VSL Prime [REVIEW]

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Here's the finished piece. The audio was clipping a bit on the video so check out the sound here: soundcloud.com/guy2012/vsl-prime-demo?

[@bellxfm1]

Quite frankly Guy, what a simply beautiful and inspirational piece of music! Thank you 😀

[@bastblobs]

This man is unstoppable, I love it

[@GraemeHindmarsh]

Free harp glissandos! I was just writing about that last week. But I think Guy might have a special "advance copy" as the freebie is not yet available on the VSL website. I'll have to be patient! BTW, another inspiring piece again this week ... and I always learn something. Thank you, Guy.

[@Mansardian]

As a Viennese whose heart is linked to VSL (wrote my diploma thesis about string recording techniques and spent some time at the Silent Stage, the very first VSL-studio back then), when I saw Guy on the product page it was like "Ha! Gotcha! Now you are one of us!" 😅

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

I am using VSL a lot but not exclusively - I have loads of Spitfire and Orchestral Tools in there as well

[@Mansardian]

@@ThinkSpaceEducation I know, I know. It's just I couldn't remember I had seen your face advertising for VSL before. That is what I meant.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

@@Mansardian I didn't know they were going to do that!

[@Mansardian]

@@ThinkSpaceEducation Hm, are they actually allowed to do that?🤔

[@kayceparkinson9018]

@@ThinkSpaceEducation whoa really? I was a little surprised when I saw that yesterday too given how you usually review.

[@StutzVanH]

You’ve already made the VSL homepage!

[@AlexeyFilippenkoPlummet]

The thing that got me into writing orchestral music is World of Warcraft soundtrack which I would listen constantly, so much amazing atmospheric signature music, hours of it. And VSL is so close to the sound of WoW soundtrack, probably it's what was used in there in the first place. So to me VSL just plays right into my heart, absolute no-brainer. I mean it would have been if I was able to buy it, given that I'm too Russian for that right now.

[@augustauseil]

Have you found the "Music and Ambience" playlists people create for each zones So nostalgic!

[@Asyouwere]

It is absolutely ridiculous that perfectly normal fine people like you have to suffer because of the choices your country makes that you have absolutely nothing to do with.

[@SuperBassman64]

Thanks to Guy for getting me into writing music via computer samples during the pandemic. I have done several of the Thinkspace courses and learnt a great deal from Guy’s videos. I play guitar and have played double bass in orchestras for 30 years. I am an avid fan of the channel and seem to progress in fits and starts. So many thanks Paul Chambers

[@chaddonal4331]

I realize your advertized purpose here is to review VSL Prime. But, along the way you've just given us all a compositional tutorial! Thank you.

[@misterpete1928]

Great video Guy! I own a lot of the Synchron libraries and the appeal of this for me is as they are in my template already, using this to build an orchestration and add to it or expand is great. The fact the instruments are already in place panning wise is a huge time saver. Thanks for yet another great video!

[@ElJohnerino]

No cuts seen, so all that was built live in half an hour? Wow. It's great when a pro shows how it can be done. Thanks, G.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Real time nothing missed out - youre welcome!

[@GertoHeupink]

Perfectly composed and arranged. VSL is one of the best.

[@PerchHunter]

Fantastic video as always thank You ! May i kindly ask when this free harp glisses come out ? They sounds gorgeus

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Oops. Are they not out yet?!

[@XeNoS_Music]

@@ThinkSpaceEducation haha maybe im just blind (which is also very possible :P) but when im exploring freebies on VSL site i dont see them too unfortunatelly. I hope they come out soon because i really like te sound in Your example. I guess that many of us will find them very usefull especially for fast sketching. The same i think about string runs and this soft piano. ...If some reason im wrong and im just blind :P and this 3 new freebies is out already please let me know where exacly i can find them :) Thank You for Your video. I love Your videos. Greetings from Poland

[@CosmicTeapot]

@@XeNoS_Music You're not blind, they haven't been released yet! I hope you weren't on an NDA with them, Guy... if that's the case, we'll tell the court we heard it from someone else ;)

[@upplysta3497]

Hello there ;) Have you ever considered creating videos where you break down tracks or demonstrate the process of composing an entire suite? I truly enjoy your content, and your instructional style is excellent. That's why I'm reaching out with this suggestion. Not to criticise ☺

[@uzer_zero]

Went to listen to the finished piece before watching, and definitely got that Tomb Raider vibe from the franchise's good old days. Amazing work while ALSO demo'ing a product, Guy. Thanks for the review and for more of your valuable insights. p.s. couldn't find the Harp Glisses, but the other Hello stuff is pretty nice!

