This library offers 20 velocity layers, which isn’t the most on our list, but it is one of the most expressive piano VSTs around. However, there are plenty of parameters to tweak if you want to do some slight editing or even make custom patches. Garritan CFX comes with a bunch of presets in three selectable microphone perspectives Classic, Contemporary, and Player.įor the most part, the presets sound outstanding without additional tweaking. It doesn’t hurt that Abbey Road boasts some of the finest recording engineers in the business. You get the natural acoustics of Studio A at Abbey Road Studios, but you also get some of the magic that comes from that monster Neve console.
The importance of the recording location for this piano VST cannot be understated. The Yamaha CFX is a nine-foot giant, and to make it that little more special, it was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios.
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Image credit: Garritan Check & Download Īs the name suggests, this library features the sampled sound of the iconic Yamaha CFX concert grand piano.
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Vienna Imperial isn’t currently available (at the time of writing), but will be readily available once compatible with the iLok License Management System. If you’re looking for something unique, it has an extra nine notes below the lowest A. It’s fair to say the magic in this piano VST comes from the stunning Bösendorfer. It also allows you to adjust the dynamic range, mechanical noise, and stereo width. It features a nice graphic EQ, along with some lovely convolution reverb types. The GUI isn’t as visually pleasing as some others, but it’s easy to navigate, and that’s the main thing. That articulate quality makes it ideal for mammoth orchestral scores, which is why it has become the choice of many film composers. That makes it one of the most articulate and cutting piano tones money can buy. When partnered with a high-quality, scaled hammer-action keyboard, Vienna Imperial gets remarkably close to the beautiful Bösendorfer sound. Vienna Imperial offers up to 100 velocity layers, providing one of the most expressive, dynamic, and authentic piano experiences you’ll ever get from software. Bösendorfer pianos were the only way to go for some of the most influential pianists of all time, like the late, great Oscar Peterson. One of the things that makes it special right off the bat is that VSL sampled the Bösendorfer Imperial 290-755. The Vienna Imperial from Vienna Symphonic Library would be top of many people’s lists, and it’s hard to disagree. Image credit: Vienna Symphonic Library Check & Download vsl.co.at But, the quality, attention to detail, and versatility make Keyscape our overall top pick.
If your only interest is the concert grand sound, there might be one or two better options, especially for classical players. Keyscape is slightly CPU-heavy and has an 80 GB library size. You can adjust the reverb, EQ, Compression, and perfectly modeled mechanical noise. The GUI is straightforward, and while Keyscape doesn’t offer editing as deep as some others, it has some handy controls. There’s plenty of depth in the bass, and everything above is crystal clear and rings out with a nice, natural decay. There are many C7 presets available, and they sound fantastic, even without any editing.
Keyscape is a sampled instrument with up to 32 velocity layers, which is incredibly impressive. Jim Wilson personally set up the C7 specifically for Keyscape to ensure the widest tonal spectrum and greatest dynamic range. This particular Yamaha C7 belongs to the renowned LA-based piano technician Jim Wilson. Keyscape refers to it as the LA Custom C7 because they sampled a model fitted with Renner “Blue Point” hammers with Weickert felt. The grand piano sampled by Spectrasonics is the Yamaha C7 concert grand. For us, the Acoustic Pianos, Clavinets, Key Bass, and Electric Pianos are the standouts. There are over 500 preset sounds suitable for just about every genre of music you can think of between all categories. The 36 featured keyboard instruments are split into the following categories: This process took many years to complete, and the results are stunning. Spectrasonics curated 36 of the world’s most sought-after keyboard instruments and expertly restored them to pristine condition before sampling them with incredible detail. It’s arguably the best-sounding piano VST on the market, but it’s by far the most versatile. Keyscape by Spectrasonics is our top pick for many reasons. Image credit: Spectrasonics Check & Download