BBC Symphony Orchestra
BBC Symphony Orchestra is a virtual orchestral sample library for music creators, with strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion recorded at Maida Vale Studi…
What BBC Symphony Orchestra 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 through 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 includes 34 instruments and 47 techniques in a 240MB package with one mix signal. Core provides 44 instruments, 344 techniques, and one mix signal; Professional includes 67 instruments, 468 techniques, 45 legatos, and 20 signals. The editions can switch modes, which Spitfire says supports sharing and collaboration among owners of different versions. Downloading the library requires the Spitfire Audio app, with installers for macOS and Windows. An external drive is recommended for installation, though users can choose another location. Discover is listed as free; Core costs £399, paid once and Professional costs £899, paid once. Spitfire describes the library as a starting point for music creators from beginners to professional composers.
Good
- Includes strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion.
- Discover edition is free.
- Editions can switch modes for sharing between owners.
- Dedicated plugin supports VST3, AU, and AAX.
Watch out
- Spitfire Audio app is required for downloads.
- The listed installers are only for macOS and Windows.
- Core and Professional require one-time payment.
Who it suits
It suits music creators looking for orchestral samples, from beginners to professional composers. The available installers are for macOS and Windows.
Verdict
BBC Symphony Orchestra offers three editions with different instrument and technique counts, from the free Discover package to Professional. Check the edition contents and installation requirements against your music setup.
Plans and prices
From BBC Symphony Orchestra's own pricing page, checked 3 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover | Free | 34 instruments · 47 techniques · 1 mix signal · 240MB |
| BBC Symphony Orchestra Core | £399, paid once | 44 instruments · 344 techniques · 1 mix signal |
| BBC Symphony Orchestra Professional | £899, paid once | 67 instruments · 468 techniques · 20 signals · 36GB of extra content |
The facts
Each one read from BBC Symphony Orchestra's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Core edition
- Core includes essential instruments, the full range of articulations and one mix signal.checked 3 Oct 2026
- DAW compatibility
- The Discover edition is described as compatible with major music creation software, including GarageBand and Pro Tools.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Dedicated plugin
- The library is housed in Spitfire Audio’s dedicated plugin, which supports VST3, AU and AAX formats.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Discover edition
- Discover includes 34 instruments, 47 techniques and one mix signal in a 240MB package.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Download requirement
- The Spitfire Audio app is required to download the libraries, and the installation guide offers macOS and Windows installers.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Interchangeable editions
- Discover, Core and Professional are interchangeable through mode switching, which Spitfire says supports sharing and collaboration between owners of different editions.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Professional edition
- Professional includes 67 different instruments, 468 techniques, 45 legatos and 20 signals.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Storage
- Spitfire recommends installing the library onto an external drive, while allowing users to choose another install location.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Support resources
- Spitfire provides product how-to videos, feature information and downloadable DAW templates for BBC Symphony Orchestra.checked 3 Oct 2026
- 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.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- Spitfire describes BBC Symphony Orchestra as a starting point for music creators at every level, from beginners to professional composers.checked 3 Oct 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- London, United Kingdomchecked 28 Sep 2026
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