Hi, I have Logic 8 and I want to compose (not loops) all types of orchestral music from little quartets to full blown symphony orchestral music. I don't want to spend more than around $500 to get good sounds to do it. I am not sure if it will work with the Score Editor in Logic to easily write or should I get other software with samples and it's own compostion platform to do it? I do want to interface with Logic to add other instruments such as live guitar and or Ultrabeat drums. What are others using to do this?, Thanks

Hi Beagleman There are three really popular packages out there for orchestral music sounds. The Vienna Symphonic Library: [url]http://vsl.co.at/en/211/442/334.vsl[/url] and EWQL (also over your budget): [url]http://www.eastwestsamples.com/details.php?cd_index=797[/url] and GPO: [url]http://www.garritan.com/GPO.html[/url] I don't have any personal experience with these but felt the need to point you towards what I've heard. The score editor in Logic is pretty powerful. Steve H covered some of it's features in the Logic 301 TNT back in the July edition. Might be worth playing around with to see if it can do what you need it to do. Other options to the Score editor are programs like Finale: [url]http://www.finalemusic.com/store/productoverview.aspx[/url] Cheers Rounik

How do I look at Steve H.'s article? Thanks

It's not an article - but a subscription based Advanced Logic tutorial. [url]http://www.macprovideo.com/tutorial/logicTipsAndTricks[/url] Take a look at the contents (section 2). Cheers Rounik

There is also the EWQL Gold : [url]http://www.eastwestsamples.com/details.php?cd_index=1010[/url] the EWQL silver : [url]http://www.eastwestsamples.com/details.php?cd_index=870[/url] and the Kirk Hunter's library (EXS24 compatble) : http://www.kirkhunterstudios.com/ Those are all in your budget range. Tell us if you need more info!

I'm quite impressed with the Kirk Hunter demos and the prices. I also like the idea that for Emerald upwards they ship the libraries on a Hard disk!

Hey, VSL has their Special Edition, but I read in their forum that "VSL's Performer" didn't work with Logic 8, did Apple fix the problem in 8.0.1 and would you recommend VSL over KirkHunter?

Hi Beagleman I couldn't really recommend one over the other as I've used neither and it really depends on which instruments are included, which sound you prefer and how you intend to use it. If anyone else here has used either please do post your impressions :-) I wasn't aware of the issue between vsl and Logic 8.0. Might be worth contacting VSL directly or asking on a VSL forum(?) to find out if 8.0.1 is compatible with VSL. This issue might need an update from VSL as opposed to Apple - looking at what other plug-in developers have needed to do. Cheers Rounik