Native Instruments Noire Piano Walkthrough

I finally checked out Noire. It is freaking sweet. Make sure to check out my other piano reviews if you're in the market.
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0:00 - Intro
1:08 - Felt Piano Presets
17:47 - Felt Piano Settings
28:56 - Pure Piano
35:06 - Pure Piano vs Keyscape
38:09 - Back to the Felt
43:21 - Final Thoughts
Recorded on a Sony A6000 and Korg D1.
#nativeinstruments #virtualpiano #noire #nilsfrahm #pianoreview #pianoplugin #keyscape

[@geoffrotunno]

It’s a privilege to hear someone demo one of these instruments - and then be someone who can actually play so exquisitely. A cut above. Beautiful.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thanks!!

[@The-Skyking]

This is by far my favorite piano VST. I skimmed through all my other ones, but I just keep coming back to this one.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Noire is great!!

[@AngeloMagnaye__]

Agree. I used addictive keys, spitifire labs, ez keys. But this Noire stands out.

[@InciensoWorship]

Same here.

[@brian8507]

Pure .... emotional... best ever

[@WilsonFerguson]

Your improv is absolutely stunning. I get so inspired just listening to you play and the dogs in the background are an added bonus!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks! I'll let Charlie know haha

[@TePineer]

wow, your playing is absolutely fantastic. Such emotion, I love it

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thanks!

[@hvanmegen]

Noire also helps a lot.. it's been my favorite piano VST ever since it came out.. but you're killing it at 11:30-12:55.. and again at 39:55-42:05.. would love to hear entire songs built around those concepts.. it may sound cheesy AF to other piano players, but I like those kind of 'score' music..

[@marcusaloc]

I can't remember to see this kind of plugin - Felted - 10 years ago. In the past I used to play with Giant. Loved it.

[@tucacamargo9294]

Amazing playing !!!! Thank you so much

[@AmiliaCaraMia]

The sound design in this instrument, gimmicky or not, 11:00 is insane. Makes a great backdrop to the progression. Absolutely gorgeous playing.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thanks!!

[@michaeleichler2514]

Came here for a review of Noire and ended up just listening to your playing :) Thank you.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks!

[@G..62]

Man, your playing is inspiring!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thanks!

[@AlexHerrero]

At last, my favorite piano! Thank you!!! Loved your approach...

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thank you!!

[@AlexHerrero]

@@SamTheBeardGuy I re-discovered the felt after hearing your video. I just love the Pure, even daily using Hans Zimmer Piano, Keyscape and Garritan CFX. Probably just finding yourself in how you want to express what you've got inside... And I truly love what YOU share with us, definitely a fan here mate! Thank YOU!

[@headsman2023]

The pure one is fire as hell, it sounds like the best 9ft pianos I've ever heard ❤ Great playing btw🎉

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thanks!

[@samscott54]

so good great playing

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thanks!

[@Ninjashifter]

This looks fantastic.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

It is fantastic

[@bigpluck51]

Sam my man it is such a pleasure just to listen to you play. This is my third time watching this video from start to finish..W hen you were playing the Christmas song I immediately fell into a day dream where I was a very wealthy man with a big mansion & I flew you out to hire you to play for my guest @ my Christmas party in my luxury palace in Malibu, CA. Hey I can dream can't I! However I truly look forward to the day I actually can call you for a gig. It would be such a pleasurable night of entertainment! Keep up the good bearded work my good man. -BiG Pluck

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

hahaha, thanks!!! Glad you enjoyed

[@flowmaka]

Bro! I love the sound of this piano! Sounds like Errol Garner’s sound back in the day!!!! Great playing!!!!!!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

love it! Thank you

[@tonycowin]

That's who came to my mind too. The playing obviously added to that of course.

[@chiefbeefofficer]

Man, your playing sells this plug. Thought I was listening to Fred Rogers! 😄Superb presentation.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thank you!

[@zonefx]

Sam, i'm more of a vst guy now. Your reviews are awesome!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks!

[@racheloshaksmusic]

I literally sat through the whole video and I just enjoyed your beautiful playing and I sang along. I love the Noire! For the kind of sound a person wants to use it for, it's wonderful. Thank you for this video! God bless you in Jesus name.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thank you for watching!!

[@JohnAReese]

Bro your playing is nice 🔥

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks 🔥

[@calikokat100]

Hello...how do you restore the default settings...after playing with the settings...thanks

[@saitom2762]

lov your chanel you play really well

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thanks!

