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BBC Symphony Orchestra

spitfireaudio.com

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Spec score 8.3 #4 of 33 in Virtual Instruments

What it is

BBC Symphony Orchestra is a virtual orchestral sample library for music creators, with strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion recorded at Maida Vale Studios. It runs in Spitfire Audio’s dedicated plugin, which supports VST3, AU, and AAX formats. The Discover edition is described as compatible with major music creation software, including GarageBand and Pro Tools. Discover contains 34 instruments and 47 techniques in a 240MB package, with one mix signal. Core provides 44 instruments, 344 techniques, and one mix signal; Professional has 67 instruments, 468 techniques, 45 legatos, and 20 signals. Owners can switch between Discover, Core, and Professional modes, which Spitfire says supports sharing and collaboration across editions. The Spitfire Audio app is required to download the library, with installers for macOS and Windows. Spitfire recommends installation on an external drive, though another location can be chosen. Discover is free; Core is £399, paid once and Professional is £899, paid once.

Spec sheet

What it does
BBC Symphony Orchestra is a virtual orchestral sample library for music creators, with strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion recorded at Maida Vale Studios.Read 3 Oct 2026 · spitfireaudio.com
Headquarters
London, United KingdomRead 28 Sep 2026 · spitfireaudio.com
Core edition
Core includes essential instruments, the full range of articulations and one mix signal.Read 3 Oct 2026 · spitfireaudio.com
DAW compatibility
The Discover edition is described as compatible with major music creation software, including GarageBand and Pro Tools.Read 3 Oct 2026 · spitfireaudio.com
Dedicated plugin
The library is housed in Spitfire Audio’s dedicated plugin, which supports VST3, AU and AAX formats.Read 3 Oct 2026 · spitfireaudio.com
Discover edition
Discover includes 34 instruments, 47 techniques and one mix signal in a 240MB package.Read 3 Oct 2026 · spitfireaudio.com
Download requirement
The Spitfire Audio app is required to download the libraries, and the installation guide offers macOS and Windows installers.Read 3 Oct 2026 · spitfireaudio.com
Interchangeable editions
Discover, Core and Professional are interchangeable through mode switching, which Spitfire says supports sharing and collaboration between owners of different editions.Read 3 Oct 2026 · spitfireaudio.com
Professional edition
Professional includes 67 different instruments, 468 techniques, 45 legatos and 20 signals.Read 3 Oct 2026 · spitfireaudio.com
Storage
Spitfire recommends installing the library onto an external drive, while allowing users to choose another install location.Read 3 Oct 2026 · spitfireaudio.com
Support resources
Spitfire provides product how-to videos, feature information and downloadable DAW templates for BBC Symphony Orchestra.Read 3 Oct 2026 · spitfireaudio.com
Who it is for
Spitfire describes BBC Symphony Orchestra as a starting point for music creators at every level, from beginners to professional composers.Read 3 Oct 2026 · spitfireaudio.com

Plans and prices

BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover Free 34 instruments · 47 techniques · 1 mix signal · 240MB Read 3 Oct 2026 · spitfireaudio.com
BBC Symphony Orchestra Core £399, paid once 44 instruments · 344 techniques · 1 mix signal Read 3 Oct 2026 · spitfireaudio.com
BBC Symphony Orchestra Professional £899, paid once 67 instruments · 468 techniques · 20 signals · 36GB of extra content Read 3 Oct 2026 · spitfireaudio.com

Every BBC Symphony Orchestra plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Discover includes 34 instruments and 47 techniques.
  • Professional includes 67 instruments and 20 signals.
  • Plugin supports VST3, AU, and AAX.
  • Editions can switch modes for sharing and collaboration.
  • Product how-to videos and DAW templates are available.

Limits

  • A Spitfire Audio app is required for downloads.
  • Spitfire recommends installing the library on an external drive.
  • Core costs £399, paid once.
  • Professional costs £899, paid once.

Who it suits

Spitfire describes the library as a starting point for music creators from beginners to professional composers. It suits creators seeking orchestral instruments within a plugin-based sample library.

Verdict

The three editions offer different instrument and technique counts, with a free Discover option and two paid editions. Check plugin format and download requirements against your setup before choosing an edition.

Where Specifiction places it

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