So I was working with arturia piano v3 to find the best available piano that will sound right live. Using a Nord for years you learn that some pianos work better in a live performance with a band because they cut through better.
The trick I came up with was to layer the CP-70 electric grand over the German grand form piano v3 - u use the mixer to adjust enough cp- 70 to brighten and cut through with the piano providing the body.
Nice trick!
I really tried to like the Arturia pianos, but never got a liking to them. (Could be my lack of programming skills?)
I picked up a Pianoteq license 2nd hand (license transfer). I mostly use their YC5 piano (rock). I prefer it to the Arturia pianos.
But, overall, I still prefer the sound of sampled pianos, like Sampletekk. But, I want the low ram imprint of a modeled piano. So, if I am not using my internal hardware piano (Privia), I generally use the Pianoteq YC5.
Same here. I did use the Arturia piano V3 for a while, but found something missing (I was coming from a MODX). Got Pianoteq Stage and loved what I heard, then got the standard version as I like the idea of random detuning, I find it makes things a bit more realistic.
Also use the YC5 most of the time, as its closest to my MODX CFX pianos (to my ears).
Never thought of layering pianos with other pianos’ before, its a good idea.
I believe this is what Elton John does live, and I love his live sound.
Did you do the initial keyboard training so that Pianoteq knows how to respond properly to your keyboard at different velocities? That makes a HUGE difference.
I think I used one of the velocity curves that were recommended for my controller (PX350).
I am not sure if I also tried to do it through the “training” method. I will look into that.
But, I feel like I don’t love the tone as much as sampled pianos. So, I am not sure that (velocity mapping) is why prefer sampled pianos.
Jeff
I’d like to go on record that this is my first post where I’m offering something thank receiving something. Hahah - good to see I’m in company with Elton John! It helps to set the velocity settings for your keyboard up front (especially if your keyboard isnt weighted) - I forgot how to reset that part. Anyway - Im definately up for getting Pianoteq once I buy a weighted controller - where did you buy the second hand license - it seems like such a good idea.
Nice, that’s how I felt the first time I actually helped someone one after being on the receiving end for help.
Here are some options:
https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=43
Personally, I have had only good experiences with license transfers, but I suppose there is always some risk.
Good luck.
Jeff
Thank you for sharing the tip. I don’t always layer pianos like this, but there are certain songs where I love to layer a CP-70/80 of some kind with an acoustic piano, then play with the mix until I like it for the song. Two songs I do this on are “Don’t Stop Believing” and “Purple Rain”.
X
Had a rehearsal last night, and I added a CP80 to my usual YC5 in Pianoteq. I had forgotten Pianoteq has a layering feature. I must admit I liked what I heard. it made the usual piano sound cut through a bit more, and dare I say added a bit of an 80’s feel.
Good call.
Thanks for sharing this idea!
Another one if you have Keyscape is to layer the C7 piano with the CP-70
I don’t presently have the Arturia CP70 (I’m currently on V Collection 9).
But, I have the Pianoteq CP-80 (one of their “historic” instruments free with a Pianoteq license).
Anyone try it with that?
(Oh, I think Dave did that. I do think the Pianoteq pianos “need something”. They sound a bit thin/tinny (?) to my ears compared to, let’s say, the Sampletekk Black Grand).
Jeff
To evaluate a sound you have to hear it in the context of a band.
Often thinny or edgy sounds are better than “smiley” sounds.
True, I’ve listened while in a number of gigs. Doesn’t sound as good to my ears. Tough to explain, but particularly around middle C. Does not sound like my sampled pianos or (Casio PX350) (which sound more like a real piano to me).
But, could be me or my settings.
Jeff
Did you try tweak Pianoteq?
Microphone settings etc?
Sometime it is better to switch to “Stereophonic” instead of “Microphones”.
Not much. In the past when I have tried I made things worse. Hah!
But, I’ll try in an empty rackspace.
With Pianotq I always give the sounds a bit of random detuning, and raise the Condition slider up. This seems to give a lightly better organic feel, but ultimately I find EQ and Mic to make the biggest difference.
I tried different settings this morning. I did prefer the sound when I changed from the Microphone setting to either Monophonic or Stereo. That had a definite positive effect to my ears. (since I always output mono, my inclination is to use mono. They sounded very similar to me, and both much better than the “microphone” setting).
The (perceived(?)) volume ends up being lower with that setting, so I will need to change that to compensate. Thx!
(I also tried a different velocity settings. I don’t think that was the issue.)
Just wanted to come back the comment David made about setting up the custom velocity curves.
I have done this and yes, it makes a difference, but im wondering how this works when using different controllers.
I use an Arturia KL MKII at home and gigs, but for rehearsals I use an Arturia KL Essential MK3. Ive profiled both but think I can only program one at a time in to Pianoteq. My thinking is for rehearsals id have to go through each Rackspace and change the velocity profile.
Is this correct? Any thoughts to get a round this.
Put in in the Global Rackspace so you only have to change it once for all rackpspaces?