String Library Comparison | Legatos | Layering String Libraries | Pacific, Spitfire, CSS, Afflatus

In this video we compare the Legatos of different String Libraries and take a look at various Layering combinations!
You can download the MIDI File of this comparison here: www.buymeacoffee.com/phantasi...
I used a sequence of my composition "Home" for demonstration.
• Home - Epic Orchestral...
No external processing / EQ besides of two external reverbs:
- ‪@LiquidSonics‬ Seventh Heaven
- ‪@ValhallaDSP‬ Valhalla Room
0:00 - Intro
2:03 - Pacific Ensemble Strings
3:26 - Cinematic Studio Strings
4:49 - Cinematic Strings 2
6:12 - Hollywood Strings
7:35 - Spitfire Chamber Strings
8:58 - Appassionata Strings
10:22 - Spifire Symphonic Strings - Medium Mix
11:45 - Spifire Symphonic Strings - Broad Mix
13:08 - Hans Zimmer Strings
14:31 - Afflatus
15:55 - Synchron Strings Pro
17:24 - CSS + SCS
18:47 - CSS + CS 2 + SCS
20:10 - CSS + Appassionata
21:33 - CSS + Appassionata + SSS medium
22:56 - Hollywood Strings + SCS
24:20 - Hollywood Strings + SCS + SSS broad
25:43 - Pacific + Appassionata + Synchron
27:06 - CSS + SSS medium + Afflatus
28:29 - Pacific + CSS
29:56 - Pacific + CSS + CS 2 + Hollywood Strings
Enjoy the video and let me know your favorite Layering Combination!😉
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💿 DAW: Cubase Pro 11
🎹 Midi Keyboard: Akai MPK249

[@g.p616]

The BEST legato comparison on KZbin! Excellent. Please, please do a follow up shorts version.

[@PhantasiaMusic]

What a huge compliment!!🤗 Many Thanks for your great feedback - I honestly appreciate it and will definitely work on a follow up!;)

[@bube153]

Hi Tom! Very interesting comparison and for sure very helpful for many people to decide on which string library to get.

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thanks my friend!! Always a great pleasure to hear from you!;)

[@ObsessiveCostumingDude]

That was a superb and thorough comparison, thank you very much for sharing! :)

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thanks a lot man!! Great to hear your positive feedback!😊 You’re welcome!

[@lovelymusicnow4404]

Pacific Ensemble Strings by far sounds and feels better then them all. Amzzing job mate

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thanks a lot man!! Pacific is indeed extraordinary!;)

[@joefarwick3056]

wow i loved the pacific + css layering omg

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Haha Thank you Joe - that’s indeed a great combination!!🤗

[@BenCrespo]

I agree! I loved the CSS + SCS for it's graceful slow emotion, but the pacific + css definitely shocked me by the heroic power the duo conveyed!

[@Pianistec]

Great comparison, really helpful thanks! We definitely need a Spiccato comparison, too, please! :)

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Haha Thanks a lot for your positive feedback mate!;) I was thinking of a Spiccato comparison too!😅

[@jordicabestanyarque4775]

Great comparison! Thanks a lot, Thomas 😊

[@PhantasiaMusic]

You’re welcome Jordi!!😊 Thanks for your positive feedback!

[@marco_time2relax]

Hi Tom! Very beautiful composition and great comparison of the different string libraries. I personally like Spitfire Chamber Strings & Apassionata the most. Also, if they are blended with other libraries. 😊

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thanks so much for your feedback Marco!!🤗 I‘m also a great fan of these libraries - especially Appassionata!;)

[@EmilBSBrawlStars]

Great work!

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thanks my friend!;)

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

I have all these libraries except 4: Pacific (I have Vista), Cinematic Strings 2 (I have the newer CSS), Afflatus, and Synchron Strings Pro. Thanks for the comparison. They all sound fantastic in their own way.

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thanks a lot for your kind feedback!:) I really appreciate it! And yes you are right - they all sound fantastic in their own way!😉

[@jake_in_the_control_room3205]

This piece is beautiful!

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thank you Jake!!:)

[@victornoagbodji]

Thank you for doing this! 🙏😊

[@PhantasiaMusic]

You’re welcome!! Thanks for your comment Victor!;)

[@victornoagbodji]

@@PhantasiaMusic your string arrangement is top notch too. maybe you should do a video on that in the future 😊

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thanks mate!!:)

[@Metalpazallteway]

This a fantastic video well put. Alot to take in from it and learn thank you! Have you done the solo strings version for these library makers?

