Pianoteq 8 is Out - In-depth Review and Thoughts

[@TrollMeister_]

8:50 if you want to know how the code is able to generate tones, start with the Fourier Series in mathematics . The mathematics behind the Fourier Series is the starting point behind the rest of the math that follows : the Fourier Transform, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) , Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) etc.

[@0LoneTech]

Fun fact; our ears hear tones through such a transform, mechanically implemented.

[@NickHowesAstro]

It's taken 40 years almost since I first saw the Mirage/Fairlight to get to a point where a synth actually sounds like a piano... this is it... Pianoteq utterly nailed what physical modelling is about.. Great video and thank you

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

yep, it nailed it

[@davidkyle2073]

21 minutes in felt piano piece is gorgeous…

[@joeyredamusic]

55:17 I was juuuust thinking that! Nice playing!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks!

[@franslengkeek]

Pianoteq is too perfect. That's why I don't play any piano presets in "Mint" condition. Move the slider slightly to the right and you have a perfect imperfect piano sound.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Agreed, somewhere in the middle produces great results

[@OfficialStevenCravis]

Great video and playing, Sam! I just finally got this for the first time, and what I noticed was 1. Immediately inspiring for composing and 2. I don’t usually like tweaking settings on virtual instruments but this was surprisingly easy! 3. I wish the hammer noise could be kept dry, but keep Pianoteq (or third party reverb) only on everything else.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Having stuff that's inspiring is key. Thanks for watching!

[@OfficialStevenCravis]

The relatively newer Felt presets are remarkably beautiful. I just tried some for the first time. Sometimes on the regular piano presets I’m finding it hard to change from very sustained to having a decay. Much to learn.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Yes I loved their felt presets so much.

[@jennisonb37]

I pretty much play Felt I and II almost exclusively when I feel like just sitting down and playing/improvising. They just sound amazing and always inspire me.

[@lukewallace3188]

You absolutely sold me at the NY Steinway Felt…wow!! Thanks, Sam! Beautiful playing all video.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thanks for watching!

[@jobo991]

your playing is a blessing to me. thank you.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks!

[@repellentment]

Honestly I did not know that this exists up until now. I'm speechless.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

it's fantastic

[@revp01]

Thanks for doing this intro & review. Really enjoyed your versatile playing. Excited about this upgrade. I’ve been with pianoteq since V5. Just read that iOS version for Pianoteq8 is on the way soon. Yes. I’ve found a way to incorporate their piano models into my main music sets. My favorites are Steingraeber, Bechstein, & Petrof. With a bit of tweaking, I’ve been really happy.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

It's crazy this stuff can be on iOS

[@revp01]

@@SamTheBeardGuy right. And given the size of modeling compared to samples, it should beat out all of the piano options on iOS and iPad. Might actually make it a viable platform for piano performance.

[@samscott54]

Beautiful job showing off an amazing vst - by far my favorite out of the ones I own - your playing is fluid and mellow..nice job bro

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks!

[@sawry1]

By double clicking the top edge of the lid it becomes a series of dotted lines to show that the piano lid has been removed, this also works on the upright model too.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

good to know, thanks!

[@JasonRainforest]

Great stuff Sam, your dexterity and improv skills are truly impressive. To reset parameters, just right click on the instrument name under the Pianoteq logo. Likewise, right clicking on the left/right arrows will skip to the next model rather than next preset. Handy to know shortcuts when tweaking/browsing the presets.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Good to know!

[@MaxRiley]

oh thanks Jason!

[@theaudioeng]

Okay 🍻 Jason for that tip!!! 😎👍

[@JumpingCow]

Love your playing!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thanks!

[@marvinkmooneyoz]

The presets are great, any most people 95% of the time are just going to want a static setting, but pianoteq lets you play the parameters in real time, I'd love to see some demonstrations of that

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Good idea!