[@keiths-teeth]

Watching you compose and arrange Guy has made me think on what instruments we hear want to hear, or are obscure in the mix. Particularly as you built up the brass section and the tuba on this piece. I've always enjoyed Picking out instruments in a mix, being aware in pop and classical of certain instruments. Quite a lot depends on who mixed it and for what reason and tastes. The beauty of listening live sometimes is you get more control on what your listening to. IMO Quite an involved topic to explore. Room dynamics, recorded performances speakers and mic techniques. ?Sonic perception?

[@malgresty6466]

Great video I don’t suppose you can chord up piano sheet music for keyboard as a side hustle by any chance ?

[@LindaMissad]

I've always loved the sound of VSL instruments when I've heard you use them, particularly the harp. They are a bit out of my budget range unfortunately. Thanks for this review, Guy. Take care

[@Thadnill]

I would love to see you make a similar review of Orchestral tool - Orchestra and in how it differs from VSL prime and BBC core!

[@markjsaliba]

Hi Guy, do you think this library is good enough quality for professional film work, in your opinion?

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Definitely.

[@markjsaliba]

@@ThinkSpaceEducation Thank you for your reply much appreciated

[@HeathcliffBlair]

Thanks for the video. Quick uninvited camera tip - consider, perhaps, one of the newer Sonys, eg A7IV, A7SIII, FX3, etc. They all have very good face tracking auto-focus systems which could take the hassle/sweat out self-presented videos like this. Cheers. :)

[@frankwales]

LOL at Guy realising he's accidentally writing Nathan McCree's original Tomb Raider, and just deciding to go with it. Because why not? It's still a great score that lives in our heads rent-free even after all these years.

[@Santiagochiozulaica]

I have seen that all the templates divide strings and winds into short and long notes, but what is the solution when passing MIDI information to real scores?Would more than two systems result for each instrument? I work at Studio One

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Its actually pretty easy to combine them at the end of the day and Dorico makes it super quick.

[@winknotes]

I have some synchron libraries and love them. I also have Mir24 and wondered your opinion about that? I'm not a recording engineer and thought years ago it was a way to get around that fact. Consequently everything for me stays in the midi domain until I'm ready to render the master copy.

[@Vangakuz]

I have almost full Synchron collection but just a portion of harp in this is worth getting.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Special edition harp is good as well

[@TheFjMartinmusic]

One question Guy ,this library add something new for people with Synchron collection, new articulations new instrument or is only a pretty face? Thanks

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

If youve got all of synchron then no this is a lite version

[@TheFjMartinmusic]

​@@ThinkSpaceEducation ok, thanks enough for me at the moment,I bought Elite and Pro (love Strings Sound!!) and the rest of instruments this Library is all raight,Love Spitfire but VSL is more organic...magic! VSL Pianos too

[@cjp68]

Hello Guy ! What type of surface/Midi player are you using in your videos to control your Articulations? Sitting to your left on top of your keyboard? I am in the need and search of a Good multi-purpose surface controller. I am a S1 user (I see you are a using Cubase). However, maybe whatever you are using will work with S1? Great Video btw... I have been on the edge of adding Prime to my libraries (I might as well since I already own a lot of VSL to begin with).

[@georgegarside5131]

Many thanks as always I like the step sequencer trick to produce those string runs

[@chaddonal4331]

Guy, Regarding using LS Cinematic Rooms for your reverb here, are you willing to tell us what preset or settings you are using? (It makes VSL sound so much more lush!)

[@owenspottiswoode5936]

"This doesn't sound like a terrible piece of music yet" is something I often find myself thinking of my own work. Unfortunately in my case, it's usually followed by an implicit "so let's see what we can do about that..."

[@proteus1]

Such a shame Vienna don't get much views on their channel, they do some great stuff.

[@aaronmoyer4722]

Mr. Michelmore, the legend

[@DaveDickens]

Hi Guy wonderful video and composition. I think there was something strange with your micro, a slight echo perhaps 🤔 not sure. Cheers Dave

[@cyrilcalmes4208]

Dear Guy, excellent as usual... Is it the sound right out of the box ? are using FX ?

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

I added my own reverb

[@cyrilcalmes4208]

@@ThinkSpaceEducation OK. It make sense. Thanks for your answer.

[@peterlepahin]

Hmm, I don't seem to find the free Harp Glissandi instrument... does anybody have a link to that?

[@smagliaro]

Absolutely reeling from that Tomb Raider reference! I thought it sounded familiar. Definitely Lara's theme from Tomb Raider III.

[@Flightsimer96]

When you play chords on the "FH a6 L" you actually get the sound of 18 horns, right?

