My Top 7 Strings Sample Libraries (For Every Purpose)

[@vivo-audio]

I often feel that Audiobro's 'Modern Scoring Strings' and it's accompanying 'Expanded Legato' are often overlooked. The strings are lush and dynamic with many articulations, and include one of the most powerful and intuitive engines on the market, in my humble opinion. They're certainly more mellow sounding than 'LASS 3', but absolutely worth considering for a place in your arsenal. We really are spoilt these days and I've been using samples since the Akai S1000 was first released.

[@LotusEater14]

What I use: Solo strings - Cremona Quartet (NI), Gypsy Violin (EW), Lyrical Cello & Violin (Sonuscore). Ensemble strings - Session Strings Pro 2 (NI), Intimate Strings (Spitfire), The Orchestra Complete 3 (Sonuscore). I have many more libraries, but these are foundational with me coming back to them often.

[@studioonetutorials]

7:05 How beautiful does this passage sound!?!? 🤯♥

[@AlbertKimMusic]

Do you know how to prevent Pacific from constantly doing that unwanted portamento. It can't seemed to be mapped or controlled by velocity or anything like CSS.

[@crevalation2691]

Unfortunately this is the shortcoming that we have to grudgingly accept for such as beautiful library. Lowering the dynamics help. Its use if limited as a results for my purpose, but where it shines, it is stellar!

[@MBynum]

I tend to use the same two or three string libraries regulary and some of my others for layering or supporting background sound. I tend to compose romantic and melancholic music with minimal instruments. I just purchased Berlin Symphonic Strings today, so it'll be fun to see how well that one sounds. -Everyday Use: Spitfire Appassionata, CSS -Solo Strings: Sonixenima Intimate Legato Cello -Free/Low Budget: Spitfire Originals Intimate Strings -Thematic/Atmospheric: Albion One, Contemporary Drama Toolkit -Modern/Hybrid Cinematic: Albion One, Areia Romantic/Emotional: Spitfire Appassionata, CSS

[@spiral-m]

Areia has great shorts especially, which cut through the mix very nicely where many other libraries sound washed out. There are some issues though like Setting vibrato to zero on legato patches exposes vibrato on the sample start. The transitions in legato sound clunky in some patches. Pity they messed those up or just cut costs. I've just been listening to spitfire Appassionata and they sound really great but I'm not sure if you can get rid of vibrato if you need to.

[@KevinKuschel]

Have you set the sample start to the highest values for Legato? (250ms).

[@DJKLProductions]

For a long time I only had CSS as my workhorse, but for a few years now I've also owned the Berlin Symphonic Strings, which have replaced CSS as main library. However, I still use CSS for layering. So I use BSS as the front, while CSS runs in the background at -5 to -8 dB to round off the sound. Otherwise, I also use the standard Berlin Strings if I need to fake divisi. If I need muted strings, the Berlin Con Sordino Strings are my choice. For effects, I like to use the corresponding expansion packs from the same series.

[@UXMetalVTuber]

Been waiting for a video like this for a long time. Very much appreciated!

[@KevinKuschel]

Glad I could help!

[@Maplefoxx-vl2ew]

@@KevinKuschel shoulda mentioned the offset times of each library in this video.. i'm putting together a video for my vtuber channel, this is my side channel for browsing.. i will explain how new composers should focus more on sketching and learning.. i'm really struggling with CSS .. i'm using my DAW and midi to learn instrumentation. arrangement and orchestration.. having your instruments able to play in time is essential for this learning experience.. i do never want to have to deal with offset times again in my life while sketching or writing.. i can switch to the CSS sound after if needed. i will suggest Aaron Ventures products, Acoustic Samples, SWAM.. and Sample Modelling, Tokyo Scoring i will do a demo because i have it.. do you know any other software we can play on time? i mean for every articulation.

[@PeterTMusic]

2:08 I caught that! Great theme

[@campar1043]

i still really like chris hein ensemble, wonder what your thoughts on that one is, and embertone stuff

[@campar1043]

can you draw in the midi notes to change articulations for cinematic studio strings?

