Spectrasonics Keyscape - First Impressions by Mike Pensini

In this demo I'm controlling Spectrasonics Keyscape from a Nord Stage 2 88. It's running on a Mac Mini 2.6Ghz i7 Quadcore, with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB Fusion drive, connected to a Focusrite Pro40 interface.
Since recording this, I've since moved the Spectrasonics Keyscape libraries onto an external SSD so loading times are much quicker than in this video!

[@MikePensini]

What would you like to see in a "Part 2" of this video? Let me know below!

[@ultrasoundconcept]

Show Your fingers while You play

[@MikePensini]

Ultrasound Music Yep, that’s a given!

[@ultrasoundconcept]

@@MikePensini You sound really Amazing man… Thanks for the Video.

[@MikePensini]

Ultrasound Music Thank you Ultrasound Music! Stay tuned for Part 2!

[@connor.chan.jazzman]

Maybe not for the part 2 but I would love to see a video or something about using Keyscape in the context of a song and how to use it effectively in production or song writing

[@Dazzer1234567]

Dude, you are a keyboard monster..............

[@MikePensini]

Thanks man!

[@largepoodle6036]

Dazzer1234567 i agree man i wish i could play like that. i must learn

[@scottacousticpgh]

Gave me goosebumps. Wish i could play like that.

[@barkofink]

He is somewhat a less talented Bill Evans replica, .. monster ? lol ok. Not my definition, but is a good pianist for sure.

[@Dazzer1234567]

@@barkofink who cares what you think mr nobody

[@XiyuYang]

Came for the demonstration, stayed for the phenomenal playing. Dude you’re a wonderful musician.

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Xiyu Yang!

[@oriomenoni7651]

Same here. Amazing playing! I wish I knew how to voice (and name, for that matter), all those jazzy chords. Mike if you ever decide to make a course on how to voice and put down those jazzy chords... count me as a customer.

[@jakejacobs126]

Best review of this product on KZbin.

[@MikePensini]

+hnsmusic Thank you!

[@MellowOutBeatz]

I Agree

[@johnorchardofficial]

i completely agree

[@jakejacobs126]

Gizmoriderful Ye Reviewers prowess says more than words can ever say.

[@MrLawrence0071]

How better review an instrument than by playing it and let us hear it's tones? :-)

[@Drfresh1402]

After all these years Keyscape is still king of keyboard libraries.

[@MikePensini]

It is isn't it?!

[@philsarkol6443]

Your ability to play so masterfully makes every instrument on Keyscape come alive...as it should. So I get apprehensive buying Keyscape knowing I would not be able to make it sound like you do. My motivation to buy Keyscape is exactly that; the quality of the sounds. Until now I havn't heard anything so rich in detail and authenticity. Thanks so much for your talent and I am convinced you belong to the top musicians/producers we have in this world!! Good luck with upcoming projects!

[@MikePensini]

Thank you so much Phil - glad you enjoyed the video!

[@-Lola.]

Damn, I just came to see what this product was like. But your playing is so good, I kinda forgot why I came her and just got lost in your playing

[@MikePensini]

Haha, thanks Jacob!

[@flowmaka]

Mike you are one of the most complete pianist/keyboardists I've heard. The real cream rises to the top! I came for a presentation and left thoroughly entertained! Awesome job!!!

[@MikePensini]

James, thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. Where abouts are you based, mate?

[@flowmaka]

From a small town called Raeford North Carolina right outside of the Ft Bragg/Fayetteville area.

[@MikePensini]

@@flowmaka Ah, yes I know it. Hope you're staying safe.

[@Dotanberg1127]

I just had the stank face for full 26 mins. Bro your fingers are sick

[@MikePensini]

+Dotan Haha Cheers Dotan

[@AntonioRockGP]

When you're trying to watch a product review but the playing is so freaking good it takes you places and you can not focus on technical stuff...

[@MikePensini]

Haha!

[@multimapping8303]

Wow, all the way through this video I thought your playing was actually an official demo of each instrument included in the plugin... THAT good is your playing man! Truly inspiring for me, having played piano for 9 years, but not even coming close to having like one fiftieth of your skills!

[@MikePensini]

+MultiMapping Thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoyed!

[@Whiskey_Friday]

Those Rhodes sounds are insane!!! Lovely playing to mate!!

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Dave!