[@marekklucka4407]

The atmosphere in the beginning seems to me more like Arrival of the birds (probably because of the harp). Cool review as usual

[@CosmicTeapot]

Hey Guy! Great video (as always) thank you! I was wondering how you felt as a professional going forward gear-wise since you've been using an M1 Macbook on the side of your usual PC workstation. I'm due for an upgrade, I'm comfortable with both operating systems, both Cubase and Logic, and I can't decide which of the two would be the wisest choice. Custom PC builds are more open, easily upgradeable and give more bang for your buck... but Apple silicon seems to be dominating the music market, most composers I've seen recently are hailing M1 chips. I'd greatly appreciate your thoughts/experience on the matter :)

[@timcorns9351]

Great video, thanks Guy!

[@Mkshoffmeister]

I immediately thought of Tomb Raider :D I love the original TR theme.

[@NiclasKarlssonguitarswe]

Great! Really liked it! What's the specs of your Pc?

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

14 core Xeon PC 128gb RAM

[@dantesdjay2068]

Could you share this template file ? Thanks

[@mrdali67]

If one wants to use Prime (or BBC orch core) with a somewhat large template as you have here, could you elaborate on how many cores and ram that people should have without running into troubles to get started. Eg if i want to use my 2 year old Ryzen 7 3800X and my 32gb of memory and a little old but good base 2/2 channel usb2 Presonus interface, am I on the good side, or how many tracks can people expect to run simultanous with a given hardware. I'd guess that maybe not all but many of your subscribers is fairly good aware of the trade off's in how we configure the hardware for mastering or multi track instrument recording, since you have educated us in previous videos :) I liked your video on the hardware setup, even I knew most of it already. Maybe some of your users would like a video on what kind of hardware setup is needed to get started without stretching the PC budget too hard (Not everyone have the budget of eg a 32 core Threadripper and half a terabyte ram :) ) .. just to put things on an edge :).

[@danielswearengin]

The 3800x is quite solid enough for most writing. 32GB of ram should be fine as long as you don't go too overboard and have a ton of patches up you don't use. I don't know about that specific Presonus interface, but Presonus is usually pretty solid. All in all, a 3800x and 32gb of ram is a really good way to start out. I see no reason you couldn't get an entirely usable full orchestral template going with that setup, though you'll probably start getting near the max ram-wise.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

This is really hard as there is no real formula which will tell you how it would perform on your system. You should be ab le to run a really decent template on that spec certainly as much as the 100+ tracks Im running here but until your try it you cant know for sure

[@ronnyb5890]

hi Guy,i always love your library demontrations,they show perfectly whats possible with the instruments in relation to eachother btw,now youre realy beginning to resemble John Williams,have some aspiration to do the next star wars score perhaps 😁 great performance as usual,i've got a tip tough,one for the camera,as you are always the same distance from it i would put autofocus to off,and amually focus it to that distance,that way the camera wont re-focus everytime,you see,altough i know "nothing" about scoring orchestral music i still have some good ideas 🤣 not true,i learned a lot for you Guy,thanx for that,cheers

[@anatomicallymodernhuman5175]

Love the Sean Connery face during the harp improv

[@fabrice1533]

haha I think there is a little (cool) spoiler about the next freebies 😂😂 (they look cool btw) , thanks for the video!

[@6stringgunner511]

I'm gonna be working abit of extra hours to fund THIS new toy. BTW. GREAT looking beard.

[@BellsCuriosityShop]

I was looking to orchestral instruments for songwriting and was about to go for BBCSO Core, but went for VSL Synchron Strings in the end after a review on this channel. I recently purchased Core, but will watch the review nonetheless should I wish to widen my range of sounds at a later date (funds allowing).

[@BellsCuriosityShop]

Yup. Sounds good. As I already have BBCSO Code I guess I'll pass for now.

[@DanIel-fl1vc]

I don't have that much RAM so when I load more than 6 instruments at once one of the instruments won't play properly or export properly. There are however work arounds like turning the midi track into audio. But creating a huge orchestral template is out of the question.

[@kazvanrooij]

Yo yo I have a great tip for you. You can purge the kontakt plugins. This makes it that it only loads notes in the ram when they are actually in use. I work on a cheap laptop and can use a template just fine.

[@DanIel-fl1vc]

@@kazvanrooij How would you "purge" the plugins.

[@mrdali67]

@@DanIel-fl1vc when you load a Sound into kontakt, up top little to the right of the midi Channel settings there is a “Purge” Button, that will unload all unused samples. Keep a look out on the ram used, as this will rise as you play. When you think the ram usage is getting high again you purge again. Also if you use several Kontakt instruments; keep them all in one instance of kontakt and make a multi instrument with each Sound set to its own midi Channel, and jus make a midi track for each Sound. That way you have as little memory overhead as possible instead of having one Kontakt instance for each track

[@MartinJG100]

Excellent, Guy. Have you just done one of your courses? :).

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Ha! I should

[@DanieleNasuti]

1:50 ...instantly remembered Marcus and Lygia OST from Quo Vadis, Miklos Rozsa 😁

[@marclarcher7908]

I haven't seen harp glisses nor violin runs as freebies yet. Maybe I did not understand what you've said or it's still not available for us...

