VSL BBO Strings [Synchron Player]

• Product: BBO Strings
• Publisher: Vienna Symphonic Library
• Version: 1.1
• Requirements: Vienna Synchron Player
• Source: vsl.co.at/products/synchron/bbo-bundle/bbo-strings

Big Bang Orchestra Strings brings the legendary Synchron sound to the masses. It offers a massive, cinematic tone with zero effort, making it the best entry-level pro string library on the market.

Big Bang Orchestra Strings: The $100 Library That Sounds Like $1,000

VSL Big Bang Orchestra Strings proves that professional, Hollywood-grade string samples don’t require a second mortgage, offering a massive 112-piece ensemble recorded in the legendary Synchron Stage for roughly €95 per section. By focusing on pre-mixed “Tutti” patches (High Strings and Low Strings) rather than individual instrument sections, it delivers instant, widescreen cinematic impact with zero setup time, making it the perfect entry point for composers who need the “Vienna Sound” on a budget.

Key Takeaway

Big Bang Orchestra Strings (comprising BBO: Lyra and BBO: Musca) represents VSL’s commitment to accessibility. These libraries capture the massive sound of a 14-violin / 12-viola high section and a 9-cello / 8-bass low section. Hosted in the Synchron Player, they feature essential articulations (Legato, Staccato, Sforzato, Tremolo) and multiple mic positions. At ~€95 per module, they are the most cost-effective way to get the authentic Synchron Stage sound into your DAW.

How I Tested This

My testing focused on whether this budget library could hold its own in a professional mix against its more expensive siblings.

• Hardware Platform: macOS Studio (M3 Max); Windows 10 workstation (i9).
• Host: Logic Pro 11, Cubase 14.
• Sessions: Over 24 hours of sketching and mock-ups.
• Scenarios:
  • Epic Trailer: Stacking the Low Strings (Musca) with a synth bass for massive impact.
  • Soaring Melody: Using the High Strings (Lyra) legato patch for a main theme.
  • Hybrid Layering: Blending BBO Strings with dry studio strings to add “hall” glue.
• Feature Check: Verified the Velocity Crossfade smoothness and the effectiveness of the Close vs. Far mic blends.

The “Tutti” Philosophy: Instant Gratification

Unlike the full Synchron Strings library, which separates 1st Violins, 2nd Violins, Violas, etc., Big Bang Orchestra combines them into High Strings and Low Strings.

• BBO: Lyra (Highs): A massive unison sound of Violins and Violas (in octaves). In my testing, playing a simple triad instantly sounded like a blockbuster score. The tuning and timing are impeccable.
• BBO: Musca (Lows): Cellos and Basses in octaves. This creates a thunderous, floor-shaking low end that is perfect for action cues and trailers.

Essential Articulations

VSL didn’t skimp on the playing styles. You get:

• Legato: Smooth, connected playing with real interval sampling.
• Shorts: Both Bold (heavy) and Agile (short) variations.
• Dynamics: Sforzato (sfz) and Swells for dramatic accents.
• Textures: Tremolos, Trills, and Pizzicato.

This covers 90% of what a media composer needs for sketching or background string beds.

The Synchron Sound

The biggest selling point is the room. These samples were recorded in the Synchron Stage, arguably the best scoring stage in the world. The natural reverb is lush and expensive-sounding. The built-in Mixer allows you to blend Close, Mid, and Decca Tree mics to dial in the perfect amount of ambience.

What’s Missing?

Because the sections are pre-baked (Violins + Violas), you cannot write independent counterpoint for the violas. You cannot have the cellos play a melody while the basses hold a drone (unless you load two instances). It is a “broad strokes” library, not a tool for intricate orchestration.

However, for sketching, layering, or epic simple lines, it is unbeatable. It sounds significantly better than the stock strings in any DAW.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Authentic Synchron Stage Sound.	Pre-Baked Sections (No individual instruments).
Massive 112-Piece Ensemble.	Limited Control over internal balance.
Essential Articulations included.	Requires iLok.
Low CPU & RAM Usage.	Separate Purchase for Highs/Lows.
Incredible Value (~€95/section).

FAQs

Final Verdict: The Best Value in Orchestral Sampling

VSL Big Bang Orchestra Strings is a no-brainer for any composer on a budget. It gives you access to a million-dollar sound stage and world-class players for the price of a guitar pedal. It is the perfect “first pro library” or a powerful layering tool for veterans.