FAQ: General


How do I get my free copy of Big Bang Orchestra?

It's really easy! All you need to do is to order your free BBO licenses from our VSL web shop and downlaod the license to a ViennaKey. You can also use a Steinberg Key if you already have one or can get one faster where you live. Then you can download and install the library right away!

Still having troubles getting you free BBO library? Don't worry, we have a great tutorial to help you on your way!



A detailed step-by-step text guide
  1. 0:20: Go to the Big Bang Orchestra site and click the ADD TO BASKET button on the left side and then Proceed to Checkout.
  2. 0:47: Log into your VSL account or create a free VSL account right here.
  3. 1:02: Add a ViennaKey to your order, if you don't have one already and click Next.
  4. 1:09: Check the details of your order and continue with the ORDER SUMMARY button. Accept our Terms of Service and PLACE YOUR ORDER.
    Follow the next steps directly inside the Purchase Overview or inside your VSL Order Confirmation email that we have sent to your registered email address.
  5. 1:55: Download and install the latest version of the Vienna Download Manager from MyVSL for your operating system.
  6. 2:14: If you have not yet installed the eLicenser Software (our copy protection system), allow the Vienna Download Manager to download the software for you and install it right away.
  7. 2:38: Click the Activation Code link from your email or the Purchase Overview page and allow the Download Manager to start the automated installation routine.
  8. 2:54: Choose a destination for your installation files you can see now.
  9. 3:06: Optional: You can deactivate Auto-Install if you wish to proceed with the installation at a later time by simply clicking INSTALL NOW when you are ready.
  10. 3:24: Click Activate & Activate License to start the license download of your BBO license and proceed with Finish License Activation.
  11. 3:36: Inside the Library Installer you will see, all available microphone positions are checked for you. Start the installation process with the Continue button and choose a destination for your BBO samples. Either choose an existing folder, if you have installed VSL libraries before or choose a new folder.
    Important: We highly recommend to install your samples on an SSD for optimal performance.
  12. 4:09: It's safe to delete the installation files after the installation since you do not need those files anymore.
  13. 4:24: Download and install the Vienna Synchron Player from MyVSL for your operating system:
  14. 4:46: Windows user only: Make sure to install your Vienna Synchron Player plugins to a destination where your sequencer can find them.
  15. 5:07: All done! Start the Vienna Synchron Player, load the samples from the list on the right side and start enjoying your new Big Bang Orchestra!
How can I redownload a product?

You can redownload all your VSL products as often as you want, anytime, at MyVSL:

If you don't see the correct downloads, make sure that you are logged in with the VSL account that holds your product registrations.

Downloads

Can I download on a PC, then transfer to a Mac or vice versa?

Yes, you can! Data is data, and you can copy the sample content via network or external drive from one system to the other. Don't forget to re-add your samples to the corresponding sample player.

In general, you will benefit from the standard formats (in details here) that are used on the supported OS's.

  • On macOS, the standard is APFS or MacOS (Journaled)
  • On Windows, you should stick to NTFS formats.
Is VSL software compatible with macOS 11 (Big Sur)/Apple Silicon M1?

Yes, you can use our samples & software on a macOS 11 system (Big Sur). Our software also works with the new M1 chips, and it works surprisingly well on Rosetta 2. Our users report that they can't find any obstacles here. But please keep in mind, that our products depend on various third party products, for which we can of course give no guarantees at this point. You can find more information about Rosetta 2 here:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211861

Apple's new M1 chips are not yet officially supported (let alone optimized), but we have this high on our priority list. Our developers are working on full-native support for Apples new Silicon CPUs, and it's looking good so far - but we don't have an ETA at this point.

Can you deliver my library purchases on a hard drive instead of a download?

Yes, we do offer the option for additional physical delivery when you buy a library. You can add the hard drive before completing your order. With our ever-growing collection of virtual instruments, we offer three different hard drives - depending on the libraries inside your web shop basket. Still, all of the products you've purchased will always remain available for download at MyDOWNLOADS.

  • Synchron Hard Drive: Synchron Series
  • Starter Editions Hard Drive: Vienna Special Editions, SYNCHRON-ized Special Editions, Smart Series, Epic Orchestra 2.0
  • VI Hard Drive: VI Series
Important
  • The phyiscal hard drives do NOT include any Serial Numbers.
  • The hard drives are NOT suitable for sample-streaming.
Note

Each hard drive is delivered with ALL installation files of the respective series as listed above.

Webshop-Hard-Drives

Synchron Series - SYNCHRON-ized products - Vienna Instruments. What is the difference?

STARTER EDITIONS


SYNCHRON-ized Special Editions (Synchron Player):
The successor of the Special Editions - We added more articulations to some instruments, as well as instruments that were previously not available in the classic SEs, made it compatible with the Synchron Player + pre-mixed evcery instrument: each instrument has a custom Impulse Response from the position it would have in the Synchron Stage, so everything is placed in the room and volume matched with the Synchron Series.
Simply load the instrument and start playing. If you want to put it in a different space, simple disable the IR reverb and you have the classic dry sound.


SMART Series (Synchron Player):
These are libraries for sketching, playing live on stage and/or use to add a little something to the classical sound of our other products (sound-design)
Smart Orchestra, Smart Spheres, Smart Hits


Big Bang Orchestra (Synchron Player):
Tutti and section instruments recorded in our Synchron Stage Vienna.
FREE Big Bang Orchestra as a great starter to get your feet wet.
All pre-mixed to fit with our other Synchron products out of the box.
Affordable high quality libraries that are designed to be easy to use.
Multi-Mic recordings.


BIGGER COLLECTIONS


SYNCHRON Series (Synchron Player)


Synchron Series products:
Were recorded in the Synchron Stage Vienna with multiple mics.
SYNCHRON-ized products:
We took the original recordings of the classic VI Series, re-mastered and re-edited them and, similar to the SYNCHRON-ized Special Editions, customized each instrument with impulse responses to achieve correct seating, reverb and a great balance in volume.
There are still quite a few libraries that are not available in a SYNCHRON-ized version.
We're working on it!


VIENNA INSTRUMENTS Collections (Vienna Instruments Player)
Our legendary "classic libraries", recorded at Silent Stage Vienna, capturing "only" the early reflections of the stage - and therefore very dry.
Sampled with the highest level of detail - the cornerstone of our reputation!
The Standard-Libraries will give you access to some of the articulations while the Full libraries go all in.
All VI Collections are available with the VI SUPER PACKAGE, and there are also smaller bundles and even single instruments available.
Upgrade paths will help you expand your collections economically over time.

I've lost my instrument files!

No worries, you can download your sample content anytime. Find your Synchron Player Sample Content right here:

The download files for your Vienna Instruments Collections are available here:

You will find short instructions for the download in the column to the left of the download page.

Detailed installation instructions here starting step 5.

How do I update my products?
Why is VSL creating a new player instead of just creating new libraries for VI?

It was simply time for a new generation of player that would be more comfortable, intuitive and flexible. Incredible orchestral performance, out of the box.

And our SYNCHRON-ized products transform our classic Vienna Instruments products in a well-balanced, seated orchestra that sits right there at Synchron Stage Vienna - waiting for your input!

SY_Player

What is the copy protection? Do I need a dongle?

We are using the eLicenser copy protection software to protect both your and our investment. So you will need a physical ViennaKey to store your licenses on.

Alternatively, you can also use a Steinberg or Arturia Key, if you have one or can get one faster (they are usually available in music stores, and it´s the same copy protection system, "eLicenser").

iLok is a different copy protection system and will not work with our products.