I need some good orchestral strings

[Arpangel]

Thinking about Spitfire Audio, what do you recommend as a good starting point, for a full symphonic string section?

[Drew Stephenson]

Could do worse than starting with the free version of their BBC Orchestra: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/bbc-symph ... gAQAvD_BwE

[Arpangel]

Could do worse than starting with the free version of their BBC Orchestra: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/bbc-symph ... gAQAvD_BwE

Drew! I couldn’t see that on the website, perfect!

[Luke W]

The string section of BCCSO is really rather nice, in my humble opinion. The Core version is pretty hard to beat as an all-rounder orchestral library given the price.

[RichardT]

Yes, great choice, Drew.

Tony, I’ve spent most of the last year working with BBCSO strings, so if things are not sounding as they should let me know!

Rendering BBCSO strings through Dorico and Noteperformer gives MUCH better results than using Cubase with BBCSO, with virtually no mucking about, and I’m sure the same is true with Reaper. So if you’d like any help, please let me know.

[Bob Bickerton]

Yes, the BBC Core is a no brainer and move up from there if you need more articulations. It is the 'full' symphony sound if that's what you want and Spitfire have lots of options of strings depending on what you're trying to achieve.

For full legato, I'll often use their Appassionata Strings, which I feel are more fluid and realistic, especially if used in isolation. I'll use Albion Neo perhaps for more intimate, or Albion Tundra for even more stripped back, Chamber Strings for tight smaller forces, Olafur Arnalds for textural - beware the rabbit hole!

Then judicious use of dynamics and expression for realism.

Bob

[The Elf]

Rendering BBCSO strings through Dorico and Noteperformer gives MUCH better results than using Cubase with BBCSO, with virtually no mucking about...

How so? I have no problem creating my orchestral arrangements in Cubase.

[RichardT]

Rendering BBCSO strings through Dorico and Noteperformer gives MUCH better results than using Cubase with BBCSO, with virtually no mucking about...

How so? I have no problem creating my orchestral arrangements in Cubase.

Hi Elf,

I think it’s down to Noteperformer, which sits between the score and the sample libraries. It adds micro dynamics, slight timing changes, and changing vibrato to the raw data, which makes the music sound properly phrased.

[The Elf]

I think it’s down to Noteperformer, which sits between the score and the sample libraries...

Thanks for that info. I never heard of that. I'll do some research.

I'm adding my dynamics with a clutch of faders as I play, but I often create vibrato on a second pass.

Fading off notes, then re-swelling them back up as a second note is criticially important to realistic string parts, and that's something that many people seem to forget, at least if video tutorials are anything to go by.

[RichardT]

I think it’s down to Noteperformer, which sits between the score and the sample libraries...

Thanks for that info. I never heard of that. I'll do some research.

I'm adding my dynamics with a clutch of faders as I play, but I often create vibrato on a second pass.

Fading off notes, then re-swelling them back up as a second note is criticially important to realistic string parts, and that's something that many people seem to forget, at least if video tutorials are anything to go by.

Unfortunately, Noteperformer only works with Dorico and Sibelius. I wish it worked with Cubase, but it's designed to work with inputs derived from a score, rather than from a DAW.

Yes, that kind of thing is where Noteperformer excels.

[alexis]

What a great thread, thank you, everyone!

I think it’s down to Noteperformer, which sits between the score and the sample libraries...

Thanks for that info. I never heard of that. I'll do some research.

I'm adding my dynamics with a clutch of faders as I play, but I often create vibrato on a second pass.

Fading off notes, then re-swelling them back up as a second note is criticially important to realistic string parts, and that's something that many people seem to forget, at least if video tutorials are anything to go by.

Unfortunately, Noteperformer only works with Dorico and Sibelius. I wish it worked with Cubase, but it's designed to work with inputs derived from a score, rather than from a DAW.

Yes, that kind of thing is where Noteperformer excels.

I wonder if using Cubase's Score Editor (either the new one in C14 Pro, or previous ones) would work as an input to Noteperformer.

[The Elf]

Looks a useful time-saving tool, if you're really not into playing it yourself. At some point I'd like to try it out to see what it can do.

I suspect for someone like myself, who is happy to perform the parts, but is really not at all into traditional score notation, then it might not suit?

[RichardT]

What a great thread, thank you, everyone!

I think it’s down to Noteperformer, which sits between the score and the sample libraries...

Thanks for that info. I never heard of that. I'll do some research.

I'm adding my dynamics with a clutch of faders as I play, but I often create vibrato on a second pass.

Fading off notes, then re-swelling them back up as a second note is criticially important to realistic string parts, and that's something that many people seem to forget, at least if video tutorials are anything to go by.

Unfortunately, Noteperformer only works with Dorico and Sibelius. I wish it worked with Cubase, but it's designed to work with inputs derived from a score, rather than from a DAW.

Yes, that kind of thing is where Noteperformer excels.

I wonder if using Cubase's Score Editor (either the new one in C14 Pro, or previous ones) would work as an input to Noteperformer.

Not at the moment, Alexis. It needs a custom interface from the host.

[RichardT]

Looks a useful time-saving tool, if you're really not into playing it yourself. At some point I'd like to try it out to see what it can do.

I suspect for someone like myself, who is happy to perform the parts, but is really not at all into traditional score notation, then it might not suit?

That’s right, it aims to translate a score into a believable performance, so it wouldn’t suit that style of working.

[alexis]

...
Unfortunately, Noteperformer only works with Dorico and Sibelius. I wish it worked with Cubase, but it's designed to work with inputs derived from a score, rather than from a DAW.
...

.

I wonder if using Cubase's Score Editor (either the new one in C14 Pro, or previous ones) would work as an input to Noteperformer.

Not at the moment, Alexis. It needs a custom interface from the host.

Thanks, RichardT!

[S.Crow]

Thinking about Spitfire Audio, what do you recommend as a good starting point, for a full symphonic string section?

There are so many variables that you need to state your requirements.
If you don't need legatos, then they have the Originals series which are £29.
Are you fussy about how wet the hall they recorded in is?
How many microphone positions are required?
Which articulations?
Do you prefer Kontakt or Spitfire's own player?

There's a massive range just from SA, before you even consider other developers.
If you end up looking at paying £200 just for strings, be aware that the Spitfire Symphony Orchestra can be had for about £250 on sale.
That gives you all the sections as well as various solo instruments.
Recorded at Air Studios and weighing in at 360GB. It has a wide range of articulations and an updated interface.
It comes with 3 mic positions for flexibility, whereas BBC Core just has one.
But if you have a very specific sound in mind, be prepared to do a lot of leg work.
There are so many options that you should find something that hits the spot.

SA very regularly have deep sales and 50% off isn't rare.
Next one may well be at Easter.