Are you looking for the best orchestral VST? You’re in the right place.
The world of digital music production is one of the fastest-growing frontiers in the creative business today. From EDM producers to hip-hop beatmakers to pop stars, everyone is using computers to augment their abilities.
One crucial tool on the belt of any respectable music producer in the digital age is their library of sounds, which they can plug into their DAW (digital audio workstation), commonly known as their “VST” (Virtual Sound Technology) library. This library and which plugins a producer has chosen can make or break the way their production sounds.
So, what is the best orchestral VST out today?
Top 3 Best Orchestral VST Libraries:
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Native Instrument Komplete 10 (Editor's Choice) | Check Price |
 | Garritan Instant Orchestra | Check Price |
 | Synthogy Ivory II Grand Pianos | Check Price |
Native Instruments Komplete 10 (Editor’s Choice)
In my opinion, there is no better single solution for general sampling and effects than Komplete 10. It is higher priced than the previous option, but there is an overwhelming amount of samples, synths, and capability that you get for your money.
Specifically, on the orchestral side of things, I find the samples somewhat limited. This product includes a wide variety of other samples; it is not specifically an orchestra product. On the one hand, if you are looking for only an orchestral VST plugin, this is probably too much for you. But, if you are looking for a great way to expand your library, I do not think there is a better option out there.
The “Session Strings” product is pretty incredible. As I said, it is somewhat limited if you are used to colossal orchestra sample libraries. This product includes a respectable library of very high-quality samples. Komplete 10 shines in the ability to customize these sounds with the different synthesizer products available within.
While Garritan Instant Orchestra has that mood layering capability, the various synths within Komplete 10 outshine any IO editing capability.
This is probably the single best VST plugin product in existence. But, if you are looking for something to complement an existing VST library with a huge amount of orchestral sounds only, this may not be the product for you.
Garritan Instant Orchestra
Perhaps a decent middle-of-the-road option for someone just getting into VST products and searching for an extensive collection of orchestral sounds is Garritan Instant Orchestra.
Generally, the product is described as easy-to-use and featuring good samples. Other features that stand out from this product are mood options when using the samples themselves so that you can create different textures on top of the same sample.
That is another advantage of VST products. You can edit the sounds than even the orchestra’s director by using powerful digital modeling tools.
Instant Orchestra has a good collection of sounds and a capable digital interface. It is an excellent place to start for people just starting with VST products.
On the other hand, some complaints about doing more advanced work within Instant Orchestra that may require reading the help materials is difficult as the help materials are tough to read.
So, while the product itself seems geared at beginning producers, the help material is not conducive to asking and answering questions. That is a big knock against the product. Doing things like layering multiple sounds together to create your own is very difficult to figure out because the documentation is lacking.
Synthology Ivory II Grand Pianos
If you are looking for a VST product that offers exquisite piano sounds, this may be one to purchase immediately. I will warn you from the outset that there is no point in purchasing this product unless you have a perfect MIDI controller to replicate a high-end piano action.
This product is not for the faint of heart. It features a massive variety of quality piano sounds from all the legendary piano manufacturers.
One of the significant problems with this sort of product is that the technology is a little lacking when it comes to feeling like you are in a room playing a Bosendorfer or Steinway. Even with the utmost in audio equipment, the feeling may not be there.
Additionally, this is not an orchestral product, but it does feature great piano sounds if that is what you are looking for.
There are a few complaints about this product. Mostly, there are products better at this than Ivory II is. That is, the software provided by some other manufacturers is better than what is available here. Furthermore, the quality of your experience is determined by the quality of your controller. To get closer to feeling like a Steinway, it has to feel like a Steinway.
Another oddity is that you must use the iLok product with this software to access it. For whatever reason, Synthology decided that the iLok would keep the product secure and piracy-free. It would be best if you had the iLok in the USB port when you attempt to use this program to validate the license required to be stored on the iLok.
What Makes An Orchestral VST Better Than Another?
Several features can set VSTs apart from one another. It would behoove us to have a brief discussion on what exactly a VST is.
As I said, VST stands for “Virtual Sound Technology,” which literally means a tool that is comprised of a library of virtual instrument sounds. In this case, the term virtual denotes that these sounds are not like recording the studio’s instrument as the production happens. Rather, it denotes a pre-recorded or produced file that can then be slotted into the production at hand.
The way the sounds are created is fundamental to the overall VST quality.
In my opinion, the very best orchestral VST will feature the sounds of real instruments recorded at the utmost fidelity with equally great care and precision. A good VST will allow you to truly replicate a violin’s sound played by a great player in a great studio and given very detailed care in mixing and production. In comparison, the very worst will feature shoddy recording or be poor digital recreations of acoustic instruments.
While some people may want digital recreations of instruments, it is essential to note your intentions with these products before buying them. If your intentions are not to replicate a massive orchestra or legendary acoustic pianos, you must consider building your library of sounds.
Your intentions and the quality of the actual production concerning those intentions make a VST better or worse.
Other Considerations When Purchasing VST products
Computer Capability
As you probably know, if you are getting into digital music production, your computer must be ready. Most importantly, these products are the capacity of your hard disk. These products are large.
You are purchasing high-fidelity recordings of instruments in most cases that are uncompressed. Do not be surprised when you download one of these products, and they are asking for 100+ gigabytes of space just for the library.
Software Bundles
Some VST products come bundled with complete DAW and MIDI controlling solutions. If you are starting from scratch, it might be a good idea to compare the prices on products bundled together as, in most cases, you can get a better deal going that route than otherwise.
MIDI controller
An essential part of your home recording system will be the MIDI controller you choose. These VST libraries are made to work with MIDI controllers. Check compatibility before buying.
So, What’s the Best VST Library Out There?
I would recommend that the funds be available to purchase Komplete 10 and a great MIDI controller. That will give you an expansive library of sounds, with a decent selection of orchestral samples. The MIDI controller will provide you a way to play those files in a pleasing way to your sensibility.
Komplete 10 is simply the best product on this list and the best orchestral VST on the list by far. If you are looking for better piano sounds down the road, you can look into Ivory II as long as your MIDI controller is up to the task. If you attempt to use Ivory II on a substandard MIDI controller, I think you will be disappointed.
So, use Komplete 10. Master it and master the ability to add effects to the samples. I think you will find all of the orchestral bases covered until your needs grow more specific. But, unless you are film scoring, I think there is enough here to keep you occupied for a lifetime of digital music production. With a quality MIDI controller, your experience will be nothing but joy.
Stay away from Garritan Instant Orchestra unless you first strikeout and have a firm dedication to figuring out lackluster help documentation. I think that Komplete 10 provides more value and an experience that is far above what Garritan offers.