VSL SE available for download via subscription

[ZareOne]

Soon, it will be possible to purchase VSL SE in packages and download them from VSL's website.

The order of the packages downloading can't be altered, and it starts with the strings. You can subscribe for 1, 3 or 5 packages per month. The price per package is 9,5€ (at least that's the price listed for Europe) You can download additional packages as you want, but respecting the download order. The VSL SE is divided in 54 packages, and there's a VSL SE Plus (56 packages more), with more articulations (snap pizz, col legno and harmonics for the strings, for example) What I don't know yet, is if we can end the subscription when we want (and reactivate it later if wanted).

[davecos]

I think someone else just posted this topic but I will reiterate what I said on that thread- this is a great idea especially for those of us who already have Vienna SE Standard and Extended libs but wanted a few more articulations to fill out the package.

[ThomasL]

The order of the packages downloading can't be altered, and it starts with the strings. You can subscribe for 1, 3 or 5 packages per month.
I can't find any info on VSL's site about the download order being set as you claim. So I hope you're wrong. The ideal would be to purchase the packages you need/want in any order you like. I hope this is the case.


Best
Thomas

[ThomasL]

I think someone else just posted this topic but I will reiterate what I said on that thread- this is a great idea especially for those of us who already have Vienna SE Standard and Extended libs but wanted a few more articulations to fill out the package.
Hehe, or those of us that have none...


Best
Thomas

[ZareOne]

I can't find any info on VSL's site about the download order being set as you claim. So I hope you're wrong. The ideal would be to purchase the packages you need/want in any order you like. I hope this is the case.

I would love to be wrong on this too. Even if it's not stated in the website, it has been said in the VSL forum: http://community.vsl.co.at/forums/t/17386.aspx
For me it's not too bad, since I'm most interested in strings, and I hope to be able to download them and then stop the subscription (or maybe I like it so much I end with the whole thing). I would like to have the harp, and some
other instruments, but I should pay for the woodwinds and brass, which I don't think I'll be using, since WIVI does it sooo good.

[geronimo001]

this is a very good news. :)

[ThomasL]

I would love to be wrong on this too. Even if it's not stated in the website, it has been said in the VSL forum: http://community.vsl.co.at/forums/t/17386.aspx
For me it's not too bad, since I'm most interested in strings, and I hope to be able to download them and then stop the subscription (or maybe I like it so much I end with the whole thing). I would like to have the harp, and some
other instruments, but I should pay for the woodwinds and brass, which I don't think I'll be using, since WIVI does it sooo good.
Ok, bummer. This defeats the whole idea in my opinion. Since it's cheaper to buy the boxed version than the downloaded version I acually see no point in this whatsoever.


Best
Thomas

[Hint]

Ok, bummer. This defeats the whole idea in my opinion. Since it's cheaper to buy the boxed version than the downloaded version I acually see no point in this whatsoever.

I agree - they cut out manufacturing and postage costs, yet somehow find a reason to add €130 to the price of the library? It's very strange. The customer will be paying an extra 40% to be locked in to a scheme which allows them to download pieces of a pre-existing product in monthly installments.

It would make sense if they made the whole library modular - i.e. allow people to download just solo strings, then add brass at a later date. But it seems that they force people to start at the beginning and receive bits of the library in a set order.

[Mark LaPierre]

On the off chance the VSL people are paying attention, I'm going to chime in with the dissappointed crew. The idea of being able to add to the SE collection is great. The lack of control stinks. What if there is a higher price point to be able to pick and choose? Many subscription services of different sorts offer this option. I NEVER use the full strings- it's just not the type of work I do. So I think it's unfair to have to purchase a bunch of samples I don't need to get at the solo strings and woodwinds. Or I will also second the vote to go modular. But the setup as-is is really disappointing.

Mark

[Hint]

Thinking about this some more... instead of subscribing, you could set up a bank transfer into a dedicated account for €30 each month.

After a year, you will be able to afford the DVD copy and the VI Key / Dongle and perhaps even have money left over to treat yourself for being so sensible. ;)

[Coqui]

Looks like a monthly instalment at standard interest rates. It could make some sense for those who can't afford the whole package at once, although I'm not sure it's a wise commercial policy. But who knows...

From VSL forum (http://community.vsl.co.at/forums/t/17386.aspx?PageIndex=5):

Q. Why does downloading the Special Edition Standard library cost 40% more than buying the DVD?

A. It's primary dedicated to all people who want to take the subscription offer, because they don't want to spend too much money at once.
The all at once download is an offer for all who have difficulties to get any shipments to their country.
Generally we do not want to take away the sales of SE Standard from our dealers and distributors.

:confused:

[Hint]

From VSL forum (http://community.vsl.co.at/forums/t/17386.aspx?PageIndex=5):
Generally we do not want to take away the sales of SE Standard from our dealers and distributors.

:confused:

I suspect that this final point is the real reason for the bizarre pricing.

Old distribution channels standing in the way of progress... threatening to drop product lines if direct downloads are made more affordable than hard copies. The manufacturer gets scared and stops short of providing something that makes sense - something that the customer might want. "You scratch my back..." ~|

Why not let the distributers handle the sales in each territory, but provide the downloads from a central server, controlled by VSL? What's the point in a manufacturer providing direct sales if a 3rd party can dictate their pricing?