Strings anyone?
 

Can anyone recommend a virtual instrument for strings? I definitely can't afford Vienna, but I really need something that's gonna sound real and has a decent amount of flexibilty. I'm not looking for string pads- I need a string instrument... anyone recommend anything?

Re: Strings anyone?
 

EastWest Quantum Leap Symphony Orchestra. Go with Gold, or Platinum if your budget allows. These sound great and come with the hall verb already mixed in (beautifully recorded btw) so they're very easy to mix.

Re: Strings anyone?
 

Do you need to have a sampler to run EastWest? If so do you find it easy to navigate and manipulate?

Re: Strings anyone?
 

EWQLSO used to come with the NI free player Kompakt, now they have released it with their own player (called "Play", I think).

I have the Platinum Plus (or whatever its called). I am pleased with them. They don't do everything, but what they do sounds good. One of the key purchase points for me (after some reviews of all the candidates, price, etc.) was the fact that there are three mic positions for each instrument/articulation (close, front of stage, and surround), which provides some nice control for the mix.

I can recommend a set from Kirk Hunter. He has several levels of orchestra samples that work through Kontakt 2 or 3, and Logic's EXS. Look around the site to see if that fits what you're looking for.

http://www.kirkhunterstudios.com/

These are very nice, playable, and comparable to Vienna. Not expensive, either!