String Quartet Sample Library

[bkshepard]

With the quarantine, I find myself being asked to write more and more for string quartet these days and am looking to upgrade my sample library for mockups. I've got the First Chair strings of LASS as well as the AudioModeling instruments, but neither of those are really doing it for me. Has anyone used the Sacconi String Quartet library from Spitfire Audio? How is it? It's a bit pricey, but seems to be pretty solid. Any other suggestions or recommendations. Thanks!

[cuttime]

I really like the Audio Modeling solo string instruments. Perhaps not the most realistic sounding strings, but by far the most playable and expressive (IMHO). A good controller is a must. Some say a breath controller is needed, but I've gotten pretty decent results with pedals.

[stubbsonic]

I just saw a blurb for Spitfire's Intimate Strings for a measly $29.

There a few $29 sounds on this Originals page. The demos are quite impressive.

https://www.spitfireaudio.com/originals

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Tried to watch the demo but he keeps using the damn metronome and piano sounds.

[bkshepard]

Yeah, I have the Audio Modeling strings and they work pretty well for me in solo passages, but I find them a bit too much for quartet stuff. The Spitfire Intimate Strings is still a section, just smaller. I'm looking for true one-on-a-part string quartet work.

[Gravity Jim]

Have you heard the Tina Guo Cello and Taylor Davis Violin from Cinesamples? I don't write for quartet very often, but as solo instruments these things are remarkable.

[bkshepard]

Have you heard the Tina Guo Cello and Taylor Davis Violin from Cinesamples?

Yes, they sound great as solo instruments. Unfortunately, there isn't a comparable 2nd violin or viola and I'm concerned about their ability to blend since they're all unique sample recordings. It looks as if the Sacconi samples are all done in the same space with the same recording techniques. That's what makes it look particularly attractive, but I'm wondering if there are other (better?) options. From reading the reviews on the Spitfire site, most people hail the quality of the sound, but bemoan the fact that it's not a full Kontakt library, so you have to load the instruments individually.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Just a wild and crazy question here, but do you guys feel a need for high end libraries to represent the piece to you client; to yourselves; or just to be able to document the work electronically?

I've been composing live orchestral and chamber music on commission for decades and no client has ever asked for a mockup. Most don't even hear the work until it premieres (that includes the Academy of motion Pictures, who are pretty damn picky about stuff). The only time I've had to create mockups for others was for conductors to rehearse to, and even then a basic MIDI version has always sufficed.

I can understand if one is writing for a production where you want the listener/viewer to think it's a real orchestra (not that I'd ever accept a gig like that). But other than that I truly don't understand spending that much time working on a recording of a work that is going to be performed by actual musicians.

[bkshepard]

Great question. Honestly, I do it mostly for me. Given the typical orchestra recording restrictions, I rarely get recordings of a chart I do, so it's nice to have a good representation. I have had a number of musicians in orchestras for which I've written tell me how much the appreciate the high quality mockup, so I'll keep doing it. I've gotten pretty fast at it.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Great question. Honestly, I do it mostly for me. Given the typical orchestra recording restrictions, I rarely get recordings of a chart I do, so it's nice to have a good representation. I have had a number of musicians in orchestras for which I've written tell me how much the appreciate the high quality mockup, so I'll keep doing it. I've gotten pretty fast at it.

Thanks Brian, that makes sense. Personally, I'd rather spend more time on refining the the work than arriving at a definitive mockup version, but that's just me. Besides, I only engage the very best musicians I can find...

[mikehalloran]

Barbara Day Turner, conductor of the San Jose Chamber Orchestra, is a close friend of mine — we spoke just a couple days ago. Her roster of available local players is much better than mine.

I can put the two of you in touch. Just sayin'…

[HCMarkus]

I really like the Audio Modeling solo string instruments. Perhaps not the most realistic sounding strings, but by far the most playable and expressive (IMHO). A good controller is a must. Some say a breath controller is needed, but I've gotten pretty decent results with pedals.

But BC is F'n amazing!

I certainly concur with the "playable and expressive" sentiment... they are a joy to play!

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Barbara Day Turner, conductor of the San Jose Chamber Orchestra, is a close friend of mine — we spoke just a couple days ago. Her roster of available local players is much better than mine.

I can put the two of you in touch. Just sayin'…

You mean like LIVE musicians!

[bkshepard]

Besides, I only engage the very best musicians I can find...

Well, except for your percussionist!

[bkshepard]

Barbara Day Turner, conductor of the San Jose Chamber Orchestra, is a close friend of mine — we spoke just a couple days ago. Her roster of available local players is much better than mine.

I can put the two of you in touch. Just sayin'…

I'd love to meet her. I'm relatively new to the SJ area, and any good musical connections would be fantastic!