Creating realistic orchestral music no longer requires access to a full symphony orchestra. Thanks to modern virtual instruments, composers can produce professional-quality orchestral scores directly from their home studios. One of the most well-known tools in this field is EastWest Symphonic Orchestra, a powerful VSTi designed for film, game, and classical music production.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what EastWest Symphonic Orchestra offers, how it works, and who it’s best suited for.
What Is EastWest Symphonic Orchestra?
EastWest Symphonic Orchestra is a comprehensive orchestral virtual instrument developed by EastWest Sounds. It provides detailed samples of a full symphony orchestra, recorded with high-end equipment in a professional concert hall.
The library is hosted in the PLAY engine, EastWest’s proprietary sampler and playback system, available as a VST, AU, and AAX plugin.
What’s Included in the Library?
EastWest Symphonic Orchestra covers all major orchestral sections:
Strings
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Violins (first and second)
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Violas
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Cellos
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Double basses
Brass
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Trumpets
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French horns
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Trombones
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Tuba
Woodwinds
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Flutes
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Oboes
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Clarinets
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Bassoons
Percussion
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Timpani
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Orchestral drums
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Cymbals and mallet instruments
Each instrument includes multiple articulations such as sustains, staccatos, pizzicato, tremolo, and more.
Sound Quality and Recording
One of the strongest points of EastWest Symphonic Orchestra is its realistic and cinematic sound.
Key highlights:
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Recorded in a large concert hall
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Multiple microphone positions
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Natural ambience and depth
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Warm, full orchestral tone
This makes the library especially suitable for epic film scores and lush symphonic arrangements.
The PLAY Engine
The PLAY engine allows users to control articulations, dynamics, and microphone positions directly inside the plugin.
Features include:
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Articulation switching via keyswitches
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Built-in convolution reverb
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Mic mixing for depth control
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Performance-optimized playback
While the interface is powerful, it may feel complex for complete beginners at first.
Performance and System Requirements
Due to its detailed sampling, EastWest Symphonic Orchestra is a resource-intensive instrument.
Things to consider:
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Requires a fast CPU
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Benefits greatly from SSD storage
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Large RAM recommended for full templates
For best results, a modern production system is advised.
Best Use Cases
EastWest Symphonic Orchestra is ideal for:
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Film and TV scoring
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Video game soundtracks
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Classical mockups
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Epic and cinematic music
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Hybrid orchestral productions
It’s often chosen by composers looking for a bold, dramatic orchestral sound.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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High-quality, cinematic sound
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Complete orchestral coverage
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Multiple mic positions
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Trusted industry reputation
Cons:
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Large library size
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Demanding on system resources
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Less dry than some modern libraries
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PLAY engine learning curve
EastWest vs Other Orchestral Libraries
Compared to libraries like Spitfire Audio or Vienna Symphonic Library:
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EastWest offers a more pre-orchestrated, cinematic sound
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Less focused on ultra-dry recordings
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Faster to achieve big, epic results
Many composers use EastWest alongside other orchestral tools.
EastWest Symphonic Orchestra VSTi remains a powerful and respected orchestral library, especially for composers working in cinematic and epic styles. Its rich sound, extensive articulations, and professional recording quality make it a strong choice for anyone serious about orchestral music production.
While it may require a solid system and some learning time, the results can be truly impressive.
