The Ultimate Guide to Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT: Everything You Need to Know
Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT: A Definitive Review
If you are looking for a comprehensive, versatile, and realistic orchestral woodwind library, you may have heard of Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT. This is one of the most popular and acclaimed products from Spitfire Audio, a leading company in the field of sample-based instruments. But what exactly is this library, what does it offer, and how can you use it effectively? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, giving you a definitive review of Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT.
Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT
Features and Benefits of Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT
Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT is a collection of orchestral woodwind instruments, sampled in great detail and recorded at one of the most prestigious studios in the world: Lyndhurst Hall at AIR Studios, London. This library features a wide range of traditional and contemporary woodwind instruments, from piccolos, flutes, oboes, clarinets, and bassoons to alto flutes, bass flutes, bass clarinets, contrabass clarinets, cor anglais, bass oboes, contrabassoons, and saxophones. Each instrument has multiple articulations, such as legato, staccato, marcato, tenuto, trills, flutters, and more, giving you the ability to create realistic and expressive performances.
The library runs on Kontakt Player, a powerful and user-friendly engine that allows you to load and play the instruments with ease. You can access the library through the Spitfire Audio App, a convenient tool that lets you download, install, and activate the library with a few clicks. The library also integrates seamlessly with other Spitfire libraries, such as Spitfire Symphonic Strings and Spitfire Symphonic Brass, giving you a complete orchestral palette.
One of the most impressive features of this library is the option to choose between three different mic positions and three expertly engineered mixes for each instrument. The mic positions are Close, Tree, and Ambient, giving you the ability to adjust the balance between the direct sound of the instrument and the natural reverb of the hall. The mixes are Fine, Medium, and Broad, giving you the option to select the best sound for your project, whether you need a detailed and intimate sound or a rich and cinematic sound. You can also blend the mic positions and mixes to create your own custom sound.
To give you an idea of what this library offers, here is a table comparing the standard and professional editions of the library:
Feature
Standard Edition
Professional Edition
Number of instruments
15
25
Number of articulations
37
77
Mic positions
1 (Tree)
3 (Close, Tree, Ambient)
Mixes
1 (Medium)
3 (Fine, Medium, Broad)
Total Performance patches
No
Yes
File size
26.6 GB (compressed)
66.9 GB (compressed)
Price (as of June 2023)
$299 USD
$449 USD Now you are ready to play the instrument or patch using your MIDI keyboard or mouse. You can also record your performance using your DAW or the built-in recorder of Kontakt Player.
How to adjust the mic positions, mixes, dynamics, expression, vibrato, and other parameters
One of the most powerful features of Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT is the ability to adjust the sound of the instruments and patches using various parameters. Here are some tips on how to do that:
To adjust the mic positions or mixes, use the sliders or buttons on the main panel of the interface. You can also use your MIDI controller to assign them to different knobs or faders. You can blend the mic positions or mixes to create your own custom sound, or solo or mute them to isolate a specific sound. You can also purge the mic positions or mixes that you are not using to save memory and CPU.
To adjust the dynamics, expression, vibrato, and other parameters, use the sliders or buttons on the performance panel of the interface. You can also use your MIDI controller to assign them to different knobs or faders. You can use these parameters to control the volume, intensity, tone, and modulation of the sound. You can also use key switches or MIDI CCs to switch between different values of these parameters.
To adjust the release, tightness, speed, and other parameters, use the sliders or buttons on the performance panel of the interface. You can also use your MIDI controller to assign them to different knobs or faders. You can use these parameters to control the length, timing, and responsiveness of the sound. You can also use key switches or MIDI CCs to switch between different values of these parameters.
To adjust the volume, pan, tuning, and other parameters, use the sliders or buttons on the main panel of the interface. You can also use your MIDI controller to assign them to different knobs or faders. You can use these parameters to control the level, position, pitch, and other aspects of the sound.
How to use the Total Performance patches for realistic and expressive playing
If you have the professional edition of Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT, you will have access to a special type of patch called Total Performance. These patches are designed to give you a realistic and expressive playing experience using only one instrument and one patch. Here are some tips on how to use them:
To load a Total Performance patch, go to the Total Performance folder and select an instrument that you want to play. Drag it to the main window of Kontakt Player or double-click on it.
You will see a simplified interface with only one slider for dynamics and one button for vibrato. You can adjust these parameters using your mouse or MIDI controller.
