EastWest Hollywood Orchestra
ActiveOverview
EastWest Hollywood Orchestra Opus Edition is a virtual orchestra VST plugin featuring deeply sampled instruments from strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and soloists, recorded in Studio 1 with multiple microphone positions.1 It includes the Hollywood Orchestrator tool for arranging MIDI into full orchestral sections, ensembles, ostinatos, and scores, targeted at composers, film scorers, producers, and orchestral mock-up creators.134 The OPUS engine provides a scalable GUI, customizable presets, and enhanced control for cinematic music production.14
Key Features
- Hollywood Orchestrator - Analyzes MIDI input to arrange chords into ensemble sections, ostinatos, or scores for quick orchestral arrangements.
- Multiple Mic Positions - Base library offers 5 mic positions (Close, Mid, Main, Surround, Vintage); expanded instruments include a 6th Stage Mic.
- Customizable Presets - Over 600 presets for ensembles, ostinatos, scores, and user-created combinations.
- Detailed String Articulations - Includes long, short, slurred, portamento, and individual bow changes for realistic orchestral strings.
- OPUS Engine - Redesigned scalable GUI with faster sample loading and intuitive interface.
- Instrument Sections - Covers full symphonic orchestra including strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and soloists.
- Keyswitch Instruments - Single patches providing access to multiple articulations for cinematic sounds.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Purchase | Paid (price not specified) | Complete Hollywood Orchestra Opus Edition library and OPUS engine. |
| ComposerCloud+ Subscription | $19/month | Access to Opus Edition plus 70 full collections. |
Platforms & Requirements
Runs as a VST plugin within digital audio workstations on macOS 10.12+ and Windows 10+.26 Requires installation via EastWest Center and OPUS software; full library installation recommended for Orchestrator use.2 High storage and RAM needs due to large sample library.
Integrations & Ecosystem
- VST plugin format for DAWs like Logic Pro
- OPUS software engine
- NKS Support Installer
- Individual instrument download
- Full library installation
- MIDI real-time input for Orchestrator
- Image-Line FL Studio templates
- EastWest account for activation
Alternatives
| App | Difference |
|---|---|
| Spitfire Audio BBC Symphony Orchestra | Focuses on BBC-recorded samples with different mic setups and less emphasis on orchestrator tools. |
| Native Instruments Symphony Series | Kontakt-based with modular collections, lacking integrated orchestrator like Hollywood Orchestrator. |
| Sonuscore The Orchestra | Similar phrase-based engine but smaller sample set and different recording environment. |
| Vienna Symphonic Library | Highly detailed articulations from Synchron Stage, more modular without built-in arranger. |
Reputation
Perceived as one of the most detailed virtual orchestras with realistic samples and innovative Orchestrator for rapid scoring.148 Strengths include intuitive interface, fast loading, and versatility for professionals and hobbyists; upgrade from prior Play engine noted positively.4 Criticisms center on large disk space requirements and need for powerful hardware; subscription model praised for access to extensive libraries.4
Sources (8)
- https://www.soundsonline.com/orchestras/hollywood-orchestra-opus-edition
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6Qkvn0-wvM
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxmIUsohSWI
- https://sonicscoop.com/eastwest-hollywood-orchestra-opus-edition-review/
- https://forum.image-line.com/viewtopic.php?t=325240
- https://www.soundsonline.com/support/updates
- https://www.soundsonline.com/support
- https://ask.video/article/news/review-eastwest-hollywood-orchestra-opus-edition