Virtual sample libraries have improved significantly in recent years, becoming more realistic, versatile, and affordable. As a result, they have become an essential tool for modern composers.
Composers can use virtual sample libraries to produce music with a wide variety of instruments, including orchestral, ethnic, and electronic instruments. They can also generate authentic sound effects, granting composers a lot of flexibility and creativity while creating their musical output.
Apart from providing greater realism and versatility, virtual sample libraries are also highly cost-effective. This feature makes them more accessible to a wide range of composers, from professional to amateur.
Below are some of our favorite virtual instrument libraries!
Spitfire Audio has become a legendary go-to for the highest of quality orchestral sampling. Spitfire’s virtual instruments are Cosmo’s main staple for the core of our orchestral sounds. Click HERE for their website.
Spectrasonics is a classic in the industry. Created by an extremely passionate team, this company has put together a series of synth engines, bass modules, groove modules, incredibly detailed piano instruments, and more! These virtual instruments are definitely in a league of their own. Spectrasonics has become a foundation in our arsenal of tools for production and composition. Click HERE for their website.
Native Instruments has been a key player in this industry for a very long time. They produce an incredibly high quality comprehensive collection of virtual instruments, effects, and sounds, including orchestral and ethnic instruments, synthesizers, and more. This company is constantly expanding their product line with ever better sounding libraries. We at Cosmos use Native Instruments regularly as a complimentary production and composition tool, from Damage, to the Vocalise series, to Africa and more! There are so many libraries to explore from this company. Click HERE to view their website!
Sonixinema is Cosmos’ newest addition to our collection of virtual instrument library companies, and is quickly becoming a favorite! We recently bought their Intimate Cello library and WOW does it impress! It is beautifully recorded, and rich with tone and bow texture. The natural legato enhances the realism of the playability, and pair that with the embedded vibrato performance of the player, culminates to a top notch solo cello virtual instrument. Click HERE for their website.
Conclusion
Whether you’re composing a full orchestral piece, an electronic track, or anything in between, virtual sample libraries offer a wide variety of instruments and authentic sound effects that can help bring your musical vision to life. Additionally, the affordability of these libraries makes them accessible to composers of all levels, from amateur to professional.
While these libraries are some of our favorites, there are countless other options available to composers. In fact, depending on the project at hand, we often use specialized libraries that cater to specific instruments or styles of music.
So if you’re a composer or producer, be sure to explore the many virtual sample libraries available to you. And if you have any favorites of your own, feel free to share them in the comments below!
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