For them people who don't know what VST is, it means "Virtual Studio Technology. What it does is pretty simple. It acts as your DAW's (Digital Audio Workstation, e.g. FL Studio, Cubase, etc, etc.) instruments.

Now that that's taken care of, here's an incomplete list of the VSTs I use and what I think about them, what they're good for, their downsides. But since this is a drunk rant, expect a half assed review on them.

1. Edirol Orchestra

I've been using Edirol as far as I can remember. Its a complete orchestra, excluding the choir, and its only 110mb in size. Its got strings, brass, winds, percussion and all that guff and fluff. I can still remember back then that I thought that there was no other VST out there that would sound near realistic as this. But damn, I was wrong miles off. Its small, reliable, but not really authentic sounding. Once you get used to it, you'll be able to recognize the sounds coming from this a mile away. That doesn't mean that its a bad VST. I still use this today actually. Its strings are good for making your pieces sound big but I wouldnt recommend them being the lead of your pieces. Edirol doesnt take up too much memory. Hell, your computer wouldnt even know it was there since its so lightweight.

2. Miroslav Philharmonik

This is basically like edirol but with choirs, acoustic guitars and organs and a hell lot more authentic sounding. Well, I guess it isnt like edirol afterall. But yeah. what else would you expect from a 7gb VST? Its a complete Orchestra set. By complete, I mean it has everything you need to create a lush sounding orchestra. It doesnt eat too much memory too. I mostly use this one for its nice sounding lucious strings.

3. Sonatina Symphonic Orchestra

If you've ever wanted to try and make an orchestra piece but don't have the budget to buy expensive VSTs, then Sonatina Symphonic Orchestra's got your back. The samples were recorded from real instruments though some are made using other softwares. Though there are some parts of it that sounded like the pitch was artifically altered. The winds are absolutely fantastic. The percussions from this one have a really nice oomph to it. Choir isnt that great though. But come on, its bucking free! Get it here if you want: sso.mattiaswestlund.net/download.html

4. EWQL Colossus

EWQL is notorious for there incredibly large files. If you want to have a really high quality VST but don't have the space or the cash to buy EWQL's other products, then I'd recommend Colossus. It isnt just for orchestra though it contains a complete orchestra too. It has synth, guitar, drum samples. Literally an almost complete musician's toolbox, if you will. Its 32gb but worth the size.

5. EWQL RA

If your looking for a VST that does ethnic sounds, then RA's what your looking for. I don't really use this much since I really can't find any use for this in my songs. The sounds are great but there are those occasional repeats of samples. Overall, its an excellent VST. Its around 14gb, I think? Can't remember.

6. EWQL Gold Edition

If you really really REALLY want a realistic sounding orchestra, then this one's for you. If Edirol and Philharmonik are good, then this is better. Well, not for me since I rarely use this one. But the general review for this one is excellent. Lush sounding strings, thick brass, oomphy percussion. 30+gb in size. IMO, you could just get miroslav and get the same result but if you really want to expand your library then by all means, get this one.

I'm tired. I'll make part 2 tomorrow or something.