The Best Orchestral VST Plugins on Plugin Boutique (2024)

See the best plugins and instruments for scoring films and games – all available here on Plugin Boutique.

When we think of electronic music production, our minds tend to gravitate toward digital synths and robust FX plugins. However, sometimes it’s important to slow down and revisit the roots of music composition. Traditional orchestral instruments still make powerful and emotive additions to many productions, and creating ensembles of orchestral instruments can add texture and humanity to your works. Perhaps some of the most effective uses of orchestral instruments in the modern era are in complementing films and video games.

The best part about modern electronic music production is that we can access pretty much any orchestral instrument as a digital VST plugin. Do you want some nice, hearty strings in your composition? How about some soul-soothing woodwinds? There are many options to choose from, and all of them can be installed on your computer and played through a MIDI keyboard. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best orchestral VST plugins available here on Plugin Boutique.

 

 

Our round-up of the best orchestral plugins

We’ve put together a list of seven great orchestral VST plugins available right now on Plugin Boutique. These instruments should provide you with a diverse range of different orchestral elements to form your own orchestra directly from within your DAW. We’ve also included some useful information and further reading at the end of the list, in case you’re unsure where to start your digital orchestral journey.

 

In this article

• Kontakt 7 by Native Instruments
• Studio Strings by AIR Music Technology
• Orchestral Bundle by Capsule Audio
• Ravel Grand Piano by Universal Audio
• Orchestral Chords by Cinesamples
• PowerStrings by MeldaProduction
• Ensemblia 2: Orchestral Shorts by Cinematique Instruments
• How to find the best orchestral plugin for you
• Browse and download orchestral VST plugins
• FAQs

 

1. Kontakt 7 by Native Instruments

The world’s biggest orchestral instrument platform gives you factory content to get started.

Kontakt 7 is one of the most famous samplers available to music producers today. That’s because it comes with an extremely vast pool of native and third-party patches that allow you to play sampled instruments through it. Aside from that, it also includes sample manipulation features typical of any traditional sampler, so you can sculpt sounds as you see fit.

Of course, today, we’re focused more on its orchestral capabilities. Amongst Kontakt 7’s plethora of sampler instrument patches in the Kontakt Factory Library are many high definition orchestral instruments by developer Orchestral Tools. You can also purchase expansions for Kontakt to expand your orchestral armoury even further, some of which will be included in today’s list.

Where to buy

You can get Kontakt 7 at Plugin Boutique, with a whole sub-category dedicated to all of the available expansions.

 

2. Studio Strings by AIR Music Technology

Studio Strings offers a four-instrument, stringed orchestra within a single VST plugin.

Within Studio Strings, you have access to a bass, a cello, a viola and a violin–all of which can be played individually or in various orchestral combinations. You also have a Style drop-down menu for different articulations.

With the additional Players, Sound, Legato and Effects control tabs at the bottom of the interface, Studio Strings gives you a comprehensive overseeing of a mini string orchestra right at your fingertips. With such pinpoint control over each instrument, you’ll be crafting harmonious symphonies in no time, and potentially with a greater eye for detail than traditional composers. It’s an optimal blend between modern electronic music production and traditional orchestral instrumentation.

Where to buy

You can get Studio Strings on Plugin Boutique.

 

3. Orchestral Bundle by Capsule Audio

This affordable orchestral bundle makes for an ideal gateway into the world of digital orchestral instruments.

Capsule Audio have provided us with a neat discounted bundle of their key digital orchestral instruments: Arco Classico, Arco Solista, Aeolus and Zephyr. Combining these harmonious instruments together in your toolkit will equip you with a concise high-quality orchestra, featuring woodwinds (Zephyr), strings (Arco Classical & Solista) and brass (Aeolus)--all of which are customisable from within the user-friendly digital interface.

If you’re seeking reasonably-priced and high-definition orchestral instruments to expand upon your sound library, this bundle by Capsule Audio could be exactly what you’re looking for. Combining this bundle with some other entries in today’s list, or perhaps some more of Capsule Audio’s digital instruments, will put you well on your way to becoming a well-equipped and armed-to-the-teeth orchestral composer. For instance, Sanctus and Felt Piano could offer some angelic choir vocals and delicate keys to synergise well with this bundle.

