Eastwest Symphonic Choirs Better • Secure & Proven
While "EastWest Symphonic Choirs" is primarily a high-end virtual instrument software rather than a traditional academic paper, it is frequently the subject of research and technical documentation regarding its unique WordBuilder technology. This software is "interesting" in musicology and computer music circles because it was a pioneer in allowing virtual choirs to sing actual words rather than just generic "oohs" and "aahs". Key Features Discussed in Research & Manuals WordBuilder Engine : The most cited technical aspect of the software. It allows users to type in any language and have the choir sing the text by translating it into phonetic sounds (phonemes). Vocal Styles : Documentation highlights its ability to switch between different choral aesthetics, such as "Broadway" or "Classical" styles, and different dynamics like whispering. Integration with Notation : Significant "papers" and manuals exist for integrating this software with notation programs like Sibelius or Finale . This allows composers to hear their scores performed with lyrics in real-time. Related Resources If you are looking for academic or instructional writing on this tool, you might find these topics useful: Acoustic and MIDI Orchestration for the Contemporary Composer : This leading manual includes chapters on sequencing for vocal ensembles, often referencing EastWest's tools as a standard. Implementation Guides : Technical threads and "articles" (such as those by Daniel Spreadbury) detail the complex MIDI routing required to make the WordBuilder engine talk to composition software. Comparative Reviews : Modern choral mock-up "papers" often compare Symphonic Choirs to newer libraries (like Virharmonics), noting its status as a classic but "awkward" tool to master due to its depth. For a deep dive into how modern singers' jobs have changed—and how software like this has enabled "massive choirs" to be created for under $200—the article "But Who Tells Them What To Sing?" by Longreads provides a fascinating cultural perspective. Sib. 6.2: using Sibelius w/ EW WordBuilder
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White Paper: EastWest Symphonic Choirs A Comprehensive Analysis of the Hollywood Standard for Choral Sampling Abstract This paper provides an in-depth analysis of EastWest Symphonic Choirs , a virtual instrument library produced by EastWest Sounds and distributed by EastWest Sounds. Since its initial release, Symphonic Choirs has established itself as an industry standard for film, television, and game music composition. This document explores the library’s historical context, technical architecture, the groundbreaking WordBuilder utility, system requirements, and its practical application in modern music production. The analysis contrasts the library’s enduring strengths with its aging architecture, offering a critical perspective on its relevance in the contemporary virtual instrument market.
1. Introduction The human voice is arguably the most expressive and complex instrument to emulate digitally. For composers, securing a professional choir is often prohibitively expensive and logistically difficult. EastWest Symphonic Choirs was designed to bridge this gap, offering a comprehensive solution for choral arrangement without the need for live performers. Recorded at the legendary EastWest Studios in Hollywood (the same room used for countless blockbuster film scores), the library offers a massive collection of soprano, alto, tenor, and bass sections. Its defining feature is the ability to synthesize intelligible speech from sampled phonemes—a feat that, at the time of its release, was revolutionary and remains a primary selling point today. eastwest symphonic choirs
2. Historical Context and Recording Quality Released initially as a standalone library and later integrated into the EastWest PLAY System , Symphonic Choirs set a benchmark for choral sampling. 2.1 The Recording Environment The library was recorded in Studio 1 at EastWest Studios. This room is famous for its acoustic properties—specifically a warm, resonant, "cinematic" reverb tail. This acoustic signature is baked into the samples, giving the library an immediate "Hollywood sound." 2.2 The Ensembles The library segments the choir into four standard sections, plus a combined full choir patch:
Sopranos: High-frequency brilliance and ethereal textures. Altos: Warmth and melodic support. Tenors: Power and mid-range projection. Basses: Deep, resonant foundations.
Each section was recorded with multiple microphone positions (Close, Stage, and Hall), allowing composers control over the intimacy or grandeur of the sound. It allows users to type in any language
3. Technical Architecture and Features Symphonic Choirs operates on the EastWest PLAY Engine , a 64-bit engine (VST, AU, AAX) that handles the library’s massive sample load. 3.1 Articulations and Dynamics Unlike orchestral libraries where articulations are often key-switched, Symphonic Choirs relies heavily on velocity layers and MIDI CC (Control Change) messages.
Ah, Oo, Ooh, Mm: The library includes distinct patches for these primary vowels, allowing for cross-fading between them. Staccato and Marcato: Short, punchy articulations are available, though they require careful programming to sound natural. Dynamics: CC1 (Mod Wheel) or CC11 (Expression) is used to cross-fade between dynamic layers (pp to ff), creating swells and fades typical of choral writing.
3.2 Microphone Mixing The PLAY engine provides a mixer interface allowing users to blend: This allows composers to hear their scores performed
Close Mics: For detail and intimacy, cutting through a dense orchestral mix. Stage Mics: For a balanced, mid-distance perspective. Hall Mics: For capturing the natural reverb of the room, essential for epic film scores.
4. The WordBuilder Utility The most significant feature of EastWest Symphonic Choirs is WordBuilder . This technology separates the library from standard "ooh and aah" pads by allowing the choir to sing actual words. 4.1 Functionality WordBuilder works by mapping phonetic sounds to specific MIDI notes. It functions as a translator: