Watch this BEFORE you buy Cinematic Studio Strings [REVIEW]
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- čas přidán 23. 11. 2017
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Finally someone showing a single articulation at a time! Those kids can't review a library without talking or playing over the damn thing! Thank you.
You're quite right: 1001 reviews available, but to see it being used is wonderful, not least because we can see how composers work. I felt to be watching over your shoulder. Thank you for a great video.
Four years down the line and your video is still providing a great help to so many of us. I was only turned on to Cinematic Studio Strings yesterday by a friend and after watching your video I feel much more confident about adding it to my library. Thank you for the manner in which all of your videos are presented. I wish I had had a music theory teacher in school like yourself. I would have learned so much more. :-)
You’ve got such a good way about you it’s a pleasure to watch your videos. Thank you keep up the good work. Al Scotland.
I've been considering this library for a while now, but this video convinced me of getting it as soon as I can. Thanks a lot for the great review!
I would love to see you do reviews of the other entries in the Cinematic Studio series such as the Brass and Woodwinds. Your reviews are what makes or breaks a purchase for me because you approach this realistically, so thank you :)
"Spending 6 years trying to program it..." :D Brilliant!
They're coming up with Brass now. Sounds like it's gonna be amazing!
I have come to really enjoy your videos. You stand out from maany other reviewers, tutorial makers and content creators on CZcams because your videos ooze with personality and enthusiasm. I am not really at the stage yet where I'd want to buy courses but you can be sure that when it comes to that, your courses will be the first ones I'll look at. Thank you.
Thanks very much! Many of our course you can try before buying, no pressure. Check them out here: thinkspaceeducation.com/courses/
Thanks for creating a song as your demo! That was really helpful!
Hi guy, I really like your new workspace ergonomics. Every time I watched you before my back hurt.
Thanks. You are my new hero. Gonna download everything you have on your site. My dream is to professionally score tv and film s, even tho I’m older. (I’ve taken some Berklee film scoring classes and have theory comp. degree too.) I need to start adding to my limited library. Love your channel
Thank you for this. I'm in the market for my first library and this overview is a big help. Now to check your channel for similar in woods and brass.
Spitfire studio brass and woodwinds has really good sounds, and has solo instruments aside from the strings. But this solo strings sounds like it would blend really well, better than spirfire’s own solo strings. Im gonna save up for this as my next section, then albion one.
I literally just bought CS2 in the Black Friday sale (all my budget would stretch to this time), I'll definitely be seriously considering upgrading to CSS at some point.
Thanks Guy, indeed a great library!!
Cool instruments in the background. 😃
Was really confused on what to buy but this demo has me sold. Thanks heaps :)
Glad to help!
Thank you, you are a very educated person
I wrote your name in a Spitfire poll
Glad to know your channel and learn from an artist like you
Hi. Many thanks for the great review! I'm enjoying your videos very much. All good wishes. Rolz.
Just wanted to say I really enjoyed this, you are doing a beautiful job
Still loving your videos, one question, what keyboard are you using as I am looking to buy one and I am impressed by the one you have from Garry in the UK
This is so so helpful - but also your example composition here is just lovely. Any chance you have a finished version somewhere for our listening pleasure? ;)
I love the sound of this library. The latency of the legato bothered me at first, but I created some macros in Cubase to slide the attacks to the left slightly 20-40 ms depending on if it’s fast, med or slow legato.
I honestly never noticed the legato latency but then most string libraries need to be pushed forward a bit anyway
ThinkSpace Education that’s odd you didn’t notice because it’s waaaay longer than other libraries. But by the same token I think these baked-in legato transitions give it such a good sound.
Hi Peter, any chance of you doing a video on how to create such a macro in Cubase? :)
+1 sub, great content Guy!
Curiously - what keyboard/controller are you using? Looking for a replacement for my Fantom X8...
Legato scripting in Cinematic Studio Strings beats the socks off of anything that Spitfire have. Coupled with Cinematic Studio Solo Strings it’s absolutely brilliant. I love Spitfire but precisely for the more textural, colourful articulations. Tundra for example has a lot emotional resonance with me when I’m working. But for sweeping legato lines or a Newton Howard-esque approach to the string orchestra it’s CSS every time.
