VI Labs Modern D | First Impressions

[@craigsimmons-y7k]

I Recently purchased this and I love it. I have a vast selection of vst programs on a Mac M2 studio and this is definitely my favourite.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@craigsimmons-y7k yea it’s def a gem!

[@craigsimmons-y7k]

@@ChrisCadenhead thanks for the video. appriecated

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@craigsimmons-y7k you got it!

[@AndrewKesler]

Also just bought this, I'm blown away. Once you hone in your controller curve settings it's unbelievable

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@AndrewKesler UNBELIEVABLE!

[@AndrewKesler]

@@ChrisCadenhead You're a killer musician by the way! looking forward to following more of your journey! drop me a line if ever you're near Burbank!

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@AndrewKesler thanks for the kind words bro! I just started taking this KZbin thing seriously so let’s see where it goes. Man! A meet up of some sort would be so cool! Piano Nerds unite!!

[@AndrewKesler]

I’m on a gig with Jesse McGinty, he says “yo!”

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@AndrewKesler NO WAY!! Tell that foo I said waddup. Small world

[@matthewwhitaker4849]

Wow! Great playing sir! piano also sounds great! for me personally I love both Yamaha and Steinway, so I love having a wide selection of pianos for both studio and live use.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

Hey thanks man! Variety is the spice of life! What yamaha plug in do you like?

[@matthewwhitaker4849]

@@ChrisCadenhead Was referring to libraries that samples Yamaha pianos... for example, Acoustic Samples C7, Orange Tree Samples also has a C7. And then there's Keyscape, which fun fact has hammer felts like Steinway. And that piano rings out like you were demoing with Modern D... yes its a different vibe though. Ivery 3 also has great Steinways. Curious what you think about them.

[@matthewwhitaker4849]

Also UAD has a great Steinway B piano as well. Key Suite by UVI is also great and features different pianos.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@matthewwhitaker4849 all of the ones you mentioned are all great sounding with sustains and I like most of them…but I play a lot of staccato stuff and release samples are where the realism is found so I much prefer this over all of them.

[@The_Sonic_Oasis]

Came for the review, stayed for the playing🔥🔥🔥👌. Tip: You can use an external recorder or your phone to screen record your computer inorder to save on processor power. I use an app called USB Camera Pro with a HDMI capture card connected to my phone.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

Thanks so much! Ahhhh another device...brilliant. I'm using OBS to record all this stuff at once on my laptop ... but what I CAN do is use another computer here for the VI and record it's screen. Brilliant, thanks!

[@justin1603]

Well there are some amazing pianos outhere and i have alot of them and know the others This one is by far the best one.... Pricey but well ...its the best one

[@PASHKULI]

Thank you, Chris, for this demonstration!

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@PASHKULI my pleasure!! Be sure to see check out the full length review I just posted if you haven’t already ;)

[@albertoselvaggi]

hey nice playing! this piano sounds amazing, thx for the review!

[@ChrisCadenhead]

Thanks! Full Length review with chapters just posted if interested. My pleasure!

[@markfowlermusic]

Those treble melody notes that start at approx 2:22 unfortunately sound synthetic, a real acoustic wouldn’t sound anything like that, that’s a shame. The rest of modern D seems very good though, such as the bass notes, so not sure why they’d neglect the treble as much.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

I strongly disagree here…in my experience playing countless newer Model Ds lately they nailed the entire thing

[@markfowlermusic]

it sounds more like pianoteq basically at many sections in the upper register. The bass area is undeniably accurate, there’s no argument there at all, but I think like many VSTs and onboard samples there tends to be synthetic/digital sounding notes at certain velocities. I think it’s more KZbin compression and other artifacts when rendering maybe, who knows, but I can hear it.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@ I agree that at max velocity is where it starts to sound synthetic like most VSTs…in real life playing we barely ever reach FFF strikes unless we absolutely intend to. This is why it’s important to modify the velocity settings to accommodate. I still am tweaking mine to get most realistic playing experience. Thanks for the comment, Mark!

[@markfowlermusic]

Do you always use headphones for vst playing? As opposed to monitor speakers for example? I find headphones superior in that firstly no latency, and I’ve not found any speakers that come close to my audio technica m50s which I’ve had for years. Are yours the same as mine?

[@ChrisCadenhead]

Thanks for the comment! I actually use my monitors and sub mainly...I use headphones to record these videos but do agree that you really hear the detail up close in headphones. Yes. AT m50s...the earpads and head band are worn down and come off, looking like dandruff lol. I just ordered replacements and will do a review on those.

