Which Albion is Right For You?

Spitfire Audio co-founder Christian Henson takes us through the key features of every Albion library to help you find your perfect match.
UPDATE: We now have a new addition to the family, Albion Solstice! Learn more: www.spitfireau...
Learn more:
Albion ONE: www.spitfireau...
Albion Uist: www.spitfireau...
Albion Iceni: www.spitfireau...
Albion Tundra: www.spitfireau...
Albion NEO: www.spitfireau...

[@sambidudek]

Love this presentation, not just because of Albion, but for the amount of new adjectives I have learned that describe the music :)

[@Jeppelelle]

"Mutilated" was my favourite ;)

[@BenjaminCristina]

17:24 This is such a wholehearted proud-daddy smile right there. 😎

[@WillWilson]

That grin at 17:27!

[@ggboot1]

Neo is gorgeous. I wish I would have started with Albion One, and I wouldn't be so broke now! Who am I kidding, yes I would. I always hear something that I can use somewhere....the beauty of Spitfire.

[@stofenn]

Tundra and Uist are fantastic - I think Uist is VERY underrated! Super inspiring and helpful; doesn't have to be a one trick pony by any means!

[@SadhanaKhawas]

Me before watching this video- Oh, I think Albion one would be just enough for me.. Me after watching this video- I WANT ALL OF THEM!!!!

[@MikeGeorgia]

lol that's why I'm not going to watch past 5:50 till I'm ready to look at the others.

[@Vegan_Kebab_In_My_Hand]

Same feeling when watching Metropolis ark 1 - 4 showcase and comparison

[@mrnelsonius5631]

The sound that speaks to my soul most, is Neo. I feel powerful emotion just from the tone of it, every time. But I also don’t have a ton of orchestral VIs because I’m a rock/pop writer. Albion One seems much more “kitchen sink” and I love the percussion

[@gregoryferguson4360]

Yes I felt exactly the same... bought One, Neo and Tundra. The one I use most? Albion One. CS strings are EPIC. Neo is so lovely but it's so much more niche. All depends on your genre!

[@rasmussgaard2596]

​@@gregoryferguson4360 Which one is best suited for emotional and grandiose pop and rock? I think Tundra sounds amazing, but I am worried it won't be powerful or epic enough for a stadium rock anthem kinda track, but at the same time I am not trying to score Pirates of the Caribbean :)

[@thedamnchicken]

17:20 - Oh I'm gonna try that right now! 17:24 - Now I'm gonna have nightmares too! :D

[@Felipeah95]

I love the Tundra face :D

[@Subholik3]

XDD that facee

[@marekklucka4407]

I love it and actually doesn't sound like horror to me,more like build-up for some ostenato action

[@austynmccarty8669]

Those chords on neo at 7:22 that you played are otherworldly.

[@wolfie8748]

which chords are those

[@filipeaffonsov]

@@wolfie8748 I think it's an Fm to Cm9 progression. The melody goes Ab, Bb and D.

[@dasprostudio]

Thanks to all Spitfire's team!

[@reviewsforbrainlets3773]

I own every Albion, (Except Solstice), They are masterpieces crafted to perfection. Great Job to the Spitfire Team.

[@FFFFFFUUUUUUDDDDGGGEEEE]

Although I own only one Albion library, I have to agree with you on Tundra, Christian. While seemingly nuanced, it was the one I kept coming back to in my decision making process. It’s amazing the MASSIVE sound I’ve been able to achieve with Tundra in the compositions it’s been used on - which is the majority. Recorded on the edge of silence? Yes. Can the edge of silence actually be massive? Oh YES!

[@toddfrombethesda6963]

The vral grid, silken longs and hollow and mini cres sold me on the tundra library.

[@eylab1541]

Glad you said this. I shall have to investigate. I was drawn to Tundra but when I heard him say 'on the edge of silence' I thought this was gonna be far too niche and specific to justify the price. I am guessing there is more to it.

[@keiththeodosiou]

To be fair, all the Albion libraries are great. I really do love my Albion ONE though and it features in 90% of my music.

