Spitfire Audio

Spitfire Audio, virtual instruments and sample libraries for composers

Spitfire Audio is a British company dedicated to creating virtual instruments and sample libraries for musicians and composers. Its catalogue is organised around orchestras, individual instruments and themed collections, and much of its output is developed in collaboration with world-class creators and studios.

Instrument catalogue

The range is structured by sound type and by musical genre. Types include basses, brass, choir and vocals, drums, effects, experimental instruments, folk and world, guitars, percussion, piano and keys, strings, synths and woodwinds. Genres covered include cinematic, classical, country, dance, electronic, funk, hip-hop, jazz, pop and rock.

Orchestras and collaborations

The orchestral section is divided into symphonic, intimate, modular and free. The first features the BBC Symphony Orchestra, presented as the highest standard in orchestral sampling, the Spitfire Symphony Orchestra, described as the company's flagship orchestra, and Albion One, aimed at epic composer tools. The intimate section includes Chamber Strings, a detailed and versatile classic, and Studio Orchestra, with deep sampling and total control. In modular is Abbey Road Orchestra, the series for professional composers. The free option offers BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover and Spitfire Symphony Orchestra Discover as entry points to the world of orchestral scoring.

Among the collaborators who have taken part in instrument development are Abbey Road Studios, Eric Whitacre, Hans Zimmer, Hauschka, Gustavo Santaolalla, London Contemporary Orchestra and Ólafur Arnalds. Featured instruments such as Mervyn Warren Choir and Hearth and Hollow - Folk Accordian also appear.

Tools and resources for composers

The company makes available to users the Spitfire Audio App, the LABS+ service, education discounts, Spitfire Academy, the ThinkSpace Course, editorial content and installation guides. It also offers a product recommender in beta that suggests libraries based on a description of a mood, genre or instrument.

The site organises learning resources into three levels: beginner, for those seeking initial guidance through videos and suggested libraries; intermediate, for those wishing to advance in their composing journey; and professional, with more complex material and guidance videos for experienced musicians.

Featured products in the catalogue

The catalogue shows titles such as Spitfire Symphonic Extras, AIR Studios Reverb, Spitfire Swarms and Woodwind Evolutions, among others. Strings occupy a central place in the company's communication, with libraries such as Abbey Road Two: Iconic Strings Professional, Spitfire Appassionata Strings, Fractured Strings, Hans Zimmer Strings and Spitfire Chamber Strings, the latter also in a Professional version.

Activity and presence

Spitfire Audio Holdings Ltd is registered in England with company number 9857384 and VAT registration number GB985142009. The company operates from the United Kingdom and its online store shows prices in pounds sterling.