Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
#326166 12/19/15 03:26 AM
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
DrDan Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
I long ago stumbled onto Pianoteq

Up until that time I was very happy with Coyote Forte for Piano. Still am for quick GM use. But Pianoteq blew me away. Night and day difference. So Piano in my DAW - is Pianoteq.

Then came a great sale on SampleTank 3 and the promise of an even better piano. Well that piano was no match for Pianoteq. More important, it was a cautionary note to not spend a lot of money on synth sounds as the improvement does not always meet the cost.

Now I got the bug again. I have been using EZKeys and really like the interface and midi flexibility. It integrates well with my workflow of BIAB and Reaper. But the sale I picked up came only with the Electric Pianos and I am jonesin (is that a word?) for the EZkeys Grand.

Anyone got any experience with Piano VSTi to help me make a decision? Do you have EZKeys Grand that we could exchange a side by side between it and Pianoteq?



Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper

Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,746
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,746
Hi, Dan!

I recently got the Classic Electrics from Sweetwater (What a great company! CS as good as PG!) - and because of issues with the original order (long story) I ended up getting the Grand and the Studio Grand, too....

(I got the Funk midi for $9, too! - no-brainer)...

I don't have time at the moment (honey-do list) but later today, I'll put up some examples of the Studio Grand (better than the Grand, I think) as well as other pianos that I have... I've been thinking of doing this anyway... have a new "piano shootout" here on the forum...

I'll also put up a midi file for anyone to download to show off what pianos they have - so they all play the same thing (again, later today)...

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
DrDan Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
hehe grin - you the man FJ. Great minds think alike.


Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper

Off-Topic
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,382
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,382
Have you listened to the IVORY piano collection?

http://synthogy.com/index.php/demos/grand-pianos#A

A piano player I was working with many years ago picked up one of the "lesser" Ivory piano packages and wow....what a difference in the sound quality of her tracks.

It's not cheap.... http://www.musiciansfriend.com/virtual-piano-software/synthogy-ivory-ii-grand-pianos .... but in this case, yes, it is worth the price of admission.

Last edited by Guitarhacker; 12/19/15 03:50 AM.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
DrDan Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
Have you listened to the IVORY piano collection?


Giving it a listen now - thanks for the referral.


Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker

It's not cheap....


Ouch...


Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper

Off-Topic
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,382
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,382
I would love, love, love to have Ivory,,,,, I might even spend more time playing the piano..... but... cost is a concern.

I settled on the Steinburg piano collection from Cakewalk. It's a sampled collection of 10 pianos designed to work with the Cakewalk Sound Center. It sells for $20 last time I looked. You need to run it with Cakewalk Sound Center, which is a synth included with MC7 which also sells for $20 last time I looked. $40 and you get a top notch DAW in the deal.

Not quite as good as the Ivory collection but for a guitar player who occasionally plays a piano part..... it works. Any time you hear ME playing a piano track in my songs, it is the Steinburg Concert Grand #1.

I used it at 3:23 to the end in this song Fools Errand It's fairly easy to hear it since the music is essentially stopped and the piano part is soloed briefly.

Last edited by Guitarhacker; 12/19/15 04:11 AM.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,746
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,746
Here is a page that we can use to test different pianos.

I have provided a snippet of MIDI that you should be able to download.
It is the opening of one of my songs.
(It was played by Garland Craft who toured with The Oak Ridge Boys for years).

http://floydjane.com/Songs/Piano.htm


I have used it to provide the sound of one of the 4Front TruePianos.
If others will use the MIDI file to show other pianos, I will put them up as well....

Send me your piano example. Below is my email address (put it back together)

floyd
@
floydjane.com

Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,746
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,746
At this point, you should see 4 choices...



http://floydjane.com/Songs/Piano.htm



TruePiano
Pianoteq (thanks, Dan!)
Studio One (the grand that comes with Studio One Professional)
EZKeys Studio Grand..


Anyone else?

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
DrDan Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
This is a great side by side comparison. Just what I needed to make a decision. I could rank them after only a few minutes of listening. Specially appreciated the ability to balance volumes for a better comparison.

My biggest question was how would EZKeys Studio Grand rank - and I can tell you it was one of my tops! Combine this with the midi content provided in the EZKeys package and it makes my decision easier.

Thanks for playing along FJ. Lets see what else we get.



Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper

Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,687
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,687
Oh boy. What a question. Go here and read about this subject for days:

http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/2708316/1

This is just one thread on Keyboard Corner. After some time on this forum I began to realize a lot of the posters there are true heavyweights. I'll see a little something mentioned about somebody and go, "Holy crap, he was on THAT album?" Or, "He just toured with WHO?"

Even among guys like these, there's no consensus. A lot of it depends on the specific material they're playing at one particular time. It will change for other stuff.

Bob


Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
DrDan Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
Oh, by the way for those interested: grin
Here is what I have so far!

#1, 2 AND 3 and 4 (in no order, would have to listen longer to separate)
TruePiano
Pianoteq
EZKeys Studio Grand
ST3


# 5
Studio One Grand

#6
Dimension Pro

Last edited by jazzmandan; 12/19/15 12:14 PM.

Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper

Off-Topic
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,382
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,382
I came to the conclusion many years ago that no one piano sample is the end all to be all. In the same way that one guitar and one amp will never fit every situation. Variety is the spice of life.

One song might need a specific tone that doesn't come close to working for the next song. While I like a sweet concert grand.... there are times when you need the sound of an upright.

Even with the 10 in the Steinburg package I have referenced, the 10 piano's all sound different and fit different usages.

Last edited by Guitarhacker; 12/19/15 09:04 AM.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,746
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,746
So there's no reason to test one against another because you have to buy them all.

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
DrDan Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
I came to the conclusion many years ago that no one piano sample is the end all to be all. In the same way that one guitar and one amp will never fit every situation. Variety is the spice of life.

One song might need a specific tone that doesn't come close to working for the next song. While I like a sweet concert grand.... there are times when you need the sound of an upright.

Even with the 10 in the Steinburg package I have referenced, the 10 piano's all sound different and fit different usages.


That don't really apply to me cause all the music I make sounds the same. grin


Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
DrDan Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
I passed ST3 on to FJ. I tried to use BIAB to play the midi with Coyote Forte but it would not work? Strange?


Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper

Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,746
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,746
Originally Posted By: jazzmandan
I passed ST3 on to FJ.


It should be out there. It's nice!


http://floydjane.com/Songs/Piano.htm

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
DrDan Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Originally Posted By: jazzmandan
I passed ST3 on to FJ.


It should be out there. It's nice!


http://floydjane.com/Songs/Piano.htm


Hey that is nice. I am surprised. crazy


Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper

Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,931
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,931
I would ask if you wouldn't mind taking this thread on a short side excursion, though it is related.

I have a little Akai MIDI keyboard on my desk. I only need it to hear an occasional pitch.

It works fine in BIAB, or in a DAW, but unless those are loaded, it makes no sound. Do any of these Virtual Pianos you are discussing work standalone? I want to load one in Windows, and have my Akai keyboard make a sound anytime, no matter what else is running. The ideal program would take very little in computer resources. Sound quality is not important, and all I need is a piano sound. I have searched but not found such a thing.

Thanks!

matt


BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
I also like "Alicia's Keys", available from Native Instruments (as a Kontakt instrument).


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA

BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
DrDan Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,450
I can play my Midiman 49 Keystation as an input directly into both ST3 and EZKeys which both have standalone versions. And I can also play through both as well as the Pianoteq via my DAW. Is that what you are asking? They all sound wonderful with a velocity sensitive keyboard.

Sorry Matt, a little change, but even better news - All three I mentioned have Standalone apps. So I can play my keyboard threw each without loading Reaper or BIAB or RB.


Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Video: Making a Song with Band-in-a-Box®, ChatGPT, and Synth V

Take your Band-in-a-Box® project to a whole new level when you incorporate ChatGPT and Synth V to add lyrics and vocals to your song!

We wanted to demonstrate how this is done with our video, where we show you how to go from nothing to a finished "radio ready" modern pop song by combining the features of Band-in-a-Box®, ChatGPT, and Synth V!

Listen to the finished song, so you get a listen to the finished product: https://demos.pgmusic.com/misc/behindthefame.m4a

If you like it, watch the video. Either way, let's hear your comments!

Henry Clarke: Revolutionize Your Band-in-Box® Tracks with Regenerating Function

One of the new features added with Band-in-Box® 2024 is the Tracks Window, which will look familiar if you've worked with other DAWs.

Henry Clarke explains why he loves the Re-generation function within the Tracks Window in their video Revolutionize Your Band-in-Box® Tracks with Regenerating Function.

Watch video.

Learn even more about what the Tracks Window can do with our video Band-in-a-Box® 2024: The Tracks Window.

User Video: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box®

The Bob Doyle Media YouTube channel is known for demonstrating how you can creatively incorporate AI into your projects - from your song projects to avatar building to face swapping, and more!

His latest video, Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box, he explains in detail how you can use the Melodist feature in Band-in-a-Box with ACE Studio. Follow along as he goes from "nothing" to "something" with his Band-in-a-Box MIDI Melodist track, using ACE Studio to turn it into a vocal track (or tracks, you'll see) by adding lyrics for those notes that will trigger some amazing AI vocals!

Watch: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box


Band-in-a-Box® 2024 German for Windows is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!

Wir waren fleißig und haben über 50 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 222 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, abspielbare RealTracks Set 3, abspielbare RealDrums Set 2, zwei neue Sets von "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 und mehr!

Paket | Was ist Neu

Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!

Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!

Learn more about this free update for PowerTracks Pro Audio & download it at www.pgmusic.com/support_windows_pt.htm#2024_5

The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!

The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!

Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.

This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245

The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option

Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!

Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!

For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.

Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.

Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!

Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.

Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,852
Posts738,028
Members38,599
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
WesleyHowie, 3DGtrman, longus, Jase Oz, RWSwan
38,598 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 168
rsdean 120
dcuny 106
DC Ron 105
Today's Birthdays
alfstone, DrDan, Oren Fisher, Pete b, soloman
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5