[@chasekanipe]

The face of death 17:24

[@Inflightmuzik]

After days or research, I went ahead and picked up Albion One and Albion Neo. I was so blown away with instant gratification from both libraries that I went ahead and picked up Albion Tundra and Contemporary Drama Toolkit the next day. I'm getting heavier into sync licensing, but have also been looking to combine cinematic/orchestral elements for EDM/Hip Hop beats. I decided to go with Spitfire products because 1. Christian has a similar background/mindset when it comes to composing orchestras on a keyboard. 2. I don't have to buy Kontakt to use their libraries. I can't explain the level of satisfaction I have from dropping a rack on Spitfire vs. doing what everyone else did in my circle buying Omnisphere and Keyscape. I think it has a lot to do with my style of production...for example, the Firewood Piano, for me, is better than any piano I've heard in Keyscape.

[@mrnelsonius5631]

We’re coming to these libraries from a similar place. I work in modern pop/alternative as a writer/producer, but use cinematic elements in my work. Been torn between Albion One and Neo. One seems more flexible for my work but Neo is just gorgeous sounding. I’ll probably end up with both too!!

[@Inflightmuzik]

@@mrnelsonius5631 Consider this...I had the exact same thought process as you before I purchased because I too thought Neo sounded stunning but was worried it wouldn't fit as broadly into my work as Albion One. I honestly thought if I had to buy one it would be Albion One. As you know, I ended up buying both and can tell you that if I absolutely had to pick, I would choose Neo. It has a very unique sound, but gives instant vibes/inspiration for my projects. That being said, I definitely made a great decision getting both because Albion One offers more of the classic sounds that you're probably wanting in your music. It really does cover all of the bases, but Neo is even more modern with darker, mellow vibes. If that's something you're wanting more of in your tracks, you'll definitely be happy with Neo as your first choice. Get Albion One if you're just wanting more traditional, high quality, epic sounds. You might even consider getting Neo and then a couple of the Originals libraries (Epic Strings + Epic Brass/Woodwinds). Hope that helps!

[@mrnelsonius5631]

@@Inflightmuzik it does help... make me want both!! 😂. I have most of the Originals and love them. Got Labs “wow these are inspiring” then got a bunch of the originals: “every time I open these I write a song” so have been eyeing the Albions for a year. I’m with you that Neo sounds INCREDIBLE. I’m primarily a songwriter, so I feel like I should go with what I think will inspire me most, which is Neo from the demos. Also been eyeing “Sunset Strings” by a company called Realitone that’s still on intro price. I need more royalties coming in 😂 thank you for the thoughtful response tho 🙏

[@KegPatcha]

Albion Neo is the Albion of all Albions. Worth putting my house on mortgage again.

[@mohnishlandge]

😆 true

[@evrenhalavut9207]

I felt like I should go buy it at this moment :))

[@mathiasfantoni2458]

Should I go for a combo of BBC and Neo? Or would Neo be fine just by itself?

[@JoshuaLoveofficial]

I was actually trying to buy Neo and accidentally purchased albion One... damn. its still good though

[@artywatts4892]

@@JoshuaLoveofficial if you really want to change, you could maybe write an email to them, im sure they arent super opposed to it

[@ricgus3]

Man, if you would add some percussion to NEO, close and intimate big drums and echo sticks etc, it would have been THE library!

[@ytb917]

"If library A is X, library B is Y": "If Albone One is a hamburger fries and a coke, Neo is Icelandic salmon with sparkling water" "If Neo is a cordless drill with a laser sight, Iceni is neumatic impact driver with a box full of batteries" "If Olafur Evolutions is Keanu Reeves in The Matrix, Albion Tundra is Kevin Costner in Field of Dreams"

[@DavidCarterVideos]

I now have Albion One, Neo, Tundra and Solstice. They're all fantastic in my opinion, you're never going to beat the organic sound of an orchestra but all the hybrid sounds are so good too. That grin at 17:27 is just classic.

[@antkn33]

That didn’t help me deciding.... I want them all!!!

[@dipp4367]

when orchestra goes nuts 12:08

[@JohnsysChannel]

Spitfire: Which Albion is Right For You? Me: Yes

[@alecmacleod7821]

Instant chills when the bass notes come in at 17:20

[@Justin.Franks]

The odd-numbered Albions make an awesome well-rounded toolbox for epic scoring, yet still having a lot of subtlety and emotion available through Tundra.

[@jearperry]

Love how you play the keys 🤍 Really amazing!!!

