Synthogy Ivory II American Concert D Review

This is a test run of the American Steinway D, the new piano by Synthogy.
Settings: No EQ, No Reverb, Clean Soundboard II, Linear Velocity Curve.
Other settings were set for a neutral sound. I will be more specific on my blog.
I gave it the best (most challenging) playing I could. When you play a sampled piano with no reverb and no pedal, it really shows what it is made of. Also, to dynamically glue the voice and piano together, I used a small amount of external compression and a small amount of Adaptive Limiting. In this case, I used the TRacks Black 76 Compressor and Waves L3 UltraMaximizer AdLim. Disclaimer: I did some Beta testing for Ivory, so I got this copy for free. All of my other Ivory piano's I have (happily) paid for :-)

[@nichttuntun3364]

Awesome. Worth a purchase still after so many years since release. Thanks for the great moving demonstration. Cheers Thanks also for using the neutral setting so it's obvious how the core sound is.

[@babykiller1987]

Man, I came here for your review ....... but your playing ruined everything. Absolutely amazing !! So damn great !!!!!

[@rodneylee4026]

I usually get inspired by great playing like this.

[@davep-newengland1457]

FYI - Billy Joel uses this (Ivory II American Concert D) for his piano at his concerts. (Revealed by Joel's longtime keyboardist and programmer David Rosenthal in an interview with Keyboard magazine here on KZbin.) Oh, yes ... Great video here! Thank you!

[@SamyGali]

How do you get the MIDI keyboard on the top of the video? What software you use for that? Thanks...Great Playing!

[@TehIshter]

I keep on thinking that when I'm as old as you are 40 years from now, with all the piano wisdom and experience, that I look back to this day reminiscing about how we still used sampled piano sounds. Until then, I'll strive to be as good as you are in terms of jazz improvisation. Thanks for the inspiration, 7notemode!

[@pikasfed]

Theishter - Anime on Piano I know this doesn't have nothing to do with this video, but 5 years passed and now you're inspiring thousands of people. Also don't forget when you'll be an old piano man about your subscribers, we want to hear your jazz improvisations! (-35)

[@bengie11355]

Isher?!????!!!

[@thegeekdude67]

You're an absolutely amazing pianist. I just ordered the Synthology Ivory II along with the M-Audio 88 for my studio. But while enjoying the sounds of the plug-in you've lulled me into a trance. Feel like I'm at a high end club enjoying the piano playing with a nice drink. Awesome stuff! Cheers...

[@owg952]

The way you play is beautiful.

[@jamesparadee3388]

Dear brother-- I plan on buying the Ivory piano and wanted to hear your treatment again as I am looking to do a project based on solo piano. I remember listening to you play last year and I saved many performances. So glad I ran into this demo, because I think you are a tremendous player and gifted technician. I loved Wichita Lineman with Trillium bass and I was floored by the timbre and sheer deliciousness of the samples. Your playing is phenomenal and I can only take so much of your gift at a time. I've been noodling most of my life and feel like I'm just beginning to be able to play what I hear. You are a real inspiration to all of us that love piano. Your gift is amazing and your ability to share and make believers of us all will bear much fruit, in this world and the next... Thank you and God continue to bless you-- perfect peace--brother Jimi

[@betetet]

You play wonderful! I wanted to hear the Steinway responses and I'm kind of in a hurry but couldn't cut off the video because your playing drew me in! Even so your demonstration was perfect because you were thorough to show every part of the plugin touch capability and its sound, all with calming beauty. THANK YOU.

[@djdyer1]

Thank you for a great review and for your inspirational playing

[@7notemode]

Thanks!

[@_trismegistus]

Your playing is spectacular.

[@injenius21]

joeyisfunny exactly what i was thinking - i could listen to this guy for hours lol.. i forgot I was watching this to hear about Ivory haha

[@ndpitch]

Man. I have been watching your videos for a while. Your playing is astounding. I've been playing for 17 years and I can't come close to your level of playing! Thanks for demoing this out - I was considering going for this volume and you've pretty much sealed my desire to grab it. I can only hope to make it sing as well as you can!

