Spitfire BBCSO and Cinematic Studio Series, SIDE BY SIDE

[@MattiaChiappa]

Which one did you like the most? I’d be very curious to hear know what you guys think!

[@YeahBan]

Both are great! Each has its own merit. But I want to choose the cs series!

[@MattiaChiappa]

Thanks, what I like about cs is the level of detail and expressiveness

[@YeahBan]

@@MattiaChiappa yes! I agree!

[@ben-hendel]

BBC sounds warmer and has a unique glow, but has clumsier legato and a bit of muddiness in the lower freq

[@MattiaChiappa]

@@ben-hendel the transitions on bbc are medium to fast. They can work pretty well on close intervals. If you use legato performance, make sure to pull down the velocities, particularly on violins higher register

[@MOSes020]

BBC sounds absolutely magical

[@sourcefor]

You are a great composer, love the style! Thanks for the vids!

[@JPDC624]

This amazing comparison got me thinking... I own BBCSO Pro and I've been a longtime mix engineer, and what I hear is simply the air missing from BBCSO. So I now want to try a Fab Filter EQ (best in the biz) and add a 3KHz small bump and a 10KHz shelf to see if that brings in the sizzle that we like about CS. Thanks Mattia, great vid!

[@bulentkamali]

Hey Paulie, what do you think about the Fab Reverb? I was thinking to buy the Valhalla reverb due to its low price, but I am wondering how much the Fab Reverb will bring quality into my mix?

[@mrmindstorms]

Interesting, I always take away a small bump around 3KHz with BBCSO

[@JohnChandlerEdmonton]

To me the BBCSO sounds muddy and less crisp. So I am thinking EQ would be the thing to do. Wish he had done that at some point in this video so we could see if it did the trick.

[@Spidouz]

I came decided to figure out which one I would prefer and should buy first… but in the end, all I hear is that they’re just different to me, not better or worse, just different. BBCSO sounds darker, but warmer… while CSS sounds more pristine, airy and clear. So now, I want both because it just depends what we’re looking at the time… both could be useful.

[@lovelymusicnow4404]

Simple EQ can make them both sound exactly alike

[@aleksamrkela831]

Cinematic Studio Series all the way. It's a lot more reliable for programming in terms of sample delay and all. Spitfire has a thing for having uneven sample starts that are very audible issues, because reasons.

[@cachelesssociety5187]

That flute section and the area around that. Wow, what an improvement in Cinematic Studio Series. I own BBD SO (none of the Cinematic Studio Series yet) and I have to imagine that it must be a joy to have scripting to provide such realism. I don't think I have a library that can match it.

[@xaviduch]

Really good music in a very good hands so...you can achieve almost whatever you want with both tools...As I told you once, "Closure" was the reason I finally bought BBCSO pro. I love Cinematic studio series and personally, the "repetitions" option in CSS is a GREAT and useful gadget...sometimes the legat script could be more tedious but, it's really nice. At the end, I notice we all need more than just one library and to be able to blen them for great stuff like your demo...

[@arturbaryshev]

I use CS when producing better sounding mockups/virtual orchestra tracks AND I use BBC when doing fast mockups for future orchestral recordings, because it's really flexible and lightweight. For me, CS Strings & CS Woodwinds - always the best sounding libraries ever.

[@frattuncbas]

What about Opus?😊

[@PeachesChrenko]

Wow amazing work! So beautiful. Very helpful video and timely as I just purchased BBCSO Pro today on sale :)

[@mr_don_key]

BBCSO sounds more cohesive, more like an orchestra playing in front of you. Cinematic Studio series, is a more focussed sound (hence the " studio" in the naming). I think it depends on the piece which one suits better. IN this case i prefer BBC SO (although it's more "darker", it's more live sounding)

[@MoodScores7538]

I preferred CS.

[@mr_don_key]

@@MoodScores7538 his new template sounds differently, more like on a stage, as bbc so does. So by his newest template, i too prefer the cinematic studio orchestra (in fact, i have also bought the remaining libraries from the Cinematic studio line, along with SM brass, and several plugins for eq/fx's)

[@Nick.Magnus]

Fascinating comparison (great music, BTW). For me, CS sounds so much more transparent. I get a sense of muddiness in general from the BBC. The CS legatos are superb - lyrical lines just sing out beautifully - the BBC legatos (in common with other Spitfire libraries) sound uncomfortably 'sucky'. The big dynamic range of CSS is one of its greatest strengths (noteably with the Brass). That moment at bar 40 - 41 when the fff horns poke through sounds magnificent, and the trumpets carry the following melody with real authority. I think you can guess which way I'm leaning...!