[@JoeLinux2000]

As for writing the code, I think it's theoretical as far as the microphone placement is concerned. You have to see these instruments as a thing withing themselves. After all, it is a "virtual" piano. At right around 10:30 your piano sounds really great. I feel Pianoteq needs to come out with a long tutorial video that explains in detail what each setting affects. I like two different pianos layered to get a fatter sound.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I agree. There are definitely people out there that really know what some of these advanced settings are. A lot of them are tuners

[@LDdrums20]

That's beautiful showcasing of a great plugin. Love hearing you man, you have music in you

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks for watching!

[@k8923]

Nice demo of the B. thanks.

[@ronricherson6685]

Thanks. My initial impression (from a purist standing, sorry) is that there's a overriding brightness which, while helping with clarity, is too much on softer passages. However, it sounds amazing. I may jump in and get it at some point; always looking for new variations!

[@Fastvoice]

You should play with the condition slider (some degrees to the "worn" direction) and the EQ.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Yep!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks for watching! It can be bright in some places

[@ronricherson6685]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Fastvoice]

@rosariomusmeci9879 Yes, you spotted something important. It also does wonders when you tinker with the velocities of the recorded notes in your DAW - especially when you only own a cheap MIDI keyboard (like I do).

[@NickMcC]

Really nice demo! Earned my sub for sure. A that’s one CLASSY hymn approach. Sick. Great job man.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks!

[@seok84]

Was testing the steinway d which sounded very pop to me until I changed the close mics to the 414 and sounded just perfect. Just discovered this, and it's absolutely good

[@crashtest11]

oh my god this piano very nice sounding , you play awesome man

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks!

[@OfficialStevenCravis]

Sam: I’d love to hear what you played at 17:38 on their harp sound!

[@jackduxburymusic]

Beautiful playing mate ❤

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks!

[@blochtim]

The Pianotec app is fine as far as digitals go: I think that it's the best of the digital lot. But what's amazing is your playing: it's punchy, melodic, nicely inflected with jazz, R and B, and a host of genres that you color your playing with beautifully. I wish that I could get a third out of my Pianotec that you do. That being said, Pianotec could offer more instruction in how to utilize their very fine array of textures and effects. In any case, you make this rig shine like a star......

[@lolerie]

And only one that can do 1024 velocity levels (in reality more).

[@mystorykim]

This really made me break out the Pianoteq again and I’ve found a new love for it! What third party reverbs and delays do you use? Thanks again for the killer playing and reviews!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I almost never use delay, but I love Valhalla Vintage Verb

[@WoodyPianoShack]

stunning playing, dom't know know how you do it!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Hahaha, I don’t either

[@randypiano11]

Damn you can play!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

thanks!

[@zemitras2]

Great playing and really good review, thank you! Is the song at 29:00 yours? It’s simple and beautiful!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Thanks for watching! Yeah I just made it up in that moment, it's not something I have written down or anything.

[@DonswatchingtheTube]

Sounds good. Nice playing. Can't find it on Spotify. 😊

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Hahaha, yeahhhh. Working on an album

[@Rem1431]

Try the condition slider

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Condition slider is great. I love having it somewhere in the middle or towards the mint side, but a little of that imperfection is dope

[@Ans12237]

Any chanceyou'll look into the Garritan CFX?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I want to, I want to see if they'll send me a copy before I go and buy it though

[@XcarnationCenkEroglu]

Hi , is it heavy on CPU ? I have a mac mini m1 1tb ssd and 16 gb ram.. Thank you ..

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

pianoteq can be cpu heavy, lots of math going on

[@XcarnationCenkEroglu]

@@SamTheBeardGuy Thank you for the quick message

[@klauswiechmann3101]

yes , i upgraded to 8, because of the Steinway B 😀

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Yeah that’s my favorite I think

[@deyvidpetromusic]

I still fond Pianoteq comes unstuck in the middle register, still sounds quite flat to me. Still sounds beautiful but metallic and slightly flat compared to keyscape..... I will wait for VI Labs release of the updated Ravenscroft which is supposed to be released this year according them... The Steinway B though has always been my favourite of the bunch and have had the chance to play them both side by side and Pianoteq was quite convincing.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Agreed. Pianoteq is convincing. Steinway B s probably my favorite one. And the U4

[@japrietoj]

Hi. Where did you hear that? I'm waiting for a RC275 update too

[@deyvidpetromusic]

@@japrietoj I spoke to Arnauld from support and asked him whether the Ravenscroft will be having an update? He said it will be this year although not sure of the date yet.