Where to buy

You can get Capsule Audio’s Orchestral Bundle today at Plugin Boutique.

 

4. Ravel Grand Piano by Universal Audio

The Ravel Grand Piano is yet another example of why Universal Audio are revered for their realistic digital plugins.

Universal Audio have given music producers some of the best digital emulations of analogue hardware in the history of music technology. The Ravel Grand Piano brings the same attention to detail in the form of a software instrument. With carefully considered microphone types and placement, Universal Audio were able to translate the real-world sound of this eloquent orchestral centrepiece into the digital landscape, with a range of controls to shape the tone and texture of your instrument.

Thanks to strategic planning by UA and the marvels of modern technology, you can now bring the elegant and dreamy sound of the Steinway Model B grand piano into your DAW, to serve as a worthwhile component to any of your upcoming orchestral compositions. This is yet another example of integrating orchestral music tradition into the world of modern electronic music production done right.

Where to buy

Grab Ravel Grand Piano from our website here on Plugin Boutique.

 

5. Orchestral Chords by Cinesamples

Want chords played by an entire orchestra? Look no further than Orchestral Chords by Cinesamples.

Remember we mentioned third-party Kontakt 7 patches? Well, here we have an optimal example of one of those very patches in the form of Orchestral Chords by Cinesamples. That means you’ll need to have access to Kontakt before purchasing and using Orchestral Chords, but once you have it, you’ll be able to open up the instrument with ease.

This minimalistic Kontakt patch will allow you to play an array of complex or simple chords from a real-world-recorded orchestra of over 70 instruments. This sampler instrument can play major, minor, augmented chords with inversions, plus octaves and low, warm muted chords, all providing deep and hearty texture to your compositions. With access to that many chord types from a world-class, elite orchestra at an affordable price, what’s not to like?

Where to buy

You can get Orchestral Chords now at Plugin Boutique.

 

6. PowerStrings by MeldaProduction

PowerStrings makes for a perfect addition to any film score and/or game composer’s library.

Next up we have another orchestral strings entry to make it to our list: PowerStrings by MeldaProduction. PowerStrings is an MSoundFactory instrument–meaning it operates internally to MeldaProduction’s MSoundFactory instrument engine. This is similar to how patches work inside of the Kontakt sampler instrument.

PowerStrings offers a lot of customisation within its interface and provides you with an ensemble of highly detailed and realistic orchestral strings, with a variation of articulations. If you’re regularly working with ambient and emotional soundtracks, this orchestral VST plugin is definitely worthwhile checking out. If you have MSoundFactory already, you should already have access to PowerStrings. Maybe it’s worth considering purchasing the whole MSoundFactory instrument to gain access to the entire collection? Have a think about your individual needs before making a decision.

Where to buy

You can get PowerStrings individually today at Plugin Boutique, or as part of the MSoundLibrary collection.

 

7. Ensemblia 2: Orchestral Shorts by Cinematique Instruments

Ensemblia 2: Orchestral Shorts is a seven-instrument orchestral ensemble, contained within a single Kontakt patch.

Last but certainly not least, we have another third-party Kontakt patch, this time by Cinematique Instruments. Ensemblia 2: Orchestral Shorts is a whole orchestra in itself. The Kontakt patch features seven instrument slots that can all be played individually or simultaneously. And, of course, each one is customisable too, with some overall panning, EQ and compression tools in the easy-to-use interface.

If you’re looking for an all-round orchestral ensemble within one plugin, Ensemblia 2 could be the ideal candidate for you. The only downside is that it’s not as affordable as some of the other entries in the list, and does require you to have a version of the Kontakt sampler to run it. Meaning, if you don’t already have Kontakt, you’ll need to splash some cash on that too. However, if you do already have Kontakt, you’ll definitely find Ensemblia 2 an optimal companion to the Factory Library orchestral instruments, and with the combined power of the two, you’ll pretty much have all you need to make some stellar orchestral compositions.

Aside from Ensemblia 2, Cinematique Instruments have developed plenty of great Kontakt patches, all featuring some impressive sampled instruments. Feel free to check them out in your own time. You’ll likely find many of them great additions to your orchestral toolkit.

Where to buy

You can get Ensemblia 2: Orchestral Shorts here at Plugin Boutique.

