Today we’ll review Spitfire Audio’s incredible new Studio Brass Pro package. This brass collection is one of the most lifelike, usable brass vsts I’ve used. You can clearly hear how all the articulations of a wide range of brass instruments, played through a range of microphones, can sound so present.
Spitfire Studio Brass Playability
But what I love about this VST is not just how good it sounds – it’s how playable it is. Once you start using it, you’ll see how the instruments are setup in a way to be played naturally. If you just use your ears, they’ll tell you which ranges to play them in, which articulation would sound best, and how to control their dynamics. It’s a very organic process, and helps you feel really connected to the process of writing brass.
What’s Included
Spitfire Studio Brass Pro is loaded full of instruments and articulations that can take you anywhere from mellow, moving slow lines to powerful action orchestras. And because it was recorded in a relatively dead-sounding studio, it plays well with other virtual instruments or reverbs.
And each sound was recorded by 6 different microphones, from close to ambient, allowing you to dial in your perfect tone, easily.
The following instruments are part of the pack:
- Horn Solo 1
- Horn Solo 2
- Horns a4
- Piccolo Trumpet
- Trumpet Solo 1
- Trumpet Solo 2
- Trumpets a2
- Bass Trumpet
- Tenor Trombone Solo
- Tenor Trombones a2
- Bass Trombone Solo
- Bass Trombones a2
- Contrabass Trombone
- Tuba
- Contrabass Tuba
- Cimbasso
- Euphonium
Before I continue my review of Spitfire’s Studio Brass Pro, though, I should caution you that this is an orchestral brass library! If you’re looking for a pop or rock brass library, you’re going to be really disappointed.
Does Spitfire Studio Brass Sound Good?
Yea, it sounds real good. Really really good. Often with virtual horns, I find that most of the samples sound a bit fake and cheesy, and libraries really lend themselves to only a few usable bits that need to be blended into the background.
But Spitfire’s Studio Brass sounds alive and moving throughout almost its entire range. There are certainly a few notes (usually on the higher end) scatter through that just don’t pass the smell test. But I’d nonetheless challenge you to not be able to use this to create a great sounding score.
Just listen to these demos I put together!
Interface
Spitfire Audio’s Studio Brass Pro uses the typical Spitfire Audio interface common to most of their plugins. It’s fast, clean, and easy. Yet generally powerful enough to get the job done. I really enjoy the fact that I don’t have to learn a new interface with each new Spitfire product.
My only real gripe (and I’ve said this before), is with the ostinatum. I don’t think it works that well, and it loses its pattern when you change patches. You’re better off using your DAW’s sequencer instead.
Spitfire Studio Bras Pro Review – In Conclusion
If you’re looking for orchestral brass, I think you’ll be really pleased with this. It’s good enough that I feel like my search for a brass pack is over. It sounds great, is fun to use, and includes all the sounds I need. I’d highly recommend it.
Note: this review is based on a free review copy I received from Spitfire.
From a Frustrated Producer in a Ragtag Bedroom Studio to Major Placements on TV Earning $1,000s!
My name is Evan, and I've been making music since around 3rd grade. I'm from San Diego, California, but I've lived in Washington, DC for the last 20 years.
While I still have a full-time day job, I have created systems that have allowed me to produce dozens of songs a year in my spare time.
My songs have been on Netflix, TV shows like the 90 Day Fiance, an award-winning indie film, and NPR’s “All Thing Considered.” They've also been streamed millions of times.
In addition to being a music producer, I am passionate about teaching people how they can make professional-sounding music and earn money licensing it, all in their spare time.
Thousands of musicians, like yourself, have trusted me to guide their musical journey. My YouTube videos have been watched nearly a million times. And my story has been in Forbes, Side Hustle Nation, and the Side Hustle School.
