Orchestral libraries

The full version.The Kontakt Factory Selection contains band, contemporary synth pads, urban beats, vintage, and world collections from Kontakt 3. While this free Kontakt library is an excellent selection for free, it doesn’t have everything offered in the full version.For people just starting, the Kontakt Factory Selection is a wonderful option to get a feel of the program. However, Kontakt Factory Library is a better option if you want a more extensive range of sounds and instruments.Looking for more free libraries for KONTAKT? We’ve got you covered. Check out the following list of list of free libraries for Kontakt Player:Twenty Five by Native InstrumentsPlay Series Selection by Native InstrumentsThe Free Orchestra by ProjectSAMFree Stuff by SoniccoutureFerrum – Free Edition by KeepforestArcane by EmbertoneAre There Better Libraries Than Kontakt Factory Library?Kontakt Factory Library contains plenty of basic sounds that many people will want and enjoy while producing their music. However, other libraries might be more beneficial than the Kontakt Factory Library if there is specific music you want to make.For example, if you’re going to create an orchestral ensemble, the Factory Library offers many great orchestral sounds, but other libraries might focus solely on the orchestra.While I wouldn’t say other libraries are better than Kontakt Factory Library simply because they offer a larger variety in one sound library, some libraries are better for specific needs.Several companies, such as Spitfire Audio and Output, work with Kontakt to make great libraries. There are libraries for every genre that you might need, but we’re just going to discuss a few favorites:Spitfire Audio Albion OneThis collection, made by Spitfire Audio, is a beautiful orchestral library. It’s one of Spitfire Audio’s most well-known libraries because it comprises a 109-piece orchestra. This library is known for being versatile across many genres and includes a substantial percussion section.Output ExhaleThe Exhale Library includes numerous vocal sounds and is perfect if you’re looking for a library with a more versatile vocals section focusing on R&B and electronic production. This library’s key features include its 500 unique presets and 10 GB of raw material.Embertone Joshua Bell Violin Embertone’s Joshua Bell Violin library is one of the best violin libraries out there. Embertone made the library by sampling the famous classical musician Joshua Bell. It offers many features that make it better than the rest, including impressive legato and vibrato, and the option to control the vibrato is a plus. This collection

Continuing the series on my favourite orchestral sample libraries, this week we turn to one of the forgotten areas of the orchestral world, the harp. If you’ve followed the series you’ve probably seen the regular disclaimer I’ve made about what i look for from a sample library but just in case you’re newly tuning in:I look for usability, great sounding recordings, flexibility of sound and how easily my computer will cope with the strains of running the sound library in question.I also focus on the sound of the acoustic in which the samples are recorded, as they give the sound its character.For some context if you are new to this series take a moment to look at Episode One.Because harp libraries focus on that instrument alone, it can often be forgotten when allocating budget for samples and consequently can be overlooked completely - with users relying on inbuilt factory sounds of their DAW, which sells the instrument short.I have tried a number of harp libraries and just to reiterate what I’ve stated in the previous article, the following is NOT an exhaustive list of available options - it’s just what I choose to use, and an explanation of why.Spitfire HarpCineharpsKontakt library Orchestral Harp (from legacy Vienna Symphonic Orchestral sounds (VSL)Bonus mention for Arpeggio (Sonokinetic!!)To give you an idea of the differences between these libraries, here’s a recording of a few bars we’ve composed to show the differences in the sound of each library. Spitfire Harp As with all of the original spitfire products pre 2020 (this product originated in 2015) this is a Kontakt library - which works in either the free Kontakt Player or the full Kontakt instrument.The featured harpist is Skyla Kanga. Skyla is a legendary harpist, who has played for many movies and with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working on a number of occasions.I do like the subtlety of the different articulations. The flageolet (harmonic), which is made by placing the ball of the hand on a string whilst plucking to produce an overtone is beautiful and haunting. The glissandos (glisses) are often the primary

When you are a student or a hobbyist who aspires to become a working composer one day, you really struggle when starting out with your orchestral sample collection. Most of the time your budget if not limited is non-existing. That’s when you struggle to find usable free orchestra libraries or instruments. The good thing for you is that you’re not alone in this and we’ve all been there. So we have scouted for some really good and usable orchestral libraries and instruments that you can start with.Vienna Symphonic Library Big Bang Orchestra FREEThe title line of this instrument is “Have a blast!”, and what a blast we’ve had. Vienna Symphonic Library has been there for quite a while and they are considered to be the pioneers of orchestral sampling. Now they have their own studio called Synchron scoring stage, and a lot of the who’s who in Hollywood are coming to record at VSL headquarters. Bing Bang Orchestra is a vast collection of sampled instruments which are fairly affordable, but the free version offers a lot of fun with great Tutti orchestra sound at no cost at all. Don’t trust our word, just go and grab it from the VSL website! The only two things you will need are an eLicenser key to store your license and VSL Synchron Player (that is also free). Sonatina Symphonic Orchestra Sound Module by Mattias WestlundThe Sonatina Symphonic Orchestra Module contains the full SSO by Mattias Westlund, nicely wrapped up into one simple VST

Get to grips with and it is packed with great sounds and killer features. Best of all is it comes with a highly affordable price tag! View Price At Gideon Waxman Best Individual SamplesEastWest Hollywood Orchestral Percussion Filled with exceptionally recorded orchestral percussion sounds, EastWest Hollywood Orchestra Opus Diam is a must-have VST plugin for classical composers and producers. Sample Quality Detail Onboard Effects Layout Value View Price At Gideon Waxman EastWest Hollywood Orchestral Percussion ReviewEastWest Hollywood is a must-have drum VST if you are a serious composer. The Hollywood Orchestral Percussion VST contains a library of ultra-realistic percussion sounds that will seamlessly fit into any composition.Included is a massive orchestral library of instrument sounds that will help breathe life into your arrangements. The instruments were meticulously recorded at EastWest Studio 1 in the heart of Hollywood.You will receive an extensive range of percussion sounds including timpani, bass drums, snare drums, orchestral chimes, Mahler Hammer, church bells, cymbals and much more.EastWest sample libraries are the No.1 choice of professional composers and producers that demand the very best quality sounds at their disposal.I find this plugin particularly easy to use. It’s really intuitive, and I was able to boot it up quite quickly at first. This drum software is powered by EastWest’s Play 4 engine that comes loaded with powerful effects and SSL processing. View Price At Gideon Waxman Best Entry-Level WaveMachine Labs Drumagog 5 Platinum With an extensive library of high-quality drum samples, this is an excellent VST plugin by