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Garritan Personal Orchestra 4 £109

A complete orchestra in an affordable app

Garritan Personal Orchestra 4

Personal Orchestra now uses Garritan's own Aria playback engine.

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Summary

On the face of it, GPO4 hasn't changed that much from its predecessor. But it now has the bespoke interface it's always deserved and is more affordable than ever. In terms of detail and playing styles, it certainly doesn't compete with high-end libraries, but it's not trying to. Instead, it offers a quick interface with great playability that's easy to transport, and in that respect it remains the best package of its kind.

Our Garritan Personal Orchestra 4 audio demo contains:

1. Solo Violin showing performance control: starts with fixed velocity, then adding variable velocity, mod wheel expression, auto legato, auto pitch variation, auto timbre variation, portamento, stereo stage effect, Ambience reverb (Ballroom 1).

2. Orchestra: using the solo violin as a start, then building a full arrangement. First lead violin, then bass section, cello, tremolo violin section, bassoon, trombone, tubular bells, timpani, snare drum, then all together.

Verdict

Considering the low, low price, GPO4 more than delivers with its solid-sounding, highly playable orchestral instruments.

MusicRadar rating:

4.5 of 5 stars

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MusicRadar rating

4.5 of 5

Pros

Bespoke new Aria interface. Reasonable drive space requirements. Good performance features. Broad sound set. Easy 'auto legato' option.

Cons

Some playing styles omitted. Lack of metering at present.

Verdict

Considering the low, low price, GPO4 more than delivers with its solid-sounding, highly playable orchestral instruments.

Review Policy

All MusicRadar's reviews are by independent product specialists, who are not aligned to any gear manufacturer or retailer. Our experts also write for renowned magazines such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Computer Music, Future Music and Rhythm. All are part of Future PLC, the biggest publisher of music making magazines in the world.

User rating

4 of 5

Specification

Personal Orchestra 4

Price:
£109
Min Processor Speed (GHz) (GHz):
2.8
Compatible Systems:
Mac, PC
OS Requirements:
Apple Mac OS X 10.4 or later
Additional Requirements:
PC: Pentium P4, Mac: G5 PCY (Intel recommended)
Virtual Instrument Type:
Virtual Orchestra

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