[@MLE1G1]

They should've had you in their introduction video! Amazing playing in different genres, beautifully showing what this plugin is capable of!

[@MikePensini]

Thank you!

[@EduCamargoOficial]

+1 for this. Not even Spectrasonics with their introduction and the predicting wows of famous musicians demonstrated half of what this guy did. This product is really one of the best sources for great ideas, just like many releases from Spectrasonics.

[@Americanjazzlady07]

The sounds are so rich, dreamy, funky....but it's you. It's the way you play, your gift and talent to create music that's making it sound great!!!

[@SOLOCULT1717]

21:45 - 22:10 The Mini Butterfly....I damn near shed a tear....Undeniably the hands down winner for best review of a piano related Plugin. Spectrasonics Please just give this man a job, he just got you guys at least one new customer, and i would wager a good many more are considering a Keyscape Collection for their own studio. Amazing sounds.

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Mc ScaRy! Enjoy :)

[@alanrad5]

Came here with little interest. But after hearing your playing, I just ordered Keyscape. You play so bloody well. Thanks.

[@MikePensini]

Glad you enjoyed it Alan - You'll love Keyscape. It's pretty unbeatable!

[@yasinozturk1588]

oh man! I just watched ur video and this was 25 minutes of pure musicality. LOVED IT! I'm bought man! Subscribed

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Yasin, welcome aboard!

[@aquaticborealis4877]

Pretty amazing. Software and the playing. People dream of playing like that.

[@MikePensini]

Thank you - yes, Keyscape is very inspiring!

[@MelodiousEtude]

I came here for the review and stayed for the playing. Dude, you're so unbelievably musical and funky. How do you not have more subscribers???

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Matt! Let’s try to change that this year! 😂

[@MelodiousEtude]

@@MikePensini absolutely! In the mean time, I'll just pretend that Keyscape makes me sound like a real pianist.

[@MikePensini]

@@MelodiousEtude 😂😂😂

[@kdbyers]

I came across your channel by accident and I was like ok this dude about to lolly gag around these keys, boy was I wrong. You came out playing like you had to save humanity! Lol but beautifully played!

[@MikePensini]

Hahaha, cheers.

[@andreluizkeys]

Great Sounds, great playing! Incredible! It become the things difficult for Mainstage sounds... Congratulations from Brazil Mike!

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Andre!

[@societyoffriends7414]

The playing in this video just filled me with so much joy

[@musicbro8225]

Loved your playing! I mean all the patches sounded perfect but hearing them in context being played so well made them sound so much better.

[@MikePensini]

Cheers Music Bro!

[@sheerpackmooseslee3075]

Terrific.... Just "concise" and precise as usual..... Still a real pleasure to hear your demos !!

[@MikePensini]

Thank you!

[@KeerthyNarayananIyer]

This is one of the most Amazing Piano vsts I have ever come across! Brilliant sampling! One stop solution for your Piano needs! Cant get any better! Cant wait to buy this... Thank you Milke and Spectrasonics...

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Keerthy

[@LordNovaFrmthe4s]

Mike pensini could be one of the best music producers of all time 🖤🥵

[@MikePensini]

Oh thanks man! Appreciate it!

[@gbmuzic]

Amazing keyboard skills and improvisation.

[@MikePensini]

Cheers Greg

[@klaus2506]

oh my word. whats turly incredible is how amazing you sound playing this. you are an incredible piano player. keyscape should pay you for this if they arent like wow. YOU sold me this hahahaha.

[@MikePensini]

Thank you so much KLAUS! Glad you enjoyed the demo, mate. Stay subscribed for plenty more this year!

[@johnnypreset]

I come back to this video every once in a while just to listen to your Rhodes playing. Superb! I saw some kudos from Itaal Shur on your comments, well deserved. Love his playing too. All the best.

[@MikePensini]

Thanks Johnnypreset!

[@axelsteinbiss2877]

great plugin, great playing! thanks for the inspiration, mike!

[@MikePensini]

No worries Axel

[@68caribou]

I think Spectrasonics should hire you! :)

[@MikePensini]

Haha, I reckon they’d be great to work for!

[@68caribou]

@@MarkHopewell : hahahaha!!

[@Drfresh1402]

Man I am thoroughly impressed. These demos are crazy.

