Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,928
DrDan Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,928
I don't want to dwell on all the controversy regarding this historical product. Bottom line is it is on sale now for 20 USD only for four days. The quality of the sounds have never really been the subject of the controversy. I personnally love KH sounds and have a number of his libraies. At this time I really I don't have much need for this, but 20 bucks is essentially giving away the bank.

https://vstbuzz.com/deals/diamond-symphony-orchestra-by-kirk-hunter/



BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,616
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,616
If one doesn't have a decent orchestra this is a no-brainer.
Note that it is not GM.


Forbidden fruit causes many jams!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,189
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,189
You'll need the full version of Kontakt to run it.

If you decide that you only want a couple of the sounds (like the strings and solo violins) you can always choose to delete the folders that you don't want (assuming you have a backup somewhere) and save a bunch of disk space.


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,655
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,655
$499->$20 sounds distinctly in the "too good to be true" bracket and the website has recently changed hands. Anyone know if this is really legitimate?

Last edited by Gordon Scott; 10/22/25 03:51 AM.

Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,928
DrDan Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,928
Fair question. I had mentioned I did not want to get into the controversy regarding this product. However, your question is not the controversy I was referring to. I have a good reference where folks are purchasing it now.

https://vi-control.net/community/threads/kirk-hunter-diamond-symphony-orchestra-20-at-vstbuzz-until-27-10-25.167247/page-3

If your still concerned... Give me some time to get my coffee and I will purchase it and let you know how it goes.

Dan


BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,616
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,616
Originally Posted by Gordon Scott
$499->$20 sounds distinctly in the "too good to be true" bracket and the website has recently changed hands. Anyone know if this is really legitimate?

I can not tell if this is legit or not but I can comment on the price. $499 was the initial price many years ago. Yes this is an old and dated program that I bought in 2011 for $137. I would rate the sounds better than a GM orchestra but way behind the newer VSTis. YMMV

Last edited by MarioD; 10/22/25 07:49 AM.

Forbidden fruit causes many jams!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,928
DrDan Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,928
[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

OK, all is well. The download and installation with Pulse went smooth and easy. I had a bit of an issue with Kontakt, but for 20 USD I am not going to make any negative comments. I was able to play the sounds and am happy.

Last edited by DrDan; 10/22/25 07:56 AM.

BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.

Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,189
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,189
Yes, the $20 is legitimate, as Dan already demonstrated.

There's controversy because Kirk made a number of promises about his libraries going on sale for the last time, as well as about the guy who bought Kirk's libraries and owns VSTBuzz as well as the Pulse downloader.

But it's 100% legit.

This is an orchestral library, so how useful it is in a songwriter context is debatable. The instruments aren't close miked, so you won't get an intimate, detailed sound out of these instruments. That means they don't really fit into most pop mixes.

The sampling doesn't seem to be very deep. I found the woodwinds to be unimpressive. The brass, horns and strings are good if you're looking for a big sound. There are a couple nice solo violins (you can hear one in the video), which isn't surprising considering that Kirk is a violinist.

While it doesn't feel deep, it is broad. There are a lot of articulations. It really does sound like the demos.

So if you want that sound - it's got it in spades.


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,928
DrDan Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,928
Working on my first project using KH DSO.
I can honestly say I am very pleased with the sounds and articulations avialable. I put a small orchestral arrangement of violins and cellos in the back ground of my "R&B 80's rock" project and it fit really well. I am confident I will find a keeper with some minor listening.
I want to give this product my highest recommendation, but I have understanding of some limitations I wanted to share first.

- you need the full Kontakt. I have V7. But I don't consider this a real issue since if you want to play with the big boys you need big boy tools. If you don't already own this then just leave now.
- you will need a lot of fast disk drive space. The specs are easy to find.
- here is some good news, the installation and download of this huge package is really optimized. 1 click only to get it downloaded and installed. I already owned the free Pulse which is the download file manager and installer.
- the organization of the file contents borders on being a nightmare and Kontakt don't help all that much. I was prepared for this since I have worked with KH libraries in the past. You just have to do a lot of browsing and picking and being patient.
- you don't need a separate midi controller keyboard. You can take any midi set (even from biab) and jsut route the chords to the VST. But you really should get one (even a cheap one) so you can literally play these luscious instruments.

With that said, you have my highest recommendation to go ahead and drop 20$. If you get stuck in setup and operations just let me know and I will try to help.

Dan
-


BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.

Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,533
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,533
Thanks everyone. I picked it up. After my next concert I'll have time to play with it.

The purchase and installation were straightforward. I am glad I have Gigabyte Internet, because that made the download only about 5 minutes.


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Off-Topic
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,007
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,007
I paid the $20. No idea if I'll ever use it but, if I do, the twenty bills will be well spent.

At 45GB, it's the smallest orchestra VI that I own. We'll see...


BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro/Notion6/Overture5
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Holiday Weekend Hours

As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:

April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours

Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!

— Team PG

Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!

If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!

If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,145
Posts800,835
Members40,043
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Tomas Buron, Fasteddy87, Risi, HenryHPH, Baldeagle13
40,043 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 135
DC Ron 104
rsdean 97
WaoBand 71
Noel96 63
Today's Birthdays
Briand Morrison, Easy Car Removal, Peters Garage, skyduster
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5