To play a Total Performance patch, use your MIDI keyboard or mouse. The patch will automatically switch between different articulations based on your velocity, pitch bend, modulation wheel, sustain pedal, and other MIDI inputs. You can also use key switches to manually select an articulation.
To get the most out of a Total Performance patch, play with expression and variation. Use different velocities, pitch bends, modulations, sustains, and key switches to create realistic and nuanced performances.
How to combine different instruments and articulations to create custom ensembles and arrangements
Another powerful feature of Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT is the ability to combine different instruments and articulations to create custom ensembles and arrangements. Here are some tips on how to do that:
To combine different instruments and articulations, load multiple patches in Kontakt Player and assign them to different MIDI channels or tracks in your DAW. You can also use Kontakt Player's multi-rack feature to load up to 64 patches in one instance.
To balance and blend different instruments and articulations, use the volume, pan, mic positions, mixes, dynamics, expression, vibrato, and other parameters on each patch. You can also use EQ, compression, reverb, and other effects on each patch or on the master output.
To create custom ensembles and arrangements, experiment with different combinations of instruments and articulations that suit your style and genre. For example, you can create a woodwind quintet with flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and horn, and use different articulations to create contrast and interest. Or you can create a modern woodwind ensemble with alto flute, bass flute, bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet, and saxophone, and use contemporary articulations to create texture and atmosphere.
Pros and Cons of Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT
As with any product, Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT has its pros and cons. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of using this library:
Pros
High-quality sound and performance: The library delivers a stunning sound quality and performance, thanks to the meticulous sampling and recording process, the professional musicians and engineers involved, and the legendary studio and equipment used. The library captures the character, expression, and nuance of each instrument and articulation, giving you a realistic and immersive experience.
Versatility and depth of the woodwind section: The library offers a wide range of instruments and articulations, covering both traditional and contemporary woodwind sounds. You can find everything from solo piccolos to contrabassoons, from legato to flutters, from classical to jazz. You can also mix and match different instruments and articulations to create your own custom ensembles and arrangements.
Ease of use and integration with other Spitfire libraries: The library is easy to use and integrate with other Spitfire libraries, thanks to the intuitive interface, the powerful engine, the convenient app, and the consistent design. You can load and play the instruments with ease, adjust the sound with various parameters, and combine the library with other Spitfire products to create a complete orchestral palette.
Value for money and customer support: The library offers a great value for money, considering the quality, quantity, and variety of the content. You can choose between the standard or professional edition, depending on your budget and needs. You can also get discounts or free trials if you are eligible or subscribe to the newsletter. Moreover, you can get excellent customer support from Spitfire Audio, who are always ready to answer your questions or solve your issues.
Cons
Large file size and system requirements: The library has a large file size and system requirements, especially if you have the professional edition or use multiple mic positions or mixes. You will need a lot of disk space, RAM, CPU power, and internet speed to download, install, activate, load, and play the library smoothly. You may also need an external hard drive or SSD to store the library.
Some instruments or articulations may be missing or underrepresented: The library may not have all the instruments or articulations that you are looking for or need for your project. For example, you may want more solo instruments or more exotic instruments such as ethnic flutes or reed instruments. Or you may want more articulations such as mutes, harmonics, multiphonics, or extended techniques. You may also want more control over the legato transitions or the vibrato intensity.
Some users may prefer a different sound or recording style: The library has a distinctive sound and recording style that may not suit everyone's taste or preference. For example, you may prefer a more dry or close sound than a wet or ambient sound. Or you may prefer a more raw or natural sound than a polished or processed sound. Or you may prefer a different studio or hall than AIR Studios.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
If you are still not convinced by our review of Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT, you may want to hear what other users have said about this library. Here is a summary of some online reviews and ratings from various platforms:
The library has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Spitfire Audio's website, based on 25 reviews.
The library has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Kontakt Hub's website, based on 15 reviews.
The library has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon's website, based on 10 reviews.
