Keyscape VST Vs The Nord Stage 3 - Can a Virtual Instrument Keep Up with the Real Deal?

[@RabihRihana]

If Spectrasonics make a stage piano that includes all keyscape sounds (+ added new ones exclusively for the hardware) and has nice keybed handpicked by Eric Persing.....it will be GAME OVER.

[@dashman26]

Rabih Rihana #FACTS

[@94mac]

That would blow up the music industry lol

[@austinbiel]

It would be too expensive, because the processing power and memory required to run Keyscape would be WAY more expensive in a standalone piece of electronics versus living inside a computer you already own.

[@SeeBread]

@@austinbiel Not necessarily. Computer processors running VSTs are inherently quite inefficient because CPUs have to be able to do anything you throw at them, be that video rendering, gaming, graphic design, whatever. Digital stage pianos are built on an entirely different engine and programming structure and can be streamlined for that purpose only. As a result you can achieve the same effective processing power for, say, simulating a piano, with a significantly less expensive hardware. Add in economies of scale and I think it is financially feasible. (not to say it wouldn't be an expensive bit of kit if it was made)

[@austinbiel]

@@SeeBread Understood - considering striking the words "processing power" from my previous comment. Full version requires 80GB of space, Lite version 30GB. Ok, so maybe a USB stick is fast enough to hold all of that and stream it? But that is a ton of memory for sounds for a keyboard. Consider that most hardware keyboards compress their samples to save on space, and now add the processing power to not only uncompress those samples on the fly, but AT A MUCH HIGHER RESOLUTION and FAR LARGER samples for every note than what typical hardware keyboards use. I'm not an expert, but that does seem a tall-ish order. And then, if I'm Spectrasonics, maybe my hardware keyboard would/should have sounds from all of their products - Stylus RMX, Omnisphere, etc. and now maybe you gotta just do a subset of those sounds to fit, and on and on. My guess given Spectrasonics history that if they ever did a dedicated hardware keyboard, they would either make it synth-wet-dream CS-80-ish kind of product or it would be an entirely new animal. They are certainly innovative in their stance, and they haven't done a whole lot of repackaging old products in the last few years/..... I dunno - fun thought and conversation to have, tho

[@michaelekwulugo8659]

This guy must have played in church at some point or another because every time I hear him play, I want to pray 🤣🙏🏾🙌🏾🔥

[@vrod2144]

lol exactly!

[@gabbishleegifted4752]

Yeah he always throws some gospel soul in his mixes I feel

[@kambata1]

Michael Ekwulugo you should hear me

[@cameron357]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@godisbollocks]

Lots of triads. That's the sound of gospel piano.

[@ReallyDudeYouGottaHearThis]

Keyscape is out of this world.

[@ZyroPapuchon18]

JESUS CHRIST died for you on a cross for our sins. 3 days after his death he resurrected and is The TRUE LIVING GOD. In a prayer repent from your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior in a prayer and also ask for the HOLY SPIRIT to come into you in that same prayer as well. Have FAITH in CHRIST. You could come to Jesus Christ as you are, but once you accept Him, you have to become new, change, and be born again, and turn away from all wicked ways. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God Bless You. JESUS CHRIST IS COMING BACK SOON.

[@TonyAndersonMusic]

That’s Jim Wilson’s C7 in keyscape - it’s gorgeous. I have the pleasure of having Jim as my piano tech and friend. Every time he comes over to tune he does an equal dose of tuning and voicing to my piano and makes it more beautiful to play each time. The nord sounds like bright tin compared to the C7. Unreal.

[@ZyroPapuchon18]

JESUS CHRIST died for you on a cross for our sins. 3 days after his death he resurrected and is The TRUE LIVING GOD. In a prayer repent from your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior in a prayer and also ask for the HOLY SPIRIT to come into you in that same prayer as well. Have FAITH in CHRIST. You could come to Jesus Christ as you are, but once you accept Him, you have to become new, change, and be born again, and turn away from all wicked ways. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God Bless You. JESUS CHRIST IS COMING BACK SOON.

[@madrums007]

No, he's not​@@ZyroPapuchon18

[@TheAwesomeGuy101]

Keyscape, Omnispehere... One of the Best in the Industry.... Pick any Keyboard with a good key feel and you are good to go.

[@Elazarko]

Any recommendation for a good 73/76 key keyboard/synth/piano with the main priority being the keybed feel for around $1000?

