Berlin Strings vs Spitfire Symphonic Strings vs Cinematic Studio Strings | 3 of The Best Orchestral VSTs (2023)

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Introduction

The world of orchestral virtual instruments has evolved dramatically in recent years. Today, there are numerous high-quality string VSTs available on the market, each with its unique features and capabilities.

In this article, we will compare three of the most popular string VSTs: Orchestral Tools Strings VST, Spitfire Strings VST, and Cinematic Studio Strings.

Company Origins

Berlin Strings (Orchestral Tools)

Orchestral Tools is a German company that specializes in developing premium orchestral sample libraries. Their string VST is considered one of the best on the market and is widely used by professional composers worldwide.

One of the standout features of Berlin Strings is its incredibly realistic and expressive sound. The developers have gone to great lengths to ensure that every detail of the string instruments is captured, resulting in a natural and authentic sound. The VST features a vast range of articulations, from the standard legato, staccato, and pizzicato to more unique ones such as sul ponticello, col legno, and harmonics.

The interface is sleek and intuitive, allowing users to quickly access and edit articulations and control various aspects of the sound, such as the dynamic range, vibrato, and portamento. The VST also includes a powerful mixer section, allowing users to fine-tune the individual instrument levels, panning, and effects.

Another impressive aspect of Berlin Strings is its versatility. It’s suitable for a wide range of genres, from classical and film scoring to pop and electronic music. The VST includes multiple microphone positions, enabling users to customize the sound further and achieve the desired ambience.

The only downside of Orchestral Tools String VST is its price (~$905). It’s one of the most expensive string VSTs on the market, making it less accessible to budget-conscious users.

Spitfire Symphony Strings (Spitfire Audio)

Spitfire Audio is a British company that has gained a reputation for creating some of the best virtual instruments for film scoring. Their Spitfire Symphony Strings is no exception, offering an incredible range of sounds and features.

The standout feature of Spitfire String VST is its sample quality. The VST features a massive 60GB library of meticulously recorded samples, capturing every nuance of the string instruments. The sound is incredibly expressive, with a natural, organic feel that’s hard to beat.

The interface is user-friendly, with a clear and intuitive layout that makes it easy to navigate and access different articulations. The VST includes a range of standard articulations, such as legato, staccato, and pizzicato, as well as some unique ones, such as flautando and col legno tratto. Users can also adjust various parameters, such as the dynamic range, vibrato, and timbre, to achieve the desired sound.

Another impressive aspect of Spitfire String VST is its customization options. Users can choose from multiple microphone positions, allowing them to control the level of ambience and detail in the sound. The VST also includes a range of effects, such as reverb, delay, and distortion, that can be applied to individual instruments or the entire mix.

The main downside of Spitfire String VST is its price ($799). It’s one of the most expensive string VSTs on the market, making it less accessible to budget-conscious users. It isn’t quite as expensive as the Berlin Strings, but they’re very close in price. Additionally, the VST requires a powerful computer system to run smoothly, which can be a drawback for some users.

Cinematic Studio Strings (Cinematic Strings)

Cinematic Studio Strings is a relatively new player in the virtual instrument market, but it has quickly gained a following for its exceptional sound quality and affordability.

The standout feature of Cinematic Studio Strings is its sound. The VST features a rich, warm, and natural sound that’s comparable to that of more expensive string VSTs. The developers have recorded every detail of the string instruments, resulting in a sound that’s both expressive and realistic.

The interface is straightforward and intuitive, making it easy for users to access and edit articulations and adjust various parameters, such as the dynamic range and vibrato. The VST includes a range of standard articulations, such as legato, staccato, and pizzicato, as well as some unique ones, such as spiccato and marcato.

Another impressive aspect of Cinematic Studio Strings is its affordability ($399). It’s one of the most affordable string VSTs on the market, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Additionally, the VST requires relatively low system requirements, making it suitable for users with less powerful computers.

Comparison (Berlin Strings vs Spitfire Symphonic Strings vs Cinematic Studio Strings)

In personal experience, Berlin Strings and Cinematic Studio Strings blend better with other VSTs than any of the Spitfire VSTs.

In terms of sound quality, all three string VSTs are exceptional and offer a natural, organic feel that’s hard to beat. Berlin Strings and Spitfire Symphony Strings offer the most advanced customization options, with multiple microphone positions and a dedicated mixer section, allowing users to fine-tune the sound to their liking. Cinematic Studio Strings, on the other hand, offers a more straightforward interface, with fewer customization options but a more affordable price tag.

In terms of articulations, all three VSTs offer a range of standard articulations, such as legato, staccato, and pizzicato. However, Berlin Strings and Symphony Strings offer some unique articulations that are not available in Cinematic Studio Strings, such as sul ponticello, flautando, and col legno tratto.

In terms of affordability, Cinematic Studio Strings is the most accessible, with a lower price tag than Orchestral Tools and Spitfire Audio. However, Orchestral Tools and Spitfire Audio offer more advanced features and customization options, making them more suitable for professional composers.

Conclusion

All three string VSTs are exceptional and offer a natural, organic sound that’s hard to beat. Berlin Strings and Spitfire Symphony Strings are more suitable for professional composers, offering advanced features and customization options, while Cinematic Studio Strings is more affordable and accessible to a wider range of users. Ultimately, the choice of which VST to use will depend on the user’s budget and specific needs.

Additional Reading

Now that you’ve learned about why Berlin Strings is a great option, take some time to read more of our articles.

Do you publish and/or write music? Read our article about the fundamentals of music royalties to ensure you’re earning the royalties you earn.

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