Strings sequencing/sampling/mockup [update]

Yes, if you don't have Kontakt and you want to save money, EWQLSO Silver is a good way to go with their built-in PLAY engine. Also, GPO4 is very good and cost effective - with their own proprietary ARIA engine. GPO4 has probably more articulations than EWQLSO Silver. I would suggest GPO4; if you want EWQLSO, then at least get Gold.

Actually, most scoring sampling do not need a Xeon. It's only this year when string libraries come up with the new divisi programming that we are seeing this kind of thing. Most developers are trying to keep the CPU/RAM load as low as possible so live performers can use them on their mobile setups/notebooks. That's actually quite bad. It means that once you loaded the strings into the Xeon, you can't load anything else. So to load a full orchestra, you'll need multiple machines. We are previously hindered only by RAM. Now we are hindered by CPU as well. Sad...

Actually, Kontakt is a good investment (better investment in getting Komplete rather than just Kontakt). Many 3rd party libraries are in Kontakt (this goes for non-orchestral samples as well). If I load multiple sampling engines at once (e.g. PLAY, Kontakt and other 3rd party VSTis), the CPU will have a heavier load. I prefer to load multiple sample libraries within one engine which will let me do more. However, if you intend to get EWQLSO, then you'll probably want to focus only on PLAY libraries from East West in the future so everything loads within PLAY. EXS24 is not as effective as the other samplers in terms of memory addressing and scripting.

By the way, Kontakt is highly efficient in Mac. And also, almost all of the libraries mentioned in this thread are native Kontakt libraries.
 
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Oh Kongwee, I forgot to say one thing. Kirk Hunter is available in native EXS24 format, except the upcoming TVEC II (which I believe EXS24 cannot be scripted for divisi programming). So...you can still get the discount!
 
counterpoint, everyone has to study bach's art of fugue. Every top pianist in the world will tell you to study it. Even jazz pianist, like Oscar Peterson says that it is essential to be a great player.
 
Just for the sake of completeness...a another new string library out on the market soon.

Miroslav Vitous String Ensembles. Those into sampling will remember the crazy high pricing of the Miroslav orchestra samples in Akai during the old days. Well, this library seems to follow that trend - high price (higher than LASS) and without divisi programming. They have to be VERY good to compete. But Miroslav stuff has the history of being great samples, except their price.

http://www.bigfishaudio.com/4DCGI/detail.html?511935
 
I look at demo website at GPO and EWQLSO. I must admit that I'm a fanboy of Dr Keith Johnson. Co-inventor for HDCD. He is also part of the 2C3D concept (it offend other audiophile company too in year 1999). I used to promote his Spectral Audio gear and 2C3D concept to audiophile. He is a genius in audio engineering field before he get his doctorate. Many time Grammy Award winner under Reference Recording. I wonder he got any involved in Hollywood String. CEOs of Apple,Matsushita and Denon own his audiophile gears. I got some audio engineer comment on half 2C3D(room not treated to 2C3D standard) setup in our showroom. They commented that it was the best monitoring system that no other studio here could compare. Ok, it is not related.

From demo, I tend to like EWQLSO more. However, I don't see GPO has more articulate than EWQLSO Symphonic silver ones.
 
There's a price difference between the two. EWQLSO is aimed at people using desktops in studios. GPO is aimed at people using notebooks and netbooks. GPO works as a quick template for people to come up with something on the fly. It's still very useful. The focus is on playability and live. EWQLSO (like most libraries) needs more sequencing techniques. For GPO, you can just play it live and you get the desired effect without too much tweaking.
 
As I am downloading Kirk Hunter Concert String. There is Concert String II EXS24 version standing by. It just requirement 4G RAM. It is good new for mobile user.
 
LASS is also coming up with their Lite version. Their full version has a price drop during NAMM - now 999USD.
 
Cheer, I just download Kirk Hunter Concert String. On the articulation, I find some thing strange. What is A0-Aggress,Bb0-Lite.B0 Spiccato under each articulation. I find it doesn't make sense when cross to bass articulation.
 
Did you get the EXS version? I'm using the Kontakt version. They are probably key-switches. the lower octaves switches the articulations. They are not notes. Hit a key and the entire patch switches. This allows you to switch between articulations quickly.

For more even switching, load the mod-wheel cross-fade patches. This allows you to switch gradually between patches when you move the mod wheel. Each has their own uses in different situations.
 
Yup. EXS24
I could understand the keyswitch.
There is a hidden keyswitch map for kontact and exs24 in the website.
Can't get the link for that page.
From Purchase-> Ruby Section:Details -> Concert String
This will bring out the keyswitch map for Kontact and EXS24.
They are almost the same.
Of the example: Bass:B6- Vel Macracto :A0 Aggressive Bb0-Lite.

Mod-wheel cross fade, not sure yet but I think they load everything in one TVEC instrument patch.
Since EXS24 by default using disk streaming, don't see it move the meter much. I look at the programming side, basically it need to do a lot of mod wheel and pitch automation. All look new to me. Need to play so more to understand.
 
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Darm, Concert String II EXS just out. Should have wait and buy or else I have everything in a single purchase. I bought solo strings too.
 
Concert Strings II is a totally different set of strings from Concert Strings. The entire library of strings were resampled to make it fit for divisi writing. You don't need to get solo strings if you get the Emerald/Ruby/Diamond library. Anyway, you'll get a discount upgrade.
 
Recently, I won to write Owl kopi CF(should air today), so got a bit of money to invest solo string. Only concert string got TVEC that why I buy separate. I spend near $400 for strings that ok lah. Just a question how much do you put reverb on all string? I notice that there is "wet" signal in the strings.
 
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There should be one instrument patch that lets you control the wet/dry reverb using the mod wheel. Otherwise, the samples are recorded dry with natural decay. Unless the EXS version is different from the Kontakt version...

I'm careful with reverb. Usually apply only slightly esp for strings (depending on the music). As you know, too much reverb on strings makes them sound mushy. I would make sure the attacks are clear with more reverb emphasis on the decay end.

Would love to hear your piece.
 
By the way, I'm still waiting for LASS lite. I'm holding on to Concert Strings II until LASS lite is released. I already have Diamond, so the main difference for getting Concert Strings II is for the divisi (the sound is very similar - Kirk Hunter sound). I like the "air" and "breathe" of the LASS. But LASS is too expensive (1099 USD currently). Hence I'm waiting for their Lite version. I'm willing to forego divisi for the sound alone (more work writing divisi without the divisi tools, but I'm OK with that).
 
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