[@MikeBurnsArrangedAccidents]

It was great to see Areia in the running. Can't wait to check out the new additional legato articulations in the recent update. Highly underrated library. It even manages mono compatibility for close and tree mic samples, something which only LA Strings can do from what I've gathered. CSS was a godsend when I was first starting out. Absolute quantum leap forward in quality and ease of use over my 8 Diablo strings. Audiobro's Modern Scoring Strings is almost certainly the biggest workhorse library of them all. It can do everything I need it to do other than sound quite as gorgeous tonally as some of the other libraries that have less flexibility and fewer articulations. I can get it really close with EQ curve matching and Altiverb though. Actually, the close mics of Modern Scoring Strings are far better samples than CSS, which relies much more on its excellent Decca Tree recordings for it's sound. I must be the only one to be as put off by Pacific Portamentos as I am. It's so popular. Is there any way to sub out that glide with a shorter legato sound? Pacific is a great company though that usually has me at not having to fiddle with my MIDI notes for timing, with every sample locked to the grid using a brilliant look-ahead feature. I'm almost obligated to buy Afflatus as a thank you to Strezov for making the best choir library of all time. I never thought choir would be one of the first sections for me to say "I'm good" on. Aaron Venture has me covered on winds and brass. Not sure what the status of Infinite Strings is. That might be my final string library. Good to see the overrated Berlin not in the running. Beautiful tone on the long notes. Cannot handle speed. It does, however, boast the only double bass section whose tone I absolutely love: smooth and non-whoopie cushion sounding. Good to see Cinestrings not in the running. Don't have it, but even if it were 10 times better than their severely overrated horns, I'd still like it less than CSS. For solo I've got Joshua Bell. Utterly insane sample library, which again, I'm shocked that something as delicate as a violin would be one of the first instruments to say "I'm good" on and not feel the need to make another purchase. Solo by Audio Imperia is absolutely solid. The ancient Nocturne cello is still my favorite cello solo overall. Sorry Tina (though her library's legato work is best in class).

[@KevinKuschel]

Thanks for your feedback, and very interesting thoughts! Yes, Pacific is quite slurred/portamento heavy. It gets a bit less on lower dynamics (just tested on the violins, it reduced a lot. on the cellos it didn't).

[@MikeBurnsArrangedAccidents]

@@KevinKuschel I could see them fixing this, assigning these recordings to a glissando articulation and adding in short legatos. That seems to be the only deal breaker. How are the double basses? Most libraries have bad tones in the upper resonant frequencies.

[@MikeBurnsArrangedAccidents]

It's a shame Aaron Venture has stalled his progress with Infinite Strings. His brass and winds are my absolute favorite aside from having to record each individual instrument separately (no sections) and a surprising amount of phase cancellation from left to right even with close mics. It's got something to do with the IR because he recorded everything up close in a bone dry room with XY mics. He seems to really have taken people's feedback to heart, but his stuff is second to none when it comes to runs. Every individual instrument is on par with the best solo library. Even the saxophone.

[@spiral-m]

Jings, thanks for mentioning that - I would've missed it otherwise! There are some annoying issues with legato patches 1.1 especially with no vibrato! We'll see if they sorted that bit out

[@serox8887]

If you already own Berlin Strings I would definitely give it another chance because it had many updates over the years. Many people don't like the Berlin series because they bought it many years ago when it still ran on kontakt. On the sineplayer the legato now works perfectly. I would even go as far and say that I like the Berlin legato even more than the vista one.

[@MrOrkhanbektash]

All this years I tried many of plugins. Near to close and natural sound I can say with confidence for me it`s 8dio products.

[@cachelesssociety5187]

I turned off the antivirus and it's working better apparently. I have expressive legato turned on, and about a 220 ms track delay if I play 4 quarternotes I have to place the first of them about a 16th note late (so only lasting 3 16ths. The rest are all placed as usual. Is this the way one works with legato in CSS and the other Cinematic Studio Series libraries? What I like about the sound is the way the legato notes don't sound like I'm playing a MIDI keyboard. Just so hard to figure out the timing for a beginner.

[@maplefoxx6285]

as a video game composer I would only choose CSS because for me the sound blends better with synths and other non-orchestral instruments. I find CSS hits nice and hard for short passages as well. for that epic boss battle Hollow Knight sound. Pacific strings do sound amazing and lush for that orchestral classical sound yes. I love CSS and CSB tho. Tokyo Scoring Strings is also great. They have updated it a few times now since it was released.

[@hersh_yt]

Hello, can anyone please tell me Disney or Cartoon/Animation movie like sounding strings plzzzzzzzz😭

[@matthiasrother9743]

After a longtime user of vsl se 1 plus and hoopus I discovered sample modelling strings and since a couple of weeks Audio Modeling strings. It works absolutely great. I studied the cello. That helps me to understand how Audio Modeling is working. And especially with the solos I can achieve almost everything I can imagine. From scratchy banded tremolos to con sordino sul tasto with unparalleled consistency. They still have to improve the sound a little. But to be honest: if the people I write for like the composition, they don’t care if I use east west or modelled strings. But as I said: with AM I can do everything (except col legno, which sounds horrible in the solos and don’t even exist in the sections)

[@MadelnMachines]

I'm a techno / house producer and really don't have too much idea about producing orchestral music. I do prefer more minimal compositions and orchestral mixed with synthesizers etc - things like Max Richter, Ludovicio Einaudi, Olafur Arnalds, Craig Armstrong, Cinematic Orchestra - Arrival of the birds, and I love Ramin Djawadi - Dragonstone. What library particularly for strings and piano would you recommend? Areia modern?

