🎹Pianoteq vs Keyscape Piano VST Plugin Comparison - Piano Sampling vs Modeling🎹

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#Pianoteq #Keyscape #VST
Greetings, and thank you for joining us at the Merriam Pianos RU-vid channel! The newest edition in our series on VST’s, in this video we’ll be comparing the Keyscapes and Pianoteq 7 plugins.
These are very different plugins, but are more or less directed towards the same user; those looking for highly detailed sound and a plugin that can provide a wide range of keyboard instrument tones.
Please like the video below, and if it’s your first time on the channel, subscribe and hit that notification bell!
Background:
Keyscapes is available in one format as a full bundle, and runs about $400. Pianoteq is available in 3 different versions with different levels of detail and different price points. We’ll be looking at the middle, Standard version today.
How these two plugins produce sound is quite different. Pianoteq uses a modelling based engine, which uses a series of algorithms to generate tone, whereas Keyscapes works from a set of pre-recorded samples. While they arrive at their sound engines in a very different way, the range of available sounds is quite similar.
Acoustic Piano Sound:
Pianoteq offers their YC5 grand piano tone, which is based on a Yamaha C5X. Keyscapes’ main piano tone is a Yamaha C7X. Right off the top after playing them side by side, there’s a certain warmth radiating from the Keyscapes piano tone that isn’t present with the Pianoteq.
On the other hand, that added dynamic tonal range offered by Keyscapes is a bit exaggerated compared to what you would experience on a real grand piano.
When it comes to the level of control offered to the user, Pianoteq is the winner here since it’s using a modeling-based engine which means the user can edit the algorithm directly. In fact, there’s about 4x more control with Pianoteq, with super-specific parameters like mic placement, type of mics, stereo width, and sound speed.
Ultimately, Pianoteq allows for greater user control, but Keyscapes delivers a more authentic experience. What you prefer will likely come down to the type of project you’ll be using a VST for, as well as your own personal taste.
Electric Piano Sounds:
Starting with a Rhodes sound, again, like the grand pianos, Keyscapes delivers a fuller, richer Rhodes sound, at least without extensive tweaking within Pianoteq. Interestingly, it’s actually the imperfection that Keyscapes has captured that makes the Rhodes sound a truly compelling sample.
The same general observations apply when it comes to other sounds like Wurlitzer and Celesta as well.
Summary:
When it comes to acoustic pianos, what Pianoteq has been able to generate out of its Steinway B, D, Grotrain and C. Bechstein sounds is fantastic, with more depth and character than what we’re hearing out of the C7X from Keyscapes. That said, the warmth and detail Keyscapes is delivering with all of the other vintage instruments is nothing short of incredible.
For exposed solo playing, Pianoteq gets the W here, but for all of the E pianos and other tones, Keyscapes gets the nod. Two very different plugins, but we hope putting them side-by-side has been helpful.
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Опубликовано:

28 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 320

@maidpretty 3 года назад

One important notice for new Pianoteq users: default condition state is set on "mint", but I recommend making it 1-2 steps away from mint, because in mint condition the piano sounds "too perfect", while not mint state make the sound richer, more fun and more realistic (real pianos usually are just a tiny bit off tune, it's not like a piano tuner checks you piano to 0 deviation every day). PS. Mint variation will probably sound better in a mix where piano is a supporting instrument, but if it is in the spotlight, make it a bit less mint.

@JoeLinux2000 3 года назад

No argument here.

@Mnnvint 3 года назад

Also, *set your velocity curves*! It makes a huge difference for how "real" the piano feels.

@paullebon323 2 года назад

Not too perfect for me. It sounds like the freshly tuned and regulated performance piano of a concert pianist with his own piano tech.

@SiQuemaCuhh 2 года назад

@@paullebon323 or "PianoTeq" I see what you did there ;)

@kbrizy7490 2 года назад

Definitely agree!

@jasonhoumusic 2 месяца назад

The best way is to use both together - Keyscape for the core piano sound with Pianoteq as an audio fx plug-in purely for resonance. Piano manufactures have done this for years and we can do the same now in a DAW. Check out this video called "Add resonance modeling to your favorite sample libraries with Pianoteq 8" by Andy Simmons.

@MerriamPianos 2 месяца назад

Thanks for the tip! That sounds like an excellent solution to get a really rich sound out of your VSTs. :)

@miscellanyman263 2 года назад

Sympathetic Resonance ("Harmonics") is a critical feature of the Acoustic Piano which creates Aural Wonderment. Thanks for posting this great video as it is clear that you are a seasoned pro.

@percyvolnar8010 Год назад

8:25 - 8:48 - Thank you for that. You were speaking from your heart there... Nothing but love for ya, man.

@MerriamPianos Год назад

Thanks for tuning in! I will be sure to pass on your kind words to Stu on your behalf. :)

@percyvolnar8010 Год назад

@@MerriamPianos Thanks! Really love listening to him build harmonic structures.

@jobatimus 3 года назад

You must say that keyscape uses 50 GB of memory and Pianoteq 160 MB..Its a big diference....

@wilsargisson3626 2 года назад

Keyscape is closer to 80 GB

@Fastvoice 2 года назад

@@wilsargisson3626 You can do a "light installation" of Keyscape with about 30 GB. And Pianoteq Stage (the lightest edition) has less than 50 MB for the program and about 230 MB for two instrument packs.

@jakeperl5857 10 месяцев назад

This is a great comparison of the sounds, but there are other factors to consider as well, depending on your use case. My primary use is live performance and I like that Pianoteq loads much faster and occupies significantly less RAM, allowing room for more VSTs to be loaded and ready to go. But the One Thing about Pianoteq that really hooked me from the start was just how expressive it feels to play compared to other very good sampled instruments I've used (have not tried Keyscape). Hard to really describe, and certainly not a difference the audience will ever hear, but it's a certain tactile feeling that just makes Pianoteq so much fun to play, and inspires me to really explore more of the keyboard as well. This could be attributed to the exaggerated dynamics you mentioned, I don't know...but I love it!

@MerriamPianos 10 месяцев назад

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences! The CPU load will definitely an important consideration for some users. Also, I know what you mean about the feeling of connectivity between the player and the piano sound. Whether we are discussing VSTs, digital pianos, or acoustic pianos, that is a very important consideration! :)

@HitsKeys 3 года назад

Great review and comparison, thank you! I love the ability to tweak anything in Pianoteq but I get a distinct "guitar" or plucking type of sound in the attack of the middle keys that makes it feel artificial to my ear for example at 1:10, is it just me? Can it be fixed easily?

@stenaldomehilli8809 3 года назад

Absolutely true! I got such impressions as well. It looks like we could hear the original sound-wave they modified.

@ChristianJoannes 2 года назад

Very good and honest review . I’m not a fan of either actually for two reasons Pianoteq : doesn’t sound real . In fact the main issue with modelling softs today is that there is no existing good model for sound dissipation which is one of the most important aspect of piano sound. Keyscape : no Una corda / no sustenato . A show stopper for any classical music player . Not such a problem for rock/pop I think Garritan CFX ( grand version) and VSL synchron are in a different league .

@ericburger9334 2 года назад

...and an sampled instrument has sounddissipation! I mean a sample of couple of seconds?!?!?! None of the sampled pianos has sympathetic response btw, but pianoteq includes all parameters, which is important to a piano sound. You always should use these kind of libraries in a mix instead of solo.

@ChristianJoannes 2 года назад

@@ericburger9334 of course it has sound dissipation because it is recorded !! As simple as that . Sympathetic resonance is modelled and use the same algorithm whatever software it is . The fundamental advantage of sampling libraries is original capture is the decay and real reverb of the studio or hall in which the sample was taken . Garritan CFX is the best in that department as you get the real reverb of the legendary studio one . No effect , just pure natural gorgeous sound . Believe me no professional studio uses any acoustic modelled sampling , they will use in the majority of the cases real acoustic grand and if no avail they will use top notch sampling such as synchron or Garritan .for those interested with the subject I have a thesis document that shows the mathematical limitation of modelling algorithms . One day will come when these limitations are overcome but unfortunately it is not today even though the sound they produce is quite decent .

@classicsound7146 2 года назад

@@ericburger9334 Eric , sorry but best sampling software record sound for the entire duration of the decay i.e. several seconds. That is why the libraries are so massive .( in some cases near >100 GB of data ) . Pianoteq is nowhere near these VSL when it comes to sound accuracy. It doesn't bad but it doesn't sound real either

@Nico-rw2tl 2 года назад

vsl is far ahead of all these other competitors

@mktsound8240 2 года назад

@@Nico-rw2tl If you consider the 2 elements of natural sound captured during the process , I agree with you on the piano sound VSL is top notch , now Garritan has the best natural reverb as it’s the unique abbey road studio 1 acoustic, so I guess it’s a matter of personal taste and also depends which type of piece you are going to be playing .

@enlightenment00 6 месяцев назад

thankyou for educating our palette, my final verdict is Keyscape just sounds more natural, warm and has more character right out of the box 😁, but it's not abailable on iphone.

@MerriamPianos 6 месяцев назад

You're very welcome! They are both compelling VST plugins, but every player will have their own personal favourite of course. :)

@enlightenment00 6 месяцев назад

@@MerriamPianos True, its very subjective, and prone to change 😆

@jonos138 2 года назад

One other piece of software is Addictive keys piano. If you are a gen 2 Focusrite scarlett user , this comes as a FREE bundle option. It may not be as good as pianoteq and keyscape, but it's pretty good and who can complain at a Freeby!

