5 Best Music Orchestration Software in 2024

I have created a list of the best music orchestration software for soundtracks that capture the spirit of classical music and can give your tracks a special feel. Using these programs, you can mimic violin, trumpets, percussion, horn, harp, and other musical instruments. 

Top 5 Music Orchestration Software

  1. Reaper - DAW software
  2. Sonokinetic Sotto - Delicate phrasing
  3. Garritan Instant Orchestra - VST plugin
  4. Spitfire Audio Albion One - Powerful orchestral library
  5. NI String Ensemble - Full-size string orchestra

Many software providers offer samples for you to understand what you pay for. I also considered such factors as ease of use, audio fidelity (in particular, at high pitches and volume) and the speed of the engine.

Make sure you know the minimum requirements of the software so that the instruments load fast. Select software that has many instruments and samples.

1. Reaper - Our Choice

DAW software
  • Great set of orchestral sounds
  • Highly customizable
  • Low cost
  • None

Verdict:Reaper allows you to easily compose, record, arrange and handle your own music. One example of what this DAW software can do is to superimpose instruments that you already have in your rack on other tracks. With the use of this music orchestration software, you can add a drum sample from another instrument that has a great sound and blend it in with the piano sample.

When you find a sound that you like in a track, all you have to do is drag and drop it into the program's mixer section. You can quickly mix it in with the other sounds in the track, allowing the addition of more than one element to the music to create a unique sound.

reaper music orchestration software interface

2. Sonokinetic Sotto

Delicate phrasing
  • Strings, Wind, and Brass sections
  • Great phrase-based library
  • Over 37.000 samples
  • Audible glitches

Verdict: Sonokinetic Sotto will allow you to learn how to play the piano the same as a professional pianist would. With this music orchestration software you can focus on one area of the piano at a time. This software includes over 37.000 samples. If you want to note down the music you will need the music notation software.

In addition to this Sonokinetic Sotto has a number of different features that make it very easy for you to play along with other people. You can record any songs that you would like to play on the piano, which gives you the ability to have a practice session whenever you want.

sonokinetic sotto music orchestration software interface

3. Garritan Instant Orchestra

VST plugin
  • A lot of orchestral instruments
  • Budget plugin
  • Compatible with Ableton and Logic Pro
  • Can be tricky for non-arrangers to use

Verdict: Garritan Instant Orchestra creates amazing music score and notation for the piano, guitar, bass, and drums. The plugin works well with all of the major music instruments including keyboards, xylophone, recorder, and many more. All this instruments can be used in composing, improvising, playing, and singing music.

It also features a library system and a graphics user interface, which can be accessed through a web browser, email, or FTP. It also includes audio visualization tools for hearing the result of your composition. This tool comes with a virtual keyboard that lets you rehearse notes without having to use a real keyboard.

garritan instant orchestra music orchestration software interface

4. Spitfire Audio Albion One

Powerful orchestral library
  • Cinematic orchestral sample libraries
  • Provides strings, brass and percussion
  • A huge variety of loops and synth pads
  • High price

Verdict: Spitfire Audio Albion One has many features and modules that can be used for music creation, mixing, mastering, recording, etc. It also comes with a money back guarantee. What I really like about this software is that each function of the audio tool is labeled in different colors so it is easier to locate.

Another nice thing about this software is the fact that it integrates very well with other programs such as Sonar, if you plan to expand your musical horizons. If you have a question about how to use tools, all you have to do is open the "Help" file menu and everything will be shown to you very clear and concisely.

spitfire audio albion one music orchestration software interface

5. NI String Ensemble

Full-size string orchestra
  • Includes violins, violas, cellos, and basses
  • Impressive brass collection
  • Fully customisable
  • Not so easy to use

Verdict: NI String Ensemble makes it easy for the conductor and player because they can control many sounds at once. With this music orchestration software, you can get great ideas about how to use and setup each of the instruments in your score.

This program includes violins, violas, cellos, and basses. Besides that, it has impressive brass collection. If you want to play and compose music with MIDI devices you need to choose one of the best free MIDI software.

ni string ensemble music orchestration software interface
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