[@japrietoj]

@@deyvidpetromusic Thank you!

[@DarkoP9.13]

@46:35 Rainbow Six - Raven Shield ?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Hahaha, love that game. Not what I’m playing but love that game

[@WoodyGamesUK]

I think this convinced me to buy Pianoteq 8. I've never owned a virtual instrument before, I play on a keyboard but only as a piano, so it makes sense. Getting tired of the 2 very average piano sounds that come with it. Question: do you need a DAW to even use it, or does it come will all the software needed to communicate with your keyboard?

[@31416]

It comes with a standalone version. No need for a DAW. I only use it to play without a DAW. Simple all in one solution if you just want to play. Enjoy!

[@31416]

Try the free demo before yoy buy. Youll see if it works for you.

[@WoodyGamesUK]

@@31416 Thanks!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

it has a standalone app. Thanks for watching!

[@WoodyGamesUK]

@@SamTheBeardGuy Thanks, I tried the demo, it's great. Btw you were wondering about the graphical display of the instrument, there's no way it will take any hit on the CPU, it's just a pre-rendered image (as opposed to real time 3D), it changes nothing in terms of performance, just taking a tiny bit more space on your hard disk.

[@MarianoPerez]

I just tried the trial version and there is a lot to like but also enough not to like that I'm going to pass on buying pianoteq despite my wife giving me the ok. Pop songs sound fantastic, but when I play pieces like Bach Prelude in C minor, the midrange sounds really inauthentic, almost like if there is something between the hammer and the string mudding the sound. It's too bad because I wanted to love the pluging. Nevertheless, I hope pianoteq continues to improve.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I did think that in some places. Using the condition slider helped

[@мыслимудрецов]

Я тоже хотел купить pianoteq ,но всётаки остановился на Noire piano

[@arthurmcevoy2799]

Hey Sam, I'm on the fence about it mostly because I've been using the Keyscape C7 almost exclusively for the last few years. As a fellow Keyscape user, do you have any opinions on pros and cons of Keyscape C7 vs Pianoteq? I've been playing the Demo and while I still like the timbre of the Keyscape C7 better than any of the Pianoteq models, the physical modelling on Pianoteq seems to allow for a lot more fine control of the dynamic expression when playing. What do you think?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Keyscape sounds great right out of the box. If you want to get to that super tight production in your pianoteq is great. Also if you’re just a nerd and want to play with all the settings

[@andy-simmons]

@@SamTheBeardGuy With v8 (standard or pro) you can now send Keyscape audio to Pianoteq to and add the pteq string resonance modeling to the Keyscape C7. Pretty cool.

[@shaunreich]

One big thing (or not) is half pedaling. Pianoteq is the only thing that seems to have that and IMHO that's kinda huge. I mean, more theoretical expression seems useful to me. Not that I'm at a level that requires it, I just figured it's best to start with and closer to a real piano than keyscape can be (since it doesn't have half pedal feature)

[@jackse01]

@@shaunreich Synthogy Ivory also does Half Pedal

[@marvinkmooneyoz]

Beauty and the Beast had three song of the year nominations at the Oscars, and the one you played won

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

great soundtrack!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Are you buying pianoteq 8?

[@michaellupo5285]

Just purchased on sale! Enjoying it so far.

[@Fastvoice]

No. Because I bought v7 less than a year ago. In this case v8 is free! 😂So I just downloaded and installed it. 😉

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

@@michaellupo5285 love it

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

@@Fastvoice nice!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

@Rosario Musmeci yep!

