How would you rate Synchron series from Vienna Symphonic Libraries?

[@SamSilk]

I really love the NI Symphony Series... Pretty happy with them. I'm sure they weren't produced by NI themselves, they're too good.

[@cachelesssociety5187]

Metropolis Ark 1 & 3 are 548 Euros total on sale right now. But I won't be shopping there until the next sale after Christmas. Is that next Fall?

[@KevinKuschel]

Full Metropolis Ark bundle is on sale right now. Just released updated 2025 video.

[@cachelesssociety5187]

@@KevinKuschel Do you know if they generally only go on sale twice a year?

[@stepitup23]

The buying part is so true 😢

[@teagorn]

Guys, what do you think, I want to buy VST but I'm torn between GROTH and ASGARD DANHEIM, please advise. Thanks

[@IngoGarza]

I suprised you didnt mention Vital in your 300 budget. It can do SO MUCh that the "cinematic atmospheric" sample libraries does.

[@jenstornell]

Vital is nice. I actually bought 2 orchestral libraries for it. One better than the other. Go for Mintona Audio - Analog Orchestra. Not near a real one but fun for $15.

[@laaaliiiluuu]

What is the full name of Vital?

[@GizzyDillespee]

If you look up Vital Spectral Warping Wavetable Synth, you'll find it

[@brilliantFlame]

@@GizzyDillespee”viral synth” is more than enough, it’s the first search position

[@Andysmusicaljourney]

A beginner here. Why would you Replace Reaper with Studio one (or any other of the mentioned DAWs) in the most expensive budget? What is the benefit of it, when Reaper still is a professional tool? Is there something holding it back other than it not being that big of a player in the professional community still? I'm legitimately curious as I see quite a few flocking to Reaper from the other DAWs instead of the other way around.

[@KevinKuschel]

Hey, I prefer Studio One‘s workflow. It’s a bit more intuitive to me. Some Pros use Reaper, so don’t think it’ll limit you :)

[@Andysmusicaljourney]

@@KevinKuschel Alright, thanks mate!

[@KennySerane]

Yes you can obviously stay with Reaper. It’s already a good point to see this daw being mentioned more and more. All daw have their own workflow for sure, but Reaper can match YOUR workflow, and I think is the most important to be efficient. I moved from Logic to cubase to reaper and I’ll never look back

[@rautshsale1948]

the 2$ orchestral tools majestic horn really has me wondering if there are more "hidden gems" in OT store? maybe as an individual instrument of a bigger library?

[@diemcarpemusic]

Devastator Breakout Pro is so much fun just to play around and feel like you are killing demons in hell haha.. In my last track I used it hell a lot also with Areia/Nucleus.

[@abrotherinchrist]

More freebies (at least when I downloaded them): ProjectSAM Big Cat Sketching Orchestra The Alpine Project Impact Soundworks Shreddage Klang Bodega Strings Pocket Blackus Cello Rast Oud String Strezov Duduk, Jade Ethnic Orchestra, Taiko Wavelet Audio Cold Sul Ponticello Waves Factory Clock, Music Box SFZ Meatbass

[@mr_don_key]

i see you are in to the bombastic/epic/trailer orchestral music more than refined/classical orchestral music. Maybe you should make that more clear in the title and scope. I say this, because the libraries you pointed out are more suited towards the former style. (except cinematic studio series). Nothing wrong with that ofcourse, many people like bombastic/epic/trailer music, but clarifying this more, would help getting the right audience per video. I am for one not so much in that epic genre, more into refined/classic corner, so from the whole list, only the cinematic studio series would be an option. For my genre, quite a few are missing, whom are more suitable for the classical type of music (Yes, even John Williams does classical type more than epic): BBC SO, Hollywood Orchestra, Berlin main libraries, Symphony orchestra (old bundle or repackaged), VSL (VI or Synchron) offerings, SM Brass/Strings, heck even Pacific (as layer strings library) are all missing, just to give you some examples. Again, not to bash.. it's a good video, but not very broad in terms of genres covered. And as always, never buy libraries for the MSRP price, always wait for sales.

[@softkadeh]

Can you tell me your favorite sample libraries for instruments which are in real orchestra? I mean strings,woodwinds,brass,percussion,piano,etc. The important thing is my style is also classical and romantic just like John williams works or Alexandre Desplat and even Howard Shore(in LoTR)

[@mr_don_key]

@@softkadeh i gave examples in my reaction above. ;-)

[@joshuagardner894]

Reaper and EastWest monthly subscription of $25, which givers you access to everything EastWest has (full orchestral plus some synth elements), done. Far better than any option here, no offense. Under $100 up front, a night of downloading, and 2 tb of downloading overnight of the entire EastWest library.