[@markfowlermusic]

@@ChrisCadenhead which monitors you use may I ask? I have iloud mtms but I prefer my audio technica m50 I think, maybe a more coloured less flat sound is more suited to my ears.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@markfowlermusic so my setup is a Universal Audio Apollo x6 out a pair of Adams T7Vs. My room is treated with John Hunter Acoustics panels (GoBos are behind me in my videos) which make a HUUUUUGE difference in the way the pianos sound and feel

[@andreievkalupniek5717]

Rachmaninov 🎉 great playing, I love the low octaves part. This seems to be indeed the “holy grail” for me. I was in the fence for years with the Ravenscroft because I have always loved Steinway.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

ha! I haven't played that since high school! Thank you for the compliment. I totally get it about the Ravenscroft...it's indeed a unique sound.

[@wavynocturne]

I just bought this vst myself recently and It feels even better than Garritan when the controller settings are dialed in. Still need to find my personal mic mix but it still sounds so crisp and real compared to many of the top vsts I've played. I own Ravenscroft too though never liked the way it's bass heavy, this vst sounds alot more even and clear, plus the way the pedal works? Top notch. Una Corda and a blend of Hammer and Room mics? Has that wondeful sound to it

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@wavynocturne I love the hammer mics! What controller are you using?

[@wavynocturne]

@ChrisCadenhead I'm using a digital piano myself as a controller, a Yamaha P155. Plan to upgrade to a roland rd2000 or a Kawai Vcp1, I think any higher end model digital would work even better too

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@wavynocturne oh cool. check out the Roland FP series…the newer ones allows for audio over usb so the VI comes out of the on board speakers which is great

[@seok84]

Was waiting for this video!! :)

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@seok84 the wait is over! Just posted full length review with presets and such. Lmk what you think!

[@jazzsingers]

Hello Chris, I`ve just bought this best virtuel piano and thank you for your real good impressions and your wonderful piano playing. I use the Yamaha CP 88 as well . I`ve one question, how did you adjust the velocity. Did you use it without changes. In my opinion it sounds not so intensive like your are playing. Thanks for your help. Uwe

[@ChrisCadenhead]

Hey man thanks for the kind comment. I think I was using the default curve … the more you play it the more you’ll adjust your technique to get what you want from it. I did, however, create a velocity preset I like even more for CP88 and will make a video about so you can download it

[@soothingsounds838]

Love this review!

[@MSM5500]

I got my Ravesncroft275 license like 10 years ago once it was released. It was the first and only piano that feels pretty much close to real one in terms feedback it gives via hands ans ears to a player's brain. I bough nearly all the major piano sample libraries available such as Kawai, Garritan, Imperfect Samples, C. Bechstein, Production Grand, Soniccouture Hammersmith, TrueKeys Pianos etc. but none of them were good at being played live. Vilabs Modern U was a real step-down from Ravenscroft275. So I gave up buying them then. But this one I'll buy for sure.

[@japrietoj]

Nice nice review! If this new Modern D is more playable than Ravenscroft and Garritan, we could be speaking of the dreamed 'Holy Grail'

[@ChrisCadenhead]

IMHO with some tweaking to our individual midi controllers this IS the Holy Grail!

[@andreievkalupniek5717]

Woohoo! I like that word “Holy Grail”. A few years ago I thought it would be Keyscape, then the Nord Stage 4. The Nord comes very close, love it. But a perfect Steinway is what I have been longing for decades.

[@napilopez]

Yep, it's the holy grail for me. Best of the Ravenscroft, Garritan, and VSL. I think I'm finally done looking for the ultimate VST.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@napilopez SO good, right?!

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@andreievkalupniek5717 I share this same sentiment with you…it’s funny, I brought my desktop PC to a gig with Mbox 1 and Studiologic VMK88 JUST to run Ivory lol…boy has technology changed our lives

[@anxiousproductions9183]

Hi. With regards to Steinway, what do u think of Pianoteq? Would value your opinion. Thank you.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

Hey! I used Pianoteq when it first came out and liked several things about it but there's just something about the overall timbre that just doesn't sit well with me.

[@hermancharlesserrano1489]

Beautiful!

[@ChrisCadenhead]

Right?!

[@JoseVGavila]

A new subscriber here, thanks for the review!

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@JoseVGavila Absolutely! Thanks for the sub and welcome

[@گلنوشناظمی]

finally a review (i haven't watched it yet but thank god anyway😂❤)

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@گلنوشناظمی lol yea man it’s really good…this is a sort of lighthearted first reaction…I posted another full length review linked at the end of this vid or in description. Lmk what you think of the library!

[@Banquet...]

Great video. You've kind of convinced me that I really want it, but don't need it (as I'm not a great player and my music doesn't usually prominently feature the piano). Do you think VI Labs Modern U is just as good (for an upright)?