[@edunabie]

@@Elazarko +1 on this.... i'm on the eternal hunt for a decent 73 board for use with keyscape. I think the best bet atm is a yamaha cp73, I imagine it might be great for electric piano, so so for acoustic. I'v even considered chopping down a cp88!

[@TheAwesomeGuy101]

@@Elazarko Hmm... How about a Juno DS 88? It has internal sounds in it... and It's a Juno. So expectation for that is quite well. Jack Reviewed it here in the Channel. Take a look at it. If you are a Yamaha Fan then try the new MODX6 Series. Just don't buy a regular midi keyboard IMO. =)

[@galastar257]

Eli K Yamaha CP73 with Keyscape in standalone mode through the Cp73 audio interface works superbly on my 2015 MacBook Pro with Mojave, no sound or stability issues. And only 1 usb lead required. Also as there plenty of knobs, buttons and switches available I have mapped many to Keyscape controls, which makes it feel more like hardware.

[@gabrielsolano499]

@@galastar257 im looking into the cp73 how do you like the key action?! i have a ds88 and it feels like the keys take forever to come back up

[@lovejazzloverap]

The feeling I had when I played the keyscape library through a pro keybed for the first time is unmatched. Nord is convenient in terms of portability, but sound wise? It's not even close imo

[@captainpawpawchannel]

Nordlead synths are hyper overrated in my opinion...

[@andressolar517]

i always thought mine (NS288) was defective for having hardly any dynamics.

[@theclaverman]

Both thumbs up!

[@ZyroPapuchon18]

JESUS CHRIST died for you on a cross for our sins. 3 days after his death he resurrected and is The TRUE LIVING GOD. In a prayer repent from your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior in a prayer and also ask for the HOLY SPIRIT to come into you in that same prayer as well. Have FAITH in CHRIST. You could come to Jesus Christ as you are, but once you accept Him, you have to become new, change, and be born again, and turn away from all wicked ways. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God Bless You. JESUS CHRIST IS COMING BACK SOON.

[@ZyroPapuchon18]

@@captainpawpawchannel JESUS CHRIST died for you on a cross for our sins. 3 days after his death he resurrected and is The TRUE LIVING GOD. In a prayer repent from your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior in a prayer and also ask for the HOLY SPIRIT to come into you in that same prayer as well. Have FAITH in CHRIST. You could come to Jesus Christ as you are, but once you accept Him, you have to become new, change, and be born again, and turn away from all wicked ways. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God Bless You. JESUS CHRIST IS COMING BACK SOON.

[@johnnulf624]

I have Keyscape and when you play the low end softly, the harmonic richness and depth is orgasmic. In my opinion, Keyscape and Nord are both industry leaders for piano sounds.

[@michaelhershenov]

did you really say orgasmic

[@johnnulf624]

@@michaelhershenov 😩💦

[@bblix]

For a better comparison, you should have recorded MIDI from the Nord and played it back on both Keyscape and Nord: #1 recording MIDI while listening to the Nord #2 recording MIDI while listening to Keyskape. Then playing MIDI back on each, switching A/B etc.

[@AynsleyGreen]

Now we're asking the real questions. What makes Keyscape sound excellent in the studio is its hindrance in a live context - too much lows, noise, stereo trickery, 'detail' - I found I had to tweak most of that out to get it to work live. No such problem with the Nord. Not to mention the absolute ballache of gigging with a laptop (did it for years, just ain't reliable enough). Nowadays my Nord lives in the car, wheels out and is set up in

[@Joshua308]

I never cut through the mix when using keyscape or other VST

[@AynsleyGreen]

@@Joshua308 Right? There's just something fundamentally different with VSTs - maybe it's how the DAC/amp stage of keyboards are designed vs. How a studio interfaces sound

[@RamonRodgers]

I do not care how much the Nord boards cost. Its not enough to get me to claim it sounds better. It doesn't. Keyscape sounds way better, more options, more versatile and a TENTH of the cost! I personally can design a redundant, road-ready, reliable system with extremely fast load times. I can include all my favorite Keys libraries, a DAW that does EVERYTHING, two laptops, and two controllers... And still cost less than the Stage 3!

[@daniels.3818]

100% true man. I have a stage 2, and recently got keyscape. All I can say is wow. Keyscape was like an emotional experience for me. Its just so real. The nord at first was like that. But after hearing it for 7 years and then going to keyscape it was like all over again for me. Plus like you said, it loads fast and the midi part is just a complete life changing product

[@zamora_5312]

Exactly. I personally own a 2019 Macbook Pro 16 with 1TB & 16Gb of ram, Apollo MKII, keyscape & Omnisphere 2 & last but not least a yamaha YC88 with that awsome NWGH keybed. Its game over man the best of both worlds. Perfect for worship service.

