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STAFF PICKS November 2021

The Best Instruments from Spitfire Audio

In this month’s Staff Picks, we dive deep into our favorite libraries from Spitfire Audio. Our contributors create music for scores, trailers, TV, and media so we reached out to see which libraries are their workhorses, their go-to’s, and their secret weapons.

We have listed the picks below in no particular order with links to SLR video and written reviews for reference.

Contributor Raborn Johnson’s Picks

Evo Grid 3: Strings in Motion ( Full version of Kontakt )
Normally Sells for €249

See the SLR Video Review 
See the SLR Review 

Olafur Arnalds Evolutions

( Kontakt 5.6.8+ ) Normally Sells for €299

The raw emotion and intimacy that this library exudes are magical. The long evolving string textures are unlike anything else in the Spitfire Audio catalog, as they are based on individual string evolutions as opposed to the larger ensembles the rest of the evo grids use.
I especially like to combine Olafur Arnalds Evolutions with intimate instrumental piano tracks. However, this library makes an incredible sound bed for scoring to film. Lay down some simple piano chords with Olafur Arnalds Evolutions underneath and you have yourself a fantastic sound for intimate scenes.

See the SLR Video Review here
See the SLR Written Review here  

Albion One
( Kontakt Player or Kontakt 5.6.8+ ) Normally Sells for €449

Sometimes when I’m stuck and just need some inspiration I turn to the Brunel Loops and Stephenson’s Steam Band sections of Albion One. These are some of the elements of Albion One that just set it apart from most other all-in-one orchestral libraries on the market. When needing to lay down a quick orchestral sketch, it’s hard to beat the sound and utility of Albion One. However, these additional gems within Albion One mean its usefulness extends far beyond orchestral tracks alone.

Contributor Benjamin Goldman Picks

Albion One
( Kontakt Player or Kontakt 5.6.8+ ) Normally Sells for €449

The original, essential toolkit for the modern media composer. Albion One features a versatile, orchestral sound that can handle anything from small indie films to big Hollywood blockbusters. The library includes everything you’ll need to start producing incredible, cinematic music, and its massive percussion + steam synths are just two more reasons to grab this ‘all-in-one’ library!

Soft Piano
( Spitfire Audio Dedicated Plugin ) Normally FREE

Another ‘hidden gem’ from the Spitfire Labs collection that should be a great addition to any composer’s template. A beautifully, detailed sound that is as delicate as it is evocative. Simply a great, indie piano that features an intimate sound that is full of character.

Spitfire Labs Scary Strings
(Spitfire Audio Dedicated Plugin ) Normally  FREE

A unique string evolutions library and the ultimate ‘secret weapon’ for creating haunting atmospheres with a single key. The small ensemble sound, constantly moving textures and aleatoric performance make Scary Strings the perfect instrument for any horror score at a truly unbeatable price.

Contributor Samuel Burt Picks

Olafur Arnalds Composer Toolkit
(Kontakt Player or Kontakt 5.6.8+ ) Normally Sells for €299

The felt piano is the main draw, but the standout patches are all the extras. The synths and sonic warps that have a gentle, organic quality that sits well with real instruments.

Originals Epic Strings
( Spitfire Audio Dedicated Plugin ) Normally Sells for €29

Albion Legacy was the first product that actually got me so interested in sample libraries over a decade ago. It was a landmark release and although superseded by Albion One, the tone they got then was pretty special. Luckily, it’s still available as part of the Originals line. These are big epic strings with bags of character and a really easy to use interface. Great for both seasoned pros and anyone starting out.

Fragile String Evolutions
( Spitfire Audio Dedicated Plugin ) Normally Sells for €299

Spitfire again broke new ground with their ‘evolution’ concept. Long and morphing articulations that vary depending on pitch for underscore that maintains interest and as a textured layer under a trailer intro, for example, there are few better options. They really push the envelope in terms of how different strings can sound once in a sampler. The bespoke Spitfire player is also the ideal home for evos, as you get more information on exactly what the different articulations are and the interface is so much nicer to work with; it was a savvy move to migrate them from Kontakt to here.

See the SLR Video Review here  
See the SLR Written Review here  

Contributor Andrea Wellard Picks

Oliver Patrice Weder – OPW
(Spitfire Audio Dedicated Plugin ) Normally Sells for €29

The versatility and range are inspiring. I enjoy integrating it into film, indie, RnB, singer-songwriter, and pop and the tempo-synced sounds and drum loops are especially useful for giving compositions some movement without being overpowering.

See the SLR Video Review here

Olafur Arnalds Chamber Evolutions
( Kontakt Player or Kontakt 5.6.8+ ) Normally Sells for €299

Gorgeous & inspiring right out of the box and a joy to play. The variety of string swells and evolutions can give any composition a real depth and intimacy. A great writing tool for inspiration and for adding beautiful textures to any piece of music, epic or intimate.

See the SLR Video Review here  
See the SLR Written Review here 

Contemporary Drama Toolkit
(Kontakt Player or Kontakt 5.6.8+ ) Normally Sells for €199

If you’re looking for atmospheric sounds and layers with both subtle and vivid character . . It’s chock-full of captivating sounds that can widen any composition from delicate to bold.

Contributor Pete Checkley Picks

Symphonic Organ

( Kontakt Player or Kontakt 5.6.8+ ) Normally Sells for €249

Epic and organ are the order of the day with the SSO. One of my secret weapons . . is perfect for adding definition to staccato lines, giving your brass/low end added oomph. With tons of sound design options and various stops available, this is one of my favorite Spitfire libraries.

Olafur Arnalds Composer Toolkit

( Kontakt Player or Kontakt 5.6.8+ ) Normally Sells for €299

Includes a gorgeous felt piano full of character, various warps and sound design options. As a lead piano, it’s perfect on its own or with a delicate orchestra to add a layer of beauty to your work. The warps, pads, and synths are mesmerising. Pure beauty in Kontakt form.

BT Phobos

( Spitfire Audio Dedicated Plugin ) Normally Sells for €299

Another secret weapon . . . my go-to cinematic synth. With a stack of presets to get you started, programming this powerful synth is very easy and the results are production-ready.

See the SLR Video Review here  
See the SLR Written Review here  

Host Don Bodin Picks

Bernard Herrmann Composer Toolkit
( Kontakt Player 5.5 or higher ) Normally Sells for €499

See the SLR Video Review here  
See the SLR Written Review here  

Hans Zimmer Percussion
( Kontakt Player or Kontakt 5.6.8+ ) Normally Sells for €279 (reg $399)

See the SLR Video Review here  
See the SLR Written Review here  

BBC Symphony Orchestra CORE
( Spitfire Audio Dedicated Plugin ) Normally Sells for €400

See the SLR Video Review here  
See the SLR Written Review here  

BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover
( Spitfire Audio Dedicated Plugin ) Normally Sells for €49

See the SLR Video Review here  
SLR Written Review here