Sampleson have released a number of keyboard instruments that use spectral modelling instead of sampling. They have finally created a concert grand. It’s release sale price is $59. Normal price will be $89. Available as a standalone app, a VST3 or an AU. Not sure if Apple Silicon is supported, but OSX 10.7 or later is. It’s a low CPU, 60 MB (not GB!) VI with full dynamics (no velocity layers). The sound is based on a Japanese concert grand. Can’t tell which, but probably a Yamaha or maybe a Kawai. I have several of their VIs already. Will be adding this one after I finish this post.
Because I’m in France, I was charged 20% VAT, so $70.80 total to my U.S. bank. The price to my French bank would have been about 73,50 €, so it was cheaper for me to pay directly with dollars.
NOTE: The 60 MB installer downloaded while I was typing this post. I’ve also already received the license key email. Nice! Installing now.
Windows installation note: during install, the installer asks for the VST plugin directory, and defaults to the normal VST2 directory. Seemed goofy to me, since it’s VST3 only (so why ask for the VST2 directory), but…that’s where it installed the .VST3 file. GP of course, didn’t scan it, so I had to manually move it to the Common Files/VST3 folder and rescan. Voila!
I also have a problem with the standalone app not connecting to my ASIO driver, but Windows and Direct Audio both work. The VST3 in GP works fine with GP’s audio (my ASIO device).
I have reported my two issues to Sampleson. I’ll update here after they reply. I also reported that the installer doesn’t create, or offer to create, a shortcut to the standalone app.
Exactly what I thought after the first 20 seconds of that First impressions -demo. Very strong electric grand -vibe, so won’t be a serious challenger to Pianoteq just yet when it comes to acoustic grand modelling. But still, for the size and price it’s pretty impressive and I can believe the playability to be nice and smooth. Might even consider using it with a hint of chorus effect for banging some CP80 tunes.
I’ve been following Pianoteq since version 3 and they’ve been making huge progress from a very nice feeling but pretty plastic sounding thing to their current realism, no doubt that Sampleson’ll also get much closer to the real thing if they decide to carry on developing this model. Their Wurly-model sounded really nice!
