I'm looking for Strings and Brass (who isn't right?)

[odonohoe7]

Hey Forum,
So I'm looking to update my sounds and am searching for amazing brass and strings. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Colin

[andygabrys]

strings:

I have LASS as do many here and think its great.

[odonohoe7]

Thanks Andy, I'll check that out.
I really appreciate it
Colin

[mazz]

I typically combine several libraries because each has it's strengths. For solo instruments, Samplemodeling hands down. To combine epic ness and bite it's Cinebrass and SAM orchestral brass has nice low brass. The crescendos and low brass from east west still work well.

For strings it's LASS for the main sound mixed with Symphobia or Kirk Hunter for extra bite when necessary. East West strings blend nicely with LASS when extra lushness is necessary.

Combining libraries is key since no one library does it all although LASS is first call in my template.

[kclements]

For me it is LASS and Cinebrass Pro. I also use Kontakt VSL instruments to augment as needed. I have the Kirk Hunter Brass, but I don't use it very much - After reading Mazz's reminder, I think I will put it back in and see how it works with Cinebrass.

I am just starting to rethink my template, so I've been thinking about this for a bit. The idea is mixing libraries is always suggested around here, and yet I always forget to do it - I always reach for my first call plugs - LASS, Cinebrass, Westgate and Hollywood Winds. I need to do a better job of mixing.

I wonder if anyone would be interested in sharing a screenshot of their templates? I would share mine if anyone is interested. I would love to see how others start their process off with which template.

Cheers -
kc

[AndyKotz]

Make sure you check out Spitfire Audio ("Albion" and their other libraries)... It's on my "absolute" list...

You actually have to audition to qualify for their "back-room, limited edition" libraries !! They don't just sell them to anyone!!!!
Check this out:

"...Since 2008 Spitfire has gone into production across the entire orchestral choral spectrum and now enjoys a broad user-base of simmering A-list talent. As of February 2010 Spitfire is in post production with it’s enormous “Symphonics” module, it’s seminal “Great British Brass” module featuring the most scintillating array of brass talent available on the planet today, and is currently in production with it’s woodwind collection dubbed “British Wood”.
All these modules are financed through the sale of a limited number of licenses with composers fulfilling specific criteria to be eligible. When extra development or production needs to take place, on any given module beyond the initial production process, more licenses are offered out to finance this. Giving existing users free access, and upgrades to what Spitfire affectionately refer to as a “living library...”


Here's a partial list of composers using Spitfire:

[manninghollow]

If you don't want to spend a lot of money, try MOTU Symphonic Instrumet $279. When you listen to the samples they might strike you as a little thin, but when you hear them in a track they are very useable. You can then add some other samples with them to prop them up. I like the Kontact samples as well but the Motu sound more expressive in a track to me.

[odonohoe7]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it!
I'd be happy to share my template screenshot but I'm pretty disorganized.
I try to have an orchestral template, electronica template, new age template, etc but I always end up changing things a lot.
anyway, happy writing everyone and thank you!!!