[@editsbydaan6048]

Hey nice video! I am on the fence of buying SL88 or the Korg D1. I have a Yamaha p515 (dont know if you have any experience with this digital Piano) and I like the yamaha a lot. What are your reasons you switched to Korg D1 and didn't like the Sl88? I have a classical background so I am quite picky 😅

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

SL88 was way too stiff for my taste. I had the studio, I'm not sure about the model that's nicer than that. But the Korg is heavy weight but responds well

[@editsbydaan6048]

@@SamTheBeardGuy thanks!

[@28keyz]

Hi is there any way to layer sounds with piano for eg pads or strings

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

not inside pianoteq, but in logic or any DAW you can

[@28keyz]

@@SamTheBeardGuy ok thanks

[@ouvi]

thanks for this! what type of controller are you using?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Korg D1. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelrasbury]

Do you mind sharing what MIDI controller you are using in this video? I have Pianoteq and use an Arturia 88 mkii and find it sluggish. It looks like you controlled may be a little more agile

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Korg D1, and it's just a flat response, no adjustments

[@oscarw1976]

If you find it sluggish it's probably your audio settings on the computer. Try reducing the sample number to 64

[@michaelrasbury]

@@oscarw1976 I have- even 32

[@ivansoto9723]

@@michaelrasbury How much ms latency are you getting though? I have 1ms but I find 6ms and lower to be acceptable.

[@michaelrasbury]

@@ivansoto9723 it’s a key lab 88 mkii and I’m certain it’s the keybed feel. I wouldn’t recommend it - feels like the most difficult real grand piano I’ve ever played

[@crawlingman7003]

Nice. Got it! Roadz video please…

[@soundofthegardenwatc]

Gotta review the iPad version

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I want to, I just can't imagine playing piano off an iPad haha. But I know people do it.

[@frootboy72]

Superb review - what controller keyboard are you using ?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Korg D1

[@MrWoodhaven11421]

Is physical Piano modeling based on recording of the piano like NY Steinway , do they still need to use a recording of it?

[@jsanchezguerra]

Hi. Could you recommend me 2 acoustic piano packs for Stage versión ? I use Colossus piano now. Thanks

[@pythontok4192]

What song is that at the beginning ? Love the vibes

[@MaxRiley]

I'd be willing to give both my legs to be able to play like you. Having that said, is it worth to upgrade from v7 to v8 tonewise? Thanks

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I'm not sure what the upgrade costs off the top of my head, so it really depends what it's worth to you. It's a lot of the same with a little extra.

[@MaxRiley]

@@SamTheBeardGuy for the people out there wondering the same question I had: yes, it's definitely worth the upgrade.

[@fazioliu1526]

i dont know if it is your DT770, but on a HD600, it is clear as day that pianoteq is extremely unrealistic an unpleasant. i cant tell it appart on normal monitor speakers either, but using DM110, or Kenwood Ls880's i certainly can tell that this is missing everything that a real piano has. To me, Gerritan CFX is still the best. Even if it dont fit the genre, you still have to put up with using it. I have to be fair, that i have not played the VSL piano's. Those are my only hope to replace the Gerritan with. all other libraries are worse by a factor of 100. i super much regret buying pianoteq by judging it on random monitor speakers.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

It's definitely hit or miss with people. I use it for niche things

[@kevincoulter3743]

I have watched your video on Keyscape and now pianoteq. Which do you recomend. I can only afford one.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Pianoteq is more nuanced, so between the two, keyscape, if that's the genre you need

[@LyricalMomentsProduction]

Hi Sam, may I know which driver under the audio /midi setting you're using for streaming the Pianoteq sounds? ASIO somehow doesn't work with OBS, but Windows audio does, but with quite some lag. Thanks!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

I actually record the audio on my Mac, so I’m not sure what Pc is. But I know I’ve done that before and it works. Thanks for watching!

[@TopblokeGolf]

I dunno, not convinced , sounds very sterile

[@StefaanHimpe]

23:09 "this is what i think of when I think of chamber" lmfao - as close to heresy as it gets :D

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Hahaha yeah…. No apologies from me though

[@georgemihai3801]

Thanks for this. I will pay triple if they port this to ipad

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Totally

[@newfarmerfilms]

Will this work in a DAW like Ableton Live 11?

