BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover
User Manual
Introduction
A whole orchestra of the highest quality at your fingertips. Designed to make orchestral scoring accessible to music creators of every level – from those just starting out, to professional composers. BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover is an inspiring gateway into orchestral composition, featuring the same professional recording quality as both the Core and Professional editions in an incredibly lightweight and accessible package (only 200mb).
We have selected 35 instruments and 47 techniques available with one mix signal, enabling you to write instantly great-sounding orchestral music – presented in a beautifully designed, easy-to-use plugin, with simple controls and NKS compatibility. Owners of BBCSO Professional and Core will automatically receive Discover for free.
Quick Specs
Mac System Requirements
Mac OS X 10.10 or later, Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM
PC System Requirements
Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 (latest Service Pack, 32/64-bit), Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2, 4GB RAM
- Disk space required: ~200 MB
- Disk space required during install: ~200 MB
- 35 Instruments
- 47 Techniques
- Dedicated plugin (AU, VST2, VST3, AAX)
Downloading & Installing
Thank you for buying BBC Symphony Orchestra. If you are a total newbie to this kind of thing you can get up to speed here: spitfireaudio.com/about/
First though, grab the ‘Spitfire Audio App' from this link, this app will enable you to download the library: spitfireaudio.com/info/library-manager/
The Spitfire Audio App
When you launch the app you will be prompted to login using the same details you use at our site. Then you'll see the page pictured below:
1. TABS: The default tab is My Products, which shows all of the libraries on your Spitfire Account. Downloads will show currently downloading products.
2. FILTERS: Clicking these filters will quickly display products you've yet to install, those already installed, and any available updates. Clicking again will remove the filter.
3. LIBRARY: All libraries and plugins in your collection will appear with their artwork on the My Products tab. Clicking this artwork will open the product page. This is a great place to find information such as system requirements and instructions as well as Reset and Repair options.
4. INSTALL/UPDATE: Buttons allow you to quickly start a download directly from the My Products tab, instead of clicking through to the Library. Next to the button the size of the download is shown.
The Spitfire App Preferences
If this is your first time using the Spitfire Audio App for a download you may wish to first navigate to the Settings tab. Here you can set the Default Content location for where you wish to download your libraries. You can also set the default VST2 install location to the folder where your DAW expects to find VST files.
Here you can also enable Auto Login to save time in future.
Once you are happy with your preferences, simply click the Install button for the library. This is either directly on My Products tab under the library artwork, or it can be found by clicking on the library image and clicking the install button on the page that appears.
Clicking either of these will prompt you for a location; the default content location in your preferences will be suggested, but you can select any suitable location. If installing from a hard drive, ensure that you choose the drive as the location.
Once you are happy with the location click Download. Ensure for BBC SO, all five boxes are checked.
After clicking install you will be directed to the Downloads tab where you can watch the progress. You can leave the Downloads tab and start other downloads, but at this point you should leave the Spitfire App open until the download completes.
The Dedicated Plugin
Unlike many Spitfire libraries, you don't need Kontakt Player or the full Kontakt to run this library. BBC Symphony Orchestra is its own, all new, self-contained plugin built for VST, AU and AAX, so once you've downloaded and installed you're ready to go.
Logic Pro X
- On a fresh project, a track dialogue box will automatically pop up.
- Choose 'Software Instrument', and then look beneath the ‘Instrument' dropdown.
- Select AU Instruments > Spitfire Audio > BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Cubase
- Right-click the track window and choose 'Add Instrument Track'.
- Underneath the ‘Instrument' dropdown, choose BBC Symphony Orchestra.
- Select 'Add Track'.
Pro Tools
- Go to the ‘Track' menu at the top of the screen, and select ‘New’.
- In the pop-up, select Stereo and Instrument Track, and press ‘Create’.
- In the first Insert slot, select multichannel plug-in and ‘Instrument’.
- You should see the BBC Symphony Orchestra available as an option.
Have a Look Around
The BBC SO Interface
When you first open BBC Symphony Orchestra, this is what you will see. The preset that loads by default can be configured in your settings (see Pg. 15).
1. TOP MENU
2. PRESET SELECTOR
3. CONTROLS
4. TECHNIQUE SELECTOR
Preset Selector
1. PRESET NAME: Here you can see the currently selected preset. Please note filters vary depending on the version of BBC SO.