[@ericfricke4512]

Not everyone wants to fire up their laptop every time they wanna practice or play a gig.

[@RamonRodgers]

Anyone willing to pay 10X times the cost for anything with not even half the quality of the alternative, just for the convenience of having it one minute faster, please raise your hand! I know there are countless corporations like McDonalds that would LOVE to know how to make 10 times the money for producing less...

[@JamalCorrie]

@@RamonRodgers I literally spent the past few days looking at different plugins and gear so I can make my work flow faster and more efficient 😂 it’s impossible not to chase efficiency

[@evanclosser]

the half step transposition trips me out so much during the overhead shots 🤣

[@jeremiahchaney3609]

So. I have both! I have a Nord Piano 3 (amazing) and Keyscape. Here’s the truth. Keyscape is amazingly realistic when it comes to sound quality. Probably the warmest and most in depth piano library out currently in terms of richness. However, it doesn’t behave exactly like a piano should. It doesn’t have sympathetic resonance (unless you can tell me where it is because I PROMISE YOU, I’ve searched Hi and Lo and found nothing. And String Resonance is a BIG deal when it comes to playing piano when it comes to FEEL. The Newer Nords that are able to use the more recent sound library, are EXTREMELY great when it comes to how they feel. Playing Nord SOUNDS make you wanna play. That’s my 2 cents lol

[@occipitalknot]

Nord has fantastic build quality, but can't hang with the sheer size, expressiveness or tone quality of Keyscape

[@iammusic1950]

Facts. As a Nord and Keyscape Owner, Keyscape has way more depth in their sounds...but it unlike Nord their sounds are not compressed for hardware piano use. This allows for so much more expression to be heard in every note, pedal noise, reverb, lid depth..etc.

[@floridaessene]

Nord is not even close in sound quality and usability in the studio. Keyscape wins!

[@alphasxsignal]

Plastic keys

[@fffantasticboom]

Let’s not overrate their build quality.

[@tuneunleashed]

I disagree.

[@jgooch99]

I’ve heard Nords many times and it seemed like I was hearing the room more than in the Keyscape patches. Both are great!!

[@phiterphil]

Woah! Super cool hearing them side by side. NORD sounds great at gigs. Keyscape is perfect for the studio.

[@zvibtm1]

Hi. Can't i do Keyscape in gigs and make it like Nord some how?

[@ZiwaHD]

@@zvibtm1 Absolutely however the experience of immediacy /latency maybe an issue

[@GG-zt1nt]

@@zvibtm1 you can but i dont think its worth it

[@NoahWonder]

It looks like the bright filter on the Nord was turned on most of the time. Maybe that is why it was more bright...

[@pobbob335]

Well spotted, didnt notice til u said

[@TheAwesomeGuy101]

Yep it's on by default, I think Jack forgets it hahaha! Anyways it was really a big difference when I hear the modeling of Keyscape, it's far beyond Nord IMO since you can hear the depth of it and how the frequencies react in each patch.

[@AlexanderNagel]

Transpose +1 was also on. He played D major, we heard Eb major ;)

[@soundsfromblackandwhite2651]

Not Maybe... I use the Nord often and this makes a huuuuugeeee different :///

[@94mac]

Alexander Nagel it was the same key

[@aaronbarber6238]

I own the Stage 3, I really thought about getting Keyscape, I went with the Nord because I knew my CPU would hate me, my huge chords, scale runs, and organ slides, the Nord is totally independent of a computer, and I can warm up while my computer boots up, the dials and knobs are right in front of me. No menu diving, no audio drop outs or crackles, and the pitch bend is to die for. This move actually inspired me to invest in nothing but hardware from here on out, and with the right Midi routing, my computer can play the Nord and my interface can capture any corrections I’ve made to the performance. I found out recently that all the knobs can be automated within the daw, I have no regrets. I feel I’d eventually get worn out by CPU issues, storage, and the vst working when it wants to. My Nord won’t do me like that. Awesome comparison, Keyscape does sound amazing though, especially the Rhodes. I guess my issues are more with computers than the VST itself.

