Originally Posted By: Icelander
You know, now that I myself read it back again, his original post doesn't actually specify genre after all, you are quite right! shocked

I guess I must have deduced "classical" because of the list of instruments he did mention and the 'no fx' restrictions (both of which seem to indicate a "go for natural/acoustic" intentions).

I still don't get why he didn't just go for a "What VSTi would you recommend/use?" kind of post smirk


OK, if you want the most realistic classical music sounds then be prepared to spend a lot of money! The best stuff cost the most.

Garritan is the cheapest I would go. Not as good as the more expensive packages. I would call it fair. https://www.garritan.com/products/personal-orchestra-5/

Miroslov Philharmonik 2 is better. Again not as good as the more expensive packages but a lot of people use this. I had the lite version but somehow I lost it.
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/philharmonik2/index.php?pp=philharmonik2-info

Kontakt has some good orchestra sounds but wait for a half off sale:
https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/samplers/kontakt-5/

The good thing about Kontakt is the third part sounds. I have Kirk Hunter's Diamond Orchestra and it is very good. But it is on the expensive side plus you need Kontakt to run it. The lasted Concert Strings are better but this serves my purpose.
https://www.kirkhunterstudios.com/products/diamond-symphony-orchestra/

I also have is Spotlight Solo Strings and it is another very good package.
https://www.kirkhunterstudios.com/products/spotlight-solo-strings/

I have East/West's Symphonic Choirs and they are excellent.
http://www.soundsonline.com/Symphonic-Choirs

Their orchestras sound great also.
http://www.soundsonline.com/Classical-and-Orchestral

Wait for Kirk Hunter and East/West stuff to go on sale.

I understand that SampleTank 3 has some good sounds but I can't comment as I don't own it.

Listen to the audio sample of the above to get a feel of whats available. Just remember that pro MIDI musicians put those songs together.

If you have a lot of money their are other orchestra sounds that go a lot more expensive. They are out of my price range. In fact right now everything is out of my price range.

The above are of course just my opinions and I'm sure other may disagree.

I hope this helps.

Whenever I get something stuck in the back of my throat, I dislodge it by drinking a beer.
It's called the Heineken Maneuver.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware