Best Sound Quality Orchestra VSTs

Sibelius

Summary: Sibelius is a scorewriter but VSTs sound better in a DAW like Cubase where you have more manipulation options. It's recommended for live musicians.
Pros: Good for creating playable scores, easy to use, integrates well with live musicians.
Cons: Limited in sound manipulation compared to DAWs.

Cubase's Halion

Summary: Halion in Cubase is recommended for audio mock-ups and covers most bases for creating orchestrations in a DAW.
Pros: Covers various audio mock-up needs, works well within Cubase.
Cons: The bundled SE version is limited.

Spitfire Labs

Summary: Spitfire Labs offers high-quality sounds for free and fills gaps in VST collections with unusual instruments.
Pros: Provides high-quality samples for free, fills gaps in collections.
Cons: Some limitations due to being free, may not cover all orchestral needs.

EastWest Composer Cloud

Summary: Offers access to a library of plugins for a monthly fee. Provides a variety of sounds worth $12,000.
Pros: Wide range of plugins, affordable monthly fee.
Cons: Monthly subscription required, limited free offerings.

Addictive Keys by XLN Audio

Summary: Known for its gorgeous sound quality, it offers a range of instruments for creating music.
Pros: Offers beautiful sounds, easy to use.
Cons: Normally comes at a specific price, not a free option.

Halion by Native Instruments

Summary: A popular option known for its high-quality orchestral instruments, especially when saturated.
Pros: Provides high-quality orchestral sounds, full library of instruments.
Cons: May have a higher price compared to some other options.

Spitfire Labs & Addictive Keys

Summary: Both Spitfire Labs and Addictive Keys by XLN Audio offer excellent sound quality for orchestral music production.
Pros: Spitfire Labs offers high-quality free samples, while Addictive Keys provides gorgeous sounds.
Cons: Addictive Keys is not free, Spitfire Labs may have some limitations.

TDR VOS SlickEQ & Artican The Pilgrim

Summary: TDR VOS SlickEQ is a top parametric EQ, while Artican The Pilgrim offers a seamless hipass/lopass filter.
Pros: TDR VOS SlickEQ is an excellent EQ plugin, Artican The Pilgrim provides a quality filter.
Cons: May have limitations compared to more advanced EQ plugins.

Grace Sampler

Summary: Grace Sampler is recommended for its easy mapping and good modulation effects.
Pros: Easy mapping, good modulation effects.
Cons: May not offer as many features as paid samplers.

VoS NastyDLA mkii

Summary: VoS NastyDLA mkii is a favorite delay plugin known for its quality sound.
Pros: Excellent delay sound, recommended by users.
Cons: Limited to 32-bit, may not be as advanced as some other delay plugins.

Helm Synth

Summary: Helm Synth is an open-source free synth known for its quality sounds and easy manual.
Pros: Free and open-source, provides great synthesis.
Cons: May not offer as many features as paid synths.

Tritik Krush

Summary: Tritik Krush is a nice bit-crusher plugin offering unique audio effects.
Pros: Offers creative bit-crushing effects, easy to use.
Cons: Limited in terms of features compared to more advanced crushers.

MT Power Drumkit

Summary: MT Power Drumkit provides a quality acoustic kit sound for free.
Pros: Offers good quality drum sounds for free.
Cons: Limited to acoustic drum sounds.

This comprehensive summary provides insights into various orchestra VSTs, their pros, cons, and user experiences from the Reddit comments. Each product offers unique features and benefits for music production, catering to different needs and preferences.