This paper describes the REVIVE and LEGACY instrument libraries within Orchestral Tools' Berlin Woodwinds Complete for Kontakt: their architecture, sample content, signal chain, performance features, compatibility, known issues, licensing/DRM considerations, and recommended integration practices for composers, sound designers, and developers.
Both LEGACY and REVIVE run on Native Instruments' (Player/Full), utilizing a specialized, highly capable GUI developed by Orchestral Tools. Key Functional Features
The centerpiece of the "Complete" package is the REVIVE update. Orchestral Tools took their foundational woodwind recordings and meticulously polished them for modern production demands.
: Compared to the newer version, Legacy is described as being "drier" or more "upfront," making it a favorite for composers who need a distinct soloist presence. The Evolution: Berlin Woodwinds Revive Released as a massive update, This paper describes the REVIVE and LEGACY instrument
Perfect for providing a solid mid-range foundation.
Historically one of the hardest instruments to sample due to its reedy, nasal tone. Orchestral Tools nailed this; the oboes are incredibly expressive, emotional, and devoid of any artificial "synthetic" edge.
Excellent for traditional orchestral mockups requiring subtle nuance. Berlin Woodwinds Revive Historically one of the hardest instruments to sample
You buy for the Oboe d'Amore and Cor Anglais . The LEGACY versions have a haunting, distant quality (perfect for The Mission style scores). The REVIVE versions are dry and intimate (perfect for Mozart reconstructions).
The Kontakt bundle essentially provides two distinct versions of the library in one package:
Features completely new performances for the main instruments (Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets, Bassoons). For composers using the Kontakt version
It features completely new recordings for the Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets, and Bassoons.
Berlin Woodwinds is a cornerstone of Orchestral Tools' Berlin Series , widely regarded as a benchmark for orchestral woodwind sample libraries. For composers using the Kontakt version, the "Complete" bundle provides a comprehensive toolkit by including both the and Legacy versions. The Dual Legacy: Revive vs. Legacy