[@gusmoretta]

I had the same thoughts, but then still bought keyscape and omnisphere to supplement my NS3. I still use both regularly, but it only got better than I got a higher cpu/ram MacBook Pro

[@aaronbarber6238]

Heard, I’ll definitely look into beefing up my computer down the road, so it can really handle those VSTs. Spectronics makes killer sounds. Nothing kills inspiration like audio drop out, I’m also using OBS to create piano lessons so far the Nord has been amazing for that use too. Next goal: Buy a better PC.

[@toadovision1]

I have the S3 88 and find the sound compressed, I can't get the feel of a solid piano. Last night I found its "Instant Calypso' preset, the piano sound is different sounding to the others and for the life of me I cannot see why, far punchier. For me, hardware beats computers for instant access, speed and reliability, but the Keyscape did sound great, maybe they could make a box with audio out, midi in and iPad support to control it? That would be great

[@willsteadmusic]

Jack Duxbury, a masterclass in playing with feel. What a class act.

[@soundsfromblackandwhite2651]

Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech: Man I like you pretty well, but man please check the settings of your Nord... Noah Wonder said it too. The Bright Filter and your Transpose was on. Sounds like nothing but this Filter (Transpose too) makes a huuugeee different. And if you compare, the Settings of Keyscape are the most time with effect (Rock Piano= Compression etc.), then pleeaasee give the Nord the chance to use the Comp too But actually I like your video...Sorry for my bad Englisch XD

[@DarrenJuniper]

Would like to see Jack do a deep dive with Keyscape, love his playing!

[@naturalrestingface4909]

Keyscape all day long...Not cheap but a great recording tool. I was not expecting such a difference between the two pianos but wait 'til you hear the electrics!

[@MuadDib74]

I'm a guitarist who messes around with keyboard for a laugh. Keyscape makes me sound good. 5 stars!!

[@AlexG-bc7ji]

Keyscape crushes Nord in every dimension but I'd rather just use hardware sounds when playing live for convenience. VSTs are usually best left in the studio.

[@bunjumun]

funny, i feel the opposite way. keep the hardware safe at home and use the softsynths live because you are only subjecting a replaceable midi controller to road abuse.

[@ideskoservitorirecordstudi1343]

VST best plugin for my nice in studio

[@MichaelHattem]

Been waiting for a video like this. If you’re gigging, the Nord is the best compromise between convenience and sound quality (the brightness and compression serves that purpose) and that’s what you’re paying for. But if you’re recording or just playing at home for pleasure or recording, Keyscape + great controller all the way. Do the EPs!

[@nachoseret5480]

I'd love to see the Electric Piano sounds compared between the two.

[@OvidiuBolocan]

You can't compare them man. When you play keyscape EPs for a while, nord EPs just sound childish

[@nachoseret5480]

​@@OvidiuBolocan Well said! I did not own Keyscape when I commented, but now having tried both I'm quite disappointed by the Nord. Also, the EPs on my Kronos beat the hell out of the Nord's as well.

[@dailyrum2203]

That Outro tone was beautiful 💙 Thanks for this. It was really informative and inspiring at the same time.

[@AndertonsKeyboardDept]

You're welcome! We are glad you enjoyed the video...

[@floridaessene]

@@AndertonsKeyboardDept Hi Jack, you can use the 'Macs Fan Control' application to control the annoying fan speed :-)

[@EwanMarsh1]

Needed to hear the Rhodes!

[@tunjioluwajuyemi]

Maybe it ‘s the default settings on Keyscape, but the Nord sounds more set to cut through the mix. Typical of a good keyboard to be set for cutting through the mix in a loud band. Keyscape sounds warm, up close and personal, all in a high quality way but maybe with settings to make it cut through a band’s mix, it can replace the default Nord sound quality.

[@paulduarte2261]

The Nord patches are so phenomenal!

[@hugoriders]

I own Keyscape, it’s great specially combined with Omnisphere but Garritan CFX made me fall in love. The low end on the Garritan it’s the best I’ve heard in a VST.

[@devidasa9637]

Yes, but have you heard the new VSL Bösendorfer Concert Grand 290 Imperial? YT search it with Jordan Rudess. Mind blowing. Hide your wallet.

[@Fallingoverbackwards]

This was SO good !! Would love to hear electric pianos, yes please

[@Miksy42]

I'd love to see a comparison between some of the electric pianos from the two of them

[@MartinDHayes]

I love both, for different reasons. The Keyscape has a much "fuller" sound than the Nord, whereas the Nord would "cut" thru on a live mix. For my applications, the Keyscape wins, for price if nothing else. These are my opinions. Thanks for the video!!