[@Jonboyutube]

Phew, what a pleasure. It's now 00:07 in the UK BUT I couldn't stop listening to such spectacular playing.

[@2GuitarJohn]

Not to mention your great piano skills. You have the sound technique of someone self taught. I could be wrong BUT I love it anyway! ;)

[@jymebale5545]

That show tune you just played is a go to for every pianist I know, nicely done.

[@SHARONEMUSIC]

Wow. What an exceptional musician :)

[@eltitonthemusic]

Saw your review and decided to buy. I am very satisfied with it. Your review was accurate. Thank you sir.

[@kikomi888]

Is there any latency issue?One of my friend sold this vst his reason is not suitable for live performance he experienced latency issue. I love the sound but i think if i will buy a high spec laptop the latency will be resolve?By the way what's your laptop model

[@thiagoo_keys]

Hello, congratulations for the video! which audio interface you using?

[@AkshatMehrotra07]

Beautiful playing.. Amazing.. Loved the 6 min onwards part

[@MediumMinus]

This video convinced me to buy this. And I keep coming back and admiring your playing style. Love it!

[@idaveit]

This is a great overview! I got my copy of the "American Concert D"a few days ago and love how the piano responds and feels on the keys. The sound is very nuanced and very easy to adjust to many musical situations. Dear Tom, I am always amazed about your outstanding piano playing!!!

[@laurenstephenson9816]

Your playing is incredible. You really make this sound amazing.

[@7notemode]

Hello Sam. I can't say which is better. They have some similarities, i.e. both are pianos with age and character. The samples on the VinD are big and gorgeous. The American D is a little bit more subtle. It has more punch and dynamic range. I really like the Ivory engine.. pedal and sustain resonances are organic and realistic.

[@Mrjhow30]

I saw you playing in an RD-700SX and I liked it very much. What do you think of RD? It is the best digital piano when it comes to similarity to the acoustic piano? If not, I'd like you to recommend me another digital piano, remembering that i want maximum similarity with the acoustic piano. I hope answers, thanks.

[@TheMovieEditor]

These plugins are just amazing. Can't believe how far we have come on a keyboard sound quality.

[@DihelsonMendonca]

Indeed, you ae one of the best players I´ve seen in many months, and I hear a lot of Jazz. I am a Jazz pianist also. You play with a soul.

[@DihelsonMendonca]

The piano is incredible, and you play really well. Congratualtions ! good chords...yeah !

[@jakejacobs126]

Truly amazing. I am so going to get this library. Once again A+

[@7notemode]

You have a really nice video up of you playing the American D on your channel...sounds great!

[@7notemode]

Thanks. Mark Levine The Jazz Piano Book. I think copying great piano recordings is the best way to learn.... and then changing them a little to make it your own.

[@kikomi888]

Can i use my digital piano roland Hp! and is it compatible in soft, middle and sustain pedal. Does it recognize half pedaling

[@SylvainMartelFairlight]

"That sustain is just... distracting." I laughed at this one! You, Sir, play and sound absolutely amazing, it's like we can really feel *you* in the music. Thank you for this video!

[@stocksam]

Hi Sevennote, Cloud you tell some differences, similarities compared to the Galaxy Vintage D? I play the later mostly and am happy with it. Is the new Ivory even better? Best wishes Sam

[@unclesam6]

Simply amazing. How long have you been playing? I've played on an off for the past 8'ish years... never really dedicating time to it. I'm 19 now, and thinking about picking it up, for serious, is it worth it?

[@jeriann3]

excellent demo and outstanding playing! Thanks for making this demo

[@WeebLabs]

It appears to be an 11.6" MacBook Air. You can certainly use this library with a 61-key controller, however you will be limited to those five octaves.

[@jy6677]

Excellent playing. I was debating as to whether I need this in addition to Ravenscroft. I’ve now made up my mind.

[@thvepiano]

Nice sound configuration you did with Ivory II, for that good jazzy sound !! Nice playing aswell !

[@cowboGA]

Great as always ..,. there is no definition created to express your soul and skill for piano... you have a great purpose for music, keep refining that gift..

[@petrchutny]

I could be listening to your playing forever. Thanks

[@ternitamas]

I enjoyed more the playing than the actual vst test! wow what a player!