[@Eally1979]

lmao you are so full of s.... both libraries have the potential to sound a lot better than in this video. Poor programming here. I don't think you ever heard a real orchestra if you really think the horns sound "magnificent", or the trumpets have "real authority" lmao whatever the f this means. Cringe!

[@MoodScores7538]

I agree.

[@NachtPiano]

Fr

[@oldmate86]

Looking at getting some of my first plug-ins now and I think I've landed on SF Chamber Strings and CS Brass as a start.

[@Torulv]

Thank you. I like the intensity dynamics (for lack of a better word) of the different instruments in BBCSO better. As of my current judgement it sounds more lively and real. However the sound is rolled off in the higher ends, it lacks clarity. Is this something that can be dialed in, was it EQed? CCS has better high end clarity. So I wouldn't know which one to choose. Spitfire probably has some more ensembles though, possibly with better high end. Unless this is how they master their songs, cutting high end.

[@MattiaChiappa]

It’s just a different mix. You can easily use an eq to make BBC or any library brighter.

[@Torulv]

@@MattiaChiappa thanks for the reply. yeah, eq can only take you so far though until it mangles the sound. either the way, it still sounds great

[@carators3611]

Hello! Thanks for the detailed comparison and the lovely music! I've a question: in terms of workflow, is one library better than the other? I was disappointed to find that a new BBC plugin has to be loaded for every instrument, rather than being able to load multiple VSTs at the same time like with Kontakt.

[@Johndoe19512]

Listening to the side by sides really makes me wish Spitfire sampled BBCSO a little more deeply. There's a real out-of-the-box cohesiveness to BBCSO that no other library seems to match even when mixed well, but it's let down by the lower number of dynamic layers. Still, great value for money.

[@MattiaChiappa]

My conclusion was that the limited dynamic range is why it sounds more homogeneous that other libraries, making it easier to use. I don’t see that as a let down at all.

[@slimyelow]

I noticed that immediately as I began to write for BBCSO: the freakin' lack of layers! Also, the lack of round robin on some shorter samples was an unwelcome trip.

[@guidryjoseph44]

I firmly believe I will hear music like this in heaven!

[@MattiaChiappa]

Ahah thanks

[@darrenhirst9900]

Imagine if they're using cs 😂

[@AI_WisdomChannel]

Excellent composition! You deserve much success.

[@MattiaChiappa]

Thanks!

[@kevinthebeagle]

in most instances, I preferred BBC, but as you point out, the wwds in CS sparkle - great insights from you as always, I so appreciate your knowledge, musicality, and your sharing all of it.

[@MattiaChiappa]

Glad it’s helpful!

[@MikJames-d1g]

They both offer so much flexibility I'm never quite sure what the point of these comparisons is. Right off the bat I can hear CS is more defined in the strings, but it's also eq'd differently, and puts more emphasis on the Violas. All of this is within the users control, i.e they can probably be made to sound a lot more similar than they do out of the box, in general tone/mixing. The more important things to listen for (and some things that you can't necessarily listen for) are things like legato, vibrato/control over vibrato, number of round robins, the range of the instruments, number of/relevance of articulations, dynamic range and number of layers in crossfades, and control over attack/release. All of the these things are arguably more important than tone when crafting a mockup or producing music in general, and all of them can severely limit how capable a library is far more than tonality and mixing. So while it's cool to hear the out of box sound, it really doesn't indicate much about how "good" these libraries are, and you shouldn't base purchasing decisions on this alone. Download demos/🏴‍☠ to get hands on with these, learn how to mix for yourself to get the sound you want out of any library. When you're just starting out it can be very easy to spend a lot of money for something that sounded good in one composer's hands, and have no idea how to get there, while also running into a brick wall with how limited in features/customization some libraries can be. I think the subscription/demo model is going to have to become a lot more widespread/robust in the near future. Many companies are starting to wake up to the fact that most people don't have hundreds of $$$ to drop on products that may not do what they want. Companies with subscriptions and robust demoing are going to win the war and garner the highest number of paying customers.

[@mustandard]

What a high quality comparison! I've never seen such a detailed review of the specific major/minor point of each vsts. Will I be able to meet just one vst that combines the strength of these both sounds? Thank you for this great video.