2. CLEAR FILTERS: Click here to show all instruments at once.
3. FILTERS: Click on a filter to only show those presets. The filters are subtractive, so selecting "Strings” and “1st Violin” will show you only the 1st Violin presets. Click the “Clear” button to return to a view of all presets.
4. INSTRUMENT GROUP: As you scroll through the available presets, the instrument group is displayed here.
5. PREVIEW: Play back a short example of the preset without having to load it! Enormously helpful when choosing a sound.
6. PRESET LIST: Scroll through the list of presets here. Double-click to load a preset or click the ‘Load’ button.
7. NEXT, PREVIOUS AND SAVE: With the presets view collapsed, you will be able to see the Next, Previous and Save icons. Next and Previous will simply send you to the next available preset – if you have a filter enabled, you will scroll through the filtered set of presets. Save allows you to save your own preset; click save, name the preset and it will appear under the “user” filter.
8. INFORMATION: Hover over on the “i” icon to see some information about the preset.
9. LOAD: Select a preset and then press “load” (or double-click the preset).
Main Controls
1. VOLUME: Often referred to as “Expression” in our Kontakt Libraries, this is a simple level control for you to adjust along with...
2. DYNAMICS: Adjust the dynamic layer that you are playing here; use in conjunction with the volume to make your performances sound so much more musical than before!
3. REVERB: This knob will control the amount of reverb added to the sound.
Technique Selector
1. TECHNIQUE SWITCHER: Click to select a technique.
2. KEYSWITCH ADJUST: Click and drag (left or right) to move the keyswitches to the left or right on your keyboard.
3. LOCK: Click here to lock off the technique section and prevent any unwanted changes.
The String Section
1ST VIOLIN SECTION
Usually the largest of the String sections, with the widest expected range. They sit to the left of the conductor and their principal player is referred to as the Orchestra ‘leader’.
2ND VIOLIN SECTION
Exactly the same instruments as the 1st Violins, but in a slightly more ‘supporting’ role. These players are situated to the right of the 1st Violins, and the left of the Violas.
VIOLA SECTION
Similar in shape, but much larger in size than a Violin. These sit straight ahead and slightly to the right of the conductor. They often play the simpler, more ‘pedalling’ harmonic lines.
CELLO SECTION
Arguably the most versatile of the String instruments, with a huge range from very low to heartbreaking highs. They sit to the right of the conductor and in front of the Basses.
CONTRABASS SECTION
Huge and monstrous instruments that sit to the right of the conductor and behind the Cellos. These all had the low C extension, hence the range.
The Brass Section
FRENCH HORNS
Available as a4, Horns are the most stately and noble of the brass family – similar in range and timbral diversity to the cello. Many would say that Horns are the principals of the brass choir.
TRUMPETS
Available as a3, the Trumpets are the highest member of the Brass family. From plaintive and anthemic solo lines in its mid range to blistering mariachi up in the top. Great in octave unisons with the Horns!
TENOR TROMBONES
Available as a3, the Tenor Trombone is a deeply versatile Brass instrument. Providing plenty of warmth and depth when played in the lower dynamics, and rasping tones in the higher.
BASS TROMBONES
Because of its different bore size, the timbre of the Bass Trombone differs from the Tenor. Great for lower passages, but also in unison blend with the Tenor.
TUBA
It doesn't get more noble than a Tuba. From super fat bottom end and chocolatey harmonic potential, to a rasping lion from the depths of hell.
The Woodwind Section
PICCOLO
The Piccolo is a half-sized Flute that plays an octave higher than written. The loudest and highest instrument in the orchestra, it can cut through an entire orchestra with ease!
FLUTES
Available as a3, the C Flute is massively dynamic and versatile. Suitable for carrying sweet and lyrical melodies, or within section work. Try in unison with your 1st Violins!
OBOES
Available as a3, the Oboe is a double-reed instrument that is less dynamic than other Woodwind cousins. It's a beautiful lyrical instrument with 'period' connotations, and also works great as a bright section texture.
CLARINETS
Available as a3, the Clarinet is a single-reed instrument with a very regal tone. When used solo, it can have a very period drama sound to it.
BASSOONS
Available as a3, the Bassoon is yet another versatile instrument that is often painted into a staccato comedy corner. As Stravinsky proved with “The Rite of Spring”, it can be hauntingly melodic.
Recording the BBC SO
The following describes the stage layout and microphone placement for recording the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Please note that some microphones and instruments displayed here are only available in BBC Symphony Orchestra Professional.