[@jessemazur6868]

FYI, there are scroll over details on each setting if you enable the information window in kontakt. It will show up beneath the keyboard when enabled.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

good to know thanks!

[@KeebCR]

This inspired me so much that i quit playing piano. You are a gift to the world Mr.SamTBG

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

hahaha, well thank you

[@MDZac2024]

Just downloaded. It’s absolutely stunning.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Noire is great!

[@user-li2zq2ou1b]

Have you purchased it? Is it worth the 150$ ?

[@mixanyar2742]

i love the pure piano

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I'm using it more and more these days

[@pinosoprano]

Spettacolo...💪

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thanks :)

[@imnevilleScott]

Let’s goooo!

[@jacobsmith1877]

Noire, Keyscape, and Imperfect Samples are the most realistic piano VSTs I've ever used. Cinesamples Piano in Blue and Abbey Road Uprights are also great. It's definitely amazing to have access to so many colors when writing or mixing

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Totally right. Having a ton options really inspires creativity

[@KevboKev]

Have you tried Hammers + Waves. It replaced Noire for me as my everyday go-to piano. It's absolutely amazing!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

@@KevboKev yep! I did a video on it a few months ago

[@KevboKev]

@@SamTheBeardGuy Awesome! I'll check it out.

[@advredenbregt4340]

Very nice playing. Next time invite both the pups in.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Hahaha, then I wouldn't be able to focus

[@hectormann1843]

Hi Sam, great work! It would bo so interesting if you could try out the Bosendorfer imperial VSL. And maybe compare it to Keyscape.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I've heard some great things about it for sure

[@kumacupp]

I'm crying :)

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

haha, thanks for watching!

[@Radar_dv_vb]

❤❤❤

[@sambennett8823]

I often listen to your improv videos while I work. I really enjoy your playing. I'm digging your impromptu "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" in this video. Any interest in doing an improv of holiday tunes?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Already working on it haha. Thanks for watching!

[@peterkirdan]

@SamTheBeardGuy Thanks brother for the review! Have you tried Post Felt?

[@LichtKrieger8]

Man - at 10:55 (Follow me) is one of the most beautiful Piano-Parts I´ve ever heard - amazing ! Thx for your vids

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thanks!

[@James__Gregory]

around 11:53.....IN THE ZONE. YES.

[@carloscalera8110]

Admired by your inspirational playing and your feeling sharing skills!! Bravo. Just a quick question: the brand and model of your keyboard? Thank you

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Korg D1. Thanks!

[@carloscalera8110]

@@SamTheBeardGuy Many thanks for your prompt reply. I have two questions, if I may: could the Yamaha DGX 670 electric piano control the VST library Keyscape or similar? What about the compatibility of the keyboard Komplete Kontrol S 61 MK 2 with the library Keyscape or similar? Grateful if could answer me.

[@TheLifeisgood72]

You should do a video on Piano in Blue from cinesamples. They've recently denoised it.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

That's definitely on the radar. I need to email them and see if they'll send me a sample over.

[@JohnFraserFindlay]

on the EFXy style piano libraries I find the samples can feel kinda late to the fingers//like Cinesamples Piano In Blue

[@-musiclee-]

Sam. Have you played the Spitfire Intimate Grand? It’s amazing and only $29. Would love to hear you play it It has the felt sound

[@jaybefaulky4902]

hey Sam I just subscribed.!! *do some 5/4 and 7/8 stuff!* :)

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I might soon! Was thinking about that today haha

[@ShikharKumar-fz6ti]

Hi Sam, great video ♥️ !!! I am facing some issue with this plugin. This plugin offers -6 db audio output when loaded up. On my PC its sounds very low unlike yours. It appears like you have set it to around 0 db but your multi meter shows its not very low sounding. How do you get good audio output levels ??? Are you using any compression or any audio boosting effect ??? I am using FL studio and even with default Kontakt Player i face this issue :( I am use my Roland RP302 as a midi keyboard.

[@Amadi1]

I have a technical question, hopefully you or someone else that knows the answer gets to me. If I install the synth files on an additional SSD (meaning not my main boot up C Drive) because my original HD is too small, should I still be able to play without any lag issues? My PC is fast enough for these programs that I know. Thank you...

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

shouldn't be an issue if you install right. I do that for most of my libraries

[@Amadi1]

@SamTheBeardGuy awesome thanks... I ended up getting Pianoteq and was blown away at the fact that it is not even 100 MB in size 🤣🤣🤣... but I will eventually get some of the others as well.