[@ToxicTurtleIsMad]

Stay away

[@tommcwilliams3911]

What do you have to set for the pacific strings to quantize perfectly? It's so quick and I don't understand where the setting is. I'm thinking about buying mainly for this reason. Thanks!

[@KevinKuschel]

It's on the UI itself, called "Sample Offset". You can see it for each patch.

[@tommcwilliams3911]

@KevinKuschel thank you! I appreciate your videos. I watched your more recent one after this. Think I'm going with audio imperia. I do a lot of hybrid action and have used ew composer cloud mixed with heavyocity and komplete. I think the audio imperia will take over a lot of heavy lifting for strings and maybe brass.

[@Leomonsang]

Nice video ! What do you think about DOLCE of Audio Imperia? Do you test it?

[@andrewfeazelle]

idk which one would you suggest for more old school classical writing? My style is retro-early 20th century British school of music: Walton, Bax, RVW. When I wrote my 1st symphony like over 10 years ago (actually all three of my symphonies), I was using the Vienna Symphonic Library, first edition, and not to its fullest extent. I was mostly just trying to make a score and parts for live musicians, and the midi recording was an after effect. And I have some sort of Vienna Instruments samples for solo strings, but it sounds very nasally and brash regarding the violins. These newer libraries sound more like an end product on themselves, and not just a means to make a mock up for a conductor to listen to.

[@AverFlow]

Cool duck in the back 😅

[@davidseymour6246]

Very interesting - thanks. The new Benjamin Wallfisch string library from Orchestral Tools sounds astonishingly alive to my ears (divisi recordings/up & downbow recordings/no looping). Have you had a chance to try that yet? Sadly rather expensive.

[@KevinKuschel]

don’t have the space for it right now. it’s huge

[@davidseymour6246]

Ah yes - good point! That’s the downside of “No looping” I suppose.

[@adirsab]

orchestral tools sounds great.

[@DesoloZantas]

Vista is one of my favorites to be honest. The only thing I wish it had was more articulations. That's the only thing that's really missing. Other than that, I cannot wait for Vista II

[@KevinKuschel]

Vista 2 hypeeee

[@rasmussgaard2596]

You're next level dude! 👍 Do you have a recommendation for a string quartet or quintet library suitable for pop and folk music? Thanks!

[@stixhistishi]

I'd say something like Cremona Quartet by Native instruments can work well? A bit larger would be a chamber strings library of your choice...

[@rasmussgaard2596]

Cool, thank you! What is your favorite "small" sounding chamber strings library?

[@KevinKuschel]

Thanks! Don't have a dedicated quartet/quintet library. Some of my other libraries have one or two quartet patches (e.g. Afflatus and Metropolis Ark 5 both have quartet/quintet spiccatos). Favorite chamber strings is probably Spitfire Chamber Strings, but not sure if may be a bit roomy for pop productions.

[@rasmussgaard2596]

@@KevinKuschel Thanks man! Yeah, I'm looking for a really intimate sound for an indie folk/pop kinda vibe. Roomy and big is definitely not desired keywords for me :) Really unsure what library to get though...

[@jenssieckmann]

​@@KevinKuschel I wonder what library to use for pop and funk/disco production. I need these 70s disco style down glides at the end of the notes. I tried it with CSS and automating the tune knob but that doesn't sound very good.

[@cachelesssociety5187]

CSS is crashing on me constantly in Kontakt 8 and FL Studio. Not sure if it's my antivirus (Bitdefender), but it's unusable at the moment. Are you using an antivirus while composing, or is there no way a person in their right mind should do this?

[@filmscorelife4225]

I LOVE Cinematic Studio Strings. To me....its the closest to James Horner's sound. I use it in EVERY composition since 2022.

[@gcruishank9663]

I'm a film composer and agree that Cinematic Studio Strings is still the best overall. The muted strings are gorgeous. However, I still haven't found a great library for creating convincing osstinato pasages, other than Sonokinetic which are recorded passages so they are very limited. For the others I always find using the spiccato samples unconvincing, Just not enough round robin samples and they just don't sound realistic. Any new recommendations?

[@KevinKuschel]

Watch out for Performance Samples‘ upcoming releases (Fluid Shorts 3, Vista 2, the next Pacific libraries).

[@gcruishank9663]

@@KevinKuschel yes, I will indeed, thanks

[@MarikaSchanz]

I love your videos! Its fun to watch thanks for the recommendation. :)

[@KevinKuschel]

Thank you :)

[@electedmusic7685]

OT BENJAMIN WALLFISCH STRINGS, THE BEST SOUND STRINGS LIBRARY OF THE WORLD

[@jenstornell]

The cello (with a woman on the cover) in Musio is the best long string cello I have ever heard. Have you tried that?

