String Library (resource-friendly)

[Lipskimusic]

Dear All,

I am looking for a resource friendly string library that I could use for drafting on the go. When I am travelling I use Logic X on a small Macbook Air I5, 4 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD HD. In one of the Taxi TV shows Michael mentioned a composer who created convincing orchestral parts using a comparatively old string library but he did not say which one it was. I assume it could be the VSL SE Collection Vol.1? Has anyone experience using them in a similar context?

Please let me know your thoughts.

Kind regards
Matt

[Len911]

Matt, for $100, it would be hard to beat 'Halion Symphonic Orchestra'.

https://www.steinberg.net/en/products/v ... u_get.html

[Lipskimusic]

Hi Guys!

Many thanks. I had never heard of Halion before (I am not a Cubase user) but I understand it also works in Logic. The price is indeed reasonable.

Cheers,
Matt

[Telefunkin]

Hi Matt,
It might be worth checking out Garritan stuff too (Personal Orchestra, Instant Orchestra).
https://www.garritan.com/

....but, just to help (hinder?) your decision, there's some debate here...
https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopi ... 1&t=455098

[Lipskimusic]

Thanks so much! In the past, I was sometimes disappointed with East West when it comes to installing the software but maybe I will give it another try... So far I like the sound of VSL and the interface of Halion... They are all affordable so it really comes down to how resource-friendly they are going to be (I5 duo, 4GB, 256 SSD).

[Lipskimusic]

I am using Logic X so I would need AU instead of VST anyway, but thanks for your advice!

[Len911]

HSO has been around a long time, it's not only strings but a full orchestra, I use it on windows xp. They have recently upgraded it.
http://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/ste ... -orchestra

[Lipskimusic]

Thanks Len911! I think for 99 EUR (over here) I will just give it a try and I am also inclined to test-drive the VSL, too. IMO software (same as gear) is sometimes as 'subjective' as music itself but great to know that there are quite a number of reasonable alternatives out there (and at a reasonable price point) that might work on my small laptop!

[mojobone]

By reputation, Logic's orchestral instruments are very usable. I'm pretty sure the library referred to in an earlier post is East-West Quantum Leap Symphony Orchestra Gold. Long in the tooth, yes, but still getting it done for a lot of folks.

I have Cinesymphony Lite from Cinesamples for ensemble brass/woodwinds/strings and percussion; articulations are a bit limited, but you can load up a full orchestra on a middling laptop and it runs in the free Kontakt player. For smaller string ensembles/chamber stuff, I have Kirk Hunter Spotlight Solo Strings, which requires the full version of Kontakt.