[@SeriousTipStudio]

Hello, the Guitar Center joke was so funny 😄. I like the Noire over keyscape only because Keyscape reminds me of the NI guitar rig. To many of the same sounds for too much money. Not saying their sounds are not good because they are very good. But really, how many pianos sounds do you really need. It's like how many amplifiers do you really need. First time seeing your KZbin channel, very impressive. 😁

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks! Definitely can have too many. I wish Spectrasonics would sell a smaller version. Like sell just the C7.

[@SeriousTipStudio]

That's the same thing I was thinking about too.

[@ArgoBeats]

You and Noire Felt are 1 thing.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

:)

[@chandeleerjet5637]

Does anyone know if you can select which keyboard velocity you want? I love how Keyscape lets me pick my motif es8 as a midi controller and it takes into consideration the weighted keys

[@GamingRoom2077]

Are such applications Yamaha ydp 164 working?

[@Nasib_Rahman_Singer]

Awesome playing boss ❤️ One question..... Keyscape c7 vrand vs noire pure.. Which one is better for emotional piano unplugged pop song??

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

For that specific setting I'd go noire, only because it's a thinner piano. Keyscape is produced and pretty full, so it doesn't work for everything.

[@YMESYDT]

Would you ever do a midi controller comparison video? Been thinking about buying a new 88key controller

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

It's possible one day. The hard thing now is I've turned them all in except for the one I use, I typically don't need a ton of midi controllers laying around. But if I ever find myself in a situation where I have a bunch of midi controllers, I'd love to do that.

[@GamingRoom2077]

yamaha ydp 164 keyscape working ?

[@justrandomaccount1177]

Hello sir, can we sustain or release the note without sustain pedal, is there any particular knob or section to increase the release or sustain the note? I would appreciate if you’ll please guide me through ✨

[@flowmaka]

Hi Sam. How do you rate this Piano compared to the new Arturia V3 Piano?

[@OctopusGentleGiant]

Nice playing. How do you Connect the D1 to your computer? D1 lack the midi USB, but it that a dealbreaker? Im thinking of order a D1

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

There are a million midi to midi USB converters, and they're cheap. I don't think having to convert is an issue at all.

[@WhiphTikoto]

What Piano Keyboard is that? I've been trying to find a regular Keyboard that is also a MIDI keyboard, I bought a cheap one from Amazon but it doesn't work with FL Studio at all.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

This is the Korg D1. I like it

[@maggie.petkova]

Hi! Your playing is beautiful! I just purchased the Noire and some of their other pianos. They are really great by the way! I also have the Korg D1 keyboard but I am switching to their NI Komplete Kontrol S88 mk2 MIDI keyboard just so I can be able to navigate the sounds and modify them straight from it, otherwise I hate reaching to my mouse every time i want to change the preset or anything else. Apart from that I really enjoyed the Korg D1. I wondered if there is an option to layer two sounds (piano & pad for instance). Have you tried that with the Komplete Kontrol plugin?

[@shrednanasel]

what DAW are you using, or is it standalone?

[@maggie.petkova]

@@shrednanasel I am using Logic Pro X

[@shrednanasel]

Then you should right-click on the tracks you want to play altogether, create a track-stack and choose "summing-stack"..!

[@maggie.petkova]

@@shrednanasel oh I had no idea I could do that. I'll try it and let you know. Thanks a ton!

[@shrednanasel]

@@maggie.petkova Cool.. Let me know if you need ore details

[@user-vh1xn4fx5y]

Hello, please tell me how you can connect the midi keyboard to the computer so that the input midi signal is not delayed. Thank you.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I'm on a Mac, so it's almost always latency free. Make sure if you're in a DAW, make sure your buffer settings aren't too high. If you're on PC, make sure you're using the right audio driver.

[@LuddeB]

Hey been wondering wether I should go for a M audio hammer 88 pro or the Korg D1, any suggestions and there isnt any usb connection on the Korg isnt it? Which one is the most piano-like or do you have any other suggestions? :D Sick jamming by the way!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

MAudio feels better in my opinion, but it's a little bigger, so make sure it fits your world

[@LuddeB]

@@SamTheBeardGuy Thanks! Ordered a Hammer 88, dont need the aftertouch since im not a synth fan, so probably wont need it! Thanks again!

[@jeremyankamah4737]

Can we use these individually or they have to be used alongside a DAW, like say, mainstage, as a plugin..? Because Id really love to use the original sound and not as a plug in to a stock sound from a DAW

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

You can load them up in kontakt as a stand-alone

[@ghoulwhispers]

is Sam's music on spotify? can anyone link me? love your melodies so much really, it's inspirational and the perfect vibe honestly

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

"Midnight Trampolines" by Sam Garner on Spotify. Enjoy!