Here are some quotes from positive and negative reviews:
"This is hands down the best woodwind library I have ever used. The sound is amazing, the interface is easy to use, and the articulations are very expressive. I especially love the Total Performance patches, they make playing so much fun and realistic. This library is a must-have for any composer or producer who wants to create beautiful and authentic woodwind parts." - John, 5 stars
"This library is good, but not great. The sound quality is high, but the instruments are not very diverse or complete. There are some instruments and articulations that are missing or underrepresented, such as solo instruments, ethnic flutes, mutes, harmonics, etc. The legato transitions are also not very smooth or natural. I think this library is overpriced for what it offers. There are other libraries that have more content and features for a lower price." - Lisa, 3 stars
If you want to read more reviews and testimonials, or watch some demos and tutorials, you can visit the official website of Spitfire Audio or other platforms such as YouTube, SoundCloud, or Reddit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT is a comprehensive, versatile, and realistic orchestral woodwind library that can enhance your music production and composition. It features a wide range of instruments and articulations, recorded at one of the most prestigious studios in the world, and powered by a user-friendly and powerful engine. It also offers you the option to choose between different mic positions and mixes, giving you extra control and flexibility over the sound. It is easy to use and integrate with other Spitfire libraries, giving you a complete orchestral palette.
We recommend this library to anyone who is looking for a high-quality and expressive woodwind library that can cover both traditional and contemporary sounds. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, a classical or a modern composer, a film or a game producer, you will find something useful and inspiring in this library. You can use it for any genre or style of music, from orchestral to pop, from jazz to ambient.
If you are interested in buying this library, you can visit the official website of Spitfire Audio or purchase it from a trusted retailer such as Sweetwater, Plugin Boutique, or Native Instruments. You can also get discounts or free trials if you are eligible or subscribe to the newsletter.
Thank you for reading our review of Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT. We hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us or leave them below. Happy composing!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Spitfire Audio Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds KONTAKT:
What is the difference between Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds and Spitfire Studio Woodwinds?
Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds and Spitfire Studio Woodwinds are two different woodwind libraries from Spitfire Audio. The main difference is that Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds was recorded at Lyndhurst Hall at AIR Studios, London, while Spitfire Studio Woodwinds was recorded at Studio 1 at AIR Studios, London. This means that Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds has a more wet and ambient sound, while Spitfire Studio Woodwinds has a more dry and close sound. You can choose the library that suits your preference or project better.
How can I get a discount or a free trial of this library?
If you want to get a discount or a free trial of this library, there are some ways to do that. For example:
If you are a student or an educator, you can apply for an educational discount of 30% on all Spitfire products.
If you own another Spitfire product, you can get a loyalty discount of 25% on this library.
If you subscribe to the newsletter of Spitfire Audio, you can get access to exclusive offers and deals on this library.
If you wait for special occasions such as Black Friday or Christmas, you can get seasonal discounts on this library.
If you visit the official website of Spitfire Audio regularly, you can find some free trials or demos of this library.
What are some tips and tricks for using this library effectively?
Here are some tips and tricks for using this library effectively:
Read the user manual and watch the video tutorials on the official website of Spitfire Audio. They will give you a lot of useful information and guidance on how to use this library.
Experiment with different mic positions and mixes to find the best sound for your project. You can also create your own custom sound by blending them.
Use the performance panel to control the dynamics, expression, vibrato, and other parameters of the sound. You can also use key switches or MIDI CCs to switch between different values of these parameters.
Use the Total Performance patches for realistic and expressive playing. They will automatically switch between different articulations based on your MIDI inputs.
Combine different instruments and articulations to create custom ensembles and arrangements. You can also use EQ, compression, reverb, and other effects to balance and blend them.
How can I contact Spitfire Audio if I have any questions or issues with this library?
If you have any questions or issues with this library, you can contact Spitfire Audio through various channels:
You can visit the support page of Spitfire Audio and find answers to common questions, troubleshooting tips, and contact details.
You can send an email to support@spitfireaudio.com and describe your question or issue in detail. You can also attach screenshots or videos to illustrate your problem.
You can call the phone number +44 (0)20 7751 0593 and speak to a customer service representative. The phone lines are open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm GMT.
You can join the Spitfire Audio Community and interact with other users and staff members. You can ask questions, share feedback, exchange tips, and join discussions.
What are some other libraries that complement or compete with this one?
If you are looking for some other libraries that complement or compete with this one, here are some suggestions:
Spitfire Studio Woodwinds: This is another woodwind library from Spitfire Audio, recorded at Studio 1 at AIR Studios, London. It has a more dry and close sound than Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds, making it suitable for smaller or more intimate projects. It also has some different instruments and articulations that are not included in Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds.
Cinematic Studio Woodwinds: This is a woodwind library from Cinematic Studio Series, recorded at Trackdown Studios, Sydney. It has a similar sound and style to Spitfire Symphonic Woodwinds, but with a more Austra