[@MikePensini]

Cheers Delon :)

[@AdamTWallington]

im just sitting here in complete awe... screw the Keyscape... you're my new favorite. :)

[@kevincourcey813]

One thing is for sure...You deserve to own this Mike.

[@MikePensini]

Haha, that’s good!

[@TinyMaths]

Came here for the love of the Keyscape sounds, stayed for the great music.

[@MikePensini]

Cheers TinyMaths

[@AndyPawlakOfficial]

Just beautiful piano playing. real skill, fucking awesome.

[@MikePensini]

Thank you MonkeyShed!

[@samsimgeo]

This is an awesome detailed review! I'm basically a guitarist but seriously considering playing the keys post watching this! And man, your playing skills and feel rocks! Especially the cinematic piano @5:41, the progression is mind blowing. You should use that piece to compose a full track!

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Sam, glad you enjoyed it!

[@carlosjazzpick]

Amazing demo for a outstanding piano library. Thanks.

[@MikePensini]

Thanks Carlos!

[@DoctorJezz]

Bit of a "wow" moment there - great demo and great playing, love that the Fender bass has been included and the hybrids are an intriguing idea - many thanks.

[@MikePensini]

+D r Jezz Cheers!

[@EmekaPeacewill]

So, at the end of this review, it seemed like I just heard a BRILLIANT jazz piano album teaser!

[@MikePensini]

Haha - maybe I should release it on Spotify? :P

[@Muzicboy3]

This guy is an animal on the keys... I see a lot of people in the comments have said this already but I had to reiterate because it's just TRUE! Lol ... great stuff ... hope your getting commission because I'm about to purchase ...

[@MikePensini]

Thank you for the comments! :) Enjoy Keyscape!

[@clubnavee]

Wow, my FIRST Mike Pensini video watched and this presentation really sells the beauty of the Keyscape unit. Many of use may not play as well as you, but GREAT PLAYING does leave the perfect amount of inspiration needed to dive into this module and perform with confidence that it will at least sound great--even with musical limitations so long that it is in key with the absence of wrong notes. Thanks for this remarkable demonstration! I did purchase...now it's time to go make some hits :)

[@MikePensini]

Thank you clubnavee - enjoy!

[@lexdimond1]

Jesus, I came for the review, I stayed for the amazing piano playing.

[@MikePensini]

Haha!

[@tappistrt]

Spectrasonics should hire you to do product demos for advertising this suite. What excellent playing!

[@MikePensini]

Thank you!

[@jordankunai4687]

Man listening to you play was just something.

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Jordan!

[@alexlappano435]

I'm 2 years late to this video but I have to comment, damn your playing in this is fantastic. at this point really i'm just watching for that. cheers!

[@MikePensini]

Cheers Alex!

[@Hightreewalker]

I came here for finding 'a simple piano plugin that does sound like a piano' the answer is absolutely Yes but i learned some more: first learn to play like this guy, fiddle around with my free LMMS DAW and later on when i'm worth it buy Keyscape.. Thank you for your wonderfull playing and demonstration of this serious plugin! It's in the tool but foremost it's in the hands...

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Hightreewalker - appreciate the comments. Keyscape is certainly a very inspiring plugin to play. All the best with your playing!

[@rebeccaramkissoon698]

Im just here to hear you play man. You're awesome. Just fantastic!!!

[@MikePensini]

+Rebecca Ramkissoon Thank you Rebecca!

[@johnorchardofficial]

That pan on the rhodes is so amazing

[@TheUglyPancake12]

Dude your voicing's are out of this world

[@MikePensini]

Thanks Travis!

[@JeffDaytonMusic]

Love what I've heard from this program. I bought Omnisphere for the same reason. Spectrasonics has the coolest stuff I know of. Mike, you play your tail off which makes a review so much more fun to listen thru. Thanks mate!

[@MikePensini]

Thanks Jeff, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@szabiakanich]

Absolute badass playing, dude. Off the hook. Great stuff.

[@theshyguy1580]

What I've learned from this video: Spectrasonics Keyscape is awesome, and *this man can slay at piano* .

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Szabolcs!

[@MikePensini]

Haha, thanks ShyGuy! Keyscape is definitely awesome!

[@Revolo17]

Siiiirrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!! Im already buying this vst because of you, but that Grand and Cinematic blesses me... You the man!!!!