[@jimsanger]

I have Albion one and tundra but I do crave Neo. Think I would have got that first if I was starting now

[@marcopoloignacio]

I can listen to this everyday.

[@newtonlkh]

would you mind making a video , that is comparing how you compose (preferably the same) score with Albions and a per-instrument library, like BBCSO?

[@alejandrozahler-music1889]

Amazing sounds. Inspiring. Thanks.

[@aefv.eliane]

Thank you Christian & Spitfire Audio's team to this remind as a wink about all Albion series. My favourite are... Albion Neo and Albion Tundra. .

[@tobysandovaloficial]

Fantastic presentation. Brilliant libraries, every single one of them are a master piece !!

[@Nomo_Popo]

17:44 'just have to be tried to be believed' - interesting. Do you have a trial?

[@nostalgia_junkie]

it hurts, why do things cost so much

[@Nomo_Popo]

@@nostalgia_junkie Sorry if that's just rhetorical but please indulge me and allow me to vent: I'd say it's a mix of we get paid too little and as a business they have to price what they feel the value of it is along with ROI + blah blah blah. Of course, if they didn't put so much into their high-end used car salesman approach to marketing the prices could substantially be reduced but then perhaps their products wouldn't be perceived as high quality and taken as seriously. Don't get me wrong, they are high quality, but I find that they can milk things to the point of ridiculousness sometimes when it comes to sales ie 'if you play 2 of the same rhythms at 2 different starting points you get an entirely new rhythm! That's an extra $100 value!'. True but that's not exclusive to your product that's just a universal principle lol please. 'If you driver faster and roll down the windows you get a natural air conditioning experience!' It's not that I think the prices are too unfair as much as I feel like my intelligence is insulted with some of their selling points and it doesn't need to get that far because the products speak for themselves, but at the same time unfortunately it still works on many people if not most, like 'oh, I didn't think of using it that way, now I will' so it's a fine line and the bottom line is that it's a business so whaddyagonna do? Hopefully it doesn't get to the point of where you see 'Award Winning Website Scrolling Experience Technology' Now that I think of it I don't remember desperate selling points since Newton or Galileo or whatever it is

[@nostalgia_junkie]

@@Nomo_Popo someday ill get an orchestra and make my library as cheap as possible

[@Nomo_Popo]

@@nostalgia_junkie Sold! Please just make sure the trems and trills can sync with the tempo 🙏🏽Maybe you could sell different timing divisions as different 'cartridges'! (ok fine, the cartridge idea is kinda cute)

[@joshuanirmal9068]

@@nostalgia_junkie Haha. Then I'm waiting for it. Notify me when you release your Orchestral Library. 😊

[@12stepsbeyondtheeventhorizon]

All of them, Christian. All of them are right for me, and I dream of having them all neatly listed in my Kontakt one day when I can afford them. Truly extraordinary samples, some of the finest out there in this already oversaturated market.

[@Mu1974]

That was an awesome overview and I really loved the maniacal grins😂

[@galladebutcooler8645]

I am crying in a corner because I love them all and there is no way for me to be happy without owning them all. Super Flautando litterally just destroyed me from the inside.

[@seanchristophersynthesizer6999]

As a proud owner of Albions I, II, & III, they all have their places. I say collect them all!

[@lildog5360]

Great now I only need to sell my left kidney 😂😍

[@newtonlkh]

sell the kidney on the left, five years after, sell the kidney you've left.

[@Ranakade]

*Albion-ist with you, I think they'd all be a perfect fit for me.

[@TheFjMartinmusic]

A present for you Albion EON ...evo grid strings,brass,woodwinds ,choirs Symphonic pads

[@JashandeepReehalMusic]

17:24 Damn! That's some killing look

[@johnjoedaly]

This was very frickin helpful 👍 Have you ever considered doing an 'à la carte' breakdown purchase options for these products? By which I mean, I may want to buy just the strings sections from Neo and the percussion from One with the loops from Iceni. Also, as good as they are economically for what you get, I still find it hard to work up to spending €400ish in one go. I would definitely make more regular purchases in bite size portions. The originals series has been such a no brainer at €29 a pop. Something around that €99 range for sections etc would be very enticing after a few beverages on a Friday night. Purchases that stay in the double digit territory don't affect the family economics in a "noticeable" way........ And if you could solve world hunger, wipe out inequality and sort out climate change while you're at it, that'd be great too 👍😁 Thanks .

