Yo what’s good fam, back with another library to review for ya.
A few weeks ago I was on the search for a good string library.
Now I have quite a few, but I was looking for something that fit a specific set of criteria.
It had to load fast, it had to be light on cpu/ram, had to be string sections, and had to be a good price.
It always seems that good strings cost a premium, but I was determined to find something that was great sounding and didn’t cost an arm and a leg.
I came across SONiVOX. Now I know some of their other products, many are most familiar with their producer line of products like the Sampla series or Big Bang Drums and Percussion products.
But they also have a composer line which includes a complete high end Symphonic String Collection that weighs in around $995….., yeah, well that’s not what I’m talking about today!
But they also have a collection which they call DVIs (downloadable virtual instruments), and in that collection there is a Symphonic Ensemble Strings instrument, taken from that high end string collection.
That’s what I came across, downloaded the demo, and really enjoyed it…so I’m showing it to you here today.
So what is Symphonic Ensemble Strings?
It’s a collection of Ensemble string patches taken from SONiVOX’s high end string library.
It’s straight ensemble patches which are made up of 5 sections including Basses, Cellos, Violins 1 and 2, and Violas.
No solo instruments, no solo sections, just the full ensemble recorded together like they would be in a real ensemble.
You get fast, slow, pizzicato, legato, forte, and mezzo patches.
Also “lite” patches of each, and patches with/without relase samples.
Quick Specs
- content: 445mb
- format: VST, Rtas, or AU
- price: $79.95
How does it sound?
pretty lush honestly, once I downloaded the demo I was very pleased to find exactly what I was looking for.
For the most part, when I’m using strings in my productions it is for lush sections…sure I mess with solo strings here and there but most of the time I want a big lush string sound that you get from full sections or ensembles.
This definitely has that sound, and they instruments load very quickly.
The sound I was looking for was definitely symphonic but not too much reverb or ambiance.
At the same time I didn’t want it to be too dry to where I have to drench in in reverb.
These ensemble patches seem to have the right balance for my personal taste so that they fit into my productions well without much tweaking and yet they do not overpower everything else in the mix.
Definitely some great quality here, I don’t know what the full Symphonic String library sounds like personally, so I can’t compare it two it’s big brother, but these sound great to me.
What’s the bottom line?
You’d be hard pressed to find another ensemble library on the market that sounds this good for this price.
Sure there’s sometimes when you want the whole orchestral library, or when you want all the solo instruments with various articulations, separate string sections, etc.
But if you’re like me and you just like that huge, lush, ensemble string sound…you really aren’t going to find anything better in this price range.
I give Symphonic Ensemble Strings 4.5 out of 5 subs, I really think they hit the mark for provided a high quality, playable ensemble string library.
I do wish it was native 64 bit, and I would like to see up/down arrows to browse through the patches but that’s a minor issue in the big picture when it comes to this library.
The sound is incredible in my opinion and I’m sorta mad at myself for not discovering it sooner.
I spent many nights frustrated trying to create my own ensemble sections from different libraries or even the same library of solo instruments and most times it just didn’t have the sound I wanted.
The fact that these instrument sections were all recorded in their proper sections in relation to each other, gives it the proper sound for ensemble strings, everything is in it’s right place.
Man….just go over and download the demo and listen for yourself: Symphonic Ensemble Strings
leave a comment below and let me know what you think
i would be crazy not to cop this..thanks.. i reach a bill.ill throw u a mill homie.
@sky, ha no doubt fam, I really dig it, I use this and CineOrch for most of my string stuff now.
Another good review, Bro. I want! I wonder if it’ll work ok in a 64 bit DAW like Reaper?
@marko, thanks fam, yes it will work I use jbridge to bridge it to 64 bit but Reaper has a built in bit bridge so it will automatically work with it.
Great pick I just scoped out the site and the stuff sounds good and is cheap too! Fender Pre Bass for $19.95 Whatt!!?? Thanks again man!
@thomasgreco, Yeah they got some cool lil plugs, I like the Acoustic Bass too.
@saintjoe, Yup it’s cool as well.
SJ,Thanks for finding this one… :),The sounds are great & the price is affordable. Once again you have come thru for the “FAM”. ๐
@Baddboy2000, No doubt fam, definitely one of those gems that easily go un noticed.
The weirdest thing about plugins is that you would think the huge libraries rule over everything else however, every now and then you find a small tiny plugin for cheap that’s more than enough. How is this possible I ask myself?? It makes you wonder what should you be buying when some of these small wonders sound amazing!!
@hasznone, I agree man. Sure some of the larger libraries have more options, but this is straight and to the point. Sounds good, I’m diggin it lol.
really dope strings i was looking for something like that and glad to see the price is nice also , great found and review fam ๐
@sam, Yeah fam, the price is nice and they work for most folks
Hey Saint, Thanks for making a review for this product. I was just searching for some review and got your’s. It was useful for me to decide not to shell even 79$ on this instrument. Although compared to other products like other people comments, this one is not so expensive, but๏ปฟ for this quality of sound it should be more cheaper than 79$. Maybe 40$ would be fine
Word man, that’s why I do these. I think this one works for some people that don’t need the most super realistic sound as well as something pretty straight forward. Is it the best sounding? Not at all, but it can definitely work in many electronic/urban tunes. In relation to a lot of other stuff I’ve seen, I think the price is still fair for what it is. But again, it really depends on what you’re looking for.