[@MikePensini]

Haha - thanks Edward, enjoy!

[@remon563]

ooohh the lows are really good! best recorded piano I have heard so far. Great playing as well.

[@MikePensini]

Thanks Remo!

[@marcopepe4046]

Wow, you're an amazing player!

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Marco!

[@TheMightyYiffer]

What insane piano skills you have! I love what you were doing with the piano/rhodes hybrid!

[@MikePensini]

Thank you!

[@earfulaudio5199]

Hi guys. Please let's all tell other people about Mike's presence here on YT guys. We have all been around long enough to know that there should be at least 2 more digit places added to the amount of his subscribers. This guy is the real deal. What a talent! Peace ...

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Earful Audio! Appreciate the support! 🙏🏼

[@earfulaudio5199]

You're welcome.

[@MikePensini]

About to start uploading to KZbin on more of a full time/regular basis - let me know what you’d like to see more of on this channel!

[@stanleysunny9535]

Came here for the plugin demo, stayed for the playing. Forget Keyscape, i bet you can make any plugin sound great just by your playing!

[@MikePensini]

Haha, thanks Stanley!

[@amadeusedm]

what scale and genre is it that you start playing from 2:13 if you don't mind saying?

[@Malekai43]

neo soul/jazz

[@mrttripz3236]

@@Malekai43 can you elaborate?

[@187reese9]

@@mrttripz3236 using higher degrees of a chord like Chord Voicings ,Dominant chords and Augmented chords Jazz theories esc

[@OfficialStevenCravis]

Nice, funky playing, *Mike Pensini* ! (Your improv licks remind me of Lyle Mays and Jeff Lorber!) Great video and sounds demo. What a library!

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Steven!

[@claushanssen584]

the best piano software of this planet big shoutouts to spectratronics

[@MikePensini]

Yep, they nailed it!

[@68caribou]

Man, you're killing that Rhodes!!!! Awesome

[@MikePensini]

Thanks man!

[@wilsargisson1155]

Man, those clavs sound ridiculous. They've finally nailed it.

[@MikePensini]

Yeah man they're on the money.

[@IMAWriterRobJ]

Aside from the awesomeness of Keyscape itself, your playing is being reproach. Especially rewarding is your ability to point your playing towards the particular "genre" (say, Cinematic) and show that preset as it SHOULD be presented. Nice having many of the most used controls in sight. Excellent job, mate.

[@MikePensini]

+Robert Jason Thank you Robert 😊

[@jtmarinuk]

Superb playing, really enjoyed it !

[@MikePensini]

Cheers jtmarinuk!

[@andrewgarner3428]

Superb playing of a superb instrument. Great stuff :)

[@MikePensini]

+Andrew Garner Thank you Andrew

[@22pirate]

You got that touch. Really enjoy your playing

[@MikePensini]

+Itaal Shur Thank you!

[@kazbj9265]

Wow Amazing sounds from spectrasonics. Cant wait to grab a copy. You're a beast on the keys Mike. Thanks for the video

[@MikePensini]

Thanks Kaz, yep they sure are top notch.

[@Z3NTR0music]

Honestly had to keep pausing because I was overwhelmed with your skills. Amazing

[@MikePensini]

Thank you!

[@mikew4646]

So refreshing to hear an accomplished musician demo a great product. Nicely done and look forward to more! Subbed.

[@MikePensini]

+Mike Whittaker Cheers Mike!

[@Zlagie]

i don't know why those digital Rhodes gave me intense Gran Turismo flashbacks. also, amazing playing! subscribed!

[@MikePensini]

Great game.

[@HellOnToastbrot]

Man, just your introduction with your Australian accent puts me in a good mood. Thanks for the review.

[@MikePensini]

+HellOnToastbrot Haha, good to hear mate!

[@hj7047]

mesmerizing playing bro

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Raph!

[@tedl7538]

Excellent demo Mike, thanks very much. Looks like I'll be buying Keyscape now!

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Ted! You can't go wrong, it's quality all the way!

[@tjmpiano]

Eric should hire you.... well done and thoroughly enjoyed

[@MikePensini]

Thanks Tom

[@drmcgoodbody4299]

4 years later , thinking of buying this. i think noire and ivory 2 might be ahead at this point in terms of grand piano but this thing has so many incredible sounds. definitely still worth it for the price. with some tweaking, i think the C7 cinematic preset outshines their headliner "grand piano" preset

[@Drfresh1402]

Have you lost your mind? This is still king in all categories. Do NOT BE FOOLED!