[@AlbertKimMusic]

I love CSS, but after a while of using it, it just sounds too thin. Still one of the best string libraries out there

[@irbomusic]

Lol, I found you again. The other AK composer

[@MichaelPilipp]

Dear Mattia, I own both orchestras. CSS has a fantastic logic in structure, but unfortunately it sounds a bit tinny "out of the box". The BBS is wide and warm. However, I use a linear increase in the treble from 8 KH on the strings. In addition, the range of instruments at BBC is much better. There is indeed a lack of pressure in the BBC's horn legato. But here I use the Sfz sounds. My favorite orchestra is the EW Hollywood opus, which really combines all wishes and offers the most beautiful and tender strings.

[@BillPollackMusic]

So very beautiful sir! Do you have a favorite 'solo' string patch or library for violin, viola, cello and bass?

[@MattiaChiappa]

Not really, I think for that specific case it would be a much better investment to hire a real player. For demos anything that gets the job done works for me. I use the emotional solo series

[@darkopesevski9829]

Dear Mattia, I plan to buy the Apple macbook Air M1, will it handle multi track orchestral music with its CPU? And can I use my already purchased VST from my Kontakt in Cubase to Logic Pro? Thank you!

[@MattiaChiappa]

Mmm I have no idea about the MB air but I don’t think that using the libraries you bought already should be an issue.

[@BaraMatahariPagi]

Great video, Mattia! One question, what mic positions are you using in the CS example?

[@MattiaChiappa]

I making a mix of my own using the 3 mics available.

[@charliemcgrain]

The arrangement was first class. Was there a legato patch in the strings in CS? It didn't sound like. BBCSO seemed "richer" rather than darker to my ear, but a negligible difference, really. EQ and reverb could probably get a really close match. Both excellent, but, the arrangement really counts, as you know. Many thanks for the video.

[@sebastianvargas706]

Nice video and composition. They should put this as demo tracks on their websites, sometimes I think the reference tracks they have don't make justice to their amazing libraries. Thanks a lot.

[@sighermike]

What I can't seem to find is what version of BBC SO did you use. Discover is nice, but quite limited. You said CS was quite costly, is it comparable in price to the BB SO you used? Both Core and Pro sound leaps over Discover

[@producedbydraka]

He used pro

[@YeahBan]

Mattia, I have a question. Q.1 How did you adjust the delay of the short notes, legato, in the CSS series? You used one track per instrument? Or each of us? Q.2 Did you touch EQ for the music recorded in this video?

[@MattiaChiappa]

Hey, I adjust delay by ear for each single note. It's quite time consuming. Yeah I use eq, reverbs, comp and all that jazz. All the music is make is fully mixed and mastered

[@YeahBan]

@@MattiaChiappa Thanks. I've never learned mixing and mastering, so I'm wondering how to handle it. Is there a place to learn?

[@MattiaChiappa]

There’s lots and lots of resources online. Check out Joel Dollie’s channel for orchestral stuff

[@YeahBan]

@@MattiaChiappa Thank you So much!!

[@LanzaroteShowcase]

The BBCSO does swells really well, but the faster woodwind and some of the mid to loud brass does not shine as much as the other library. But the BBC does definitely have that vibe, so it’s a really tough choice. I would be tempted to lay the BBC with modelled Brass, or a solo more detailed leader.

[@tsmiguel]

Wonderfull video! i own both libs. I agree that the OS lib. have a higher dynamic range but I also notice that when CC 1 is in the lowest position the sound goes away while in the BBC SO the lowest position of the mod wheel performs a pianissimo.a minor thing but i wonder if you notice the same.

[@elisabettamorkozzo6533]

Ciao, grazie per il video... Ho preso i Cinematic Studio Series strings ma trovo che hanno una coda strana al rilascio... Non parlo di ambiente o reverbero perche il reverbero l'ho messo a zero ma la coda rimane... ed è una coda tipo synth che dura un secondo circa... ho provato a diminuire il release dove c'è il grafico attack/release ma a quel punto il punto al rilascio il suono diventa tipo gate... Possibile che abbiano questa brutta coda di suono di default? GRAZIE

[@MattiaChiappa]

Ciao Elisabetta, io non ho questo problema. Prova ad abbassare la release in kontakt. Se non ricordo male dovrebbe essere all’interno dell’interfaccia

[@replicant6]

I also like the CS better. The first library that I bought was BBCSO Core and I’ve been so disappointed. I like the tight, focused sound of CS and even Eastwest’s Hollywood orchestra. Today I ordered CSS2, and I’m excited!

