Vienna Ensemble
INTRODUCTION & DIFFERENCE VI/VE
It is important to know the difference between the Vienna Instrument and the Vienna Ensemble.
So you will be able to choose the best solution for every situation.
> Vienna Instrument (VI) = VSL-Sample-Player for VSL-Samples (VSTi)
> Vienna Ensemble (VE) = VSTi-PlugIn-Instrument which can host several VIs
CONTENTS
LEARNING TARGETS
You learn about the difference between VI and VE You learn how to use VE You learn how to make a VE-Preset You learn how to utilize effects in or out of VE You learn about the main differences between VE2, VE3 and VEPro |
THE VIENNA INSTRUMENT (VI)

...is a Sample Player, which is able to play (only) the Samples of the Vienna Libraries. At its output you get Audio Signals, which can be mixed within your DAW or Notation Software.
Panorama-Settings, Effects etc. can be added within the DAW-Mixer.
But: It also can make sense to create Audio Tracks first - without any effect and in a high quality (good for a remix later on).
THE VIENNA ENSEMBLE (VE)
... is a Software which can "take in" (host) a number of Vienna Instruments.
The Vienna Ensemble will be seen as a VSTi (instrument) as well.
So open the VE as an instrument too.

Important:
The Vienna Instrument itself does not recognize midi channel information.
But to be able to send data (tones, controllers) to the individual places of the Vienna instruments in the Vienna Ensemble, these must now contain corresponding midi channel information.
The channels can be assigned to the individual instrument places in VE.
Advantage with the use of VE
> Save complete orchestras incl. effects. Example: "String Orchestra".
> Effects such as Panning, EQ, Reverb can be saved together with instruments and samples (VE3 und VEPro)
> Internal Group (BUS) Channels support a flexible, internal Mix.
> Better handling of the RAM than without VE.
> VE can use samples which are stored on another computer!
Disadvantage with the use of VE
> Long(er) loading times until all samples are loaded (especially with a large number of VIs)
> If you are not using all instruments: RAM-consumption
> A bit complicated when you need to change parameters of certain effects within VE.
THE VE IN USE
Typical Applications of VE
- VE 2 (freeware) Use it as it is shown below.
- VE 3 (no more available) is similar to VE 2. Main difference: VE 3 can be installed on 3 Computers. VE3 will be linked with a LAN-cable. Midi- and Audio signals are transferred via LAN. VE3 contains 3 Licenses.
You also can mix MAC and WIN.
- VE Pro (replaces VE3). VEPro is even more flexible, can host 3rd-party VSTi's and VST-Effects, and... . Its Settings can be saved and used either with MAC or WIN then...
Click on the correspondin Picture below...
Each section corresponds to a Vienna Ensemble instance. The complete mix and all effects within a VE unit are saved. In this way, for example, an orchestra can be quickly assembled.
SUMMARY
One can store a whole orchestra-section within VE.
VEPro help to share the RAM and the CPU-Power of up to 3 Computers.
They are connected via LAN. The Master Computer synchronizes the connected stations.
If you own the Vienna Suite Effects then you can do the complete Mix of orchestra sections within VE2 and VE3. If you own VEPro you are able to use 3rd party VST effects as well.
Prepare Woodwind-, Brass- Percussion and String-Presets. Put together orchestras as you wish to do it afterwards.
Final Remark:
Most of the Daws offer to save parts of the mixer or of instrument tracks as well. It is a similar way to those of the VE and its Presets.