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  4. Should I buy Synchron Starter Edition 1, or VI Starter Edition 1?

  • Should I buy Synchron Starter Edition 1, or VI Starter Edition 1?

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    Hi, my budget is 400 bucks and I want something I can really use for a while. Here is some stuff I did recently, all of it is purely just "Noteperformer" from Sibelius:

    https://maxfrecka.bandcamp.com/album/symphonies

    Noteperformer does such an incredible job, with 1% of the time and effort. But ultimately, I found I have more control with a mix of sample libraries. I just thought I'd ask for some advice here.

    I've used East West Composer Cloud and I like it - a ton. I think in some ways it's better than VSL.

    But VSL feels a bit more... pure and controlled. Hollywood Orchestra is ready out of the box and sounds good, but for some reason it just feels only very good for loud, bombastic music like Holst "Mars."

    VSL seems a little more tasteful to me, which is why I am strongly considering investing in going down a path with this.

    I'm just a bit lost on whether I should go down the "Synchron" path or the "VI" path. What I've read is that Synchron is almost like VSL's foray into more "cinematic" or scoring style libraries. And the original VI stuff is more just classical territory. But I can't demo them, and all the audio demos actually sound identical for say, "Fanfare for the Common Man." It sounds identical to me on both the Synchron Starter Edition 1, and VI Starter Edition 1 audio demos. Probably because it is, so it doesn't help me to know which to get. 

    I am thinking about buying VI SE 1 and trying it out, because there is a 14 day refund policy, so if I don't like it I could just refund. Might as well just offer a demo period for those too, since it's basically the same thing, except without the shame of asking for a refund. Haha.

    Any advice is welcome on this, it's very expensive stuff and I'm looking at all my options including Spitfire. For some reason I just feel attracted to VSL stuff, it seems very "classical" and purist, which I think would give me a greater sense of control in using it for making my art.

    Thanks,

    Max
  • bbeliusB
    bbeliusB

    Hi,

    I highly recommend getting the SYNCHRON-ized Special Editions.
    For new costumers there is no reason and advantage to start with the VI Special Editions - for existing ones the upgrade paths may make sense.

    You will get more features, articulations and instruments as well as an advanced modern sample player for free, while also being able to disable the reverbs if you want to have the dry VI sound.

    Best, Ben

    Ben@VSL | IT & Product Specialist
  • PaoloTP
    PaoloTP

    In my view, SynSE Vol.1/+ are the way to go, since they include much more content, and have the mixing done. And you can desctivate the reverb to have the dry version back.

    I would only check if the upgrade path to VI full edition is allowed, since I would also suggest to stay VI for the major library, due to the versality. But that's just me.

    Also, maybe you can purchase the VI SE version, and then upgrade to SynSE. But I don't know the current pricing.

    Paolo
  • M
    M
    last edited
    last edited

    There is a 30 day demo you can try for free SY SE Vol 1

    You will need a Vienna Key or something similiar to put the demo license on.

    Michael
  • BillB
    BillB

    What host are you using it with? Some notation programs (Finale, Notion and Overture) have profiles to use the VI version. Sibelius has for both versions.

    Dorico, Notion, Sibelius, StudioOne, Cubase, Staffpad VE Pro, Synchon, VI, Kontakt Win11 x64, 64GB RAM, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, August Forster 190
  • 1
    1

    I am using Sibelius, Cubase, and Ableton.

    I haven't really gotten into using expression maps but I know Cubase has some interesting features. I wasn't planning on using VI with Sibelius though.

    The advice in this thread lead me to investigate more and realize that Synchron uses the same samples as VI. I have been using Synchron and I am extremely pleased with it. I decided to renew my Composer Cloud X subscription with East West and continue using that, as I consider that a fine deal. At some point maybe I'll buy Diamond along with a new SSD and more RAM.

    I am really happy with Synchron Starter Edition Volume 1 Plus. It is still expensive but you get a lot of articulations, and I really think that would be enough for what I'm doing for a while. 

    The main reason I decided to renew Composer Cloud X is the close mics you get. Synchron stuff does not sound dry to me at all, but maybe I'm using the wrong libraries. Even after turning off the reverb on everything I am not getting the same sound I can get with close mics on Composer Cloud, but I am sure I need to investigate more. Still for now this is a good deal for me. I am pleased with the versatility I get with both of these libraries together.

    I guess I'm just going to skip VI altogether, and maybe just grab a few instruments here and there.