A virtual orchestra is an instrumental ensemble that is played on a keyboard or MIDI device to mimic the sounds of a full orchestra. Another term for imitating prerecorded or live environments is orchestral simulation. Strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion can be used in a variety of ways a producer. Because these samples are frequently used for TV, radio, and theatrical productions, simulating traditional orchestra performances can be profitable for some producers.
Prerecorded virtual orchestra samples are used in music heard on television and radio, and their rights are purchased for use in a specific product or episode. These tracks need to be sonically mixed and mastered audio professionals. Prerecorded virtual orchestra samples are included in music production software like Logic, Pro Tools, and even Garageband, and can be used royalty-free before mastering.
After a large number of samples have been completed and mastered, they are packaged into commercial software packages. These packages are purchased companies, artists, and independent producers who require a virtual orchestra sound for their audio projects. For example, if an independent producer is creating a radio commercial for an upcoming event where a local orchestra will be performing, the production engineer may order a prerecorded virtual orchestra sample.
When composing music for a film, the director must keep the orchestra in sync with the film, which necessitates a lot of collaboration when recording the orchestra. The orchestra must maintain a constant tempo while emphasizing volume, articulation, and phrasing peaks and valleys in a piece of music. Producers or directors hire musicians to record these audio samples for commercial use, and orchestras are formed as a result.
Virtual orchestras can sometimes be made layering one or two instruments at a time. Producers have been known to play the instruments themselves in order to better realize their vision in the final product. A production engineer can layer instruments in different arrangements for a variety of tracks once the instruments have been recorded. These are known as samples, and they almost always have copyrights attached to them.
Many orchestra musicians consider these virtual orchestra samples to be contentious because they pose a constant threat to their livelihood. In fact, labor unions have formed to oppose the use of technology to create virtual orchestras. The time, money, and effort required to assemble a full orchestra, on the other hand, will keep virtual orchestra samples in high demand.