[@MolisiDelmar]

Those originals are gold. I would love that violin coleño swarm very nice

[@duncanthompson957]

Brilliant comment... the world hunger bit. Love it.

[@ottomanbeatsofficial]

Which one has the best short brass/string/horns for hip hop production?

[@WinItReigns]

You make a Hip Hop Record with any Albion Library and You'll Have a Banger the Likes of which The World has Not Heard till Now😮 Do It. Break the Mold Yo

[@ottomanbeatsofficial]

@@WinItReigns i bought albion one and its TRASH.

[@cesmcmyth]

17.24 oh! look, he can smile. LOL seriously, he is a passionate, heated, ranty pal. so, good to know he can smile from time to time! LOL I still don't know which one I need, damn it.

[@AbsentAnna]

Albion One - good library, but if you add a strings portamento and a choir, it will be the best

[@MolisiDelmar]

Thank you, this is very helpful. I was agonizing over what library to get i went with bbc core. Which will be great for developing things from scratch. Im mostly trying to write to picture for my youtube channel. But man these library’s are amazing. Thanks for the conceptual break down. By the way it seems there is so much options for melancholy and action. Any suggestions for upbeat happy and light sounds\libarys?

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

I've got all 6 and can say I really like Albion One, Neo, Tundra, and Solstice. I don't care for Uist and Iceni at all.

[@darrenbrook4641]

Have you considered offering rent-to-own like Splice? Would help a lot of people gain access to your products.

[@MikeDKelley]

Just when I think I've bought my LAST library (from ANYONE) I'm out another $300 (couldn't believe I'd buy another library after the BBC Core. Sigh. Oh, well, Neo was going to be one of my first libraries but I passed it by months ago. Fitting that I get it when it's on extreme sale).

[@thewhiteshift9266]

I was thinking of getting an Albion and BBC Core, do I need both or is core enough?

[@russellpfohl8787]

@@thewhiteshift9266 Core won't give you all of the "Cinematic" pieces that the Albions provide. The huge hitting drums, the brunel loops, the "synths" that Christian was talking about. However, Core also give you much more control over the orchestra. For instance, Albion One just gives you a "Low Brass" or "Mid Brass" selection (and more, those are just two examples), whereas in core you can select each individual instrument (solo or ensemble). They truly are two different things, even though Albion does prominently feature orchestral sounds.

[@thewhiteshift9266]

Russell Pfohl good to know, thank you! The only thing that is pulling me away from Albion is the loops - I’m not sure how to, if possible, alter the slight swing that comes with them? It doesn’t go too well with the rest of the piece when it swings for me 😊

[@saudiorchestra6443]

Hello Spitfire family, I hope you're all doing well. Is it possible to get a video of how was WALTZ OF THE FLOWERS - PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY created on BBCSO CORE? I am interested in seeing the work flow of how you recreate something that already existing. Was it imported as a midi from a notation software, then adjusted velocity, expression, dynamics, etc on DAW after? Or, was it played directly into DAW? Either way, I am interested in seeing that. Thank you

[@fourtheye111]

I use Albion V all the time...just a brilliant library.

[@WinItReigns]

SPITFIRE AUDIO is GODSENT 😮😊

[@lahattec]

Dammit! Stop taking my money! Argh argh argh....

[@ethnicalbert]

Tundra is my fav!!

[@superhobo500]

17:24 that face! lol

[@nativeVS]

The thumbnail on the bundle webpage with Christian's semi-forced appearing smile just goes perfect with Uist...

[@AntonioBrandao]

I would like to have a package that just has the Albion One synths section.

[@KozmykJ]

A wonderful resource Albion One little nerd'ism here though. Any evaluation giving you a %age of usage has to be retrospective. My mind, such as it is, equates Spitfire Audio with sounds Not Yet employed in scores … Leading the Way, as it were. Of course, even if already used here and there, the permutations will be near endless so I'll not argue in terms of utility. All strength to you.

[@whogotdubs]

I’m sure this has been asked and answered a million times, but what controller are you using to modulate the expression?