Stage Layout:
- Raised Floor: Houses the Brass section (French Horns, Trumpets, Trombones, Tuba) arranged in rows.
- Floor: Houses the String sections (Violins I & II, Violas, Cellos, Contrabasses) and Woodwind sections (Piccolo, Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets, Bassoons) arranged in sections. A central area is designated as "FLOOR".
- Balcony: Primarily shows microphone placements.
Microphone Placements:
- Tree microphones (represented by purple circles) are positioned centrally.
- Outriggers (light blue circles) are placed wider on the stage.
- Ambient microphones (dark blue circles) are positioned to capture the room sound.
- Mono microphones (green circles) are placed close to specific instrument groups.
- Sides microphones (yellow circles) are placed to capture stereo width.
- Balcony microphones (red circles) are positioned above the orchestra.
Techniques
LONG
The most vanilla of the long notes that we record, a standard sustained note. This is the basic playing style, recorded both with and without vibrato.
SPICCATO/STACCATO
This technique can vary! For us, our Spiccato aims to capture a very nice ‘tight’ sound, with the bow bouncing off the string. This creates a sound that can be used either as a nice short staccatissimo, but also as a sequence of fast short notes or an ostinato. Of course, Spiccato only applies to a String instrument, and any Brass or Woodwinds will be using Staccato instead.
PIZZICATO
Plucking the strings with the finger.
TREMOLO
A tremolo is where a player rapidly moves the bow whilst keeping the left hand on the same notes. The effect is a shimmering one when played soft, and a very aggressive and tense sound when played loud.
Appendix A - FAQs and Troubleshooting
Q: WHAT ARE THE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS?
Mac System Requirements
Mac OS X 10.10 or later
Minimum: 2.8GHz i5 (quad-core), 8GB RAM
Recommended: 2.8GHz i7 (six-core), 16GB RAM
PC System Requirements
Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 (latest Service Pack, 64-bit)
Minimum: Intel Core 2.8GHz i5 (quad-core) or AMD Ryzen 5, 4GB RAM
Recommended: Intel 2.8GHz i7 (six-core) or AMD R7 2700, 8GB RAM
Q: I WANT TO RESET MY BBC SO SETTINGS TO THE DEFAULT
You can delete the BBCSymphonyOrchestra.settings file to reset the settings to default. This is located at Users/username/Music/Spitfire Audio/Settings on a Mac and C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Spitfire Audio\Settings on a PC.
Q: MY LIST OF PRESETS IS EMPTY, HOW DO I SOLVE THIS?
If you have moved your BBC Symphony Orchestra Library folder, you can solve this problem by using the “Locate Library” feature in the Spitfire Audio App.
If this does not solve the problem, the library likely needs reauthorising; to do this, use the “Repair” feature in the Spitfire Audio App.
Q: I SEE A RED EXCLAMATION MARK IN THE TOP LEFT OF BBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
This means that there is an error. You can click the exclamation mark to open a log with further details. It is likely that using the "Repair” and “Locate Library” features in the Spitfire Audio App will solve the problem, but if not, contact our support team at spitfireaudio.com/support and attach the log.
Q: CAN I INSTALL ON MORE THAN ONE COMPUTER?
With our products, you have two licenses. This means that you are allowed to download and install on two computers you own, say your main rig and your mobile rig. If you have purchased the library on a hard drive, you should copy the contents of the drive onto the destination machine before completing the download with the Spitfire App. If you downloaded BBC Symphony Orchestra, you can copy the library folder over to the second machine and then use the “Repair” and “Locate Library” features in the Spitfire Audio App.
Q: I CAN'T SEE THIS IN THE KONTAKT LIBRARIES PANE AND WHEN I TRY AND LOAD IT INTO KONTAKT IT SAYS NO LIBRARY FOUND
This library does not run in Kontakt; it is a standalone plug-in that you can run in your chosen DAW.
Q: HOW DO I AUTHORIZE BBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ON A MACHINE NOT CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET?
It is currently not possible to authorise BBC Symphony Orchestra on a machine not connected to the internet. Authorisation is done with the Spitfire Audio App and an internet connection is required.
Q: HOW CAN I REDOWNLOAD A PRODUCT?
This can easily be done via your Spitfire Audio App. To reset both your entire library download or the latest update:
- Open up the Spitfire Audio App and log in with your account email and password.
