What are the differences between Studio Orchestra and BBC Symphony Orchestra Core?

Studio Orchestra and BBC Symphony Orchestra Core are great starting points if you are looking to move into Orchestral composition. Both packs are condensed versions of the Professional packs, so if you not quite ready for the Professional level yet, you can get a great upgrade discount when you decide to step-up to that level in the future.

What is the difference between Studio Orchestra Pro, Spitfire Symphony Orchestra, and BBC Symphony Orchestra Pro?

Provided in this article is a general overview of each product and their typical usage, as well as a comparison chart that outlines the key differences between each product. If you are still undecided after reading, you can enter a support ticket below where an agent will be able to answer any further questions you have. 

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Spitfire Studio Orchestra

Typically, a Studio Orchestra user will be someone who wants to add orchestral elements to Pop records, or create more of a dry, early-Hollywood sound, for a film or television score. With a smaller ensemble, Studio Orchestra provides a slightly more intimate sound compared to the entire Symphony Orchestra.

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BBC Symphony Orchestra Core

On the other hand, a typical BBC SO Core user will want to create large, orchestral scores, with greater depth and room ambience. This could be used for an orchestral score mockup as well as for modern cinematic orchestral elements. Additionally, BBC SO Core contains Percussion, Harp, and Celeste, providing the full orchestral package. 

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Library	Studio Orchestra	BBC SO Core
Library Size	~32.4GB	~28.2GB
Plugin	Kontakt Player (Free download via Native Access)	Spitfire Audio Plugin
Minimum RAM	8GB	16GB
Instrumentation	8 1st Violins 6 2nd Violins 6 Violas 6 Celli 4 Basses Horn Solo Horns a4  Trumpet Solo Trumpets a2 Tenor Trombones a2 Bass Trombones a2 Tuba Cimbasso Piccolo Flute Solo  Flutes a3 Alto Flute Solo Oboe Solo  Oboes a3 Clarinets a3 Bass Clarinet Bassoon Solo  Bassoons a3	16 1st Violins 14 2nd Violins 12 Violas 10 Celli 8 Basses Horn Solo  Horns a4 Trumpet Solo Trumpets a3 Tenor Trombone  Tenor Trombones a3 Bass Trombones a2 Tuba Piccolo  Flute Solo  Flutes a3  Oboe Oboes a3 Clarinet  Clarinets a3 Bassoon  Bassoons a3
Percussion	None	Celeste  Harp Timpani Tuned Percussion Untuned Percussion
Piano	No	Separate purchase in BBC Piano Core
Technique (Articulation) Customisation	No (Economic and Individual Patches provided)	Yes Find out more
Microphone Signals	One - Tree Mix	One - Jake Jackson Mix
Recording Location	Air Studio One	Maida Vale Studios
Uses	Pop Music, Early-Hollywood Dry Scoring Stage for film/ television scoring. Smaller Ensemble for tighter and intimate sound.	Orchestral mock-ups, orchestral scores, and modern film scores with a more classical sound.
Perks	Upgrade to Studio Orchestra Pro in the future with the cost of Studio Orchestra, at the point of purchase, deducted from your order.	Upgrade to BBC SO Pro in the future with the cost of Core, at the point of purchase, deducted from your order.