[@drewcollier1138]

CSS does sound quite thin. Are you using the close mics or a particular pan? Do you think a stereo widener plugin would make it sound a lot less thin?

[@MattiaChiappa]

Honesty I like that it’s thinner than BBC. It’s a smaller string section after all. I would not mess with wideners, you can easy feed in more of the tree and room if you want it to sound wider. The natural balance of these libraries is so good, I wouldn’t alter it by making those sorts of invasive adjustments. I don’t think that strings have to sound big but hey that’s me 😀

[@richochet]

@@MattiaChiappa BTW can I confirm also you are using one of the 'room' mics and not the close? The close-mics are more revealing in regards t detail.

[@LukaGroulx]

To me BBCSO really has a more realistic sound. I understand it might lack in dynamic range and articulations, but the actual realism is really nice with Spitfire, and that’s a big part of what I’m looking for when buying a library. Nice comparison, thanks for that video!

[@MattiaChiappa]

Thanks!

[@ToxicTurtleIsMad]

Are you braindead?

[@irbomusic]

Which BBCSO edition did you use?

[@MattiaChiappa]

It’s the Pro version

[@Sr.Rakthai]

Wonderful work! How much ram do you need for this kind of template? How much tracks/articulations are there? Thanks!

[@MattiaChiappa]

At the time of making this video my computer had 32gb of ram

[@Doty6String]

Great orchestrations! BBC sounds more lush and clear to my ears. CS always sounds midrangey.

[@maplefoxx6285]

I like CSS but there are some inconsistences with their samples. For example, Tremolo legato and normal legato patches sound very distant in the room compared to all other samples. Marcato legato sounds closer. This is an issue. CSB does not have this problem.. does their Solo Strings also have this same issue? I am happy to recently purchase Tokyo Scoring Strings. I watch someone that uses Modern Scoring strings from Audiobro, that is the best software out there right now. Or Tokyo Scoring for video game or emotional stuff.

[@DavidBarberComposer]

CS sounds much better. More clarity, detail and expressiveness. It also sounds much more realistic

[@NelRossyMusic]

Nope… sorry but BBC emulates the natural clear real orchestra sound. Listen to classical music and you’ll notice the difference between “clear” unreal brightness from cs and the natural real sound from BBC

[@ToxicTurtleIsMad]

​instead you should try a mock up. Bbc is not a serious library@@NelRossyMusic

[@caseyfulton6932]

I guess there's a benefit that BBC SO is a complete orchestra in 1 library and it achieves a cohesive sound even if the Brass dynamic range may be better in CS and ostinatos in CS Strings sound more varied/ realistic.

[@oscarrojas4214]

WOWOWOWOWW, taht sound amazing!!!!!

[@legoindiecomments1344]

I own the Native Instruments Symphony Series, and I was trying to decide between spending my money on Cinematic Studio Strings and BBCSO Core because I really like the NI Woodwinds/Brass selections but I find the strings really lackluster and not very versatile. I ended up going for BBCSO Core on a whim because of the summer sale stacked with my small discount from the free BBCSO Discover, and I'm very glad I did. I think I will still find some use in my NI stuff because they have great woodwind and brass solo patches, and some unique articulations and sounds that aren't found in BBCSO, but the BBCSO has most of what I need and sounds incredible.

[@michalsiegel6717]

I am surprised you like NI Series. I got it with Kompletně 13 UCE and I absolutely don't like it. Extremely wet, extreme background noise, everything is muddy. It takes huge amount of time to make it sound at least acceptable. I am deciding between Spitfire Symphonic Orchestra and Berlin Series.

[@snarf1504]

I expected to like the sound & cohesiveness of the BBC more, but I actually found myself suprised by CS. The legato programming on CSS is leagues above BBC (so bumpy) of course, so that's a pretty clear winner for me. From the waveform it looks like BBC is louder (which could lead to bias), so I'm wondering if you did any volume balancing?

[@MattiaChiappa]

No, CS balance out of the box is very accurate. I just pulled the woods down. That’s not the case with BBC, it takes some time to adjust to the proper loudness. The volume difference of probably because they’re different performances with CS being closer to what I had originally written on the score being capable of the full dynamic range.

[@snarf1504]

@@MattiaChiappa Oh I meant whether you balanced the volumes between the CSS and BBC examples so one is not significantly louder than the other. That is great information to know too, though. I believe CSS was made to allow copy-pasting midi data between instruments while retaining proper balance, which is quite unique.