- Select the product artwork you wish to re-download.
- On this page is a “cog wheel” ⚙️. Select this, choose "reset" from the menu. Then “Reset Entire Download” (for a full download) or “Latest Update” for the latest update.
This will reset your latest update ready for install again. You can repeat this process for any of the libraries you own.
Note that there is a limit to how many times you can reset your downloads in a certain time frame. If you do exceed your reset limit, please get in touch.
Q: DIFFICULTIES IN DOWNLOADING / INSTALLING
Customers may find that they have some difficulties in the downloading process. If you find that you are having some trouble, please check the list below for possible causes:
- The formatting of your drive, if it is FAT32, this will cause errors because there is a maximum file size with this format of 4GB, and our download files will exceed this limit. To solve this problem, reformat your drive or use a different drive. We recommend NTFS on PC and Mac OS Extended on Mac.
- Other possible issues: Spitfire App freezes in the “Extracting” stage for hours. This may be because our libraries are often very large files, and this is the stage where the compressed files are extracted and placed in their final locations on the hard drive. There could be hundreds of GB of content to unpack, so it really can take hours. If you're unsure whether it has crashed or is simply extracting files, visit the installation folder you chose when you started the install. If everything is working normally, you'll see various files appearing in the folder (or one of its sub-folders).
- If your download gets stuck and is continually cycling and not resuming, please get in touch with us, giving us as much detail as possible about your set up. It would be helpful if you can tell us your operating system, where you are downloading from (your country, and also whether you're at home or work), your ISP, and whether there are any proxy servers or firewalls between your computer and the internet.
Q: I HAVE FAST INTERNET, WHY IS MY DOWNLOAD SLOW?
We have no direct influence on your actual download speeds; our libraries are hosted on Amazon S3 servers which are normally very quick, but it may well be that at certain times of the day when traffic is particularly busy, your ISP may throttle your connection speeds.
We would advise you to leave your download running overnight as speeds should ramp up at less busy times. Our Spitfire App downloader aims to use as much of the available bandwidth as possible to give you the quickest possible speeds, and may take several minutes to reach its peak.
Q: CAN I TRY BEFORE I BUY?
No - it is not currently possible to demo our products.
If you go to our Youtube channel, you'll see many walkthroughs containing detailed info about all our products – you can hear them being played in real time with no smoke and mirrors!
Q: MY LIBRARIES ARE NOT SHOWING
A handful of customers may find that when they log into their Spitfire App, some of their previously purchased products do not show up in the ‘Installed' section or in the ‘Download Ready' section either. It may be that you have purchased these under another email address. Checking other possible email addresses for your previous purchases may help to find these missing products. If this is not the case, and these missing products were purchased a few years ago, please create a support ticket telling us your account email address, and any serial numbers you may have to go with these missing products. Our support team can also merge one or more accounts together if you'd like to consolidate all your purchases in one place.
The more information we have, the quicker we can get you back up and running!
Q: HOW DO I UPDATE MY PRODUCTS?
The main premise of downloading our products is that our Spitfire App downloads into the folder you choose, so it is important to choose the folder above where you want the download to go. The best file path for our products is something very simple; a long file path will cause errors as there is a character limit on how far the Spitfire App can read. We advise a file path of something along the lines of: Samples Drive > Spitfire Audio.
When it comes to downloading / updating, if you have a folder called ‘Spitfire Audio', always point the Spitfire App to the folder Spitfire Audio – never go into this folder and choose the actual library in question.
Q: HOW DO I REDOWNLOAD THE LATEST UPDATE?
With the continuous improvements to our Spitfire Audio App, we have incorporated the ability to reset your own downloads. This can easily be done via your Spitfire Audio App.
- Open up the Spitfire Audio App and log in with your account email and password.
- Select the product artwork you wish to re-download.
- On this page is a “cog wheel” ⚙️. Select this, choose "reset" from the menu. Then “Reset Entire Download” (for a full download) or “Latest Update” for the latest update.
- This will reset your latest update ready for install again.
You can repeat this process for any other updates you wish.
If you do not see the option to reset your download in your Spitfire Audio App, we would advise to download the latest version of the Spitfire App from spitfireaudio.com/info/library-manager/.
Q: I'VE BEEN WAITING AGES FOR MY DOWNLOAD LINKS...???