I want runs though as well, what's recommended this one or Cinematic Strings 2?
east west strings is the king of note transition
update: east west strings is garbage as hell and sounds ancient. You're absolutely right this thing is so beautiful. I take back my previous statement.
@@captainvoluntaryistthestat3207 well that's a heavy turn :D
why are they wearing socks to begin with?
Thank you for this video! I'm looking for value for dollar and usability for someone new to composing for strings
Spitfire's strings, what they make up for in articulations they lack in playability and functionality. I'd use CSS over spitfire any day.
This video has been very helpful. Thank you.
Near the end of 2020 and I'm still using the M-Audio Keystation Pro 88. I've gotten a lot out of it for the money spent. Maybe some day I'll move on to a different controller, but it's hard to spend money on a controller when there are all those sample libraries to throw my money at. :)
Hi Guy. Have you tried using an analog synthesizer (like the Korg prologue 16) on CSS? Does it make it sound any better?
I really want to make music like this , but this look so difficult l. There are so many options and varieties that I wouldn’t know how to start making this happen. Nice video ! And outstanding work 👍🏾
Great video, excellent presentation. Would you recommend this for integrating string parts into rock music? It sounds great and I can't see it not working. Thanks.
It absolutely does work for rock music - I use it all the time. It's my go-to library above any others I own. But three years have passed since you asked this question, so you've probably made a choice one way or the other by now! 😉
Great Review! I also admire your 'automated tea monitor' system (ATM). That mug never leaves your side! I've heard quite a lot about an issue with playback delay, which shows up when layering. Do you think this is manageable?
It's certainly manageable. No string samples start bang on the beat. Real players are always slightly ahead particularly with spicato so I always nudge the midi forward a few frames until it sounds right. So tyou just do the same with teh legato. I honestly didnt noti ce the legato being any more laggy than anythiung else. 8Dio's is much more so but the legagto sounds great so its a smnall price to pay.
What kind of screen is that and what are you using to hold your midi controller up? Is it just standing in front of your desk?
My current favorit string library.
I’m looking to buy (finally) an orchestral library. I’ve been using east west via subscription but I’m not a fan of Play or the way they have taken out other mic placements, it’s also REALLY old. I really like how cinematic strings sound and especially the Solo library they have. Unfortunately their website prices hide the extra 20% VAT so strings and Solo comes to around £550. That’s kinda ok but I keep thinking I’m missing Brass ,winds,and Percussion etc. While Cinematic Solo Strings Sound the best in terms of Solo Strings I think I really like Spitfire Chamber Strings but that’s £599 just for the Strings, again no brass etc etc. There is Albion ONE that was re-released and that’s a very respectable £400 and includes percussion and brass and all that good stuff but again it’s a very old library and doesn’t have any Solo Strings at all. Kinda confused about what I should do. It’s a shame East West does such a poor job at legato and sounds so cold because it’s quite a good package overall.
Yes, sounds like you're where I am! I don't think an 'old' library matters if it sounds good though. I'm using a few libraries to get what I want. Sometimes Albion ONE & Chris Hein Solo Strings Complete, instead of Spitfire Chamber Strings. But I've just got CSS, and it is very usable, I'll give it that. I think Spitfire Symphonic Strings is great, but can't afford it yet! It's all the Mural volumes & Mural Ensemble in one package,with new features. Chamber Strings is the older Sable stuff with an updated interface. It's confusing! Also, you should check out Christian of Spitfire tracking up with just one Spitfire audio product, somewhere on CZcams. Shows it can be done. Can't remember which library it was right now. Have you checked out 8Dio yet?
Hello!!
What monitor is that sir? The tilted one in front of you... looks very efficient.
Always enjoy your videos and classes!
RAVEN MTi2
Hi, this was a really helpful video, I really appreciate the effort. I've got a couple questions. Have you used lass before? How does this compare? Also, I'm hearing about differences in sound quality between cs2 and css; people I've asked on the net say they prefer cs2 over the upgrade. Cs2 is cheaper than css right now, so should I buy that instead? Or, bite the bullet and go with css? I'd love to know what you think.