[@joeb434]

Dear Mr. 7notemode: Man I'm confused as hell. Does American Steinway D, the new piano by Synthogy as demonstrated in this great clip refer to an instrument (keyboard, etc.) or to the software alone? I'm new to electrics and this is the most realistic electric I've ever heard. If it's just the software you are demonstrating, what is the name of the piano you are using? If it's just the software, then would this Ivory II software work on (say) a Roland XL-15 or something similar? Thanks.

[@Zarabozo]

Sounds pretty nice. Unfortunately, if you hear this piano in mono (not in stereo), you can hear the frequencies cancelling pretty bad. Like almost all sampled pianos, it doesn't have a mono compatible mic positioning. In fact, the only one I've heard that sounds fantastic in both mono and stereo, not to mention it's also the best sampling I've heard, it's the Vienna Imperial by VSL. I think they used a mid-side mic technique because it's really good in mono.

[@DrewScottThomas]

Hi, Love your playing. Needless to say, you are a master. I have a technical question. I purchased a copy of Ivory II: American Concert D and I am not getting as nice of a tone as you. I realize you are playing a VPC1, which has a specially designed velocity curve for the software but, other than that, are there any other special modifications you have made to achieve your tone. Thanks in advance, Drew

[@mistersimba]

He's actually playing a Yamaha CP series by the looks. He is also a fabulous player! Sometimes that helps with tone..

[@blessedep7]

Question how do you get the audio of the software instrument to come through the recording? Are you using a DAW and then syncing the video? Thanks wonderful post

[@MacXpert74]

Your playing reminds me of Erroll Garner. Very nice! This piano library still sounds very good and competitive to current offerings, it seems from your demo here.

[@TheDrumtracks]

I tried many different sample pianos and so much of them are actually realy good! - But the most important thing is, that you can play the piano well. Your own skill makes them sounding good. (!) Beautiful Video!

[@TimothyMathews]

how do you feel it compares to the EWQL pianos with multiple mic positions available? That's what I have, and love it. I generally stick with the Bösendorfer 290 Imperial, but the Steinway D is nice too. I have a friend who is a composer and he turned me on to the Bösendorfer.

[@ozelf1]

Digital pianos are not toys anymore,new era to come----(lovely playing,7notemode,thanks.)

[@sweetguillotine]

You are an amazing player. Old school. I love that. Thank you

[@TheMusicW]

Great Playing! I wonder though, how do you record the video/sound? Do you record it on your PC while playing? Do you synchronize it with the video? How do you do? :D

[@ndpitch]

I was listening to the single notes you were playing towards the end. What happened at around 15:21? It sounds like the key-off stroke skips or something (I'm listening in a nice pair of headphones). Is that the type of flaw you mentioned these pianos have with unsustained single notes? Or am I hearing things?

[@TimCoffeyArt]

Thanks for sharing - amazing playing and sound! I've got the Ivory II German D, and researching for purchasing an Akai Pro MPK61 midi. Do you know if this would be an adequate keyboard for use with Ivory II? I'm just a beginner, but I want something I can grow into, but I don't have the space (or budget) for full 88 keys. Thanks in advance. Tim

[@alandakerharley]

I play real pianos all over the place, and I have never heard a real piano sound as good as this. Even amongst the best of them. Some new, some old. I know what you mean about close miking, it does sound as if you have your head inside the lid. Nice for us musicians, but not really what an audience would hear in the room, consequently it has a tad too much high frequency bite. But what a super sound! I have been listening to your videos, and I really appreciate your postings. Thank you.

[@cinupinu]

Oh man, these sound delicious, and I meant both the library and your playing. The no pedal sounds very good. I will have to buy this library ;) Oh, and thanks for the midi keyboard visual. It helps me learning stuff! Great video.

[@GabrielLehtofilms]

Great examples! Great warm tones! Thank you for sharing!

[@TheBluesnbob]

It sounds real good but I'm playing pretty close to you using Galaxy Vintage D in a factory default setting except the volume is up a little and it's quite close to yours IMO! The bass sustain may be a little wider and deeper! Interesting that you're doing the test! Thanks!