 

 

How to find the best orchestral plugin for you

So, you’ve decided you want to start implementing orchestral instruments into your electronic music productions, but you’re not sure which plugins are right for you? Don’t stress. Let’s break down the most important things to consider and help you narrow down your search.

 

Consider your individual needs

The first thing you need to identify is your primary role or purpose as a producer. What are the main types of productions you’ll be sinking your time into? Are you a video game composer? Or, perhaps regularly working with film scores? Maybe you work consistently with a specific genre of music and need a distinguishable set of orchestral sounds to build a signature style. Once you’ve had a think about your individual needs, you’ll be more equipped to make an informed decision.

If you only need a specific set of instruments, you could purchase some plugins or sampler patches that specialise in those sounds. Certain Kontakt patches will likely give you the sounds you’ll need in a specific niche. Otherwise, if you’re likely to be working with a wide range of genres and moods, it’s likely you’ll need to build an expansive library of orchestral instruments so you’re never short of choices. If that’s the case, something like Capsule Audio’s Orchestral Bundle could provide a nice and varied kit of instruments.

 

Are you going full orchestral, or hybrid?

You’ll need to think about whether your productions will be strictly orchestral, or if they’ll be a hybrid, sharing the stage with electronic instruments. This will help to pinpoint how varied your orchestral library needs to be. If you have an idea of what instruments you’ll be using, and in what combination, you’ll have a better chance at identifying which orchestral VST plugins are best suited to you.

Something like Miroslav Philharmonik 2 within the IK Multimedia Total Studio 4 bundle is an excellent, all-round orchestral plugin with 1,700 (58GB) high-definition sampled orchestral instruments. The best part about the Total Studio 4 bundle is that it also contains other VST instruments from IK Multimedia, including their renown Sample Tank 4, containing a range of modern electronic instruments too. This bundle could be perfect if you’re a hybrid producer, or if you’re just looking for the Philharmonik 2 content alone.

 

 

Browse and download orchestral VST plugins

We’ve outlined some of the top picks available in today’s article, however, there’s plenty more orchestral VST plugins to sink your teeth into. Why not jump into the Instruments or Instrument Bundles sections of our website to explore all your options at your own pace. 

Of course, these categories also include non-orchestral instruments, however, you can narrow down your search by entering some keywords if you wish, or sift through the vast catalogue at your heart’s content. You never know, you might discover some complimentary non-orchestral instruments or FX plugins that tickle your fancy. After all, you’ll probably be in need of some FX plugins to help mix and master your orchestral pieces.

 

 

FAQs

 

How do you make an orchestral sound feel real?

Thanks to modern electronic music technology, we can harness the power of a musical orchestra within our computers at home. What used to require an entire band of humans can now be achieved by a single individual through the use of sampled instruments. Of course, without proper consideration, the results won’t sound entirely natural.

To ensure your orchestral composition sounds natural, consider using sampled instruments accurate to their real-world counterparts. Also consider using different articulations, combining instrument groups in ensembles, and humanising your note placement, start and end points, and velocities. All of these things will contribute to a more natural orchestral piece.

 

What are common orchestral combinations?

Orchestras often consist of a variety of distinguishable ensembles. For instance, you might have a string ensemble (consisting of bass, cello, violin, and viola) playing alongside an ensemble of brass (trumpets, horns, trombone, etc.). Other likely instrument ensemble groups that are typical to orchestras include woodwind, choir, keys, and percussion.

Some examples of specific instrumental combinations that work well are: cello and bassoon, piccolo and glockenspiel, viola and horn and violin and trumpet. Overall, you should allow your creativity to flow and experiment with different combinations.

 

Why does orchestra sound so good?

Orchestral music can often strike a chord (pun intended) within ourselves because the thick layering of so many harmonious instruments orchestrated together in a masterful manner is audibly beautiful.

In the same sense that seeing one of the eight wonders of the world can be labelled as a sight to behold, listening to a well-orchestrated piece of music hits the same soul-soothing spot, except through our sense of hearing, rather than sight.

 

What makes a song orchestral?

Orchestral means to have a large ensemble of musicians/instrumentalists playing a piece of music harmoniously at the same time. For a song to be orchestral, this sense of harmonious instrument playing must be achieved. It also helps if the instruments used are typical of traditional orchestral music, because they’re associated with that of orchestras.