[@dreamwishaudio7019]

Keyscape is smooth. It speaks to my soul. It's round. It's so deep and feels so real. Nord is a very well build machine for live and better of its competitors in every way but not even close to the human touch of Keyscape.

[@prorecordist4753]

Eric Persing was a chief sound designer for Roland before he left to form his own company and produce Keyscape and Omnisphere among other products. I've often thought that Omnisphere comes with presets that with a minimum of adjustment can knock the spots off just about every sound Roland keyboards can produce, right up to the Jupiter and Juno X. Persing was definitely the man to create sounds that can do that. Jack, that would be a really great test if you're up to it, comparing Fantom with Omnisphere! Thank you for the time you spent on this test. As an Omnisphere and Keyscape owner, along with Montage, OB6, and Prophet 6 (purchased at Andertons of course) I for one would be very interested to see what you might come up with.

[@adamivy]

I absolutely love Keyscape! Great video man.

[@floridaessene]

YES ... Keyscape sounds much more natural and realistic to me. The Nord hits you over the head, and sounds much more fake.

[@med3484]

You guys have to think about the use of the product. If you’re playing through a sound system in large setting with other instruments, the Nord is going to cut through the mix. The sampled sounds in keyscape are isolated and great for recording for less instruments in the mix.

[@jeje2021]

Honestly we are comparing 5,000$ nord and 379$ keyscape have out did theirselves. Shoutout to spectrasonics. Helping bank accounts and making future stars.

[@Enice43]

The difference to me is that the midi piano sounds like it's in a box and the Nord sounds open and light

[@PianoLessonwithWarren]

I prefer the Nord.

[@7thNoteOfficial]

Same

[@JohnFisk-OHS-78]

Wow... Huge thanks for the video comparison. Really well done. Absolutely gorgeous sounds from both. You can't go wrong with either. That said... Like many others, I don't have the budget for a $4,700 Nord Stage 3, even though I _love_ hardware. I did, however, just order the $380 Keyscape boxed version for my wife to give to me for Christmas... ;-) Cheers, mate!

[@DopamineOverload]

Short answer-- yes, haha. Keyscape is really dope. But I'm still obsessed with the Nord Piano Library. At 100mb or less (on average) for those pianos... it's insane how good they sound. Absolutely INSANE how good they sound... the uprights, the grands, the Rhodes, the Wurly. I still don't know how Nord fit those amazing libraries into such a small slab of memory. But it's legit. Keyscape is insane, though.

[@snipperacoustics]

I find the Nord sound being really clean and slightly bright however the sound of Keyscape is to fall in love with, such a beautiful tone, plus all the notes seem to gel together rather than resonate individually. I think the battle of virtual pianos is no longer how you sample a piano as most of them technically are briliant. Rather it is all about the choice master actual acoustic piano that was chosen to create the samples.

[@papankunci]

the difference is in the playability, since you have to adjust the velocity curve on the Keyscape for the Nord keyboard to make it respond nicer..

[@DinoFancellu]

When comparing the 2. might be an idea to record into a DAW whilst playing, then simply play back the same midi to the other instrument. Makes it easier to also mess with the presets/settings for a piece. BTW, lovely playing, as ever by Jack. If he could supply the MIDI for what he plays, that would be good too. Then we could find out what "a proper pianist" sounds like with our fav VST

[@MrCerddoriaeth]

Jack you’re a beast on the keys mate! Love the A to B of each product, I’m totally with you on the sound of the Keyscape. I use the Ravenscroft 275 both on iPad and on my MacBook Pro which is a killer piano to use. I recently purchased a Yamaha CP88 which I love especially the beautiful real wooden key action and with the 1.3 update with new ep’s and a CP3 piano. However, I still find I go back to the Ravenscroft 275 on my MacBook as it’s so tweekable and has full sympathetic resonance to die for. Plus the Una Corda samples are beautiful to play in conjunction with the sustain pedal, you really feel like you’re at a real pianoforte! Keep the videos coming as they are so informative, I live in Cornwall now but used to live in Surrey and have purchased many an instrument from Andertons over the years. It is the coolest shop I’ve been too where you can try out instruments and not feel hassled into buying a product, and I’ve often come back and bought the very instrument you’ve let me try out. I’ve been going to your shop since the early 1980s and just wish I lived closer to where your shop is. Keep up the great work even in these demanding times. We need to keep shops like yours around forever! Anthony.

[@Lael128]

MrCerddoriaeth Ravenscroft is a beast! With my iPad hidden on my live setup, it throws people off!