@MerriamPianos 2 года назад

Free is certainly a tough price to beat! ;)

@mfurman 3 года назад

Great review! Another one I was waiting for. Thank you Stu. Will Merriam sell piano sound emulation packages?

@lanmichaelmix2818 2 года назад

the fun fact is,it seems like an sampled VST like keyscape must have better fidelity because it captures all the sound behavior of an acoustic piano.However,sometimes sampling can't regenerate back that true fidelity of waveform,keep in mind that the real piano is creating sound just by physical vibrations which can be reasonably emulated by algorithms.

@R.Tafolla 2 года назад

It’s only limited by the accuracy and complexity of the algorithms in recreating the sound. But I can say that it can only get better.

@truthmanifestingtruth 2 года назад

Yeah but at the end of the product, Keysacpe sounds good, and in many of the comparisons between sounds/presets, Keyscape sounds better. That matters more than simply harping on modeling vs sampling. Pianoteq is coming along though. It is increasingly being considered the best for its piano sounds.✌🏾

@lanmichaelmix2818 2 года назад

@@truthmanifestingtruth keyscape is still the beast,but it's too large and heavy.I don't use pianoteq,i use keyzone which is even lower rated vst.

@pusanggala3573 2 года назад

What is the best piano feel controller for keyscape will you recommend. Thanks.

@simbaking6338 3 года назад

Love my Pianoteq..fits perfectly with my old laptop.Keyscape though a great vst,its too damn cpu hungry and takes up too much gigs.

@truthmanifestingtruth 2 года назад

Too hungry for your specs & too many gigs for your storage capacity? I understand that but for those with the specs and the storage, it is not too much. It’s just great!✌🏾

@angelvoicemusic Год назад

As fast as possible get a Apple M1. Intel is a high risk in summer or with crowded rooms concerning high temperature. And an M1 it will give you a way better playing experience. It can handle RAM memory WAY better.

@DLAsmash Год назад

Both sound amazing. I personally feel more inclined to support Pianoteq and other instruments/VSTs that use physical modeling rather than samples, not because I like one sound more than the other, but because I just think it's so damn cool that we're already able to get so close to the sound of an acoustic piano strictly algorithmically. I imagine when a lot of people hear "algorithms" they picture some kind of AI that generates the sounds using programmatic black magic indecipherable to humans. In reality, the sound for any given piano modeling VST consists of a single audio recording of a hammer striking the bridge of the real-life piano--and that sample is then modulated by layers upon layers of real-world physics equations (vibrations of different steel wires, struck by hammers of different hardness, at different velocities, traveling through wood of different densities, etc). By representing all of these physical parameters mathematically and building the results of the equations on top of each other, they just GET these sounds. Beautiful, near-perfect, but endlessly customizable because every parameter of a real piano in a real space that you would ever want to tweak has already been represented by a physical model in the code and just needs a slider in the UI to adjust the value. It's just so endlessly fascinating to me. I absolutely have no problem with sample-based VSTs like Keyscape, at least currently, because they do sound just as good and are clearly also a labor of love. But the writing on the wall is clear to me: sampling doesn't have much room left to grow, while physical modeling will only get better and better as the algorithms are refined and the sound approaches literal perfection--not just for pianos, but for any other instrument as well.

@MerriamPianos Год назад

Thanks so much for tuning in and sharing your wonderful insights! The realm of physical modelling is certainly an exciting one and the sky is still the limit for it to grow and reach new limits sonically. With that said, more companies are starting to embrace hybrid engines that combine the best elements of sampling and modelling simultaneously. In any case, there are exciting times ahead on the digital piano front! :)

@Prexsplay Год назад

@@MerriamPianos One example of Hybrid

@MacXpert74 3 года назад

Nice review. Pianoteq sounds rather muffled to me. It lacks clarity and there is something artificial about its sound. The Keyscape piano might not give you as much options to tweak, but to me it sounds instantly more realistic.

@phenixnunlee372 3 года назад

Wait it sounds muffled to you? It sounded brighter to me.

@MacXpert74 3 года назад

@@phenixnunlee372 Yeah, I just listened to it again. I think it has to do with the difference in the attack of the notes. The attack is less pronounced on the Pianoteq sound. I also feel it's EQ'd a bit different. There seems to be a slight emphasis on the frequencies around 500 Hz. This I interpreted as 'muffled'. But both don't sound particularly 'bright' to me, and are maybe quite similar in brightness. It's the attack that's different, I think.

@tuneunleashed 2 года назад

@@MacXpert74 Well….it sort of is artificial it’s physical modelling no sampling involved which is pretty impressive tech but the sound it’s self can’t compare to samples because samples come from the real thing unlike physical modelling it has great attributes but it just doesn’t compare.

