BabylonWaves - ArtConductor for Dorico ... so what new orchestra library?

Dorico
1

So I just got hold of Babylon Waves’ Art Conductor for Dorico. I used it to add a 1st violin section from my EastWest Symphony Orch Gold - it worked and the installation into Dorico was easy (once I figured it out.)

But now as I look at the prospect of moving away from NotePerformer I wanted to just hear what libraries people are using lately. (I know this is a little off topic for Dorico, but the usefulness of Art Conductor for Dorico will make adding different new sound libraries an easier process. And posting a question like this in social media brings a lot of suspect answers.)

I’m looking for something classically based - I don’t do video game scoring so I’m not looking for a huge sound. My film work tends to be song based, so there’s often a piano present. I’m looking for clarity and vibrant textures that aren’t washed out in heavy reverb. My classical work is retro-symphonic, not very contemporary.

I’m leaning towards the BBC SO - from what I’m reading (and hearing in demos) it is more about clarity and detail than the Spitfire SO. Is that correct?

I’m leaning away from EastWest because it feels a bit less clear and little things bother me (string pizz are too soft - that may be too close to real life, but sometimes you just wanna cheat a bit.)

Anybody have any other libraries they think are worth exploring?

thanks!

2

Just one man’s opinion but anything VSL works quite well with AC and Dorico and is as articulate as I believe you’re after. Many others work well of course but these libraries stand out to me.

3

+1 for VSL. Synchron Prime is a great place to start. BBCSO can be a bit inconsistent between articulations in my experience.

4

In Art Conductor I see support for Vienna Instruments Pro (which I think is the earlier library, yes?) But I do not see anything in their manual about Synchron.

Are people using Synchron libraries in Dorico with their own expression maps, etc.? Or with external VSL software? If the latter, how does that interface with Dorico?

5

I’m sure many created their own expression maps but Vienna Assistant now has a Dorico Wizard that creates playback templates for Synchron.

Disclaimer: I don’t own any synchron libraries so I can’t attest to their quality.

6

This webpage Dorico Expression Maps - Art Conductor lists the VSL Synchron templates for Dorico that are included in Art Conductor.

I am very happy with VSL’s Synchron Prime library using templates from VSL’s Dorico Wizard but am an amateur musician with more modest needs than you, I’m sure. Perhaps a more professional Dorico and VSL user like @mducharme could give you more relevant input.

EDIT:
Also, this money-back return policy copied from the VSL website can be important and is either unique or at least highly unusual:

Unlike many other sample library developers, we offer a “No Hassle” return policy.

  • If you’re not satisfied with your purchase at the VSL web shop, for any reason, you may return it for a refund or an in-house credit, within 14 days from the day of purchase.

  • Please get in touch with our sales team, we will walk you through the process.

Finally, this is the list of ArtConductor/Dorico templates for VSL Synchron libraries. (The “flow” view was developed by VSL to simplify use at the expense of limited editing and you require a different template when using this view in the Synchron Player plugin.)

  • Synchron Brass
  • Synchron Brass Flow
  • Synchron Duality Colors
  • Synchron Duality Colors Flow
  • Synchron Duality Essential Flow
  • Synchron Duality Essential
  • Synchron Duality FX
  • Synchron Duality Ostinato
  • Synchron Duality Ostinato Flow
  • Synchron Duallity Ostinato Flow
  • Synchron Duality Sordino
  • Synchron Duality Strings
  • Synchron Duality Regular / Sordino Flow
  • Synchron Duality Strings Flow
  • Synchron Duality Virtuoso
  • Synchron Harp
  • Synchron Historic Woodwinds
  • Synchron Percussion
  • Synchron Power Drums
  • Synchron Prime Orchestra
  • Synchron Prime Orchestra Flow
  • Synchron Solo Strings
  • Synchron Solo Strings Flow
  • Synchron Solo Strings Sordino
  • Synchron Special Woodwinds
  • Synchron Special Brass
  • Synchron Strings 1
  • Synchron Strings Elite
  • Synchron Elite Strings Flow
  • Synchron Strings FX
  • Synchron Strings Pro
  • Synchron Strings Pro Flow
  • Synchron Woodwinds
  • Synchron Woodwinds Flow
  • Synchron World Percussion
7

Indeed it can. That’s my experience, too.