Sample Libraries

VSL push out the boat with hall-recorded rock power drums and two top of the range grand pianos.

The Vienna Symphonic team go forward into the past.

Early last year the Viennese company supplemented their Choir with a much-requested library of solo voices, which we examine here along with other VSL releases.

The recorder is an odd instrument: most of us have played it, yet it rarely appears in sample libraries. VSL have set out to remedy that by sampling four instruments of the recorder family.

A massive string ensembles library with individual player control is the latest development in VSL’s product line.

The Viennese maestros celebrate 10 years of sample creation with a foray into the world of vocals.

The new piano from VSL takes dynamic sampling to a higher level. Could this be the ultimate sampled grand?

• VSL Woodwinds II, Brass I & Brass II • Ilio Skippy's Big Bad Beats, Skippy's Noizbox, Stark Raving Beats & Ethno Techno • Ueberschall Urban Jointz

The Vienna Symphonic Library are well known for their amazingly detailed collections of orchestral sounds, and now they're providing them as virtual instruments. Will this take the VSL concept to a new audience, or is it a step too far?

VSL, makers of the world's largest orchestral library, have unveiled their next phase of development. SOS were at the launch...

Reviews/appraisals of the latest sample CDs: VSL Chamber Strings 6* • VSL French Oboe 6* • Zero-G Akoustik Bass Hitz 6* • PMI Consolidated! 3*

Reviews/appraisals of the latest sample CDs: VSL Woodwind Ensembles 6* • VSL Epic Horns 6* • Loopmasters Percussionism 6* • PMI Baroque Organ 5*

Reviews/appraisals of the latest sample CDs: The Legend Of China 4* • Freaky Jazzy Funky 2 4* • Glass & Stones 5* • Opus 1 5*

Appraisals of the latest sample CDs: Alma Flamenco • A Funky Future • Vienna Overdrive • Cuckooland Completely Bonkers.

The eagerly awaited upgrade from the VSL team breaks all records for size, depth and scope. Is it the be-all and end-all of orchestral sound libraries?

The Vienna Symphonic Library is more than just a sample library — it's a tool that aims to help you create true-sounding orchestral performances of your own music. But are we talking Berlin Philharmonic or Portsmouth Symphonia?