[@oskarfaye8775]

Just bought it. Thanks for convincing me!

[@MikePensini]

+Oskar Faye Awesome Oskar, enjoy!!

[@bobbydoodle6257]

Awesome demo. What a talented player

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Bobby!

[@babcn]

Wonderful Mike.... So well done & some lovely playing

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Brian!

[@babcn]

You are so much more than welcome :-) It was great to watch & listen to how you played

[@DopamineOverload]

Perfect review, Mike. Love your positive vibe, too! Great playing... absolutely great.

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Chris!

[@Akreem]

So far the best Virtual Piano i ever heard , WOW .

[@crypticmoses7844]

Great playing as always! I can listen to your playing all day!

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Cryptic Moses! Where are you based man?

[@crypticmoses7844]

@@MikePensini Hey Mike! I live in a town called Hope, located in British Columbia, Canada. I used to live in Vancouver for a while but missed my old days of growing up in Hope so I moved back.

[@MikePensini]

Oh lovely, Hope looks like a beautiful part of the world!

[@crypticmoses7844]

@@MikePensini Yes, it's a very pretty part of the world. Lots of nature to get inspiration from! Maybe that's why a lot of my music seems to be nature themed. Lol

[@subhadeepmajumdar]

Lovely man .Brilliant musician u are . all the best

[@MikePensini]

Thanks man!

[@ep73rhodes83]

This is a very good demo. These Rhodes sounds are by far the very best available as of September, 2016!

[@MikePensini]

Yeah they're pretty amazing

[@WillsJazzLoft]

Keyscape is phenomenal! Unfortunately, I've not found anything similar for Linux

[@MikePensini]

It is indeed!

[@rubenjwz]

love hearing you play, just lovely sounds

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Ruben!

[@djrichyrich2100]

Did this man just......bro lemme get some lessons 😭😭😭😭😭 and taking me back to my Jazz days I miss them

[@MikePensini]

Thank DJ RICHY RICH! I'm now offering online lessons via Skype if that's something you're interested in. Details at: www.mikepensini.com/lessons Cheers!

[@belousoff81]

Hey Mike, good review mate! Might have to start saving for this! Btw, beast playing as always. Love your work!

[@MikePensini]

+Matthew Belousoff Cheers Matt, hope you're well!

[@toddtrillo7445]

that was awesome , thanks Mike , fantastic playing

[@MikePensini]

Thank you so much Todd!

[@Progmium]

You're a beast on the keys! The sad thing for us mortals is that we would buy this product and really suck at making it sound this awesome! Seriously! Very nice playing!

[@yaroti]

Your playing makes the plugin more beautiful I want you to teach me how to play 🙏

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Ammar!

[@mistangino]

Man, you killed this presentation! Superdope!

[@MikePensini]

Thanks Angel!

[@MyronDavismd]

OMG my friend, you’ve got the gift! Keep on playing. Where can I hear more of your music?

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Myron. Stay tuned for some studio releases soon - in the meantime feel free to check out the other content on my youtube channel as well as my website.

[@ytsejam2007]

Nice sounds ... thanx for smokin' the keys Mike !! :D

[@MikePensini]

Thank you!

[@dm6607]

DAMN, you played the crap outta that VST... Wow!!!

[@MikePensini]

Thanks Dorian

[@ZimzalaBeats]

the sounds are insane and this playing damnnn. def gonna cop this and much respect Mike your playing is beautiful

[@MikePensini]

+Dekazo The Producer Thank you Dekazo!

[@sntinl9297]

honly shiss!!!!!!! you are a keyboard monstar, thats sound is so fantasy and beautiful

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Mario!

[@meldavis8697]

Man you played the shit out of the la custom chorus🔥🔥🔥😂

[@MikePensini]

Cheers Mel! Are you a muso?

[@adriandonal]

10:46 - 10:55 this is the most beautiful chords progression i've ever heard

[@MikePensini]

Thank you Adrian! Glad you enjoyed it mate. Where abouts are you based?

[@raedkhader6076]

Please start doing youtube lessons! You are an amazing player with killer technique and musical knowledge!

[@MikePensini]

I do Skype lessons!