@ItsThatJahncke2 2 года назад

@@tuneunleashed I think physical modeling tech will get to a point where it outperforms sampled libraries. One huge advantage is the library size, also the connection between musician and piano while playing is just pure magic on Pianoteq. Of course, that's only if you care about the connection and feeling while playing a piece.

@lanmichaelmix2818 2 года назад

@@tuneunleashed But keep in mind that the real piano itself is a synthesizer that creates sound by vibration so no key sounds the same the next times.

@truthmanifestingtruth 2 года назад

I appreciate the benefits of modeling vs sampling, but the better sound is what I’m after. Keyscape is supreme and pianoteq is not far behind and still improving with no apparent ceiling.

@julianmanjarres1998 2 года назад

Its all about mic position You can adjust that in pianoteq

@michaeludeze8470 2 года назад

*"I'm gonna play the same thing. or the closest thing to it:"* Why don't you just draw in the note in a DAW, and just hit play, so that the same, exact note would be repeated on each instrument.

@killaken2000 Год назад

Good idea. He could then use the DAW or plugin to normalize the audio so that volume differences don't alter our perception.

@lrblouie Год назад

Would be great to hear a compare between the Pianoteq and Roland RD2000 modeled pianos. For what I can hear, Pianoteq sounds great... UNTIL you play the Keyscape C7.

@MerriamPianos Год назад

We have received a few requests to do a comparison between onboard sounds and VST plugins. It would be an interesting topic to explore and we will do our best to tackle it in the near future. :)

@dodg1677 Год назад

I'm a long time Pianoteq user who has dreamed of owning Keyscape (and Omnisphere) for years. I'm now able to purhcase Keyscape (and have computers that can handle it) but it's still a lot of money up front. To my ears there's (based on this review) a "sweetness" or as you put it, warmth, to Keyscape that is definitely missing in Pianoteq. Great review. (By the way, you play your @$$ off!)

@MerriamPianos Год назад

Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! It is very exciting that you're in a position to venture into Keyscape. It is an impressive VST plug-in! Also, I will be sure to pass along your kind words to Stu for you. :)

@mdmusiz 2 года назад

How come I can't get the "stock" pianoteq that you have? did you have any post-processing of the video? I tried both with my headphones (Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro - 250ohm) direct out either to macbook pro m1 headphone jack or motu M4 or with Yamaha HS8. My pianoteq sound is really thin and plastic and it is just a bit better than Logic stock piano. What did I do wrong?

@1voice1talk8 2 года назад

Great video. What you think about sample 4 piano vs these?

@criddyla696 3 года назад

Nice comparison sir, loved your playing too, new sub from sunny Birkenhead Uk.

@andysc2004 Год назад

muy bueno el video!!👏👏

@MerriamPianos Год назад

Thank you so much! :)

@PianoMedic8923 3 года назад

How do you come up with what you play? Are you improvising over different chord progressions mostly?

@JoeLinux2000 3 года назад

Talent, a great ear, and significant time spent on the instrument.

@crazyRyoga 3 года назад

Understanding scales harmonization and the circle of fifth is really the best way to begin to learn improvisation. Once you're fluent with chords progressions, adding a melody line comes naturally. It's all about practice. More practice means more sophisticated progressions (extensions, substitution, etc.). A basic improvisation is kinda easy, but playing like he does requires years, and it shows. Jazz is a nice style to learn for improv, and youtube is full of great teachers.

@stenaldomehilli8809 3 года назад

Oh God damn it! The keyscape is real! It is real! It sounds real! Despite the fact that Pianoteq is an incredible VST, pretty economic in terms of gigabytes and so forth, Keyscape is so real and authentic as ... I don't know what to say! I love it!g

@sergep7578 Год назад

Based on these sound tests, I'd buy the Pianoteq. Much less disk space and much faster loading times.

@MerriamPianos Год назад

Every piano player will have their preference between these two fantastic piano VST plugins. To your point, the loading time and required disk space will certainly be an important deciding factor for some players. Thanks for tuning in and all the best! :)

@subramaniantr2091 3 года назад

On Golden Pond! Nice playing.

@DCayce 8 месяцев назад

All comparisons aside, what I wouldn’t give to play like that.

@MerriamPianos 8 месяцев назад

Stu is immensely talented! That is for sure. :) I'll be happy to pass on your kind words to Stu.

@elwafi2001 2 года назад

Which midi keyboard are you using in this demonstration, thanks!

@MerriamPianos 2 года назад

I believe Stu is using the Roland RD2000 for this video demonstration. :)

@anxiousproductions9183 3 года назад

Hi. So, as far as the electric pianos are concerned, out of the two which do you think has the most authentic sound? Great video. Cheers.