[@editsbydaan6048]

Hey, did you change anything about the velocity/midi output data? I can't play loud at all. Like the tone color of Fortissimo is not possible for me on my yamaha P515. Been struggling adjusting it accordingly. Did it work for you just out of the box?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

yeah it works for me. Sounds like something is wrong. There is a velocity setting adjuster in the plugin, make sure that's not out of whack

[@solenelle]

What is a felt piano?

[@atomman40]

What operating system you using ? Ni pianos won't load on my ios Catalina

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I'm using Catalina 10.15.7

[@erikpianist6890]

Hi! I just got the Noire, is it really a compressed type of piano sound? My volume is on my listening standard but when I load the patch, it is too quiet.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

check the volume in Kontakt. Thanks for watching!

[@KevboKev]

It could be your dynamics setting. Some VSTs don't "pound" like my stock keyboard sounds, so I sometimes have to alter how they keys respond to my press.

[@Oneminde]

Quick question, which keyboard are you using in this video ?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Korg D1

[@timhartnell2472]

I love Noire and use it for most of my church playing... but you ran into the same problem I do at 11:45 ish with the particle engine where its simply playing too many notes when you get going.... and my reasonable powerful PC starts glitching a little bit. No good unless it's a very defined and not too embellished part. Shame, because its a very playable and inspiring sound.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Yeah I basically never use the particle engine. I have other plugins that do that better

[@emiholhos6688]

Eventually, who’s that trompet guy guy that was playing piano and transposing on the spot? I got curious 😁

[@PankajChoudhury]

I couldn’t focus on the review enough but your playing..Bro, I wanna learn Jazz with you.. do u teach?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thanks!!

[@lifeismusic9411]

Is there a trick to get more volume out of this and other N.I. libraries? I don’t get enough volume no matter what I try. I had an SL88 Studio and trade it for an S88 N.I. Keyboard, but still can’t seem to get my Native Instrument libraries setup correctly to get volume / dynamics out of any of them. Other things like Pianoteq and Signature Grand work great for me. Same results in Logic and in the native applications for the VST’s. Any idea you might have would be greatly appreciated. I continue to love your videos man. Noire sounds great, at least when you play it. Those particle effects are so dang cool. Seems very responsive. I have the library but so far it’s unplayable due to my velocity or whatever issues.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Have you checked that the volume you're loading the pianos in is correct? By default they load in at -6db. You'll see me change it a few times in the video. You can change the default setting to 0db in the settings.

[@lifeismusic9411]

@@SamTheBeardGuy I’ve changed volumes quite a bit, but I’ll try and see if there is something else that I need to push up. Maybe I’m scared to add too much volume or something, lol. (Just got into the VST world recently when i started watching you, and then took the plunge with the crazy good sales this year on Komplete 13 Ultimate ). Thanks! Just strange that I can’t seem to figure out this one thing and it works fine for everyone else I watch…

[@JBKeyz88]

I use an audio interface and a headphone dac/amp with a preamp to my studio monitors and it allows me to control the volume, which it gives me plenty of juice!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

@@lifeismusic9411 hit me back up if you can't figure it out, it's probably something super simple, especially if other pianos are working for you

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

@@JBKeyz88 totally. My gut tells me it's the actual piano volume knob in Kontakt

[@stevemcintyre6020]

can you tell me if NOIRE can be used as a standalone program or is it only a plugin for a DAW

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I'm pretty certain you have to rubn it through Kontakt, but that is pretty straighforward

[@NeuroPete]

Noire is my favourite for just playing. It runs in the free Kontakt Player, which can be used in stand-alone mode -- no DAW required. For convenience, I added Noire to the "Quick-Load" list in Kontakt, with the default preset (aka "snapshot") set to my customized version of Noire Basic "Emotional".

[@iamBlackGambit]

Do you perform for a living? Or is this just a hobby you love? I can play too..only by memory though.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I do a lot of different things. I'm not gigging 7 nights a week if that's what you're asking, but music in multiple capacities is very much my full time job.

[@iamBlackGambit]

@@SamTheBeardGuy so you your own boss huh?

