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  • EPIC Orchestra vs. Special Edition Extended

    Hi there, I'm currently figuring if the Epic Orchestra bundled with the Ensemble PRO is a package worth getting. I'm not sure If I really need the Ensemble PRO, so the major argument for me would be the EPIC orchestra AddOn. Since I plan to upgrade my Special Edition to the Extended version soon (which provides me with Appassionata Strings as wells as the 8-horns-ensemble etc.) I'm currently not sure if I really need the Epic Orchestra... Can you guys help me? Thanks in advance Steve

  • It's a nice little collection of useable instruments.

    App Strings gives you a nice string pad with an epic timbre, same with epic horns which sounds warm and big and Epic Trumpets which sounds rather brassy and direct.

    My favorite patches are the woodwind ensemble sustains and stacs.


  • Hello Steve,

    I think this is one of those questions that you'll end up answering yourself.  What type of music do you compose?  SE extended is comprised of over 38,000 samples and I think the Epic Orchestra is only comprised of 7,000 or 8,000.  So that's one thing you can consider.  I could be wrong on that sample count though.

    RE: Appassionata Strings.  In SE you only have two patches sustain and something else I can't remember but whatever it is it's not Legato which I would rather have.  However, you also have Chamber Strings along with your Orchestra Strings and what I like to do is layer the Chamber Strings with the Orchestral Strings to sort of cheat more samples of Appassionata Strings (AS = 20 violin players, CS = 6 violin players and OS = 14 violin players, layer CS violins with OS violins you get 20 players.  Same thing with the Violas)

    I guess it depends on your needs.


  • Thanks for the feedback! @jasensmith: I know that the number of samples is out of question considerung SE Extended vs. Epic orchestra. I'm just wondering if the EPIC orchestra is worth a buy IF I already own the special edition or if it's not... :-) You know: I don't plan to get a special instrument collection like Appassionata I or Epic Horns, so I ponder If this pack (combined with Ensemble PRO) is of value for me. Thanks again, Steve