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thanks a lot!!😊 Really nice to hear that! What do you mean with the solo strings version?

[@KostasRekleitis]

Thanks for doing that!

[@PhantasiaMusic]

You’re welcome! Thanks for your Feedback Kostas!;)

[@TheBroadcastStudio365]

Thank you for your work here!

[@PhantasiaMusic]

You’re welcome Franco! Thanks for your comment!;)

[@TheBroadcastStudio365]

Thank you I’ve already purchased many strings and am now being more cautious with my future acquisitions. This is crucial as sound perception is highly subjective. Additionally, the blend of various sources was intriguing, but it has made the selection process more challenging. Your composition is exceptionally beautiful! I never tire of it!@@PhantasiaMusic

[@PhantasiaMusic]

I know exactly what you’re talking about!;) I think that’s the right attitude before investing in a new library. Thanks Franco - so glad to hear that you like the composition!😊 I’ve uploaded the MIDI of this sequence if you’re interested.

[@Dr_Osipov]

Thank you, Tom!

[@PhantasiaMusic]

You’re absolutely welcome Ilya! Thanks for your feedback!;)

[@ritchxmusic]

Wow the opening with Pacific was a treasure.

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thank you! I also like Pacific in that example a lot!:)

[@user-sp5wl1zn3o]

Thank you for this video presentation

[@PhantasiaMusic]

You’re welcome!:) Thanks for your comment!

[@MBynum]

Great comparison! I have CSS and Appassionata and both layers really nice together. Which mics did you use for both of those libraries?

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thanks mate!;) I used Mix 1 for Appassionata and the default Mix Mic for CSS.

[@LordBrozart]

My favorites are Pacific Strings and Spitfire Symphonic. Spitfire has the bass that seems lacking to me in the other libraries, while Pacific sounds the most human and romantic. I’m trying to choose between one for now but I would love to layer both of these libraries in my own music.

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thanks for your comment! Both of these libraries belong to my favorites - I couldn’t choose between them!😉 But Spitfire often has sales going on so I would wait for the strings to go on sale.

[@cachelesssociety5187]

I like the layering you did of Cinematic Studio Strings and Spitfire Chamber Strings! Hollywood strings was also well done. I can't make it sound like that! One thing that I've noticed, I can't understand why, but the VSL products are not my cup of tea. I can't say that its the same reason - they approach their libraries differently - but whoever is directing the recordings seems to have various things in mind that all seem to go less in the direction of richness and silkiness that I enjoy. It would be cool to hear a recording engineer perspective on what they're doing and how it makes them distinct. I like some of their technical choices, in terms of the way they handle the Synchron Player - but what is it that keeps me from spending the $?

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thanks a lot for your great feedback!! CSS and SCS really is a good layering combination - I agree! But in the end I think it’s always a matter of taste!;)

[@williammonk1020]

Thank you for a great video. CSS layered with Appassionata sound the nicest to me. I think CSS is a good base for any layering and then it comes down a bit to taste. Pacific sounds very striking but I get the impression it might be hard to control that? I don't know, how do you find these when it comes to playability?

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thanks for your kind feedback William!!😊 To be honest Pacific has become one of my favorite string libraries in terms of playability and sound! But I‘m with you - CSS definitely is a good base library for layering!;)

[@5ammy13]

For Pacific, did you pan the close mics? I think panning the close mics really helps making them sit in a mix better. Also dropping the close mic by 3 db helps. 😊

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Yes I also panned the close mics a bit in Pacific. It sounds much better to me as well!;)

[@CommadBeats]

Hallo! Kannst Du mir ein choir VST empfehlen? Ich brauche ein choir VST das shouts und ein wordbuilder hat. Hollywood choirs oder Storm choir ultimate? Was ist besser? Viele gruesse aus Kroatien👍

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Ich habe beide der genannten Libraries und finde alle beide klanglich super! Wenn dein Schwerpunkt auf dem Wordbuilder liegt, würde ich eher mit Hollywood Choir gehen! Persönlich nutze ich mittlerweile am häufigsten Chorus von Audio Imperia und Dominus Choir!:) Aber ich denke „falsch machen“ kannst du mit keiner der genannten Libraries etwas!