[@jonnybravo3697]

Keyscape for me. Sounds so natural and it has that crazy little shimmer going on.

[@enyonamdzansi9053]

What do I need to search if I want to listen to this type of music all day??????!!!! This is incredible

[@OctavianVesa]

Great comparison Jack! Looking forward to EPs video...

[@GUIGUI139]

This is so interesting to me where we are at! Basically if you want a great keybed get one from a great company. If you want a great sound get one from a great company, but they can't seem to do both. Either of them. Could be wrong of course. As soon as I post this Spectrasonics will do it. We are in such a great place for portable piano! The 80s stage piano days are over! Thank Bajebus! My PC88 can now rest eternally. Poor thing has carried the stage piano world for so long! HAHAHA. I love my Keyscape and Keylab 88 MkII

[@MaPa60]

Nice video. Keyscape sounds good, but I like the sound of the Nord better. Keyscape seems to have a slower and softer attack, and the Nord has more sustain, maybe because of running through the cables and the preamps. The Nord tone sounds more lively to my ears. Maybe its me, but that's what I hear..

[@theclaverman]

Yep. Agree. I’ve tried alot (and i do mean alot) of vst pianos, but I always seem to come back to my Nord Stage 3 and the Royal Grand 3D(without the filter set to bright, like in the video). Just lovin it.

[@wraymogg]

I don't own any of them, but based on this video, taking into account the KZbin sound degradation, I really think Keyscape is better. The sound is more natural, more vibrant, the NS3 is brighter but sounds "generated"... My two cents.

[@glenlewis4430]

Great stuff Jack this is very relevant for me at the moment would love to see more Keyscape content

[@philsarkol6443]

Nord is for the gigg. Keyscape is for home use. Both got incredible high quality sounds. I would buy Keyscape to have that soundquality at home. If I would perform with a band , the Nord would be the better option. Thx for comparisson!!

[@dari6795]

nord grand piano is really nice for live keyscape grand is wonderfully rich for studio use, to much noises for live use tho i think nord really nails the upright piano tho, keyscape is a bit too "muted" sounding for me. nord upright is speaking, keyscape sounds shy

[@JanPrze]

Hey Jack! Great content! It itnseems you had Bright Filter turned on on the Nord making.

[@electricsnut]

Thanks for fulfilling this request Jack :) fascinating going between them. I will say I can definately hear the noise floor with keyscape but it could just be the gain settings.

[@njigyfd]

No kidding. I'm wondering what's up with the floor. Something's off.

[@RTB88KEYS]

NORD is the one I picked, in fact I have both and used it on my next album Fresh Bear Tracks coming out this winter, thanks great video T BEAR

[@hazybrain7]

Awesome review and comparison. Like you said, keyscape sounds way more close miked and more characterful, whereas the nord sounds lovely but much more for a pop type or band mix situation, where I'd imagine it will cut through much better. My two cents. Nice playing btw !

[@Noah-kg4yj]

EP Comparisons next!!! Great playing as usual

[@Jonhilsea]

Great video again Jack. I'd love to hear a comparison between the Yamaha Reface CP and the Keyscape CP70 please. Stay safe guys.

[@occipitalknot]

Just a spec observation...Nord Stage 3 has a total of 2 GB piano sample memory. The LA Custom C7 grand in Keyscape is 64 GB in size by itself

[@pobbob335]

Wow really.....thats huge diff

[@Kougeru]

@@pobbob335 15 years ago, sure. But storage is cheap now days and it's insane how piano companies put in so little

[@AlexanderNagel]

@@Kougeru The memory inside the NORD boards is NOT the cheap type of memory you're thinking of... That's why ;)

[@MichaelHattem]

Alexander Nagel He’s talking about storage size not RAM.

[@electricsnut]

I wouldn’t focus on size too much, while yes it can be a good metric of the sample sizes, you could also sample garbage at very high bitrates 🤣

[@StudioVoodooMusic]

The convenience and sound quality of the Nord [Stage or Electro] make it a must have for gigging keyboardists. Keyscape is too complicated for the stage (for me) and belongs in the studio - or in a real tour setup for a roadie to manage.

[@Rem1431]

I got a Nord Stage 2 but always have Keyscape with me on stage for the Rhodes and LA Grand. Just a Great combination.

[@oldgittarist]

Bright airy Nord for live, subtle intimate Keyscape for recording perhaps. Nice one Jack!

[@theclaverman]

Nord might be more subtle and intimate than you think. The piano filter on the Royal grand 3D on the nord was in bright mode during the video(I dont know if Jack was aware of the fact?).

