First Look: SYNCHRON-ized Special Editions Vol 1 by Vienna Symphonic Library
When I see “entry-level” it is usually a red flag as most developers curtail sample playback quality in order to create an affordable orchestral collection. This is not the case with Vienna Symphonic Library’s latest release. The Synchron-ized Special Editions Vol 1 contains everything you need to get into orchestral writing with a pro-sound and upgrade path that will grab even a seasoned composers attention.
Jump to the Videos of SYNCHRON-ized Special Editions Vol 1 by Vienna Symphonic Library
Jump to the Demos of SYNCHRON-ized Special Editions Vol 1 by Vienna Symphonic Library
First LookL: SYNCHRON-ized Special Editions Vol 1 by Vienna Symphonic Library
SYNCHRON-ized Special Editions Vol 1 sells for €295 from Vienna Symphonic Library
Thoughts
Vienna Symphonic Library has revised and expanded its popular Vienna Special Editions virtual instruments library and programmed them for use in the Synchron Player.
Synchron-ized Special Editions Vol 1 comes with 30 of the most common orchestral instruments and ensembles with basic articulations as well as some nice pads and sound designed patches.
The library delivers 2 solo violins and 2 solo cellos, string section ensembles, solo instruments and ensembles of the brass section, woodwinds (from contrabassoon to piccolo flute) as well as harp and basic percussion and a Bösendorfer Imperial grand piano.
It is important to note that this sample set was originally released for use in the Vienna Instruments Pro sample players. The sample data has been revised and balanced for the Vienna Synchron Player which comes optimized with the ambiance of Synchron Stage Vienna. If you are a VI sample player users I highly recommend you check out what Vienna is doing with the new Synchron Player.
New instruments in the Synchron-ized Special Editions Vol 1 include a new Solo Violin 2, Solo Cello 2 and the Synchron Concert D-274 “Lite” which is sampled from a Steinway D-274 recorded at Synchron Stage Vienna. The Synchron Concert D-274 instrument is a lite version of Vienna‘s best selling library but don’t let the “lite” fool you. This instrument comes with 30 velocity layers and 6 preset variations with a variety of ready-to-play timbres.
The Synchron Concert D-274 “Lite” was sampled from a Steinway D-274 recorded at Synchron Stage in Vienna.
Synchron-ized Special Editions Vol 1 may be the entry-level collection but looking over the full Synchron-ized Special Editions Bundle upgrade path I can see that Vienna was not messing around and have created a complete orchestral package for composers with the full bundle collection.
The complete Synchron-ized Special Edition Bundle path includes 4 Volumes and 2 “PLUS” Volumes to expand instrumentation and articulations.
The Synchron-ized Special Edition can be purchased at a reduced bundle price. Users can also upgrade the Special Editions with single Instruments or to the larger collections and get discounts and credits for Special Editions instruments that are registered to your account. I appreciate how Vienna has set this up as it will allow users to expand their Special Edition library when they have the need or budget for upgrading.
Vienna has been promoting the library for musical styles from “pop and rock environments to large symphonic arrangements” and after just a few hours with the library, I am happy to report they have delivered with top marks.
The Vienna Synchron Player is included as free software with all Synchron Series products. It utilizes Vienna‘s easy to navigate Dimension tree for articulation changes and keyswitches.
The big takeaways from my first look video (above) were that this is library delivers a very playable and gorgeous, yet realistic sound. The balance between the instruments seems spot-on to my ears and with the exception of a string harmonics patch, I was able to mock up a composition with Vol 1 meeting all my articulation needs.
As I considered the expansion I was pleased to see the Strings upgrades offered Sul ponticello and Con sordino as well as new Chamber String sections. My only concern was that I didn’t see any Bartok pizz listed, although I do see a “snap pizz” which may deliver what I am looking for. I can say that the complete bundle seems to deliver almost everything I would need for a main orchestral library and very little that I would not use.
Overall I am really pleased with what the Synchron-ized Special Editions Vol 1 has to offer especially when considering the asking price. The great sounding samples, balanced playback across the Synchron line and rich sound of the Synchron Stage make this collection something I will be recommending to beginners and working composers alike.
Facts
Synchron-ized Special Editions Vol 1 downloads as 68.31 GB and is a sample set of orchestral strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion ensembles, and soloists as well as sound design and pad presets. The library delivers articulations including staccato, détaché, sustained, sforzato, tremolo, pizzicato, legato and portamento.
Synchron-ized Special Editions have been optimized for Vienna Synchron Player (free) with velocities and levels balanced across all of the Synchron Series libraries. The collection also comes with the ambiance of Synchron Stage and pre-configured reverb settings.
Synchron-ized Special Editions does require a Vienna USB key or eLicenser.
SYNCHRON-ized Special Editions Vol 1 sells for € 295 from Vienna Symphonic Library