[@MattiaChiappa]

Kind of yes! I tied to match the volumes a little bit

[@MichelBarbaro]

Great job! Beautiful Orchestration! And nice way to compare the libraries! Makes me feel happy with my BBCSO CORE that I haven't had time to explore yet!

[@chaddonal4331]

Thank you for doing this! So helpful! However, it seems like your dynamic swells are always bigger on BBCSO. Is this intentional? Is this because it's easier to make dynamic boosts in BBCSO?

[@MattiaChiappa]

I’m not sure why that is 🤔

[@ArcadianGenesis]

I definitely prefer CS due to the clarity of the brass and woodwinds. They tend to get lost in the mix with BBC.

[@Hartproduktie]

As always great video nice composition the bbc looked warmer in sound but thats my opinion, thanks a lot Mattia

[@b3owu1f]

I thought the Cinematic Studio was much better. Could hear sounds more, and they sounded more realistic to me.

[@gastonrizzo6875]

To my ears the BBC destroys the CS hands down especially in the 1:57 to 2:29 passage. I don't think the fact that they sound darker is relevant since they still have a beautiful content in the highs. They actually have and high-quality, clean, open top-end, even though they sound darker because of the warm room resonance pushing the lows up. They have a better holographic imaging too, sections marry better. And the quality of the players makes a big difference. For this kind of track, BBC is the one good choice to me. I would still take the CS for epic music though, BBC are too ... lovely for this application x)

[@Kalaish_Stanley]

One thing you have to remember is that you can always add reverb to CS whereas you don't have that flexibility with BBC. So in that regard, I'd say CS is much more versatile because it's a much drier sample.

[@apormalo]

Thanks for the comparison Mattia. The video made me listen critically too but I find that I keep coming back to BBC.

[@mikhailprokofev]

Thanks for a job well done! The BBS certainly sounds a lot better, more powerful! The music is beautiful!!!

[@testowykana1763]

While I really like sound of CSS, the tone, dynamics, what I don't like, is the feeling as if there are too many early reflections embedded in the sound. And those reflections sound like coming from a bad, cheap digital reverb. BBC on the other hand sounds very clean when it comes to early reflections (even compared to other libraries by Spitfire, eg. Abbey Road One Foundations). I also prefer darker sounding libraries - it's much easier to boost high end than cut it, and make it still sound natural, unprocessed.

[@MarcelloDiLorenzo]

I like Bbc!

[@jamesdaniels8297]

I don’t own either of the libraries but if I was going to choose one of them I would probably choose BBCSO because I think it’s cheaper and it has its own plug-in instead of having to use kontakt.

[@tonynicosiamusic7237]

Merci Beaucoup from Paris.Tony

[@axel.lessio]

BBC all the way for what I compose, but both are truly excellent. New subscriber here, ciao Mattia! :)

[@MelissaAtwell]

Brilliant. Thank you for sharing this useful comparison!

[@lattetown]

TBH they sound the same, I think I prefer the BBC sound in your examples slightly more. As far as creative workflow, I prefer to start mocking up in a DAW like Logic with a "basic sections" template before orchestrating parts-though I am exploring Dorico 4's new DAW-like playback options. BTW, I own both libraries as well as Orchestral Tools Berlin Orchestra. Personally, I would probably sketch melodic lines in Albion One or Abbey Roads One, then flesh it out in BBCSO with some additional layers from CS strings and Berlin brass & winds.

[@batelgroun]

I was exactly looking for something like this, thanks!! I have some questions though. How does BBC blends with just one of the CSS? Like just the strings or the brass. I looking forward to buy the complete CSS collection, but for now I can only get one of them (I'm between the strings or the brass). So the other part of the orchestral will be from BBC Pro. What are your thoughts?

[@MattiaChiappa]

It will not blend out of the box, if that’s what you’re asking. You need to be extra careful with dynamics and volume and put it it’s right space but that will be the case for all samples from different developers.

[@JohnMassari]

Wonderful composition. Reminiscent of the Eastman school of music sound.

[@MattiaChiappa]

Thanks!

[@ChandraOyugetCheung]

Thank you so much Mattia! Your works is beautiful for me to able to listen to them in fair comparison. I don't want to share my view about them since it is just a matter of taste, which is always debatable... But really! I appreciate your doing! Keep it up man

[@MattiaChiappa]

Thanks!