[@ChristianJoannes]

Very good video with honest comparison. Well done ! If i can make one comment though , the title is misleading as in my opinion, comparing a virtual instrument to the real deal means comparing Keyscape or Nord to a real acoustic grand. Neither KS or Nord are the real deal. They both use similar methodology , using sampling recorded sounds with a similar approach to model an acoustic instrument with a proprietary algorithm. The key difference is that Nord stage integrates all components keyboard, modelling software , and sound section in a single package whereby Keyscape only provides the modelling portion. A key advantage of integrated solutions is that the modelling algorithm is tuned to provide the best solution for the key action of their keyboard, whereby you have to do a lot of playing with all parameters : velocity curves, decay, reverb , pedal parameters etc to adapt Keyscape to any midi keyboard you are going to be using. Key advantage of separated solutions (Keyscape or other) is that you can replace/upgrade any components when needed.

[@Ryzza5]

They're both technically virtual grand piano sounds - the benefit of computer VSTs is you can add to them and get updates over time. I have a 10 year old Yamaha and I would be forced to buy a new one to get the latest tricks when I could spend a lot less on computer software and just run a MIDI USB cable.

[@MattNeighbour]

I spent loads on VSTs 15 years ago, now they no longer work due to copy protection changes (thanks NI!), computer upgrades, losing serial numbers or install discs. My hardware synths work just as well today. I love VSTs that push tech to the limit but hardware just works without the computer hassle.

[@mikeygoda]

Keyscape sounded more authentic, but the Nord sounds like Nord. So, if that's what you want, then Keyscape doesn't cut it. It's all subjective, both seem great. I think the feel and connection to the sound you are hearing is important.

[@AGAU1022]

Awesome playing my man. Lots of love.

[@pbasswil]

I love both collections of pianos, all beautiful flavours. I can't help thinking that the Keyscape ones have a funny bump in the EQ: like, an exagerated over-resonance in the high bass/low mids. Other than that, Nord & K.S. are just two different sets of delicious instruments.

[@sklermbot]

They both sound completely awesome and incredible. More than that, you sound great and incredible. Thanks for the video

[@sklermbot]

@@johanjackjack4917 get this outta here. lame

[@TheDougSpot]

Ummm... I’m not sure you’re aware, but the Nord is not “the real thing”

[@abwdoc]

Yes Jack....ELECTRIC PIANOS !! And, the Maltese Falcon, of course....

[@georgyboss]

that outro tho!

[@interesao90]

Fantastic video... Jack, could you say or write in the description what you are playing in every moment? Thanks!

[@CalJonel]

Great video and massively helpful! Thanks!

[@garyprater8139]

I will probably get the KeyScape, BUT that NORD sounds better to me on a lot of patches. NORD is no joke.

[@cinebient5343]

Keyscape...for me! I just like how you can experiment with this kind of organic and synthetic sounds, especially within Omnisphere 2.

[@mtbrogue88]

Thanks! Love the vibes on the last closing gig.

[@frankezendam5409]

I was in need of a new keyboard for being able to play at night when the kids were in bed, unable to play the grand piano because of the loud noise. The keyboard I have is the Korg M3 which has terrible piano's on board, so I had to make a choice. Do I go for Keyscape or a Nord Piano because I knew they are quite good. Still glad I went for Keyscape. Not only because of the nice piano's but also for the unmatched electric piano's. So Mr. Andertons please make a video where you compare the Nord with the electric piano's of Keyscape!

[@filipefonsecaoficial]

As much as we talk about Nord and that in general everyone likes it immensely, I still think that the pianos are all compressed and they lack the true natural sound ... in band it works but here the difference is huge !!!

[@paulstovall2729]

I don't think this really matters, but I think the notes we are hearing in the video are off by a semi-tone (i.e. when you play a "B" in the left hand, it comes out as a "C").

[@klavifon]

That is the first thing I noticed as well. It’s not my fault I have perfect pich... 🤣

[@robixbrown]

I was thinking the same thing when he was playing in D major but we're hearing Eb major 🥴

[@robixbrown]

"Let's do something uh in uhhhhh G... because I like G"..... *plays in Ab* 🥴🥴

[@jonathanfrieze8497]

I finally pulled the trigger and got a copy of keyscape yesterday can't wait for it to get here I just bought new monitors for them to go threw yea I'm excited

[@MarkSomosoMusic]

Nice comparison...i Love your demo......