[@pfmusicstudio]

Hello 7notemode! I just came across your site by watching your KZbin video about Synthogy Ivory II American Concert D. I must say that I loved the sound you got on that video and these SoundCloud recordings! I just recently purchased Ivory II Grand Pianos but I can't seem to get anywhere near the quality of sound that you got with the American Concert D and here on the Steinway D. Would you be willing to tell me your external compressor/limiter/eq settings? Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated! Cheers, Jamster

[@Jaden2045]

Very nice program and playing! I was wondering, is this easy to set up? I am thinking of getting the CP33 and a Synthogy piano for a somewhat portable way to enjoy playing. How does the CP300's key action compare to a real grand's? (I believe the CP33 has the same action). Thanks!

[@JRod37]

Great playing and demo. I was wondering if you've tried the VSL Bosendorfer Imperial at all, and if you have, what do you think of it?

[@ebpianodude]

After first watching this video a few weeks ago, I decided to go ahead and purchase this piano. I don't regret it one bit. It can't replace the experience of sitting at an acoustic Steinway D playing my piano jury pieces but it certainly sounds really nice. Also really nice playing.

[@ZeitrissFly]

Hi You did a great job! One question, Do you use an interface between the Macbook and the keyboard? Thanks in advance.

[@scarbo1989]

Bravo! I currently use the East West Bösendorfer 290 on my recordings and videos, but it does not even come close to the quality of this one. Great review! I'm looking forward to getting the Ivory.

[@OllieMarshall92]

What kind of latency do you have while playing? How much CPU use does this plugin use on your system? Great playing by the way!

[@davidprokes840]

Hi, really enjoyed your video! Could you tell me how you achieved this sound? I set the parameters same as you did and yet my sound is not as clear. I would say more "woody" and mellow. Is it because of the TRacks Black 76 Compressor you used?

[@KevboKev]

How come when I play this or other piano VSTs, they sound very empty coming out of my monitors? I have KRK Rocket 6s. Other VSTs (non piano) sound great, but pianos just seem empty and tinny sometimes.

[@poidet]

you're not alone in that :( I also can't make them sound for me similar to the video

[@suzazoom]

This sounds so beautiful. I have listened to it 5 times in the last week when I first discovered it. I wonder how much the great sound is your talent and ability and how much is the Synthogy software. I look forward to watching the rest of your videos.

[@s7ochas7ic]

Hey 7note, thanks for the videos. I am considering upgrading my setup and was wondering: do you typically play vst instruments through the yamaha speakers and do you find the speakers sufficient for that kind of usage? Also, what kind of delay due you get with your setup when using vsts- is it noticeable subjectively, compared to the onboard sounds?

[@shoreals]

Awesome video thanks! Just curious what you're playing for the demos I love it and want to learn what you played.

[@Goettel]

Came for the review, stayed for the playing. Awesome on both counts.

[@FRODOPIANO]

could you please help me out? I'm using up to 1000 voices in large memory, but the sound isn`t as good as yours. It runs smoothly but sounds strange. I even have sometimes the feeling that less voices are better. What are you're settings? I couldn`t find something on your blog. As you seem to have the knowledge, it would be nice to hear some advise from you. This voicing/memory thing is so hard to understand for me. Br

[@PianoHaiku]

Before purchasing this, did you compare it to the ivory italian ? I'm still trying to decide between the two xP

[@7notemode]

It's a 13" 1.7 GHz Macbook air with 4 gb ram and 250 gb HD. I am using an OWC outboard SSD using a thunderbolt to firewire adapter. I probably should have mentioned that when I posted.

[@jakejacobs126]

1000 Voices? What hard drives are you running for that?

[@7notemode]

any digital piano with a midi out will work. The Ivory software resides in the computer. Check the support section at synthogy dot com to get a better expaination for Ivory II piano hardware requirements.

[@cop39out]

This may sound basic but what kind of piano keyboard instrument will accommodate virtual piano software? I have several including a Yamaha Clavinova, a Yamaha DGX530 and some older keyboards. Is there a special program to load the virtual pianos via a USB or what? If you could refer me even to a description/instruction piece that identifies the keyboards that will accept Cloud II I'd likely buy the software. Thanks, cop39out

[@MichalSingr]

My first presentation on which I forgot what was the subject of the presentation because of this subtle, delicious music.