Both LASS and East West are dead. It's not to say they'e not good...no. By all means, they were game changers where they came out; especially EW, but now CSS and so many other libraries...and there are quite a few now, are so much better. However...and this is a big however. You would have to get them all basically. No single library does it all perfectly. It just doesn't exist.
Do you have a video on the best suite of patches to buy as a beginner - studio strings, orchestral, percussion cymbal sweeps etc. Ie best bang for beginner bucks? Cheers
Why the sound of Violins is on right and basses on left?
Pablo Vargas I think it is how it’s recorded on the stage, if I remember correctly the Basses are located on the left side and the violins on the right. Gives it a natural stereo field.
My questions about this library regards the flexibility in terms of room and reverb. I wonder if your bound to have to adapt the other instrumetns after the natural reverb of this library. What if I wanna use this for soul, disco,or funk?
Thank you! Admire your energy
Loved the video and your enthusiasm!! Thanks for the info!
Indeed! I've got it last week ^ _ ^
do you have a link to the full video of the kittens?
You're the King !
Thank you Guy, for this video. I hope you will discuss more "affordable" cinematic libraries in the near future. I'm that beginner whose ear is very critical ;)
My hands itch to start playing with this library!
For what it's worth, I built my sample library collection by catching sales when they have them. There are also some very affordable libraries, such as Nucleus Lite, BBC Discover, etc.
Discover
I love this channel:)
Would love to see another video similar to the video you did for Jungle Book, was completely fascinated by it!
OK - Ill do a couple more scoring ones
ThinkSpace Education awesome!!! Thank you.
Where was this at?
Ryan - do you have the link to the Jungle Book video of which you speak?
Great thanks it really helps.
Oh shit I almost bought Spitfire.... now I can afford both this and EWQL Diamond to blend with... LIFESAVER!!!!
Is the sustain duration limited in this one? If so, how long does it last? I sometimes need 20 seconds for long pads.
I'm still looking forward to a potential review of the Cinematic Studio Woodwinds.
What do you think about Sonuscore Orchestra?
Thank you !
Hello thank you for review this amazing instrument! I use it but i’ve a little trouble with one about latency when I’m playing staccato. There’s a little delay with click. Therefore i use LA Strings for start and Cinematic S Strings after that.
Just shift the midi a few clicks early - it's how most libraries are. It's not a problem its how players realy play
Yes of course, i make it permanently. And yes you`re right it`s not a problem, it`s my "bad"
Thank you for answer -:)
I noticed this too. The instruments sound utterly amazing. But that lag is something to get used to. I have been spoiled by Virharmonic's Solo Violin...even with its predictive and adaptive legato, seemingly no lag.
ThinkSpace Education For me it was a relatively big problem since my keyboard has more latency than most. Doesn't matter normally but my keyboards delay + CSS delay made things very hard for me. I just recently got Spitfire Symphonic Strings from a sale and I'm really liking them so far. Can't wait until I learn to utilize both of these libraries together because both of them are excellent in their own things.
I'd really love to know which sound you're using as your click. I love it!
Why do the strings at around 3 minutes seem slightly panned right?
What is the actual difference between standard and advanced legato mode?
Interesting. I looked at Cine 1 a while back and was very impressed with what I thought was a well thought out and intuitive setup but was not quite there. Cine Studio Strings seems to be the complete package. Doesn't seem that long ago that VSL was the business but oh what an assault course. Thanks for the video. PS Was that tea or coffee by the way? Just curious. I find it makes a difference.
He ALWAYS drinks tea in the videos. He orders coffee when he films at his favorite cafe.
@@JPDC624 So it seems :)
Any tricks to avoid latency while using this?
Hello. What did you say at 4:35 ? I have replayed it a few times but can’t make it out. Thank you for an informative video.
"the great big touch screen thing" ie assigning all your articulations to on screen buttons etc
Guy Michelmore recommendation for this?
this was amazing to watch
So Cinematic Strings 2 or cinematic Studio Strings? I didn't hear you play runs and I'm particularly looking for a library that, if it has the articulations, have them all.
Pp
CSSS sounds great! I'm torn between CSSS and CineStrings Solo (Cinesamples)... Would love your thoughts on this :)
I really liked CSSS....
Most composers have both of those you mention. The reason is because they have a similar sound but a different playability in certain patches, which makes them a perfect match for a more complete library. That used to be my question a while back but yea...get both. It's been 3 years since your comment so I'm sure you've already made up your mind.