[@Edham1975]

Palette Gear

[@joshrainbow-IceTenor]

Hi Christian. I have the albion one and it works well in the UAD Luna workstation. My question is, can I do the dynamic and other controls after I recorded it using the pensil tool or even record the dynamic? I don't yet have a CC midi controller. In Luna I see in the menu no Spitfire but a few hundred # with numbers. (With the discovery I do see spitfire and the dynamic and other options so I can write/draw it in) the albion one doesn't maybe because it runs through kontakt. Love to hear how I can bring the music to life without a CC midi controller --- I am planning though to purchase the monogram in the summer.

[@FishPlinko]

Tundra seems very appealing... 😳

[@LetThereBeLight._]

I know I'm maybe late, but I just purchase Albion V Tundra and I was wondering how to you use several Kontact presets into one instance ?

[@jeanderbar]

What is the tool that you use to control expression and modulation called?

[@oxmountainstudios7869]

Christian can i ask you for some advice please. 1 will Albion work with Pro Tools 12. I am a huge fan and am inspired with your work. im only an improver at the recording game but an enthusiastic 61 year old with a shed studio my retired band mates love to visit. i would love to put stings, brass and some woodwinds on our songs Mainly ballades and some old standards. what package would you suggest for an avid learner. Keep up the powerful and encouraging Videos. Respectfully yours Chris Stapleton. PS If anyone else reading this could point me in the right direction id be grateful, if it will work in pro tools.

[@littlemouse7066]

You must have Native Instruments Kontakt to play these libraries I think they could work in the free version of Kontakt too that you can download on their site. So first you have to know which version of Kontakt you need. I never used Pro Tools but Kontakt is used by practically everybody so I suppose there's no problem with Pro Tools. You can find infos on the Native Instrument site and on the Pro Tools site.

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

Which Albion is right for me? ALL of them!

[@j0n.p]

How are you able to play multiple patches at the same time? 6:45

[@MrBillSD]

Thanks for this! What is the device you are using as an expression controller?

[@joetowers4804]

I believe it's called Pallette... Though you can get well by with something like a nanokontrol by Korg.

[@endafemlyn2178]

I've got the excellent Loegria. It's a perfect Library for my work, but now I find that Native Access can't locate it in any form of Kontakt, so it's become unusable. I hope this compatibility problem can be resolved.

[@AndriesdeHaan]

I know it's a while ago since you posted this, but have you tried a re-install through the Spirfire app? I recently re-installed all my Spitfire libraries and have no issues. I believe I had some issues many years ago with Albion 2 aswell, where I couldn't add it to the library tab due to a damaged or missing .nicnt file. SF sorted it out back then.

[@dafingaz]

This is awesome! Hope to win one of these in a contest! 🙏🏾

[@psbsynthmusic]

Is it normal that Albion One would have limited pitch range of Violins section? It looks like the samples stop playing 3 octaves above middle C. 4th movement of E. Grieg's "Peer Gynt" requires violins playing 3 octaves above middle C. The score calls for 8va violins section. Is it a limitation, or am I missing something?

[@lattetown]

Interestingly, ICENI is heading for the chopping block a year after this video came out.

[@Whally]

I love all

[@jannisbmrt]

Loved your presentation of Albion One & Tundra, really convincing. 11:34 I really felt like listening to the Horizon Zero Dawn soundtrack.

[@joshuamichaeljacobsonmusic3353]

Clearly... all of them!

[@Pedrinios]

Does Albion has still some advantages comparing to a new one Abbey Road One that has more layers of dynamic ? I'm wondering what is better to buy ..

[@mik3855]

This video is just a gold!

[@ΥπερδιαγαλαξιακόςΑστροπολεμιστ]

Metropolis complete bundle owner.Metro is better.Change my mind (i own also some few Spitfires no worries,i support both of you)

[@dakoata121212]

Does Albion work with the Cakewalk DAW on PC? Thank you

[@salatproduction4477]

Nice 8-bit sound!!!

[@gottafindacoolname]

Im watching all the harry potter movies with my girlfriend... where is Harry Potter's Hat? :D (Love this video!)

[@ispeektruth]

What modulation controller are you using?

[@korlock3000]

Anyone know what kind of keyboard he's using?