[@Lunacy_Phoenix]

what keyboard keybaord are you playing this through and where did you get been looking for a decent one because at the moment I only have a Alesis 49Q Midi keyboard and I don't have many options and I really need something solid for recording

[@floydthebarber71]

Oh, I noticed at the end of your video that you said something about Ivory playing the sympathetic resonance of the strings of the dampers that have been raised. So if I play a C chord without holding down the sustain pedal, and then again with the pedal down, will the sounds be different since the software will try and mimic the resonances of all the other strings when the dampers are all lifted (pedal down)? Do other VSTs do the same? Thanks

[@gino3286]

Hi and great video indeed. Could you tell something more about how your rig is composed ? moreover could you recommend me a cheap but good controller to start with ? thanks a lot

[@KleylaFamilyBand]

I really love the progression you use, especially the use of chromaticism. Where did you study harmony? And are there any CDs or books you can recommend to a music student? Thanks.

[@ThePianoSpeaks]

This is a great review! I bought this yesterday, can't wait to dive into it! May I ask where you got your jazz influence and training from?

[@xXxchobitsxXxNL]

lovely demo :D everything you touch with those fingers becomes gold man :P

[@derekaustin4741]

Love that left hand, 10ths all over the place and leads in the middle. Sadly I don't have that stretch. Beautiful playing. I have this plugin piano, must explore it further.

[@babismousikos]

witch software program you use ? in order to function Ivory ? Or is it standalone ? and which fingers to which notes u use doing the run at 8:20 ? (Sorry for my english).

[@521Life]

Great Chops. I hope I don't get you into any possible endorsement problems. But if you had to choose between Ivory II American D and Pianoteq 4.5 for recording and playability....which would you prefer? I have downloaded Pianoteq but haven't gotten Ivory...I love the Micing capabilities of Pianoteq, but from your video Ivory sounds more realistic. Your experience with both would be a great help. Thanks Jjo

[@7notemode]

I prefer to play Pianoteq and I prefer the sound of Ivory...choices...

[@7notemode]

The Nearness of You

[@jbweimar]

if ivory sounds better then why do you prefer playing pianoteq?

[@521Life]

Can't answer for the OP, But the feel and response of Pianoteq is really nice. But I actually prefer Ravenscroft 275 over ALL pianos.

[@7notemode]

It's worth it if you enjoy the process and can enjoy playing whatever your level. I've played many, many years,,,,because I'm old! :-)

[@floydthebarber71]

Great video, thank you so much for posting. I wish there were a similar review type video for the Galaxy Vintage D, as I'm a bit torn between these two! :)

[@cop39out]

One more question if you please. What is your output system - amp, speakers, recorder? Just can't turn off your playing, especially now with Ivory!

[@pmadsea077]

Great review and beautiful playing. Thanks :)

[@JonathanGurgul]

Hey, I'm just curious what speakers you use to for listening when you're not using headphones. Thanks!

[@fredstickley]

Your playing is very good. Thanks Great sound

[@waawaaweewaa2045]

Fantastic sound. I'm looking to purchase this plugin, I have very limited internal hard drive space, can I install this plug in on my external hard drive, and is there a certain amount of internal space I need by default if this plug in needs to at least be partially installed on the boot drive? Thanks

[@ohooper]

I just keep listening to 6:19-8:45, why don't you release your own disc of all the standards you play so well?

[@521Life]

Thanks for the response. You're right! Choices. What I really love about Pianoteq is the ability to Mic my sound. Not sure if Ivory can do that...I love a piano that I can hear the stereo field captured...ie. lower register accurately represented in the left and the upper register on the right. ...choices. Lol

[@jakejacobs126]

Thats the most the software allows. I may look into that. My Macbook Pro supports thunderbolt

[@CarnivorousRoach]

Are you playing chromatic scale? or changing keys? that's alotta notes at once? new to music theory just wondering..

[@janseman8235]

Very nice playing. Thank you for video.

[@7notemode]

Thanks!

[@ulfrohdin]

Your playing is really beatiful.