[@braunhausmedia]

So it seems to me the biggest difference between all of these strings is tone. There are room differences for sure, but the main thing is that some sound darker and some sound brighter. And if you were to EQ each of them to a more neutral place it was be hard to tell the difference between them. Which leads me to the conclusion that you can't really go wrong with any of them unless they are limited by their choice of articulations.

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Well I think it’s a matter of taste! First of all you have to like the tone itself. You can do a lot with EQ and reverb but you will never achieve that specific sound that you get from a great recording stage like for example Spitfires Air Studios. And another important point to me personally are the legato transitions - they sound different in all these libraries. But in the end you are right - if you like the tone that’s already a great starting point to dig deeper in that library!;)

[@addd21323]

How are you doing violin 2 in pacific, since it doesn't have one? Just a second copy of violin 1? Also, I'd be curious to know how to the two reverbs were setup if at all possible. Thanks! Great video btw

[@PhantasiaMusic]

I tuned the violin 1 in Kontakt minus 2 (the round tune button next to the volume) and then went into the Midi Modifier in Cubase Inspector and transposed it plus 2. So you get a slightly darker tone! That’s my violin 2!;) And the reverb was used as a send - so I send the dry signal into the first reverb and then another send for the second reverb. You can see this technique in my other videos as well! I hope that helps!😊

[@addd21323]

@@PhantasiaMusic It does help! Lots! Thank you!

[@Ramusic09]

​@@PhantasiaMusicHi Tom, Could you please share the link for the same?

[@seok84]

I think the first one has serious intonation problems... the rest are just very good. Css and appassionata are excellent in my opinion

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thanks for your positive feedback!! I also like these libraries a lot!😊

[@micheleduritto]

For Pacific Strings some of culprits are the slurred transtitions...and also a lot of human performances in there, almost too much even compared to real musicians, but that's what the guy who make those libraries wants, libraries that sound more "human" than actual human performances.....also the motto of his company is literally "Not for purist".

[@patzumbrunn]

Thanx for this video. How you did put the in reverbs away ?

[@PhantasiaMusic]

You can switch the internal reverb off in each instrument menu.

[@patzumbrunn]

@@PhantasiaMusic must i go to the kontakt settings ? Because for example Spitfire Audio, the close have still the Air reverb

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Yes you can switch off the reverb in the kontakt instrument menu. But that natural reverb that comes with the recording - like that Air sound - you cannot switch off! But I personally love that Air sound!;)

[@patzumbrunn]

@@PhantasiaMusic thank you a lot. Yes i see. Sad, by Albion ONE, you can choose the size from reveeb with a fader. Would be cool , when all Spitfire libraries has this option. Yeah, you re right with the AIR hall. Before i didnt liked it. But more and more i do. I was always think , that the AIR reverb is to much. But it isn’t. Hans Zimmer himself said, that a natural reverb is always better, than add some . I tend to buy the Cinematic Studio Series. Because i am really not happy with the Studio Series from Spitfire. The concept would be great, but it sounds all so garish, espacially the brass

[@granpajogi]

Hallo Tom, die Melodie ist sehr einfühlsam und mir würde dazu jede Menge einfallen! Die Midis wären fein, wenn man die bekommen könnte! Ich danke Dir im Voraus und tolles Video!!! Gruß Jürgen Weiland Sorry for German Text, bot my English is very bad!!!

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Hallo Jürgen, auch hier habe ich einen Link in der Beschreibung des Videos eingefügt!;) Viele Grüße

[@taqiymh8064]

Which is the best Strings Library you found it the best in legato ? for me CSS & Pacific

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Yes for me as well!;) CSS, Pacific but also Appassionata is really good!!

[@taqiymh8064]

@@PhantasiaMusic Thanks :)

[@UchihaClan93]

Hallo bro! Weisst Du was Raid ist? Wie speicherst Du deine projekte? Benutzt Du Raid oder externe HDD's?

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Nein ich nutze kein Raid, sondern speichere auf externen Festplatten!;)

[@wilberrosanrosan2326]

Which Strings Library have "extreme vibrato" , not solo strings I try to find orchestra strings with extreme epic vibrato and I don't find it anywhere

[@PhantasiaMusic]

That's a good question!😅 Most libraries allow you to adjust the amount of vibrato, but I honestly can't say which library has the most vibrato!;)

[@ABE2000]

Pacific Strings can have a great sound of Legatos. Imagine if Pacific Strings can have Performance Legatos that will help to give expressiveness at any music.