[@DivinoFiatella]

Hi all! I just have something to ask. I have a Casio PX-5S. It's a nice stage piano with a great touch with mechanic for the keyboard. But in studio and recordings I prefer to use it as a Midi device. In FL Studio there is just a generic Grand Piano that sound good but it's pretty flat. I'm looking for a simple good Classic piano sound (if free better :P), someone can help pls?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I'm not sure about free. You'll probably at least need to spend $100 to get a good piano. Native Instruments I think has a bundle of pianos for $100

[@SetyaPriatna]

Spitfire Labs Piano (for free soft piano thing) and pianobook (free community sample libraries collection)

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

@@SetyaPriatna totally forgot about Labs. Labs is good

[@phonyarc9895]

Would this work in GarageBand I’m kinda on a budget lol?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

it should!

[@finneganswake4128]

It would. Just go to plugins when you open a new software instrument and open up kontakt or complete kontrol to launch any of your vsts

[@musicfw1552]

can you teach me what headphones to use for playing piano

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

for live, I use custom ears, Ultimate Ears 11. For studio stuff, I use beyerdynamic 770s

[@teejayausmusic]

2:20 they are far too cute 🐕🐕

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

hahaha, yes they are

[@patricklewis19]

hi, does it work on garageband?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

It should!

[@DihelsonMendonca]

Keyscape sounds better for me. Much wood. Looks more a real acoustic. Noire is not bad. It's good to contemporary music, felt, etc, not as a main piano. I still like The Grandeur even more for everything. I still find Keyscape more realistic than all of them. When you only hear without looking, these pianos sounds electronic, when you play the same key several times, in repetition, an acoustic piano always sounds different each time, but the electronic piano always sounds the same way each key, it doesn't change it's harmonics. I wish there exist an electronic piano that could fool my ears, but I'm waiting for the first. No hybrid can do it. It's so much different than a good real Steinway piano. 🎉❤

[@lucasvicentedemorais]

14:56 hi, what's the name of the piano??

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Korg D1

[@ruft]

11:20 what scale is that your playing?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

not quire sure, sounds like I'm doing arps here

[@ruft]

@@SamTheBeardGuy thank you!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thoughts on Noire?

[@JBKeyz88]

It’s an inspiring sound! I have all the NI pianos but when I play this one specifically, it just puts me in a mood to create.

[@jessemazur6868]

I have Keyscape but this was the first piano I bought and I still find myself going to it a ton. I love it

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

@𝔾𝕖𝟙𝕠_ don’t disagree. Those have always been my top 2. They’re also much more expensive

[@m22110]

If you want high quality piano/keys just stick with Keyscape

[@Radar_dv_vb]

#Музыка - Богиня язык #Вселенной dv_vb

[@hernannieto1]

That vst is really good, but your playing is still far better...

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

haha, thanks :)

[@linleymartin9923]

Seems to be a subset of Piano Colors

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Hahaha, true true. Thanks for watching

[@andy-simmons]

Piano colors focuses heavily on an expanded particles engine, but has no regular piano sound. It’s fun to play with, but you’d still need a piano library. Noire and Piano Colors complement each other really well.

[@hvanmegen]

I see you're a tong-out-player like myself when you're absolutely losing yourself in the music 🤣

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

hahaha, yeah when I watch back videos of myself I'm always like "okkk, so that's what I do"

[@AlexTritok]

Could I suggest something ? Could you edit the parts when you're not talking , turning off your mic track , so that we don't hear your keybed so much ? It's a little distracting from the sound of the library itself :/

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Good feedback, thank you. I didn't even notice it on this one till you said something. I've done it in the past when I thought it was really bad, but this one didn't stick out initially. It can get a little tricky because sometimes I talk over my playing. Thanks for watching!

[@AlexTritok]

@@SamTheBeardGuy You're welcome ... at first i thought that was maybe the libray itself, they sometimes add keystroke sounds on purpose , then when i heard the part when you load keyscape (and have no sound apart from your mic) at 35min15sec kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmPapWBmj7pgsJo , I knew I wasn't dreaming lol ! It really adds a thumping noise which mess with library sounds itself ...Otherwise great review as always !

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

@@AlexTritok thank you!

[@m22110]

Nice sound but the particle engine sound design seems a bit gimmicky. It’s not clear what the core strength of this library is supposed to be.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I'm inclined to agree. But the felt sounds great

[@davdcl499]

Damn. Why Charlie get all the love?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Hahahaha. Because Charlie chills on the couch. Bella is a nightmare to record a video with

[@TamirOrkobysPiano]

You should sing

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Hahaha, maybe.

[@arielperez6400]

Man.. I can hear you play for hours… God Bless

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thanks!