@DEITYMUSIC 2 года назад

Keyscape 100 percent, Ive heard both, I have played both and you literally cannot tell the difference between a real Rhodes (or any other electric piano) and keyscape

@MrGadaga Год назад

Hello Stew. I'm very interested in the virtual piano world. I have a Kawai K200 ATX 2 with Midi out (and I believe tripple sensors). Would that be a good instrument to feed a Virtual piano on PC? Would it be as good as your new Roland phantom 08 for that use or would it have any disadvantages wrt the Phantom 08? And if so what would be less good?

@MerriamPianos Год назад

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the question! The K200 ATX2 would be a wonderful instrument to use in conjunction with VST instruments on a PC! I would actually argue that it will be far superior to the vast majority of digital piano actions, including the FANTOM-08. With the K200 ATX2, you have the advantage of a real acoustic piano touch with all the sensations and nuances that come along with it. :)

@MrGadaga Год назад

@@MerriamPianos Thanks so much for your quick reply Brent !! You right that the millennium 3 action in the K200 will be very realistic. However I thought that the sensor part would be less sophisticated than for example the Phantom 08? Would you know if these key sensors in the K200 are optical sensors (so no wear over time) or Mechanical sensors (which might start to be less precise over time)?

@CaliforniaCreedence 2 года назад

Some of my friends like Pianoteq and some of my friends like Keyscape and I agree with my friends.

@MerriamPianos 2 года назад

For sure! They're both excellent VSTs. The nice thing about VSTs is that they don't take up any space in the home, so it is easy enough to have all of them simultaneously to use when the musical situation calls for their specific sound offerings. :)

@CaliforniaCreedence 2 года назад

@@MerriamPianos Thanks! Nevertheless, my 20-year history of using Spectrasonics products skews me in favor of Keyscape, which I own. Fantastic review!

@rolfjohansen5376 2 года назад

My "thirsty" audience will never hear the difference in a million year ....

@BurntMcgurnt 10 месяцев назад

It's just Keyscape no need for an added s capn

@MerriamPianos 10 месяцев назад

Unless of course one is talking about Keyscape in a possessive sense. ;)

@toniferic-tech8733 2 года назад

Do these run on Linux?

@MerriamPianos 2 года назад

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I don't have any experience trying to run these VSTs on Linux, but, perhaps, one of our community members can chime in and assist. :)

@toniferic-tech8733 2 года назад

The reason I ask is because I just want good sound to come out of my Digital Piano’s speakers in a home situation. So the VST should run as some sort of hardware appliance alongside the Digital Piano. Windows is unsuitable as appliance.

@killaken2000 Год назад

Pianoteq's site has the Linux logo on the info page for this software. I didn't investigate how to install and use it but they do say it works in linux "Pianoteq is an award-winning virtual instrument which you can install on your computer (PC/Mac). It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and will even run on some ARM-based boards such as the Raspberry Pi. It can be used both in standalone mode and as an instrument plug-in in VST, AAX, and AudioUnits hosts."

@calikokat100 3 года назад

Pianoteq7 you can try before you buy...Keyscape ...you cant...

@chrischoir3594 2 года назад

you playing is great but the sound of this plugin is not very good IMO

@DCayce 8 месяцев назад

The obvious solution: buy both.

@MerriamPianos 8 месяцев назад

I like that idea! The more the merrier as they say! :)

@lautaroquevedo1766 3 года назад

If you wanna "compare" both rhodes, please bring down the ridiculous tremolo on keyscape man ! those presets aint pure, but pure populism. And by 2021 Pianotek...mmm, not, not yet getting even there, a good and expensive try though. And the player, a pro, what is missed in most of these enthusiastic reviews of others , who dont actually "play" nothing.

@skipeb3 Год назад

Nice review... Keyscapes wins, IMHO. But, c'mon Stu... you know Wurlies don't go that low... Just jivin' ya. Thanks again.

@MerriamPianos Год назад

Thanks for tuning in! Haha I'll be sure to pass that on to Stu. ;)

@jonathan130 Год назад

Pianoteq is like 10x cheaper aswell

@MerriamPianos Год назад

The cost of a VST plugin is certainly an important concern as well when assessing the overall value it provides. :)

@csilt Год назад

Ivory still sounds better than both

@MerriamPianos Год назад

Everyone will have their personal preference! Thankfully, there are a wide variety of excellent VST plugins to choose from. :)

@drum877 Год назад

I have Pianoteq, Keyscape, Alicia’s keys, the Gentleman, Noir, and the V collection. They all have their uses and vibe.

