Strings
Cinematic Studio Strings
Alex Wallbank – Works with the free Kontakt Player
$400 / More info
STRENGTHS:
Has a beautiful and versatile tone. It boasts incredibly fluid legato at multiple speeds and includes the option to re-bow sustained notes. Most articulations that you would ask for are covered. Very competitive pricing.
WEAKNESSES:
Sordino is simulated.
Century Orchestral Strings
8Dio – Requires sample player purchase (Kontakt)
Main Library $450 / Sordino $350 / Bundle $600
STRENGTHS:
A very fluid and playable library with great sound and a comprehensive variety of articulations. The sordino is recorded, not simulated!
WEAKNESSES:
Does not sound as organic as other options.
Berlin Strings
Orchestral Tools – Works with the free Kontakt Player
Main Library €840 / Special Bows 1 €210 / Special Bows 2 €160 / SFX €250
STRENGTHS:
Has a beautiful and detailed sound. Includes adaptive legato. The developers were extremely thorough in sampling (example: 24x round robin[?] on 1st violins spiccato). Comprehensive collection of articulations.
WEAKNESSES:
The comprehensiveness of articulations is undermined by a lack of con sordino samples, and the complete package is very expensive. It is also quite taxing on system resources.
Spitfire Chamber Strings
Spitfire Audio – Works with the free Kontakt Player
$700 / More info
STRENGTHS:
One of the most reputable chamber strings[?] libraries. The library is great for adding detail to your tracks, and includes an impressive assortment of articulations.
WEAKNESSES:
Legato transitions can feel a bit bumpy.
Nashville Scoring Strings
Audio Ollie - Requires sample player purchase (Kontakt)
$299 / More info
STUB:
Realistic sounding library with excellent performance-based scripting. No 2nd violins. Short articulations are a bit limited.
Spitfire Symphonic Strings
Spitfire Audio – Works with the free Kontakt Player
$800 / More info
STRENGTHS:
Great sound, comprehensive selection of articulations.
WEAKNESSES:
Not quite as useful for aggressive arrangements.
CineStrings CORE
Cinesamples – Works with the free Kontakt Player
$500 / More info
STRENGTHS:
Its tone is a good balance between harsh and lush. Has very playable legato and a useful hairpin creator for string swells. The shorts are nice and aggressive but not over-the-top. Good selection of articulations.
WEAKNESSES:
Its neutral tone can sound a little lackluster.
Hollywood Strings
EastWest – Works with the free PLAY engine
Gold $265 / Diamond $400
STRENGTHS:
Great sound, playability, and value for your money. This library set the standard for modern strings sampling.
WEAKNESSES:
It has a few bugs and inconsistencies throughout, and is quite the resource hog. If you want to use it without inconvenience, use an SSD.
DETAILS:
If you are considering this library and looking for a full orchestral package, Hollywood Orchestra is a great-value collection that includes Hollywood Strings, Hollywood Brass, Hollywood Orchestral Woodwinds, and Hollywood Orchestral Percussion.