Berlin Free Orchestra or The Orchestra Elements

[JohnXfer]

I've seen reviews of The Orchestra Elements (Sonuscore) and some recent reviews of Berlin Free Orchestra (Orchestral Tools). Both are orchestral libraries with the same purpose—providing a virtual orchestra for all kinds of compositions. I've used both, though not extensively or in-depth.

I highlight both for their quality and sound. The Orchestra Elements sounds very clean and cinematic, which I like, but I feel it can sometimes sound a bit generic. Berlin Free Orchestra, on the other hand, also appeals to me because its sound is more natural, and the volume depends on the instrument’s position in a real orchestra. This makes it realistic but can also make it sound quieter. Its sound is less cinematic than The Orchestra Elements, meaning that achieving a cinematic feel depends more on your orchestration and control. However, I feel this library can be used in genres beyond film scoring due to the natural sound of its instruments.

This is just my personal opinion.

But if we compare both in terms of quality, flexibility across different genres, available techniques and articulations, sound, and realism, which would be the "winner"?

Edited Saturday at 12:38 AM by JohnXfer

[Starship Krupa]

On 3/21/2025 at 5:35 PM, JohnXfer said:

But if we compare both in terms of quality, flexibility across different genres, available techniques and articulations, sound, and realism, which would be the "winner"?

I have them both, and on the basis of how much I liked The Orchestra Elements, I ponied up for The Orchestra Essentials when it was on sale.

They are both fine instruments, but I don't think they can be compared. They have different intended uses.

Berlin Free is of the more common type of library, it has multiple instrument sounds with multiple articulations and the composition is entirely up to the user.

The Orchestra Elements is more notable for the stacked arpeggios that allow you to one-finger or chord these huge cinematic sounds.

The Orchestra doesn't give you access to articulations until you go to the next level.

So one is not "better" than the other, they have different uses.

For your criteria, the Berlin Free Orchestra wins, but The Orchestra Elements is worth having around for quick inspiration.

[JohnXfer]

3 hours ago, Starship Krupa said:

I have them both, and on the basis of how much I liked The Orchestra Elements, I ponied up for The Orchestra Essentials when it was on sale.

They are both fine instruments, but I don't think they can be compared. They have different intended uses.

Berlin Free is of the more common type of library, it has multiple instrument sounds with multiple articulations and the composition is entirely up to the user.

The Orchestra Elements is more notable for the stacked arpeggios that allow you to one-finger or chord these huge cinematic sounds.

The Orchestra doesn't give you access to articulations until you go to the next level.

So one is not "better" than the other, they have different uses.

For your criteria, the Berlin Free Orchestra wins, but The Orchestra Elements is worth having around for quick inspiration.

I agree with you; I forgot to mention those details you just pointed out. I use both libraries for my projects and to get inspiration. I think both are great for their intended purpose, which is why I couldn't reach my own conclusion on which one is "better" or the "winner." Either way, I find both to be good and noteworthy for their features.

[Starship Krupa]

Yeah, the only reason you'd want to focus on one or the other depends on what kind of material you're working on.

If by some weird twist of fate I were coming up with a soundtrack and needed to get it done fast, I'd head straight for The Orchestra Essentials.

It also allows you to use the individual instruments, which are kinda exquisitely recorded, but like I said, it's sort of restricted as far as articulations. You have to pick the articulations you want in separate instances.

[kitekrazy1]

Mine isn't always about sound but for me it's simple

Kontakt Player >>>>>>>>>  Sine Player