Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash the power of a full symphonic orchestra from your studio with the VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION. This complete collection of music software plugins offers an expansive sound library that is both versatile and accessible. Designed for composers and producers who demand the finest orchestral sounds without the hefty overhead, this edition delivers 157 solo instruments and ensembles that span the gamut from essential orchestras to historic instruments.

Each instrument in the VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION has been meticulously recorded and re-edited to ensure seamless blending and interaction, thanks to VSL's pioneering Synchron Player. The proprietary player not only enhances automatic triggering of release samples but also offers intuitive controls that make navigating through articulations a breeze. Whether you're scoring a film, composing a symphony, or adding depth to pop and rock tracks, this collection is engineered to fit any genre.

Immerse yourself in the myriad of articulations available, including legato, portamento, staccato, and many more, all of which are performed with real note transitions for natural sound reproduction. The Synchron Player's advanced audio engine ensures flawless streaming performance, whether you're in a high-pressure recording session or crafting your latest masterpiece.

Key Features:

  • Large-scale orchestra package at an affordable price
  • 157 solo instruments and ensembles
  • Includes volumes for Essential Orchestra, Extended Orchestra, and more
  • Comprehensive range of articulations
  • VSL's free Synchron Player with advanced audio engine
  • Impeccable acoustics of Synchron Stage Vienna
  • Production-ready sound, straight out of the box
  • NKS-ready for seamless integration with your setup

Product specs

Software Type Orchestral
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format Standalone, AAX Native, VST, AU
Authorization Type iLok Account Required (cloud or iLok USB dongle)
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, 8GB RAM minimum, 66.4GB download
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher, 8GB RAM minimum, 66.4GB download
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 10.13 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 7 SP1 or later

FAQs

What is included in the VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION?

The VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION includes a comprehensive collection of orchestral instruments and ensembles, offering a complete set of tools for creating realistic orchestral compositions.

Is the VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION compatible with my DAW?

Yes, the VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION is compatible with most major DAWs as it supports AAX Native, VST, and AU formats.

What are the system requirements for running the VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION on a Mac?

To run the VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION on a Mac, you need macOS 10.13 or later, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or higher, and a minimum of 8GB RAM.

Does the VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION require an iLok for authorization?

Yes, the VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION requires an iLok account for authorization, which can be managed via cloud or an iLok USB dongle.

How does the VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION differ from other orchestral plugins?

The VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION offers a broad range of meticulously sampled orchestral instruments, known for their high-quality sound and expressive capabilities, making it a standout choice for orchestral compositions.

ManyWorldsMusic

ManyWorldsMusic

Vienna Instruments Special Edition - Orchestral Strings demonstration

Video thumbnail for Vienna Instruments Special Edition - Orchestral Strings demonstration by ManyWorldsMusic

Vienna Instruments Special Edition - Orchestral Strings demonstration

ManyWorldsMusic

ManyWorldsMusic

Video thumbnail for VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION Tutorial #1: Orchestration, Part 1 by Vienna Symphonic Library

VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION Tutorial #1: Orchestration, Part 1

Vienna Symphonic Library

Vienna Symphonic Library

Video thumbnail for Solo Violin Shoot Out-Staccato (Friedlander v Vienna Special Edition) by ManyWorldsMusic

Solo Violin Shoot Out-Staccato (Friedlander v Vienna Special Edition)

ManyWorldsMusic

ManyWorldsMusic

Video thumbnail for Vienna Special Edition - Improv for Winter Melancholy by HIFIMIDI

Vienna Special Edition - Improv for Winter Melancholy

HIFIMIDI

HIFIMIDI

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about VIENNA SPECIAL EDITION.

Software and compatibility

  • Vienna Special Edition V1 will work until eLicenser servers are shut down; future licensing requires transfer to iLok/cloud via Vienna support.

    Source
  • SYNCHRON-ized libraries don't fully encompass all VI samples, exemplified by SYNCHRON-ized Woodwinds missing some samples from VI Woodwinds I & II.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Transferring a Vienna license to a new owner involves a potential handling fee of 10% of the library's list price through Vienna support.

    Source

User experience

  • License transfer may require sharing Vienna account credentials with the new owner to facilitate the process.

    Source
  • Users report that the default performance of NotePerformer feels more like "real musicians playing fake instruments" compared to the robotic sound of unprocessed sample libraries.

    Source
  • Users find VSL requires significant post-editing to achieve a realistic performance, emphasizing the library's demand for advanced editing skills.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Synchron libraries integrate more easily with Dorico due to built-in expression maps, while VI libraries require third-party Articulate Maps for similar functionality.

    Source
  • Vienna Special Edition allows stereo panning for each instrument or section, appreciated by wind players for enhanced control over individual sound placement.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Synchron libraries, recorded on the Synchron stage, offer a wetter, potentially more realistic sound compared to the drier VI libraries, which require significant customization for realism.

    Source
  • Vienna's strings are perceived as cold and sterile with minimal vibrato, unlike the more immediately cinematic sound of Spitfire libraries which cater to media composers.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Achieving a natural classical recording with VSL requires meticulous automation and convolution reverb, unlike other libraries aimed at quick cinematic compositions.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vienna Special Editions and Vienna Instruments Pro

musiclibraryreport.com

A versatile toolkit for composers, the Vienna Special Editions offer a cost-effective entry into orchestral samples, particularly with Volume 1. While the dry samples require some effort to sound convincing, they provide incredible flexibility for customization. The Vienna Instruments Pro player is a worthwhile upgrade, adding advanced features like polyphonic legato and a humanization engine. Though not the easiest library to master, the depth and programmability make it a valuable asset for those willing to invest the time.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Complete Collection

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    pankuzu
    pankuzu

    Gear IQ 72