@MerriamPianos Год назад

Absolutely! This is the great thing about VST plugins! Most people don't have room for 5 or 6 concert grand pianos in their home, but, thanks to the power of technology, it is possible to have access to all of their voices simultaneously. :)

@QalinaCom 11 месяцев назад

after reading your comment, I researched all of the above (it's Noire BTW, I got confused)-thank you for this, I didn't know about any of the above!

@drum877 11 месяцев назад

@@QalinaCom Pianoteq is amazing. It’s the most realistic velocity and customizable piano and it’s such a small file size since it is not sample driven.

@QalinaCom 11 месяцев назад

@@drum877 I downloaded the trial Pianoteq iOS version and played both Bechstein and Steinway-both seemed kind of too "remote" just with the "out of the box" preset. As if it's really far away with way too much reverb. I am looking for a quality honky tonk/saloon beaten up piano sample, but when you "age" those pianos, it doesn't sound convincing to me. I was interested in their historical pianos, but you can't even trial them, you just have to buy them... But at least I could try them, with Keyscape you just gotta buy it... Will stick to my Kawai sound for now, the VTS is a pricey investment, you must be so broke after buying all of them LOL hope you have fun with them all!

@dubsbarry9963 7 месяцев назад

you apparently also have money :)

@jpdj2715 3 года назад

Nice playing, as always. Seemed to me the Keyscape sound was "thinner" than the Pianoteq, even when "warmer" as you said. It also seemed like there was a bit more reverb or sustain in the Keyscape version. This may be a parameter setting and it may be the difference between 5 and 7. Developing a "model" of a honkytonk piano or a cheap German upright that was not tuned in 10 years, has a cost and the expectation to sell it and earn the investment back - which may have held Pianoteq back in developing one. Or, I don't think there is a loser here - both are very good. Of course "we want more". I have to say the Vienna approach sounded really great and this probably has more refined samples that require less processing to play them back seamlessly. The comparison makes me think of photo apps that do raw processing (invent RGB colors that are missing in monochrome raw files). By default, Lightroom opens with a neutral profile that is not very vivid. Capture One opens with a vivid profile. In both cases we can swap that around. This is a marketing thing and the user needs to tune this to their own taste. The default we get is a programmer's vision (meh in both cases), not you the artist's. Pianoteq opens with a flawlessly tuned piano that can sound perfectly artificial (or is that artificially perfect) and no doubt has a control to make it more natural. As to natural, I heard a demo recording of a real physical top-line brand grand piano in a (covid empty) concert hall. The recording had been done with two pairs of microphones, one "in" the piano and the other pair at 4..5 ft distance from the piano's case, both horizontally and vertically. These four microphones had been mixed down into two stereo channels. Microphone placement and mixing had made the piano sound very "cinematic" in the playback. Not at all how you would hear it when playing it, not how you hear it in the concert hall either.

@MrDschiesus 2 года назад

the dynamic behaviour of Pianoteq is outstanding. nothing compares to that.

@MrEMann 2 года назад

The Pianoteq sounds deeper with more harmonics. Both sound good and the average listener wouldn't be able to tell the difference, especially if it was in a mix. Peeking deep into the sound is like looking at the pixels in an image instead of assessing the art itself. Nice review and great playing. Thanks.

@sebbo1496 2 года назад

it seems like pianoteq translates the expression from the fingers better while the pure sound of keyscapes seems better (obviously). wish there was a mix of both

@julianmanjarres1998 2 года назад

You can customize pianoteq so much that you could likely get it to sound close to the exact same as keyscape

@philsipad 2 года назад

Pianoteq is hands down the king. It motivates me to practice again. What it has that the sampled piano VSTs don't is RESPONSIVENESS and DYNAMIC RANGE.

@truthmanifestingtruth 2 года назад

Hands down😁 subjective sure✌🏾 Many of Keyscape demos sound better in this video. The playability and other factors will likely take someone playing both and hearing them in person. What is more universally “hands down” is that they are both top notch products.✌🏾

@percyvolnar8010 Год назад

If you are on a budget, pianoteq is great and sounds fabulous. You can build a stand-alone keyboard running raspberry pi that autoruns pianoteq and have a formidable set up. that is portable and powerful. However, keyscapes sample-streaming and rock-solid velocity detection is the best in the game. The piano's they sampled were sampled incredibly well and you really hear it when you put on headphones.

@unsertrefflicher4678 Год назад

If you don't have money Pianoteq is a good enough.

@sethtincopa1912 13 дней назад

clearly you've never played keyscape it feels incredible

@philsipad 13 дней назад

When I posted this I had Keyscape and I still have Keyscape and I still feel Pianoteq plays better, sounds better, is better.