[@ninevolt]

yes

[@baptistec.4546]

Im sad you didnt spoke about the electric pianos, Im on the fence to buy it and I tried the demo. I like it but I think acousticsamples ones may sound better but theres no demo. Actually my question is : do you think it’s a good idea to buy Pianoteq just for the rhodes, wurlies and clavinet ? (I cant afford Keyscape and I think it takes too much hdd lol). Thank you Sam :)

[@Fastvoice]

No. I don't like these in Pianoteq - not even in v8. Rob a bank and get 2 Keyscapes (one for me). 😇

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

True. Honestly I just didn’t want to make a 3 hour video. I’ve just never used the Rhodes in pianoteq. I have my go to’s.

[@baptistec.4546]

Thanks for your answers and advices :)

[@SimonEarly]

Gotta say, 7 was great. This is great. Cant really see any reason to upgrade. Unless you're a bat maybe.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

The improvements on 8 are nice, but thye're both great

[@bsdguy]

Because He Lives....I haven't heard that in a while.

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

it's a great one

[@ZengHuaXiansheng]

Wow, this is awesome! I have no idea why but Pianoteq sounds terrible on my computer - no matter if I play back something inside the software or as an exported MP3 file. I usually use the stand-alone version but I’ve got a DAW, too. May I ask how you get the sound we can hear in the video out of Pianoteq? I can do whatever I want inside Pianoteq but my recordings never sound as perfect as yours! Your sound is crystal clear, mine is metallic and a bit muddy!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Are you working in stereo? What I record is right out of the box

[@ZengHuaXiansheng]

If I play it right out of the box I get the metallic and muddy sound. Also tried to deactivate the audio enhancements on my computer but it doesn’t make any difference… 🤔

[@ZengHuaXiansheng]

@@SamTheBeardGuy And you don’t do any post processing of the audio coming out of Pianoteq? I also noticed that my Pianoteq sounds different when I play it live in comparison to the sound when I play back a MIDI file.

[@ZengHuaXiansheng]

@Twan Manders I don’t think that my stage piano (Kawai MP10) or the MIDI files I use are the problem. I recorded “La fille aux cheveux de lin” which in most parts is not loud at all - and it sounds like playing a piano under water! When it comes to the keyboard it sure is important to adjust the velocity curve to make it sound good but that doesn’t seem to be the problem either. I just think that Pianoteq isn’t supposed to sound like it does on my computer. I also tested the MIDI file with the sampled version of the Bechstein Digital Grand. It sounds bad as well but in a different way (rather kind of thin). I guess that it must have something to do with some weird settings in Windows, maybe. Because Sam’s sound is great and he says that he uses Pianoteq right out of the box. It would be interesting if he uses Windows, too, or another OS and if that makes any difference.

[@crawlingman7003]

What is your d/a interface?

[@zumadale]

One of two things...I'm hearing a lot of Jim Brickman influence...or...Jim Brickman listens to your videos..😉

[@Rem1431]

Oh ... sorry ... you allready did ?!

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

Hahaha yeah

[@zumadale]

A guy who plays as well as you...and yet you're using an on/off sustain pedal?

[@SamTheBeardGuy]

My nice sustain pedal broke like a month ago and I haven’t gotten around to getting a new one. Most of what I do doesn’t need anything more though so it doesn’t bother me. What do you use?

[@zumadale]

@@SamTheBeardGuy I have a Kawai VPC1..comes with a triple pedal and continuous sustain. The sustain uses a really cheap potentiometer though. I had to have it replaced 3 times in the first year.

[@IamtheI]

pianoteq is subpar to veinna vst pianos... sounds like a toy in comparison.. what are your thoughts

[@winterheat]

like, can you learn at least one piece of classical music? Maybe you don't need to if you don't want... I am just too amazed at such as SweetWater, they sell pianos and they do a new piano demo and the guy doing the demo is like, he cannot even play 10 seconds of a classical piece... come on... just learn it one hour per day and in a week, I am sure the person can play that 10 seconds quite well