—combining the newly updated REVIVE and the classic LEGACY sets—represents a massive, definitive collection designed for KONTAKT . This article explores why this library is considered the top choice for media composers, classical arrangers, and producers worldwide. What is Berlin Woodwinds Complete?
One of the defining features of Berlin Woodwinds Complete is its comprehensive coverage of the standard orchestral woodwind section. The library includes samples for:
The Legacy library is the original 2012 collection. While it lacks the advanced features of Revive, it has its own unique sonic character that many composers still adore. Including it in the Complete package is a significant benefit.
is Orchestral Tools’ answer to the last decade of sampling complaints. It takes the same raw recordings but reprograms them for instant gratification.
The REVIVE series was recorded with a more natural, slightly wetter reverberation, allowing the instruments to sit beautifully in the Teldex room without needing external reverb.
Orchestral Tools Berlin Woodwinds Complete: The Evolution of REVIVE and LEGACY (KONTAKT Edition)
The Teldex Scoring Stage offers a unique acoustic profile. It features a short, highly defined early reflection pattern coupled with a warm, lush tail. This allows instruments to sound spacious yet highly detailed and mix-ready.
As with any complex tool, the Berlin Woodwinds collection has generated a wide range of feedback from its user base. Understanding this can help you make an informed decision.
The core collection of flutes, oboes, clarinets, and bassoons.
Known for a "drier," more upfront and "strident" sound that many composers prefer for detailed, surgical mixing. Dynamic Range: Features more velocity layers in some instruments compared to the Revive update. Mic Setup:
Orchestral Tools is a German-based company founded by composer and producer, Christian Hildebrand. Since its inception, the company has been dedicated to creating top-notch orchestral sample libraries that cater to the needs of composers, producers, and musicians. Their products have been widely adopted in the music industry, used in film scores, TV shows, commercials, and live performances.
Revive is not merely a software update; it represents a massive overhaul of the woodwind ensemble.
edition provides a reimagined, modern interface with expanded articulations and refined legato, while the
The introduction of Revive sparked a lively debate within the composing community. Many professionals still hold the version in high regard. As one VI-Control user noted about the Legacy sound, it has a certain "warm and round" quality that is simply "different" and highly desirable. Users have often preferred the sound of the Legacy version, finding it more "musical" in certain contexts, while Revive offers a more flexible and technically advanced toolset.
in Berlin, a venue renowned for its acoustic balance and clarity. The "Complete" ecosystem, specifically within the Kontakt player format, encapsulates two distinct eras of sampling: the The Genesis: Berlin Woodwinds Legacy
In 2017, five years after the original, Orchestral Tools released —a massive upgrade that redefined the collection. This wasn't merely an incremental patch but a substantial overhaul. As Orchestral Tools stated, “With Revive we gave Berlin Woodwinds a huge upgrade,” noting that “the sound of the new instruments is extremely good and it made sense to us to replace the weaker instruments”.