[@stevendevries1395]

I fell in love with BBCSO as a result of your first 40 or so orchestration technique videos. Just blew me away. BBCSO indeed has a vibe. And I was so lucky because I had Logic and BBCSO plugin and I could easily replicate and study it. CS is clearer but somehow how dryer and less realistic or organic to me. But both are indeed great. No other videos come close - offering the notated score in variety of styles and the MIDI files along with the piano reduction play through is a total game changer. Thanks for teaching me orchestration Mattia.

[@Pedrotube0565]

Hi Mattia, what a great comparison, thanks for Your work on that! Refering to the detailedness in comparison , which mic-mix did You use in BBCO here? I could imagine that bringing in some of the solo mics would create more details and clearity. How are Your experiences?

[@MattiaChiappa]

Hi, it was combination if mics. I cannot remember exactly what I did but I did use the close mics as well. Leaders on strings 100% full

[@mithramusic5909]

BBC just sounds so much more alive and in motion. Wow, it's fantastic

[@nicolasjchaanine]

Beautiful music brother.

[@oldmate86]

I say this not as a diss but CS sounds more polished and "Disney" sounding - which I quite like. I think getting CSS paired with perhaps Chamber Strings from Spitfire would be a good combo to cover all bases. CSB sounds huge. I think it's the clear winner in the brass section.

[@cachelesssociety5187]

I own Spitfire chamber strings and plan to get Cinematic Studio Strings - so thank you for reinforcing it. There's a 25% off coming up in a bit over a week.

[@manuelfilho11]

Did you EQ or process the sound? It sounds very polished. Great review!

[@MattiaChiappa]

Hi, yeah there’s a bit of eq. Very minor corrections though.

[@MingKyuk]

Lovely!!!! The music AND the video!! Allow me to ask two questions: 1. Could this comparison be biased, just because you have composed the piece with the BBCSO - and its sounds have somehow determined the character of the composition (we all know this kind of bias when trying to repeat the feeling of our former relationship with a new partner - even using the same pet name etcetc....shit, this becomes deeeeep now)? 2. Did you use the BBCSO Core or Pro (a selfish question, because I am not sure whether or not to upgrade)?

[@MattiaChiappa]

I don't think I'm biased, what I liked more about the original (BBC) is that unique performance, not the overall sound per se. Replicating it even with the same library, would be next to impossible. I think the new one is quite good to that regard but it's very very different. Sonically it would be easy to make the 2 libraries sound similar with all the mic selections available.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

I liked the liveliness from the BBCSO. I always preferred that over a more clean and focused sound. But dang did CSS impress me in the composition.

[@jesussaddle]

For someone who didn't have the library for very long you certainly got through it admirably. One comment I have is that if you applied some limiting using DMG Limitless (which can function as a mastering compressor while letting you choose where to compress) then I think it would really bring out tjhe CCS version. As you say BBCSO has less dynamic layers and has a fuller sound. Limitless can adapt different spectral ranges, boosting some more than the other, so you could compress the lows and mids a bit. The fact that BBCSO is missing some sheen probably has to do with the mic mix to an extent, although you could certainly add some high end without harming its overall sound.

[@MattiaChiappa]

Thanks, just so you know there’s a touch of limiting a compression on the BBC version as well. Its very light on both not compressing more than 2db. CSS being brighter here has nothing to do with library itself which is darker than BBC out of the box. You can make BBC just as bright with an eq. They are very different libraries in regard to the space around the instruments how the libraries are programmed and the variety of articulations with CSS being much much more versatile. Sure you can make the 2 libraries sonically similar in a number of ways and would have very different instruments because of the way their built.

[@jesussaddle]

@@MattiaChiappa Thank you for clarifying! I have BBCSO currently. I was considering Tokyo Scoring Strings vs Cinematic Studio Strings just because its a new kid on the block I suppose. But I hear from Guy M's friend (via Guy M.) that the shorts are accurate in CSS. So many options these days, keep up the good work in helping us decide!

[@Banquet...]

This is a great video, thank you for doing it. I have BBC SO Core and also CS2 and CSB. I'm torn between upgrading BBC SO to Pro, or picking up. CSS and CSW to complete that bundle. I love the sound of both and for me I think it's coming down to do I want the extra dynamic layers with CS or all the mic positions. with BBC SO Pro. Do you use the mic positions much? (Core just has 1 mix signal). Also, since making the video, has a clear favourite emerged with you? edit, btw I love the room behind you. Looks lovely! :). I don't have space for the easy chairs but must get a lamp or two! :)

[@MattiaChiappa]

It depends on what is important to you. I use both libraries for different things. Yes I use mic position but mix1 is still very good. Glad you like the room 😀 If the place was bigger it would be full of lights and lamps 😀

[@danmart2585]

This is gorgeous stuff. BBC is wonderful.

