East west and VSL are, without exaggeration, the only decent existing orchestral libraries on the market, with VSL being the most realistic out of the two. However, needless to say, they are so expensive as competition is scarce and they can afford to dictate the market and make the add-ons and expansion libraries even more costly than the original product.

I think the platinum version of East-west is pretty good, it's what I own, but I would discourage people from buying such libraries unless its an investment, and encourage people to use either synthesis if you can or even better to get people to play your music, alas almost always improbable particularly for orchestral music.

Heres something I wrote using East-west platinum XP library, MIDI imported from Sibelius and much messing around with midi control changes etc..

http://www.savefile.com/files/1048235

Music Composer-

I have to disagree with you about the VSL being more realistic than EW samples. They are both good and I've used both extensively and I am much, much happier with the productions I can get from EW. I've also spoken with many leading audio figures in the video game industry and they have the same views on this as I do.

Of course, you're entitled to your opinion and I completely respect that. If VSL works well for you, then rock on!

I would rather say, that EW and VSL are so different libraries, that you cannot compare it.

I'd also advice to any beginners to go for Gold XP now. It's cheap, good to start with, easier to learn, and doesn't require such a monster computer.

- Piotr

EW vs. VSL...

It's important to note that the EW and VSL libraries have quite different philosophies behind them. EW is meant to emulate the sound of orchestral instruments within a given hall. This is the reason for the different mic placement options and the particular amount of ambience on the samples. The benefit to this is that you can get a relatively good orchestral sound with a minimal amount of mixing. It's kind of a "Hollywood hall right out of the box." This can be quite a time-saver.

The VSL libray samples are recorded quite dry (very little room ambience). The thinking here is that there is more flexibility with a dry sample because you can then place it in whatever hall or room you like. The sound of the samples is more akin to the sound you get from a close mic right out of the channel strip on the mixing board. The dynaminc range and low noise floor of the samples are also quite remarkable.

This gives more options for panning and mixing in various situations. The downside is that more mixing skill is required from the user. The user must create the room or hall and properly pan the instruments within it. In order to work quickly you must have a good knowledge of your own equipment and probably a preset template you have built for your own work.

For someone without much experience the VSL libraries can be time consuming and even overwhelming. However, in the hands of a skilled programmer, the results can be remarkable.

Many Hollywood people I know are running both the VSL and EW libraries together in some way -- often using the VSL for more exposed and close mic sounds and then mixing in the EW with the full ensemble passages. The VSL woodwinds are also quite spectacular.

If you are writing today's stock videogame orchestra music (primarily strings and horns, almost always in a big hall, usually emulating one of the often-quoted filmscores), the EW libraries will work very well. If you have more diverse requirements, the VSL may be a better option. Just be aware that the VSL's added flexibility may also make it more of a challenge to create the sound you want.