[@theodoreleon2882]

What is this expression controller? looks like a Monogramcc but can't find single slider modules on their page The minimum is 3 sliders, also i don't see this knob or the buttons?!?

[@VUVR]

Great video, thank you

[@acebass123]

Which Albion is right for me? All OF THEM.

[@Whally]

Why did you remove Albion II Loegria from your catalogue ? Legal issues ?

[@TheCrowHillCo]

No as stated here we replaced it with Neo.

[@AllanGildea]

Superb, thank you.

[@krzysztofzwolinski4958]

Great video, but that's a pitty you totally forgot about Loergia. For me it was the library with the most inspiring romantic textures and I'd love to know your opinion about what is that library for.

[@toddfrombethesda6963]

It wasn’t talked about cause it’s no longer being at the release of this video sold, iceni is also now no longer being sold sadly.

[@krzysztofzwolinski4958]

@@toddfrombethesda6963 Iceni also isn't available? Maaaan... To be honest, I don't like those new Albions.

[@toddfrombethesda6963]

@@krzysztofzwolinski4958 it’s still around and on 50% sale until March 7. Once March 7 comes It’s gone.

[@j.silver]

Do I need to buy EDNA earth before getting Albion One?

[@ScottGarrigus]

Do you mean do you need EDNA to access those patches in AOne? No, you don't. AOne includes the EDNA engine for the included patches.

[@AlekVila]

I think I found my home.

[@akcel1211]

I have a little trouble understanding the difference between Albion Neo and Albion Tundra

[@MichaelNight]

Neo is a small orchestra combined with plenty of hybrid/synthetic sounds. Tundra is a large orchestra playing very gently. The first is more “modern” sounding, the second is a little more universal. I personally went with Neo and have no regrets!

[@johndean5860]

So Albion neo is meant to replace Albion 2 logria?

[@DreymaComposer]

17:23 dat face

[@thesickpianist8436]

Sir, please tell me the name of Midi CC controller you are using ?

[@emlynwilliams1470]

Hi, it's the Palette Gear (Expert Kit) from Monogram Creative Console. This version is no longer available on their website and has been replaced with other versions varying in price, which are all out of stock right now. I've been looking for the one that Christian has myself but here are none to be found...:-/

[@elieberdy6581]

What mini midi controller are you using with the 2-3 Faders? Thanks in Advance.

[@ibnadrone9866]

I would also like to know. Can't seem to find it anywhere

[@elieberdy6581]

IBNA Drone how do we get him to reply?

[@samuelgl]

@@elieberdy6581 its called pallette gear

[@bobbyrigo7675]

What would you call the device that controls the Expression/Modulation? I've always wanted to ask, but I've honestly been too shy about being made fun of.

[@thedolorpolar]

It´s a MIDI controller. They can be either attached to keyboards or independent (like the one on the video) :)

[@DennisCaunce]

i like using TouchOSC on my old tablet. I can't really see me going back to sliders after using custom x/y grids...

[@joetowers4804]

I believe it's called Pallette. I use a Nanokontrol, which is a very affordable controller. Want to be amazed? Look for midi breath controllers. Mind blowing!

[@gustavobohorquez9883]

Are these only loops or actual orchestral instruments to compose your own music??

[@Thriplerex]

A bit late here, but it's mostly orchestral instruments with some loops mixed in here and there depending on the type of Albion.

[@rdru2ner82]

Tell me how do you pick just one if the line up is Mel Gibson, Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Stanley Kubrick, and Francis Coppola. I leave it up to you to who belongs to which Albion. However, you can not stop there you need a string library for these unique directors to articulate their vision and each Albion requires a different string library. In short, I say get them all you can not possibly go wrong with either one but, you make that mistake if you only were to get one cause you would tell four of those directors that you are not the one for me. How would anyone live with themselves saying that? What do you think?

[@rdru2ner82]

My comparison would be; One - S. Spielberg Neo - M. Gibson Uist - S. Kubrick Iceni - F. Coppola Tundra - Q. Tarantino

[@zzzddd7]

Thank God I have a 5T storage drive. How could you ever buy a hardware keyboard again??? I'm Spitfire ADDICTED!!!! 😯😵😎🎹🎶🎭

[@duduvianadudu]

Allways incredible

[@elretsof1606]

Hopefully this will help make up my mind 😄😎