Symphobia 2 is a 27 GB orchestral sample library from Project SAM featuring real legato ensembles, massive symphonic effects, and a fully updated 2.0 interface for film, game, and TV composers.
Purpose and Core Concept
Symphobia 2 is the sequel to the acclaimed Symphobia, designed to expand your orchestral palette with a fresh batch of symphonic effects and new articulations. It focuses on real tutti recordings of full ensembles, capturing the sound of a genuine concert hall with close and stage microphones.
Unlike its predecessor, Symphobia 2 includes exclusive legato ensembles with real transitions, where various instrumental combinations were recorded performing intervals in unison or octaves. It does not include Symphobia 1; both libraries are separate products with unique content, but owning both greatly enhances your options.
Key Capabilities and Interface
The fully updated 2.0 version introduces a completely new engine and spacious design. It features an all-in-one instrument browser that lets you filter by instrument category and articulation, plus a 10-slot mixer for arranging and designing your own Multis.
Adaptive Sync handles crescendos and runs smoothly. A new legato engine improves realism, while all-new envelopes, filters, and modulators give you deeper control. Shift and trim mapping to your liking, making the library flexible for varied writing styles.
Workflow and Instrument Content
The browser streamlines navigation, saving time when scoring. The 10-slot mixer allows you to create custom combinations of instruments and effects, then save them as Multis for quick recall. With 28 included Multis, you can start composing immediately.
Instruments range from full orchestrator patches to individual sections like strings, brass, woodwinds, and solo instruments. Legato ensembles include pairings like Flutes & Violins in unison, and solo legato options for flute and horn. Dystopia offers processed sounds for darker textures, and Trio Ensemble Chords provide pre-mixed chord stabs.
Practical Applications and Best Uses
For film, game, and TV composers, Symphobia 2 shines in creating dramatic hits, rips, and swirls for action cues. The new legato ensembles are ideal for emotional melodies where a full section sound is needed, while the effects cater to sci-fi or horror scoring.
Use the Multis to quickly layer textures for ambient passages or build intense tutti climaxes. The close and stage mic mix lets you balance intimacy and space in real time. While it requires the full version of Kontakt (the player license is included), it also supports NKS for Native Instruments hardware integration.
Key features
- Real tutti recordings of symphonic ensembles
- Orchestrated legato ensembles with real transitions
- 27 GB library (54 GB uncompressed) in 44.1kHz/24bit
- All-new interface with instrument browser and 10-slot mixer
- Adaptive Sync for crescendos and runs
- 28 inspiring Multis included
- Real-time mixing of close and stage mics
Best for
Symphobia 2 is best for composers needing dramatic orchestral effects, realistic legato ensembles, and quick, playable textures for film, game, or TV scores. Its pre-mixed Multis and effects are perfect for action cues, while the legato patches suit emotional themes, especially when combined with the original Symphobia.