[@KevinKuschel]

That's Tina Guo cello, it's great!

[@TheBroadcastStudio365]

Subscribed!🎉 You’re fantastic!🎉happy 2024

[@KevinKuschel]

Thank you, happy 2024!!

[@b.h.f5116]

Thanks for the video Kevin, do you use more pacific or CSS ? I love pacific but at higher dynamics the upper register sounds almost like portamentos on every note, I'm eyeing CSS to solve that. Also what are the colors you're using in studio one for the tracks ? I feel like the contrast is very bad in the software and those colors are helping a lot, is it custom or in the vanilla software ?

[@KevinKuschel]

Depends on the e project. Pacific for large and lush, CSS for smaller-than-symphonic stuff usually. Sometimes I layer in Vista for more definition. My S1 is vanilla, I simply changed the colors of the tracks.

[@adrianoguilhenbastogeferre602]

Thank you a lot!

[@somsnosa_]

which of these would be lighter on the CPU and RAM while also having a good sound? (i have 8GB of ram)

[@KevinKuschel]

If you go full orchestral (meaning you have other instruments that this one strings library loaded), I'd stick with an all-in-one orchestra like Nucleus until you are ready to upgrade your RAM.

[@somsnosa_]

@KevinKuschel Thank you. So is nucleus the best all-in-one for low RAM? Or are there other contenders?

[@somsnosa_]

I have tried the Berlin Inspire 2 from a friend of mine, which seemed to be light on the RAM but I found that library to have very few options for a bread and butter a versatile library which is what I'm looking for

[@Dougschannel59]

Cinematic studio string 2 any good?

[@KevinKuschel]

It still holds up quite well, but it is dated by now.

[@Dougschannel59]

@@KevinKuschel ok thanks I was interested on this as I come across many that prefer it to CCS thanks for your reply

[@dustintheblacklight]

@@Dougschannel59It sounds even better to my ears than more modern CSS with completely new recordings. I am not alone with this opinion. But all is matter of a subject taste ofcourse.

[@Dougschannel59]

@@dustintheblacklight yes I thought that might be the case I've just ordered it thanks

[@jenssieckmann]

My favorite is by far CSS because ... I don't have another one 😁

[@KevinKuschel]

Fair enough, you got yourself a good one :)

[@Scr1pted]

Thanks you, give us more horror strings ❤❤

[@Myspacemeta]

Surprised Joshua Bella Violin, and Tina Guo Cello didn't make the cut

[@KevinKuschel]

Great ones!

[@aphilzitrone]

wish i had the money for that :D

[@KevinKuschel]

What are your top strings libraries for the following purposes? Fill the template with your picks! - Everyday-use: - Solo strings: - Free/Low-Budget: - Thematic/Atmospheric: - Modern/Hybrid cinematic: - Romantic/Emotional:

[@jmmm2703]

Everyday-use: Areia Lite Solo Strings: Tina Guo Cello Free/Budget: Spitfire Epic Strings Modern/Hybrid: Areia Lite Thematic/Atmospheric: Sunset Strings Emotional/Romantic: Not sure :)

[@chrisanderson9981]

@@jmmm2703 Ty for bringing that up -- I like the price point of Areia LIte as I'm currently not interested in spending 400 on strings.

[@HuwRees]

I find the volume between sustained and staccato varies wildly - big dealbreaker

[@AudioImperia]

😍

[@nandoflorestan]

I think there's something strange in the voice leading between violins and basses in the thing you composed for this video.

[@DimWayaa]

Pardon me slightly off topic but: when it comes to solo strings, there's really no excuse for not hiring real musicians (!) in my opinion.

[@B.Saiju207]

Then using a solo string library would be a great tool to hear it before hiring someone then right? Why hire someone if you arent sure if you'll get the outcome you want

[@DimWayaa]

@@B.Saiju207 Ah, but of course, your are 100% right. I still think I have reason to assume some might rather put their budget on more virtual instruments though ,) since they're so good these days. All I'm saying is, if you have the chance in a budget to help keeping the species of classically trained musicians alive, do it .

[@HuChing-ob4kk]

@@B.Saiju207 and BOTH of you would be correct. Hanz Zimmer uses software to create his scores so the producers will have something to hear before hiring real musicians to perform....in previous times you had to write the score, have an orchestra perform it when see if the producer like what you wrote. There is nothing like the individual sound and technique of a real musician that adds character to a sound

[@rodterrell304]

Money, money ,money.

[@F4xP4s]

Might even be cheaper!