@DinoFancellu 3 года назад

Comparing Pianoteq sounds, and saying it doesn't sound the same as Keyscape... Well, its not going to, not unless you find the right starting preset, and tweak it. At least you have the chance of going from Pianoteq=>Keyscape The opposite would be impossible Hence Pianoteq is kind of doomed, as everything is viewed in terms of "how like Keyscape". You want it "warmer"? Change the settings or choose a different preset. Even the condition slider is an easy win for more real world texture. Still, your playing is as ever, amazing.

@Transterra55 3 года назад

The Pianoteq has some great sounds, but it is almost "too" clean, whereas The Keyscape has a 3-D like resonance which fills my headphone speakers.

@JoeLinux2000 3 года назад

I agree Pianoteq'a electric pianos are a bit too pure, but I never tried "aging" them which might make a difference. Velocity curve could be another issue.

@christophertown8843 3 года назад

That was exactly what I wanted! This in- depth comparison side by side emphasises all the subtle differences and advantages. Great, thanks a lot!

@spastor92 3 года назад

the way pianoteq creates the sympathetic resonances is so inmersive

@doublehelix3952 2 года назад

I am a Pianoteq user (Bechstein/NY Steinway/YC5), and it is my go-to. Keyscape's comprehensive collection has wonderful attributes, and I could happily live with both--and with my b'day coming up, I just might buy myself a present, if only for the added integration viz Omnisphere/Keyscape Creative. In this comparison, the sound of the C7 in Keyscape appears as if the user is in the room, hearing a beautifully maintained instrument, whereas the Pianoteq sound is more, let's say, "direct," as if the user were sitting AT the keyboard itself. Flip a coin; there is no wrong choice. Nice playing, by the way. . .

@compteprivefr 3 года назад

Well the comparison to Pianoteq is ruined by the omission of the "condition" slider right there above the keys. It's the quickest and most important setting to get warmth and character out of the pianos modelled. Most users seem unaware of it thought. Bad UX I guess.

@cosmic_gate476 2 года назад

Yeah lol I only saw it yesterday despite using the program many times before. I'm using the Pleyel 1926 double grand piano, recording preset, weathered a bit and it sounds awesome in pianoteq 6 stage. I'm planning on using it to record chopin etude 25-12.

@lundsweden 11 месяцев назад

Once I noticed it, I couldn't unsee it though. I like putting it a little toward the worn side.

@MrEcted 3 года назад

As far as pianos go, they are both different but amazing in their own way. However, I really REALLY wanted Pianoteq to at least be 80% as good as Keyscape with electric keyboards because Keyscape in that regard sounds absolutely stunning (was listening on monitors and the sound is just so pure) whereas Pianoteq kinda sound toy-ish by comparison. This is no knock to Pianoteq, I love the concept, love the tiny footprint and it being algorithmically generated rather than just triggering samples kinda makes it its own instrument, and the customization is just insane, but it just doesn't quite capture the magic of the Rhodes or any of the electric keyboards, also the upright was significantly better on Keyscape as well. Still, it's amazing what the guys over at Modartt are doing and maybe in the next couple years they will find a way to really inject that genuine magic that isn't quite there with their electric keyboard simulations. They do seem to get better with every update.

@MatthPrivate 4 месяца назад

You need to boost and gain in Pianoteq. Rhodes are a bit too « wise » out of the box.

@Banquet... Год назад

Great review. Pianoteq 8 has just been released on iOS which I think is pretty huge as the sampled pianos available on that platform don’t have many dynamic layers. Having such a wonderful instrument on an iPad or even iPhone is amazing!

@MerriamPianos Год назад

Thank you so much! We appreciate it. And yes, this is very exciting news! I believe this release was delayed a little bit, so I know there were a lot of people eagerly awaiting it. :)

@JayTheLane 7 месяцев назад

Version 8 is fantastic. Your licence covers both ios and Mac/Win 👍🏼

@tigerman7038 Год назад

what brings Pianoteq a step forward against any sampled piano is the fact the any note played will change based from other pressed notes, in other words, when you play a note, and there are other notes pressed, the sound is different than if you play the note alone. To test it out just push some notes down, keep them pressed and let the sound to finish, then play a staccato note while keeping the other notes down. You will hear the wires resonate to that notes!! winner hands down, i heard v8 is even better, still have to upgrade, but v7 is already beyond. And there are many pianos, my fav is C.Bechstein

@MerriamPianos Год назад

Thanks for this wonderful insight! That is definitely a very cool feature and detail to make note of. Thanks so much and all the best! :)

@jasonhoumusic 2 месяца назад

That's the beauty of physical modeling. You can actually use Pianoteq as an audio fx plugin to bring this resonance behavior to any other sample-based piano VSTs.

@christophercrimmins6143 3 года назад

Isn't keyscape like 75 gb?!?

@pjlira 2 года назад

Now... Keyscape is just beautiful sounding... inspiring. I enjoy playing Keyscape way more than any other Virtual Piano.