We run all our orders through a fraud checking process. The automatic fraud check takes 20 minutes (but can take up to an hour during a very busy period, e.g. Black Friday), but if your order gets caught at this stage, we run a manual order check, and this can delay the processing of your order for up to 24 hours (though this would be a rare and exceptional case).
You should however receive an order confirmation email IMMEDIATELY upon placing your order. This confirms that your order has successfully been logged in our system and that your payment was successfully taken. Please check your junk folders before contacting our support. The message will come from do_not_reply@spitfireaudio.com if you'd like to add us to your whitelist.
Q: CAN I DOWNLOAD ON A PC, THEN TRANSFER TO A MAC OR VICE VERSA?
Yes, you can copy the library folder and plugin files over to the second machine and then use the “Repair” and “Locate Library” features in the Spitfire Audio App. Please note that although the majority of the download can be done on a separate machine, you will always need an internet connection to finish the authorisation process.
Q: HOW DO I DOWNLOAD PRODUCTS ON MAC OSX 10.9?
The version of the Spitfire App needed to install BBC Symphony Orchestra only supports Mac OSX 10.10 and upwards.
Q: I'VE FORGOTTEN MY PASSWORD?
If you have forgotten your password, please see this link spitfireaudio.com/my-account/login/, and click ‘Forgotten Password'. If at some point in the past you asked us to merge two or more accounts but have since forgotten, you MAY find that the forgotten password isn't working for the email address you asked us to merge FROM. In this case, please contact support with your name, and any email addresses you think we might know about, and we'll work out what has happened.
Q: I HAVE FOUND A BUG
In some cases, we can't squash them all and bugs shamefully make their way through. If you think you have found a bug, please contact us with all the relevant information:
- A description of the bug you have found.
- A screencast (video) of the bug happening, or an audio example.
- The exact preset name (or presets) in question and also the library, giving us as much detail as possible will help us get to the bottom of the issue.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR REFUNDS / RETURNS POLICY?
If you have NOT completed the download / installation process, and bought within 14 days, then we CAN refund / return your product. Please contact support with your account email address and order number so we can handle this quickly. If you HAVE completed the installation process (even if you've not yet registered your serial number), please see our EULA in regards to why we do not accept refunds and returns. We can refund hard drive orders up until the point when the drive is dispatched from our office. This is usually 1-2 days after you order.
Appendix B – Techniques/Mics/Mixes
INSTRUMENTS:
STRINGS:
- 1ST VIOLINS: Long (vib), Spiccato, Pizz, Trem
- 2ND VIOLINS: Long (vib), Spiccato, Pizz, Trem
- VIOLAS: Long (vib), Spiccato, Pizz, Trem
- CELLOS: Long (vib), Spiccato, Pizz, Trem
- BASSES: Long (vib), Spiccato, Pizz, Trem
WOODWINDS:
- PICCOLO: Long, Stacmo
- FLUTES A3: Long, Stacmo
- OBOES A3: Long, Stacmo
CLARINETS A3:
- Long, Stacmo
BASSOONS A3:
- Long, Stacmo
BRASS:
- HORNS A4: Long, Stacmo
- TRUMPETS A3: Long, Stacmo
- TENOR TROMBONES A3: Long, Stacmo
- BASS TROMBONES A3: Long, Stacmo
- TUBA: Long, Stacmo
PERCUSSION:
- Harp
- Celeste
- Timpani
- Marimba
- Xylophone
- Glockenspiel
- Tubular Bells
UNTUNED PERCUSSION:
| Note | Instrument |
|---|---|
| C2 | BASS DRUM |
| D2 | TENOR DRUM |
| E2 | SNARE DRUM |
| F2 | SUSPENDED CYMBAL |
| G2 | SUS. CYMBAL ROLL |
| A2 | ANVIL |
| B2 | TAM TAM |
| C3 | TAMBOURINE |
| D3 | TENOR DRUM (SNARES OFF) |
| E3 | TRIANGLE |
| F3 | CASTANETS |
| G3 | COWBELL |
| A3 | STOPPED CYMBAL |
| B3 | PIATTI |
| C4 | VIBRA SLAPP |
| D4 | WOODBLOCK |
Appendix C – Default CC Mappings
| Parameter | CC Number |
|---|---|
| Dynamics | 1 |
| Global Gain | 7 |
| Global Pan | 10 |
| Expression | 11 |
| Reverb | 19 |
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