[@XeNoS_Music]

Im looking forward Mattia ! :)

[@MattiaChiappa]

This was a fun one!

[@XeNoS_Music]

@@MattiaChiappa This was fantastic video as always. If i may i would like to ask if its possible to You to make some video about how to programm realistic harp gliss and other runs like woodwinds scale runs ect ,that would be fantastic. Also great if You could make some live orchestration/composing videos like one You did before , i mena this kind of 1hr challenge or some :) Wnyways ,Thank You for all and im looking forward for more ! :)

[@XiyuYang]

For this particular piece I prefer CSS. Are you using BBCSO core or BBCSO pro?

[@MattiaChiappa]

It’s BBC pro

[@slimyelow]

The BBC hall however is really starting to grow on me. It is way warmer than Air Lyndhurst and it tops CS. However CS provides a very pretty and intimate hall that I labsolutely luv too.

[@TwstedTV]

To my ears listening the comparisons pieces the CS sounds brighter and more airy, while the BBC sounds more bassy & a little muffled. Though BBC sounds more full its missing its hi's Of course thats to my ears and I am listening & testing it on Genelecs, Focal 11BE's, Adam S3H, Yamaha NS10, Auratones and even ATH-M50 studio headphones. I listened to the video like 4 or 5 times throughout. I like CSS more because of its clarity, but I would use BBC in conjunction to thicken it up since BBC is more bassy. But CSS would be my primary. (to me)

[@BluemountScore]

Two of my favorite orchestral libraries, both with strenghts and just a few weaknesses. I use them both and will continue to do so.

[@YipengLuo]

Why not using them together❤

[@MrRennieFrumpkin]

…Feels like the perfect library would be a combination of the sound/feel of BBCSO with the programming/dynamics of CS 🤔

[@slimyelow]

I find writing articulated lead lines for violins a real PITA on BBCSO. The legatos ONLY have one tempo, CSS has 3. Fast passages on BBCSO strings is also another PITA, also no measured tremolo. It is a very one dimensional library. The more I listen to the CSS demos by Alex Wallbank, the more my desire for it grows.

[@orz887]

〈 orz 〉 i like the most afflatus strings from strevoz sampling, cuz they are sooo easy and fast to program (legato and ect). i can do much more work faster thx to that. the best the most expensive string lib. other instrument im using are from cinematic studio

[@MattiaChiappa]

I don’t have afflatus but I heard good things about it

[@orz887]

@@MattiaChiappa they are so great in longs and slow legato passage and very fast to program (unlike for example css). fast articulation are also great haha. like there is religion of css im worshiper of afflatus strings.

[@michaelreaves6212]

Love this comparison, thank you so much for sharing, and I think you are spot on with your analysis! For me, it reminds me of the comparison between listening to an analog recording on vinyl and a digital recording on a CD. Both can be excellent in their different ways. Or perhaps, the BBSCO recording reminds me of classic film recordings from the mid 20th century, beautiful in their own way. While I like the technical excellence of CSS very much, for this recording I prefer BBSCO. I am currently trying to decide between BBSCO and Spitfire's Symphony Orchestra, though perhaps I will get Spitfire Symphony Orchestra and also BBSCO Core for its percussion. But anyway, thank you again for your work! :)

[@MattiaChiappa]

You’re welcome, glad it’s helpful!

[@mithramusic5909]

BBCSO has this classic vibe. A bit of Disney, and despite being written up to FF, capping out at F or even MF kind of suits the piece

[@florin1290]

i love CS but i like also BBC special in high violins section

[@handznet]

Man. That mock-up is beautiful 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Would you share the midi🥺?

[@MattiaChiappa]

It’s already available on my Patreon

[@chesyandrimusic7579]

I am very curious about what books do you often read and about what books are on your desk? Xixixix😄

[@MattiaChiappa]

ahaha I currently have the score for the planets. I was studying a bit from Mars last week. I often have on my desk, simple piano books (Afred basic and recital) I use to practice reading. You'll see from time to time Behind Bars by Elaine Gould, I often reference it for notation if have to write something in Sibelius. Also "Sight reading and harmony" has been on my desk since I bought it a year ago.