[@313_ABH]

What the CPU actually are you use , and how many GB RAM you do have

[@muziksculp2r]

Hi Guy, Thanks for the wonderful video. Enjoyed every second of it. Oh.. and the VSL Synchron Prime Library sounds awesome, and as you mentioned is very low on RAM, and CPU resources which is fantastic. 😎👍

[@johnshamon183]

Hi Guy, can you please tell me how to use VEpro (if you did in this video) and loading up all of this library? i do have cubase 12, i do have synchron, and I'm trying to load up all of VSL package through Vepro, the idea i want to see which sounds good and i will save it for that specific project, but the performance of my computer is a nightmare, I'm not sure how to improve it. just fyi (PC, 16 core i9, with 256GB RAM) that is the max for this machine, also I'm talking 600 channels in VEPro 7, (btw if you don't make a video every 2 week (at least) i will come to London and harass you, we love you here in my household.

[@lahattec]

I still want to know what is your motherboard and cpu. :)

[@chueki5874]

I wonder what happened to guy's microphone

[@MarsX69]

Thanks for this astonishing video, Guy. Great work! Would love to see VSL offering their amazing libraries as a subscription service one day...

[@martijnvanbeek4387]

At 19:45 I had a good laugh: playing the cello but...hey, that's not a cello, it's a piano! Can you imagine how much effort it costs me to learn all of this (DAW, Music theory, learning to compose)? But now I rest assured;);)

[@martijnvanbeek4387]

Thanks Guy for another composing video!

[@jensjensen4038]

23:25 is the sound clipping or is that the actual sound?

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

No it was me cocking up the levels. See the link ats the top for a mix of the track

[@FrankColonier64]

Do you know, Sonuscore-The Orchestra?

[@keamochabo8505]

Had me at Tomb Raider 😭🔥🔥

[@danielleohallisey4218]

I always feel like sustained VSL strings sound like someone is singing “pffffffffft” along with them. Am I alone in that?

[@handznet]

Everything from VSL sounds meh, except maybe WW. It was always like this.

[@stfciu]

It's time for Prime Guy

[@wellmusician]

Muito obrigado

[@MeWreck]

Why this library omits one of the essential strings articulation - Spiccato? bleeeeh.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

the staccatos are pretty short - but there are no string harmonics but then BBC SO has no bass clar so you pays your money....

[@MeWreck]

@@ThinkSpaceEducation I'm not an expert, just looking for best-rounded first commercial orchestral library. But, as much as I like the instrument set, the SSD/DRAM footprint and flexible soundstage of VSL Synchron Prime Edition (supported by additional close mikes and mixer presets), I still insist, that omitting Spiccatos and Trills renders this library incomplete for beginner wanting to learn orchestration. There is a reason behind including them both in BBC SO Core and OT Berlin Orchestra. The problem is, that once you understand that you need them, I guess the only cohesive way is to supplement the strings with dedicated higher tier strings library (and pay twice as much?), and probably expand the hardware resources to host them. Not for laptop sketching anymore. Are you sure that VSL Prime Staccatos can reasonably replace missing Spiccatos? Unfortunately you didn't show Staccatos by Celli/Cbasses :-( Maybe they would rescue the show. Interestingly, also VSL did not include any instrument samples from this lib. We'll have to wait for more reviews. Thanks for the video anyway! :-)

[@paullebon323]

Five years ago, I'd have leapt upon VSLs piano library. Now I'm pretty much done with samples. If it isn't physically modeled, I'm not interested.

[@AFStudiosMedia]

It reminds me of the work of Jeremy Soule

[@andrewbeckett4001]

Guy makes me feel how I make others feel. The whole “make it look easy” trope. Who makes guy feel like an dimwit? Anyone?

[@b.7944]

Springs sound artificial other than that it sounds great imo.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Springs?! You know that would be an original addition

[@chrisdurhammusicchannel]

👍👍👍👍

[@santiagoacosta3372]

This library sounds nice, but I don't know if I'm in a situation in which I can pay more money, I'm just a teenager with no job

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Then there are some great free libraries out there - check out BBC SO discover, VSL Hello series etc

[@santiagoacosta3372]

@@ThinkSpaceEducation I'm happy with my east west composer cloud, but I'm going to give it a try

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

@@santiagoacosta3372 EW cloud is great and perfect value

[@MrSamfonseca]

This oboe... 100% PS1 Tomb Raider!

[@seandeneuve-cinematicandme3806]

Guy! The brass is too loud.

[@GustavoBorderOUnico]

You can sell your track to Final Fantasy Franchise hehe

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

Nice staccato.

[@yves2078]

prime edition c'est de la merde, mais c'est ton sponsor !!! prime edition is shit, but it's your sponsor!!!