Thanks for kicking my ass back to work by recommending a kitten video. Subtle but effective. Appreciate it! No sarcasm.
thank you.......... very nice
Question, may be silly, are you running the same instance of Kontakt for each track? Or is each track running an instance of Kontakt? Thank you. MB
@matthew You got more chance of your walls replying to your answer mate.
I think he's using Kontakt output route to send to other tracks in the DAW. one instance of Kontakt
Fantastic!!!!
Maybe my ear isnt so great and I am quite new to this, but I prefer writing with cinematic studios stuff rather than bbc etc. And they sound really nice as well.
I'm a student filmmaker looking for classical suspense movie soundtracks. CSS sounds absolutely wonderful! Where could I purchase composed soundtracks made by artists in CSS?
You can't to my knowledge, but why not drop us a line and we can put you in touch with our Master's students who are all studying film scoring and would love to collaborate with you. We have a production company, ThinkSpace Productions which is the commercial arm of the school. Have a look www.thinkspaceproductions.com and drop us a line at info@thinkspaceeducation.com
very nice to be honest 👍
Yea it seems what they've recorded, the performance is spot on. Add a very slick interface and you got a winner i think. Your video sold it for me. Now i just need the money hehe! Thanks for the video.
MustacheVerra did you buy it?
8 months later. I have so many strings now i can''t justify it so no. Sorry i didn't get a notice. @@YoungBlaze
@@MustacheVerra i bought it
And? I bet it's great right? @@YoungBlaze
@@MustacheVerra What string libraries do you use instead?
Guy says: "You can see a 1,001 reviews of things like this but actually trying to write something for a couple of minutes might seem more helpful." - AMEN! My vote for quote of the year and it's only Feb 7th. GREAT video, not just on the library, but DOING something!
I agre3
Hey. I have a problem with these strings. When I load into Kontkct and start playing legato, at first everything sounds ok. But after I record the track legato patches begin to behave strangely. For example, when I play two notes (the speed is legato fast), the second note fades very quickly although I continue to hold the key. This does not happen at medium legato speed. This does not happen when I open Kontakt in Cubase 5 or Standalone, but it happens when I open Contact in Cubase 10. I have seen complaints on the same problem in some forums, but there is no solution. Can anyone help here?
@@SleepyMusicOfficial Thank you for your attention to this issue. The problem is not in this. It seems like I should record a video so that the essence of the problem is clearer.
Sir How to cut down Vibrato. Plz help
Hello sir how did your first violins sounds on right side of the stereo field?
Finally, I've found the comment of a person who also noticed a stereo issue. All strings in the video sound inverted in the stereo field...
They’re not inverted, he must of flipped the channels. You’re right though, violins should be on the left.
I see this video is already 6 years old! So maybe my question is outdated. I find that virtual strings more than any other virtual instruments tend to sound unreal, so please please give me your opinion, shall I get SYNCHRON STRINGS I €445 or SINEMATIC STRINGS $399? I definitely can't afford more.
Im new to composing but finding the original logic library uninspiring. At the moment I am looking at either Albion one or Eastwest Creative cloud. Now the creative cloud is appealing as I can get 2 years out of the library of sounds for the same price as Albion one. I am thinking the creative cloud will allow me to see whether I am truly passionate about film composition but I also don't want to waste money on a sub standard library. What would your advice be?
Guy Michelmore is a magicien
much love
I'm about to compose a piece about those sweet kittens. Then we'll see whether they'll improve my music or not! Lol
Ha Ha
HOW ABOUT Cinematic Studio Strings VS Cinematic Strings 2 ??
Sounds good.🎶🎵🎶🎵🕊️
seems to me like the sound of the 1st violins are comming from the right,maybe its the audio on youtube
what about reviewing sonuscore's the orchestra,i find this library super duper,and consists of not only strings
Could well be! I may well have swapped my L and R when recording onto the hard disk recorder. Oops
Can I ask what the convention is because a lot of libraries seem to have low end on the right and higher up instruments on the left, like a piano if it was facing you rather then sitting behind it. The way my brain works doesnt like for example double bass hard right or cellis mostly right.