[@izsvemira]

Did you try having this face off with Spitfire's Studio Series? Great commentary btw, and an absolutely beautiful piece

[@MattiaChiappa]

Thanks! I’m afraid I don’t have spitfire studio series

[@winknotes]

A follow-up question would be if you were looking at Spitfire products now for the first time would you consider the studio series? I want to upgrade to a broadcast quality library and Core libs are at my price point but deciding between Studio (lots of articulations but smaller sections) and BBCSO is a little difficult. Seems like maybe spitfire studio is a competitor to CS? EDIT: On another look I don't think Core Studio Orchestra has quite enough single section players for my needs. For example there's no solo trombone but only @2. Plus the BBC option gives me percussion as well. I think I'd rather invest in the BBC and upgrade to the Pro version when I can afford it.

[@patzumbrunn]

Hi .Do you have the Spitfire Studio Series ? So i have the Pro Version.And i am not really Happy.However the Strings and Woodwinds are better.good.But not the bras.I did try out so many things to let them sound great.But for my taste,its not well programmed.Sounds so garish.Some of the Instruments are ok,good.The staccatos are sounding good.But not the legatos and longs .

[@romaingreffemusic]

This is very interesting. I don't really know what to say, it's like comparing two good cars.. It seems to me it's a matter of taste. I own BBC, and I love it, but in your comparison, I think I prefer CS Flute ( my wife is a Flute player, and I don't really like the BBC Flute sound 😕) And I prefer the homogeneous sound of BBC, and the precision... But it's very interesting to hear the same stuff with two different libraries, thank to make this happens! And again, we can hear your Disney influence in this composition! Great job again!

[@MattiaChiappa]

ahah very good analogy 😀

[@romaingreffemusic]

@@MattiaChiappa I always make those analogies in my lesson.. Analogies with cars, sport.. And food! 😁

[@chaddonal4331]

Woodwinds and Brass -- clear edge to CS!

[@MeditativeSpaces]

This is truly excellent comparison, and of course the music score is fantastic! I agree fully with your opinion. CSS sound more clear, more expressive and more "hi-fi", but for the specific song the vibe of the BBCSO suits better. I think that the very idea they had, when they created the BBCSO, is to record an orchestra that has played for decades together, in a very specific hall. Thus the result will be a very integrated sound between all the instrument sections. And this is reflected very well in your composition! It sounds like a unified orchestra. While I dont feel the same with the CSS... Having said this, CSS is still my favorite collection, and I am looking forward to listen a composition from you that would make these libraries shine! Much Love!

[@yvanroustan4426]

Cinematic Studio Series for layering ! thanks for that video!

[@MattiaChiappa]

Yes, I've being layering CSS with BBCSO strings for some time now it does add a lot!

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

They both sound great in their own way. BBCSO Pro is less expensive than CS, even with the addition of percussion. Spitfire Audio has sales, which Cinematic Studio rarely has, thus making BBCSO even more attractive to the budget conscious. I have them both and love them. BBCSO Pro, at almost 1TB, takes up far more hard drive space than CS. The legato in CS is noticeably better, IMO. BBCSO has a wetter sound than CS.

[@addd21323]

I've never liked the dark sound of CSS, so I think I prefer BBCSO in this one.

[@LordComradeAnarchoCapitalus]

BBC is much better for me, it sounds so much more real

[@RicoDerks]

I think the biggest difference is just the depth. BBC has a better 3d effect out of the box. But CSS sounds more fluid and has better dynamics. I wonder how this sounds in my Project Colossal template!

[@MattiaChiappa]

Based on a couple of the demos I heard a few days ago I would assume it could sound very good 😀

[@RicoDerks]

@@MattiaChiappa If you'd like to try it out when the logic version is done, let me know!

[@MattiaChiappa]

Oh cool, I didn’t know you were doing a Logic version al well. For sure!

[@RicoDerks]

@@MattiaChiappa Yes! With some help. Ill let you know!

[@thisislance]

@@RicoDerks Did y'all ever reconnect here? I'd be curious what Mattia thinks of the Cinematic Studio line now.

[@neiljopson8138]

Listening through earbuds via IPad I much prefer Cinematic Studio. My real problem is that I can’t afford either!

[@TimothiusAdiel]

CS sounds more realistic! Please, I want that music composition. Very beautiful!

[@MattiaChiappa]

Thanks!