00:00 - Intro & Welcome
01:56 - Who Needs Abbey Road 1st Violins?
4:45 - It started with the Spitfire BBCSO trailer...
8:39 - Now comes Abbey Road 1st Violins...
18:30 - Who is Abbey Road 1st Violins aimed at?
26:24 - Alternative options for production music composers
31:35 - Might Spitfire ever return to more forward-thinking music production tools?
37:20 - Closing thoughts on Abbey Road 1st Violins
39:01 - How to deal with FOMO as a music production composer
43:05 - Outro & How You Can Support 52 Cues!

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Episode Summary

Dave's Studio Gear

As the music production industry continues to evolve, one company making a significant impact is Spitfire Audio. They have created waves in the sector with their progressive hiring practices, diverse product range, and particularly their revolutionary royalty policies. However, like any trailblazing company, there are questions about their direction and the value of their new products.

One such product creating a buzz is the Abbey Road Orchestra First Violins. It's an ambitious sample library with a price tag to match, leaving many potential customers wondering if it's worth the investment. In our latest podcast episode, we take a deep dive into this new offering, meticulously dissecting its features and comparing it with other sample libraries on the market.

The Abbey Road Orchestra First Violins is indeed a marvel of music production technology. Its intricate features and high level of detail certainly set it apart from many of its competitors. But, is it worth the cost for production music composers and trailer composers? To answer this, we delved into the product's intended market, assessing how it aligns with other sample libraries.

The cost and value of a sample library can be a contentious issue. However, when we zoom in on Spitfire's Abbey Road First Violins, its potential value becomes clear. The features it offers, such as diverse legato transitions and mic positions, are unrivaled. We compared it with other libraries like Albion One and Abbey Road One and considered its potential role in a composer's assistant's workflow.

Interestingly, Spitfire Audio's influence extends beyond just their products. They have revolutionized the industry with their forward-thinking approaches to hiring staff and paying royalties to performers. Their royalties policy, in particular, stands out as a game-changing practice, as they share sales proceeds with the performers in their libraries. This is a major departure from traditional practices and a significant step towards fairer compensation in the music production industry.

However, there have been some concerns that Spitfire may have veered off course recently. While they continue to innovate, some question if they are retreading familiar ground rather than pushing into new territory. Their latest product, the Abbey Road Orchestra First Violins, while impressive, doesn't necessarily bring anything new to the table for the mass consumer of their sample libraries.

Despite these concerns, Spitfire Audio continues to be a major player in the music production industry. Their ability to push boundaries and challenge industry norms is commendable. However, it's important for potential customers to make informed decisions about the value of their products. By providing a comprehensive review of their offerings, we hope to help our listeners navigate the intriguing world of Spitfire Audio.

As we continue to explore the ever-evolving landscape of music production, companies like Spitfire Audio will undoubtedly remain at the forefront. Their commitment to innovation, diversity, and fair practices sets them apart, and their influence on the industry is undeniable. As we look to the future, we eagerly anticipate what Spitfire Audio and other game-changers in the industry will bring to the table.