[@AndertonsKeyboardDept]

Thanks for tuning in... Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MarkSomosoMusic]

Every time you upload a video I watch. It.... I have my own music studio here in Philippines..... Thanks for comparing vst vs nord

[@alsikalsik8828]

4:12 why you used the "bright" filter setting for Nord's Royal Grand 3D ? Sounds much brighter than it actually should. I'm the hardware guy on stage and the huge and refined Keyscape's library only pays off if you do lots of acoustic piano stuff. In a live band situation I prefer sounds that cut easily through the rest of the band, not to mention some festival scenarios with tight changover slots and so on. Also, it's absolutely necessary to have some high-quality keybed while using Keyscape and it might be necessary to spend some time fine-tuning the velocity curves to get the right feeling of connection between samples and keybed.

[@toregilbraseth9671]

Amen! Keyscape is wonderful, but I’ll never be on a stage with only a laptop and a midi keyboard. When I play Keyscape live I always have my Nord Stage as a controller, and one press of a button will switch to the internal sound of the Stage. And I totally agree that quite alot of lush and detailed sounds don’t always cut through live. Most sound engineers prefer Yamaha piano sounds for punch in a PA. Would love a super solid hardware version of Keyscape, though.

[@Fallingoverbackwards]

Oh man, the end of this video , that’s the stuff

[@corpeningd]

Your Duo-Dulcitonia solo was NICE! The keyboard or VST was transposed down a semi-tone but but very NICE solo nonetheless. That alone sold me on the product. Great job.

[@marcuswilespage]

Keyscape is amazing but the Nord still sounds great and is just what you need for live performance. Great sound, completely reliable, more simple.

[@JSBach-pd4yg]

or you just bring laptop with mini keyboard controller?

[@supgloserv]

@@JSBach-pd4yg It seem lost on people who screaming 'laptop and midi-controller!' that not everyone likes using laptops for live performances. It's a personal thing. I know someone who stopped using hardware synths for controller and laptop for about five years and eventually went back to hardware synths. He said he simply wanted something reliable and less complicated. I frankly don't hear any major difference between high end hardware synths/workstations and VSTs.

[@tomaszheller9205]

It’s more like choosing between Ferrari and Lamborghini

[@tonylancer7367]

Except that the Ferrari of keyboards is a Nord. 🤔

[@stenaldomehilli8809]

It's unimaginable what a difference soft release does against Nord in this case. It's very clear when Jack compares the bright version of Keyscape with the Royal Grand 3D. Dampers cut the sound off quickly in Keyscape while Nord's sound comes as slightly prolonged, giving us a digital impression. With that being said Keyscape is outstanding. Everything there is well beyond words. The absolute same thing can be said for this youtube channel.

[@larshp99]

More please. Pianoteq, etc. Do them all

[@omedome2787]

Keyscape, no doubt

[@gabbishleegifted4752]

I feel like the keyscapes give you a more raw sound and feel, more natural acoustic sound. Nord feels a bit more cleaned up. So I guess whatever you’re looking for in that regard. I’m sure each of them can be adjusted in either direction though.

[@arthurmcevoy2799]

I would love to see an ep/clav comparison!

[@rickyilgrande]

I figured out a key difference in the panning you can hear for, it seems like the keyscapes is like most Vsts in the fact that you pan left harder the lower you get (or pan right the higher notes). however on the nord I hear a more Realistic envolvent sound because the panning is way more subtle and there's more bleed from the left channel to the right and vise versa.

[@dnch]

13:00 wow thats a lovely sound

[@Satsujiki]

Right off the bat, I would definitely say the Nord Stage 3. HOWEVER, with a bit of EQ and few mixing adjutment, I think the Keyscape can do better, especially since it is made to be used into a DAW so definetely the Keyscape will have the advantage to be mixed to a higher quality. Your Dulcitonia improv at the end was out of this world! You made me appreciate my Keyscape even more than I did (never thought that would be possible).

[@sonarfreq]

Nice tunes Jack!

[@nixonkutz3018]

So here's a question: presumably when you have pedal on, it uses a different sample than pedal off? Otherwise you'd have to simulate the open-string sympathetic vibrations, and no matter how good that simulation, it wouldn't be as acoustically accurate as sampling the physical piano with pedal on. So if that _is_ the case, what happens when you press or release the pedal while you're still holding keys down? Can it switch samples for notes already "in progress?"

[@magsprobert596]

To my ears the Nord sounds a little harsh not bright . I like things a little more mellow and warm. But i would not mind either one.