Modartt Pianoteq

The Pianoteq developers are approaching the virtual piano from the world of physical modeling. This approach does not rely on manipulating recordings of the individual notes of the piano but on mathematical models of the various physical aspects of the piano to create a more responsive and less static sound. This allows for a more responsive instrument that is affected by how the instrument is played by the musician.

The entire plug in wieghs in at aound 15mb and a majority of that is dedicated to presenting the images for the user interface while the remainder is dedicated to the actual code for the digital piano models..

Your Own Piano Factory

Pianoteq gives the user many areas where they can experiment with what makes a piano tick such as length of the strings, tuning, etc. it is like having your own virtual "piano factory" if you will.

Version 3 has recently been released introducing two new piano models and other enhancements to the user interface and other innovative additions providing for a major update. The original Pianoteq did not seem to have the full range of sound especially in the lower registers of the piano. Version 3 greatly improves on this. They have also included sounds to reflect some of the other mechanical characteristics of the piano such as pedal and damper effects adding to the realism of the instrument.

You are given several screens where you can modify a great number of aspects to how you want the piano to sound and play. you can adjust how hard the pianos hammers will be, how long the piano is (can you imagine a 30 foot grand piano?). It seems that if you can imagine it you can get pretty close using the toolkit Pianoteq provides for you.

Create Your Own Space

Not only are you given control over the physical aspects of the piano itself but Modartt has also provided the ability to set up your own recording enviroment in Pianoteq by providing you with a virtual microphone cabinet and performance hall.

This is a very interesting and exciting feature as you can place your instrument into this virtual performance space. Not only can you specify the number of microphones (up to 5) you have but you also have precise control over their placement and positioning in regards to the piano and performance space.

You can also configure things to reflect the players and/or listeners position to give you the exact type of sound you are looking for. This allows you to set Pianoteq up to adapt to many recording situations.

For instance you might want to hear the piano from the player's perspective while at other times you want to position things so that you can more accurately simulate the pianos position in a concert hall setting if you are using the sound along with other virtual orchestral instruments. It gives you the flexibility to adjust things to get the most desired result.

Blast From The Past

Version 3 also adds a new twist...vintage electronic keyboards. The Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric pianos have been staples in modern music for years the only problem has been of course the same as with an acoustic piano...size, weight and availability. I remember when I was in high school having to carry a Rhodes 72 suitcase piano with me when we played at various locations. Now I can pack all of the power of not only the acoustic piano but electric as well into one high quality virtual instrument.

The same holds true for the electric models of these vintage piano sounds. You have control of virtually every aspect the physical instrument would allow for giving you the power to shape your own unique tones and adapt to your playing preferences. The electric pianos are an additional purchase as an add-on to pianoteq but Modartt has been very generous in allowing you to test drive the additional pianos before you buy.

CONCLUSION

My first experiences with Pianoteq have been very positive. I have played many physically modeled pianos over the years and they have tended to sound like what I like to call sort of "glassy" and not very dynamic.

Pianoteq has taken the technology of physical modeling a huge leap forward and the end result is a very responsive instrument that gives you the ability to make it your own. The key to any instrument is to learn it and see what all it can do and then take that knowledge to create something that bears your personal signature.

Please visit the Pianoteq website for more information and pricing as well as to download a trial version so you can experience it for yourself.