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@Banquet... I hear you on that. The Modern U is just as exquisite as this is, to me. A lot of people won’t agree because they don’t like the sound of upright pianos in the first place. I will make a video about this for you. Cheers!

[@Banquet...]

@@ChrisCadenhead Thanks, that would be awesome! For the type of music I do, the more intimate sound of an upright would be fine. I still want the D though because it just sounds beautiful!

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@Banquet... Ok I got you. Well, who says you have to choose lol?!

[@Banquet...]

@@ChrisCadenhead Haha, I know, why choose when I can get both! :). And to be fair, I'm sure they're both well worth it.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@Banquet... They’re two different yet equally amazing instruments.

[@Pegaseus]

Chris, you’re a mad scientist too.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@Pegaseus haha thanks! …. Takes one to know one I guess (where’s the Einstein emoji?!)

[@Pegaseus]

@@ChrisCadenhead Not sure if you remember but we met briefly upstairs at The Troubadour in September of 2019 after you played for Jaden. I remember being blown away by your accompaniment skills and choice of chords and progressions and asked you how long you’d played at church cuz I could hear the gospel influence. You’ve got a passion for music and it shows. Anyway, I’m glad to see you on KZbin doing your thing and wish you all the success in the world.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@Pegaseus I absolutely remember!! Great hearing from you and thanks so much for the well wishes, man!

[@markaprill6501]

I’m new here…do you use Pianoteq 8 ……..Ravenscroft is my favorite but I switch back and forth. What controller are you using. Is this just Ravenscroft with a Steinway sample or is there some advancements in the technology. I am subbed I will check out your other videos. You have some serious piano skills….those headphones are fine but for somebody with your talent level and interest in sound quality get yourself a fancy pair of headphones for Christmas or your birthday….It literally changed my life. Thanks for the review…have a nice day. Edit: prelude In c# minor sounded good you could have pulled it off like you wanted to stop and didn’t forget it… I love that song. Your Jazz demo was great.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@markaprill6501 thanks for the sub and welcome to the community! I’m using the Yamaha CP88 here. I will do a video on the differences between pianos but at a glance, this is far superior in terms of not only number of samples and such but programming. I only use these headphones because they are white lol. DT770s are my main headphone of choice. Thanks for the kind words on the playing!

[@aselma10]

Thays great but my mac refuses to install their installer amd their tech supportt is slow

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@aselma10 I’m sorry to hear about this. They are a small team but I hope they help you resolve it quickly.

[@chris1.2]

I don't understand what is impressive about some softwares ability to select the most accurate sample that matches the key played in velocity and damp then pass it through an envelope of attack, delay, sustain, release, some reverb. That's very few parameters when you think about it. Not surprised it sounds so real.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

The thing is...There is a connection between what we the player expect when we hear the sound of the real thing in our heads (in this case a Steinway) to what we actually hear, and more importantly FEEL, when we play software. You'd think it's as simple as you describe to achieve...but there's more to the story. There's a feeling involved. Some developers have certain expertise in knowing how to achieve that "feeling" in the software and others do not.

[@markaprill6501]

This video is probably not for you. This is a big deal and if you play the piano you would understand.

[@chris1.2]

@@markaprill6501 I do understand the feeling, but at the same time it doesn't surprise me. I researched a long time before buying a modern hardware synth that had a great piano. Looked into NI s virtual grand piano that sounded nice, then I came across Rolands supernatural piano in the FA range. Sounded great and it also had loads of other very realistic instruments and thousands of legacy sounds all stuffed into one workstation, so financially it won. The computing power is ridiculous now, for instance...that FA synth is probably ten years old now but its still impressive to me that each voice can be made up of 16 individual voices each with individual effects and then placed into a song that can have 16 of them playing all at once. So that's 256 individual voices with individual effects all at once. My main point is that there aren't that many parameters beside the sampling of the real instrument so it's not surprising really...the actual real instrument is a work of art. Hearing the hammer, the weight of the keys, even what the keys are made from is part of the experience. The dry feel in comparison to a plastic controller key. So I do understand, I even artificially add tape noise to my tracks to degrade things 😄

[@bg357wg]

If it’s really as simple as you describe I wonder why not everyone has been able to replicate the full piano experience in VST….there’s a lot more than the ones you list I’m sure

[@chris1.2]

@@bg357wg yes there's probably loads of them. The winners are using sampled sounds of real pianos, like this VI Labs and the Native Instruments Grand . So hundreds of samples per key at various expressions, with the exception of the attack/decay/sustain/release envelope that amazingly is working in real time as you play. The effort is in the recording process i imagine. There is some free vst substitutes just using wave forms that with reverb sound pretty good. CV piano...a bit clunky but has the hammer retracting sound. Keyzone Classic piano is good enough to actually use in a track, but for something with piano as the main instrument I end up using the hardware Roland Supernatural piano.