@@JimijaymesProductions What you need is an orchestra seating chart.
@@AiMR I guess I should of said mixing convention as no film score or recording have a heard it so obvious. It makes sense sort of but some libraries sound unnaturally wide which at the back of a concert hall works as the diffusion sorta this out but on a film score or something not so much.
I think you heard me, guy. I have to think 'fast' on what to spend, and not regret it when perhaps another $100 spent now would have been better. Was that $400, {AUS} €400 or £400? Doesn't matter, I'll find out what 'specials' there are - three years on from this revue.
......
I though the title was a 'warning' not to buy it, but it sounds like just about all articulations are there - that are necessary for those who love film music, and want to use it for serious 'atmospheric dance', as I wish to do. I love the real 'room' sound and how so many orchestral sounds are 'made for each other', whereas the synthetic 'presets' given with Cubase - are difficult to combine with.
It seems a good idea to start with proper orchestra [strings] and piano - before going into all the extra effects.
.....
Now, I need brass, tympany etc. for Big/Swing Band stuff. And then a good Oud and other ethnic sounds. [Dance music could also sound like it has a film atmosphere] it should all fit a budget of around $3000 AUS [I still need to keep something for building the music studio in the back yard].
....
It's time to stop over-compression of sound, and think about learning interesting dance steps, after some exercise and gym.
The trickery lies therein that creator Alex Wallbank composes and showcases compositional gems that make your hairs stand up. This lib as well as the brass and woodwinds are really hard to resist.
hey i wonder;
im a classical schooled pianist
i want to compose classical music as well as mixing it with electronical; such as; IDM, AMBIENT
do you have any idea
which program would be the best?
can you notice to tell me 1 cheap one and an expensive one?
QE
Would this one work if I already own SSS but I’m looking for something smaller, less epic ?
spitfire studio strigs
Hi. Sorry for my english but what is the monitor over the keys ?
it s slate raven
ThinkSpace Education
999€!!!!whaou
How do you find the Raven I have heard mixed things but I like being about to control things, that said with live ipad apps and stuff I still much prefer faders.
What is best CSS or spitfire chamber strings?
from what ive gathered, CSS is the most user friendly, easy to program and has most musiucality, whereas SCS has the room advantange (imo) and more articulations.
@@joe_laird Thank you very much.
Hi, I have a couple of questions: how can I change the articulations on the same track during the performance? For instance, I want my strings to perform staccato, legato, forte, pianissimo etc in the same track.
Also, (I'm not a huge kontakt user) , how can you have more than one window open in kontakt player at the same time and not having them playing together? Thanks very much
I'm also interested in that question!:)
there are buttons on your keyboard/piano roll which change articulations
to control dynamics (forte, pianissimo) i usually use brso articulate, very convenient for fl studio users like me XD it also works like a charm for switching between articulations
The only reservation for me is that bad non-legato patches, very laggy
When did you move to Cubase Pro? I was just looking to buy DP 9.5 on the cross grade deal, but it looks like everyone is moving to Cubase Pro now :P
I did start on Cubase 4 back in College and it has always held a special place in my heart...every time there is a demo it nags me to move from Logic Pro X HAHA
Examples of what it sounds like vs other libraries would have been great
What keyboard controller are you using?
I believe it's the M-audio Keystation 88 Pro.
Actually the name is M-Audio Keystation Pro 88, not 88 Pro. I have 2; one for home studio, one for rehearsals & live. It was their flagship controller from around 2004, for only £400 at the time. Made on the cheap, the base is wooden. Makes it a bit heavy, but there isn't another controller out there with 60 controllers! Can pick them up sometimes for £100- 150 now. In fact, I spent more on the Gator flightcase from Thomann!
Ok, nice now how much does it cost in American $s?
Ronald Boykin $399
But where is the link for sweet kittens in the description??????? Where?!!!!
"If we're gonna start this malarky, we better start with the violas". Lolz
Does CSS sound closer to cs2 with added reverb?
Yes
With Valhalla room reverb it's close to cs2
@@Hehhhhhhhavvvv Thank you!
I may have to grab that reverb at some point
@@joshua42777 it's great for orchestra music
I use this reverb for spitfire symphonic brass and woodwinds too
This or NOVO?