[@jenstornell]

I bought way too many cheap choir libraries instead of one large, like Spitfire Originals Choir, Olympus Micro Choir, Dixons Choir and Oceania 2. Many of them sounds almost the same but I like Oceania 2 and Spitfire Originals Choir best. I should probaby just bought Chorus Lite today and upgraded from there.

[@dunehaggar7495]

Awesome line up! What would you recommend for someone with Garritan Personal Orchestra 5, world music and the jazz pack to round out instruments (eg percussion) or up the quality

[@KevinKuschel]

I’d start from scratch and get BBCSO Core or Nucleus (depends on your orchestral style, Nucleus for more modern, processed styles and BBCSO for more classical orchestrations ) and then upgrade to dedicated section libs after I run into limitations.

[@JoelBrandonMedia]

I’m a long time East West user and of course have their subscription (only $20/month for ALL of their libraries). But I feel like they are dated and also lack good epic drums - any others you would recommend besides Damage? How do you feel East West compares overall?

[@ritchxmusic]

Kevin this is a killer video, buddy. Quick question - whats the best library which is not using Kontakt?

[@KevinKuschel]

Probably Orchestral Tools or Spitfire Audio.

[@jazzdude7014]

Cubase 13 pro + ICONICA Sketch ( Full Orchestra made by Orchestral TOOLS) + Full Kontakt on a sale ( and add all the free Libraries available ) + Soundpaint everything free, + SF Labs + a basic Ethera Library like Elements or 2.5+ the free orchestra by Project Sam+ the free stuff of VSL. Thats the professional choice for beginners. And its not expensive. maybe 800$ ...Add extra Choirs later. Stay under 1000$ before u invest a lot of money. The secret is to NOT sound like 99% of all the wannabe HansZimmer "YT Composers" and go for Woodwinds and NOT the always Epic.

[@jazzdude7014]

btw check how u can sell your stuff once u find out it was a stupid idea to become another "composer" with no income. Spitfire TOS says u dont own the Libraries and are not allowed to resell it... i bet other companies have similar hidden "rules", or charge fees for a licenes transfer.

[@nomore6167]

What do people think of 8dio's products? They're on sale until the end of the year with extremely steep discounts. I have NI Komplete Standard (includes Kontakt), but I'm looking for a full orchestra, preferably with the ability to play instruments individually in addition to ensembles. I know it's all subjective and there is no single product that is "the one", but I'm looking for something good to start with, and 8dio's discounted prices look enticing. Are their products worth it?

[@KevinKuschel]

What would you buy if you started again from scratch?

[@d_lydian]

I would buy BBCSO, because you don't have to care about Mixing and stuff

[@Jackalos1]

First things I would look to is Tokyo Scoring Strings and Seventh Heaven reverb. That's a heavy investment in a somewhat niche strings library but everyone has different tastes and I'm quite happy doing strings only compositions so I think it's important people consider what they actually want to do with the libraries - a library that's amazing to one person could collect dust for another. Secondly, I'd probably look to something like Spitfire Originals Epic Choir which is much cheaper by comparison but by no means lacking!

[@quadrolaserbeam]

@@d_lydianso instead of four libs should i go for bbcso?

[@d_lydian]

@@quadrolaserbeam For me, the balance in orchestral music is one essential thing to get a it right. The CSS, CSSS, CSB, CSW are not volume matched. BBCSO is and sounds very cohesive

[@djbone94]

Can you do the 2025 version ? It's black friday !

[@KevinKuschel]

on it!

[@djbone94]

@@KevinKuschel yeeeees !!

[@nishanthp4882]

How about subscriptions like EastWest Composer Cloud+ and Musio?

[@jenstornell]

I use both of them. Musio is smaller but feels more modern and at half the price. I'm more hyped for Musio. Most of the libraries on EastWest feels dated, except the fantasy series.

[@benedictstock6539]

Musio is so insanely good and takes basically no ram

[@-musiclee-]

Why did you not include East West Hollywood Opus, Symphonic Orchestra, or the Steinberg Iconica, or VSL ?? You think Nucleus, Areia and Cinematic Studio is better?

[@ontrada]

Right now Native Instruments is running a sale on some Audio Imperia libraries: Jaeger, Cerberus, Solo, Fluid Woods, and Fluid Brass all for $400 USD. Would this be good for someone starting out?