[@christiangutfleisch]

una corda = 1 of 2 strings and 2 of 3 strings

[@ChrisCadenhead]

Ah yes! Thank you. I was thinking of early piano design with only 2 strings and mixed it up there. Cheers!

[@casualintrovert207]

Now compare this to pianoteq which is only around 100mb or less in size and sounds just as good with infinite velocity levels and the ability to adjust the sound however you want. sampling is DEAD!

[@ChrisCadenhead]

Thanks for the feedback! I would argue "sounds just as good" here

[@mollykeyzz8330]

compared to pianoverse???

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@mollykeyzz8330 hmmm I haven’t played that one personally. Have only heard demos. I’m very critical of staccato performance and playability but from the tone alone pianoverse seems to be nice

[@mollykeyzz8330]

@@ChrisCadenhead wow tht was fastest reply have got ......kudos just bought pianoverse but still feel unsatisfied am a gospel pianist and its all about the piano and this vst is resonating but can it be used as standalone just dont like the idea of using DAW

[@ChrisCadenhead]

lol I had my phone in hand. Yea man this is a beast for gospel or any genre for that matter. See my latest vlog (gospel) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHqmiJJomrNpjKc

[@ChrisCadenhead]

...and yes UVI Workstation (host) runs standalone

[@markaprill6501]

C minor bro.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@markaprill6501 C for Chris!

[@Nico-rw2tl]

It's true that it's clinical and clean to the ear, except that it's always the same thing, the sound result is totally frozen and it generates a lot of frustration for me. Even if Pianoteq is still much less flattering to the ear, it is infinitely more interesting to play because it is capable of nuances that this Mordern D is incapable of approaching. Pfff, life is unfair...

[@kamarwashington]

200$ isn’t bad either

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@kamarwashington especially for this…$249 will be regular price after intro pricing

[@MrGadaga]

This video is totally OVERHYPED. I bought it and am quite deceived. I also own the vienna symphonic piano library of the Steinway D and the Pianoteq 8.3 version of it. I would rate both these two higher than this VI Labs version. What seems to also be lacking is note per note editing in order to compensate for room acoustics

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@MrGadaga thanks for watching! I’m curious, how much experience do you have playing New York Steinway Ds in real life?

[@MrGadaga]

@@ChrisCadenhead Hi Chris. You certainly got more experience than me. No doubt. But I compare the different VST's and how much I appreciate them... Did you play a vienna symphonic Steinway vst? And a question please : do you confirm that individual notes (volume, timbre etc) cannot be tuned in the VI Labs version? Thanks to you!

[@ChrisCadenhead]

I hear you on the VI comparisons. I’m not a fan of the VSL stuff, (I’ve only played the Imperial) myself from the timbre alone…same with Pianoteq and I have owned and played it during the Ivory days. … the thing about this particular Steinway that has me hyped is how close they came to the playing experience of a real NY (new ownership) Steinway, which I have a lot of experience with. What features specifically do you rate on the ones you mentioned to be higher than Moden D? As for tuning, you can change the tuning of certain notes across their octaves but not timbres (not sure how I would use that feature anyway). Thanks for taking the time to comment!! Cheers

[@MrGadaga]

@@ChrisCadenhead Thanks for your reply. What I'm looking for at the moment is to ajust the volume on a note per note basis (so not some equiliser or something done on an octave per octave basis). That's in order to compensate for my specific room acoustics and for the dips and highs in response of my monitor speakers. Ps: what monitors and soundcard do you use? How do you set buffferlength to 32? I can't get lower than 64 (my ASIO4ALL driver has no option to set it to 32, even though my PC could handle it). Thanks

[@ChrisCadenhead]

​​⁠I don’t think I understand your issue as room acoustics have nothing to do with any software adjustments and everything to do with acoustic treatment. I use UA Apollo interfaces and Adams monitors but my room is treated with John Hunter acoustic panels

[@dionxu]

Anyone know whats the beautiful song title at 14:20? Sounds like a Sinatra.

[@Dylanguitar69]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smile_(Charlie_Chaplin_song)

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@dionxu Smile by Charlie Chaplin

[@dionxu]

Thank you so much. I realized I heard a version by Nat King Cole. A masterful rendition Chris!! Superb

[@ChrisCadenhead]

@@dionxu Yes there are many great versions :) Hey thanks so much, that’s very kind.