[@PhantasiaMusic]

I‘m also a great fan of Pacific Strings! Fantastic library!;) Thanks a lot for your comment!

[@ABE2000]

No problem,@@PhantasiaMusic. ^u^

[@Eli-Osadon]

Any reference to the excellent sample modeling library? How is it possible if you are supposed to be objective?

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Unfortunately I do not own that library. Maybe someday in the future!;)

[@DrGameTazo]

Spitfire Chamber win...(I use CSS)

[@jorgemanueltafur859]

How do you fixed the delay in CSS.

[@PhantasiaMusic]

I adjusted the negative track delay in Cubase so that I can play on the grid.

[@CommadBeats]

Hallo, wie gehts! Kannst Du mir sagen wie viel Speiherplatz Du auf deinem PC hast? Schoenes video ubrigens👍

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Danke für dein positives Feedback! Mittlerweile habe ich rund 9 TB auf 4 Festplatten verteilt!;)

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Das klingt nach einem super PC, damit solltest du richtig gut und schnell arbeiten können!👍 Ja ich habe die Opus Edition, aber erst seit kurzem! Klanglich auf jeden Fall Top!!;)

[@kwameryan]

Really excellent video! Thanks for doing all these experiments and sharing your results. I have all of these except SSS and Hollywood, and I have Duality Strings instead of Synchron Strings Pro. You’ve showed how great some of these layerings can sound, but tbh I bought Duality so I didn’t have to got to the trouble of adjusting midi to work with different libraries based on their legato delay. How much tweaking did you have to do?

[@CommadBeats]

@@PhantasiaMusic Warum hast Du 4 Festplatten? Ich habe 2 Festplatten und alles ist gut organisiert.

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Wahrscheinlich zu viele Samplelibraries!😅 Aber zu viel Speicherplatz gibt es nie!;)

[@CommadBeats]

Cubase 13 ist da!! Machst Du ein upgrade??

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Habe mich tatsächlich noch nicht wirklich damit auseinandergesetzt. Mal sehen, was es an neuen Features gibt!;)

[@sajjadrezaei5163]

[@Igor999007]

For some reason I thought VSL sounded more lively, and here it turns out that legato transitions are not the best. I've had thoughts of buying this library, I'd have to listen to different demos from users. Same goes for Afflatus. I don't really like the sound of Pacific, I don't know why, it's a kind of sloppy, unfocused sound, and I don't quite understand how this library can be controlled properly when most of it is portamento. SSS has a rich sound, I like it a lot, if only the legato was a bit better. CSS and Appassionata are the best here. Also liked CS2 and Hollywood Strings. Have you tried cinestrings core?

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thanks for your feedback Igor! I also like the sound of SSS a lot - hopefully they will release their new Total Performance Legato patches for it as well!;) I haven’t tried CineStrings Core so far - somehow the demos didn’t convince me. In terms of Synchron Strings - there are a lot of tweaking possibilities in that library! You should definitely check other demos as well!;)

[@Igor999007]

@@PhantasiaMusic could you share midi for a snippet from this video? I would like to try using CineStrings Core for this and show you the result.

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Send me a private message to the address in my channel description!

[@tjosselin]

Css + appassionata

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Yes - indeed a great combination!;) Thanks!

[@es__music]

I wonder how Berlin stacks against these?

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Yeah - that would really be interesting!! Maybe one day I can make a comparison with Berlin Strings!;)

[@babyitsnatural]

8dio tho and sample modeling tho...🥲

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Unfortunately I don’t have these libraries.

[@metapotamus]

Eastwest libraries sound fake compared to most other top libraries. They used to be arguably the best but they’ve decided to continue performing software updates on outdated recordings instead of being innovative. Synchron also sounds very fake. Spitfire is very good but not the best; they are a little bit overrated. CSS and Pacific Strings are at the top atm. All just opinions, but these are the consensus right now.

[@PhantasiaMusic]

Thanks a lot for your feedback!! I‘m also a great fan of CSS and Pacific!:)

[@danielmillardmusic]

Agreed. I absolutely *love* Pacific + CSS!