Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 103
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 103
Dear All,

I found that Miles Black (among other pianists) provided Songs to demo the quality of Modartts physical modeled Pianos. He is often found in the Blues cathegory.

Have a look here if you like: https://www.modartt.com/pianoteq_instruments

Choose one of the Pianos (e.g. Bechstein) and you find some of his contributions.

Enjoy


Band in a Box UltraPak 2026, Fender Studio Pro, Fender Notion, NI Komplete Audio 6, Nektar Panorama P6, KAWAI VPC1, Presonus Atom, Win 10 64 Pro
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,727
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,727
Those pianos sound very real to my ears, but I am not a pianist so I will await one of their opinions.
Those EPs and vibes sounded excellent also.
Thanx for sharing.


I arrived early to a restaurant.
The manager asks, "do you mind waiting a bit?"
I said no.
"Good", he said. "Take these drinks to table 3"

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,961
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,961
Big Fan of Pianoteq. Never regretted the purchase.


Retired to Make Music - No Plan B
My SoundCloud
Preview My Current Project .

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 103
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 103
I can hardly call myself a pianist. Started playing with retirement and still get the grasp of it after 3 years practicing. But pianoteq helped a lot along the way. Not for the sound alone but the pianos respond so subtle to my playing - I can feel a connection with the Instrument I never had with sample libraries (And I have played with a lot of high quality ones). You have to try to understand. And trial is for free.


Band in a Box UltraPak 2026, Fender Studio Pro, Fender Notion, NI Komplete Audio 6, Nektar Panorama P6, KAWAI VPC1, Presonus Atom, Win 10 64 Pro
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 472
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 472
Originally Posted by Uncle Paul
I can hardly call myself a pianist. Started playing with retirement and still get the grasp of it after 3 years practicing. But pianoteq helped a lot along the way. Not for the sound alone but the pianos respond so subtle to my playing - I can feel a connection with the Instrument I never had with sample libraries (And I have played with a lot of high quality ones). You have to try to understand. And trial is for free.
Two of the biggest advantages of a modeled piano/keyboard virtual instrument like Pianoteq are the small load size and RAM requirements, and the number of velocity layers. Using current MIDI 1.x, you have OFF (0) plus 127 velocity levels. With sampled libraries, I'm going to guess that 8 layers plus 3-4 round robins would be a LOT, resulting in a huge library.

I spent a lot of money to get a 2 TB Thunderbolt 3 SSD for my sample libraries, and have two 2 TB USB3.2 SSDs for other things. Pianoteq is small enough to just reside in my VST folder on my internal 1 TB SSD.

There have been major improvements in sound quality as Pianoteq has advanced through major versions. It just keeps getting better. Even the entry level Pianoteq Stage version is super usable and plays ALL of the available instruments. If you have no need or desire to tweak things, that's all you'll ever need. Except for buying additional instruments. cool

Pianoteq Stage by Modartt

I "only" have 8 instrument packs plus the freebies, but I'm certain that number will grow. wink

C. Bechstein DG, Steinway Model D, U4 upright piano, YC5 rock piano, Petrof AP275 + P284, Blüthner Model 1, Grotrian Concert Royal, Electric pianos

Pianoteq Free Instruments

EDIT: OK, make that 9 instrument packs. I just bought the new Classical Guitar pack. That's what I get for clicking around on Modartt's website.

Last edited by TheMaartian; 02/11/24 09:50 AM.

ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra
Studio Pro 8; Tonalic Studio 1; Reaper v7; Bitwig Studio 6; Melodyne Studio 5
Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 103
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 103
And while there is really no need to tweak things, for those with a desire to do so, it is amazing what you can do.
It is almost (when having the Pro Version) like you could build your own piano from scratch.
And there is more, also physical models of many microphones are ready to deploy and to place them at any distance, position and height in a virtual environment.


Band in a Box UltraPak 2026, Fender Studio Pro, Fender Notion, NI Komplete Audio 6, Nektar Panorama P6, KAWAI VPC1, Presonus Atom, Win 10 64 Pro
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,205
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,205
I'm not a pianist, but I've played pianos a lot. wink

It and small and painless install. If you're even curious, I'd suggest downloading it.

The biggest problem I can see is that it's got way too many expansion packs. So if you've got GAS, be prepared to go broke if you like the sound. laugh

For a while It was stopping and complaining that the CPU was maxing out, even though the polyphony was only about 10 voices and Task Manager said that the CPU usage was only at 50%. It turned out I had my audio running through RealPhones (studio specialization simulator). Once I turned that off, the problem went away.

I wasn't entirely convinced I was playing an actual pianos. It seems there's something lacking in the tone.

On the other hand, it's got a nice sound and is very playable. And that's what really matters, right?

There seem to be enough options in the Stage version for most people. Heck, you can even set the level of disrepair for the piano, which is very cool.


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,662
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,662
Originally Posted by dcuny
I'm not a pianist, but I've played pianos a lot. wink

It and small and painless install. If you're even curious, I'd suggest downloading it.

The biggest problem I can see is that it's got way too many expansion packs. So if you've got GAS, be prepared to go broke if you like the sound. laugh

For a while It was stopping and complaining that the CPU was maxing out, even though the polyphony was only about 10 voices and Task Manager said that the CPU usage was only at 50%. It turned out I had my audio running through RealPhones (studio specialization simulator). Once I turned that off, the problem went away.

I wasn't entirely convinced I was playing an actual pianos. It seems there's something lacking in the tone.

On the other hand, it's got a nice sound and is very playable. And that's what really matters, right?

There seem to be enough options in the Stage version for most people. Heck, you can even set the level of disrepair for the piano, which is very cool.
I agree with most of that, though I think the expansion packs issue only applies if you want multiple up-market pianos models. You get two of your own choice bundled with the STAGE version anyway, and there are also a few free packs. I think it inclused demos of everything, so one can do plenty of try-before-you-buy. There are (to me, at least) some interesting historical pianos included free.

I rather like the "condition" control. It can adjust the piano model from "Mint" to "wor" and moving it just a little away from Mint can make the pioano sound more real. YMMV.

Last edited by Gordon Scott; 02/12/24 03:11 AM. Reason: Used Pianoteq's own words for condition, rather than my words.

Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,205
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,205
Originally Posted by Gordon Scott
You get two of your own choice bundled with the STAGE version anyway, and there are also a few free packs
Yeah, I was being just a bit glib about that point.

And each Instrument Pack comes with a bunch of variations of the basic instrument (typically Intimate, Pop, Jazz, Felt, etc.). But each piano retains its specific character, so it's good to be able to explore the various pianos before making a decision.

And that feature - the ability to play with everything before making a purchase decision - is pretty awesome. smile


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!

All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!

It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.

What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!

The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.

The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos

With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.

Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.

Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.

Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.

Holiday Weekend Hours

As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:

April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours

Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!

— Team PG

Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!

If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!

If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,237
Posts802,234
Members40,072
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
geswho22, Orchestr8, dimtass, Quamido Pirendo, Allan63
40,071 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 129
zedd 111
DC Ron 94
rsdean 90
Noel96 68
Today's Birthdays
Albisa
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5