Orchestral Tools - Berlin Woodwinds Complete: A Comprehensive Review

In the realm of virtual instruments, few libraries have garnered as much acclaim as the Berlin Woodwinds Complete from Orchestral Tools. This behemoth of a library is part of the revered REVIVE and LEGACY series, boasting an unparalleled level of detail and realism. When paired with the industry-standard KONTAKT player, Berlin Woodwinds Complete becomes an unstoppable force for composers and producers seeking to craft authentic, cinematic woodwind performances.

Content and Features

Berlin Woodwinds Complete is a vast library, comprising over 18GB of sample data. It features an exhaustive range of woodwind instruments, including:

The library offers an impressive array of articulations, including:

Each instrument has been meticulously sampled in the renowned Teldex Studio in Berlin, with multiple mic positions (Close, Room, and Decca) to provide unparalleled flexibility.

Sound Quality and Realism

The sonic quality of Berlin Woodwinds Complete is simply stunning. The samples are crystal-clear, with a level of detail that allows for incredibly nuanced performances. The legato transitions are smooth and natural, while the staccatos and marcatos are crisp and precise. The overall sound is rich and cinematic, making it perfect for film, television, and concert music applications.

KONTAKT Integration

As with all Orchestral Tools libraries, Berlin Woodwinds Complete is designed to work seamlessly with the KONTAKT player. This means you can take advantage of KONTAKT's powerful features, such as:

REVIVE and LEGACY Series

As part of the REVIVE and LEGACY series, Berlin Woodwinds Complete benefits from Orchestral Tools' proprietary sampling and scripting techniques. These include:

Conclusion

Berlin Woodwinds Complete from Orchestral Tools is an exceptional virtual instrument library, offering a staggering range of woodwind instruments and articulations. With its breathtaking sound quality, meticulous attention to detail, and seamless KONTAKT integration, this library is a must-have for any serious composer or producer. Whether working on film scores, concert music, or commercial projects, Berlin Woodwinds Complete provides a comprehensive solution for all your woodwind needs.

Rating: 5/5

System Requirements:

Price: Around $1,500 (depending on the retailer and any bundles or promotions)

Recommendation: If you're looking for a top-tier woodwind library to elevate your compositions, look no further than Berlin Woodwinds Complete. Its unparalleled sound quality and versatility make it an investment worth considering for any serious musician or producer.

Berlin Woodwinds Complete for Kontakt includes both the Revive and Legacy versions of the library, providing a versatile toolkit of 12+ individual instruments recorded at the Teldex Scoring Stage in Berlin. While newer versions of the library have moved to the SINE Player, the Kontakt version remains highly valued for containing both versions of the library in one package. Core Differences: Revive vs. Legacy

The "Complete" bundle allows you to choose between the re-recorded, modernized Revive and the original, highly detailed Legacy patches. Sample Comparison: Berlin Woodwinds Revive vs. Legacy

7. Integration with DAWs & MIDI

1. The SINE Player Ecosystem

The REVIVE patches live in SINE. This standalone player (or VST3/AU) offers:

LEGACY

1. The Adaptive Legato Engine

The most noticeable improvement is the legato. The original Legacy legatos were good, but they suffered from "midi slop"—a slight delay that required manual track shifting. The REVIVE update implements a speed-dependent legato.