@bighousemusic628 2 года назад

Anyone who says pianoteq is better than keyscape has no ears pianoteq sounds like toy piano compared to keyscape big fat warm rich with energy

@nelsonscheja2009 Год назад

Interesting review, and beautiful playing! Just wanted to note that many settings in Pianoteq (especially the output type / mic placement and reverb) have a severe impact on how the sound "feels", and which preset sounds best for me also depends on whether I use headphones or speakers. Keyscape generally seemed to have more ambient sound while Pianoteq was more pure/direct (in this case). Maybe that also plays a part in the "more warmth" you heard on Keyscapes? Keyscapes definitely has great sound overall, and while it's maybe better or at least more realistic in many cases, I like this close, intimate sound of Pianoteq. In combination with the great dynamics, it gives me a connection with the keyboard that I don't feel elsewhere. I think this may be the part where Pianoteq shines most (aside from the low hardware requirements and the ridiculous customizability if you've got the time).

@MerriamPianos Год назад

Thanks so much for the kind words and for taking the time to check out the comparison video! We really appreciate it. :) These are excellent insights. To your point of playing with speakers versus headphones, it is definitely true that different plugins and settings will shine or perform better in different listening contexts. The nice thing about VST piano plugins is that you can own a large assortment of them. That way, you are equipped to use the "right tool" for the right job. Thanks again and all the best!

@UnofficialButTrue Год назад

Keyscape' sound is alive. Pianoteq lacks character, warmth and body. Modeling brings great flexibility to the detriment of the soul.

@MerriamPianos Год назад

They both have a different flavour, which different piano players will resonate with. I tend to gravitate towards a more authentic sounding piano sound as well. :)

@jonnybravo3697 3 года назад

Keyscapes for me; it’s so seductive and draws you in

@JoeLinux2000 3 года назад

There is not question many people like it.

@gunsorbutter9119 Месяц назад

Thanks for the comparison. But the evaluation would benefit considerably if it included Pianoteq's instruments that model many of the world's finest grand pianos - three Steinways, Bechstein, Petrof, Bluthner, and others.

@MerriamPianos Месяц назад

Thank you for tuning in and sharing your feedback! I will pass it along to our production team for you. I'm sure there will be a point where we tackle an updated review/comparison video of the most popular piano VSTs. :)

@kaaralex 2 года назад

personally i have been after a comparison of harpsichords, but even as such i really enjoyed this review, and although I am not so much interested in the type of music played on - let's say - electrical keyboards, it was really very enjoyable to hear all those subtle yet characteristic differences which you can normally can hear on good jazz recordings. Thanks for that.

@QalinaCom 11 месяцев назад

THANK YOU SO MUCH! Stu is always the person I search when I need a piano review, but I did not know he also did plugins! Thank you Merriam Music.

@MerriamPianos 11 месяцев назад

You're very welcome! We're glad you stumbled upon our VST reviews. :)

@QalinaCom 11 месяцев назад

@@MerriamPianos It was recommended to me by youtube❤

@h.p.734 Год назад

man... that pianoteq sounds beautiful!! I personally own the keyscape, but this is really convincing me to just pull the trigger on the pianoteq

@MerriamPianos Год назад

The great thing about VST plugins is that they do not take up any physical space! While many players would love to have 10 concert grand pianos in their home, most people don't have the space (or budget of course) to manage that. With VST plugins, you can easily have access to a plethora of piano sounds at your fingertips. :)

@Joshua308 11 месяцев назад

Dont like Pianoteq, sounds like a cheap 90s keyboard board

@MerriamPianos 11 месяцев назад

That is totally fair. It comes down to a matter of personal preference of course. Not every player will resonate with every piano VST.

@Sam_Saraguy 2 года назад

That's some very nice piano playing. Sounds great in both setttings, for different reasons.

@furioercolessi 3 года назад

Disregarding for a moment the sound aspects and concentrating instead on the feedback that the instrument gives back to the player: is it true that, thanks to the nature of the generation method, a modeling-based system like Pianoteq is "more analogic", that is, it answers to your fingers in a more continuous and natural way and possibly allow to establish a more intimate relationship with the instrument and hence .. allow you to play better?

@JoeLinux2000 3 года назад

The answer is an established, "yes."

@yoni23able 3 года назад

I would second Mr IPA below (or above). Go to Phil Best's channel for a very eloquent explanation why (lovely music too).

@deyvidpetromusic 3 года назад

@@JoeLinux2000 I would say yes and no. I have both and to be honest with you Keyscape is just as responsive as Pianoteq.

@anthony13299 4 месяца назад

Thank you Stu so much for this skillful and thoughtful comparison. I'm right at the crossroads of purchasing Pianoteq or a sampled plugin and while I have always assumed that the Pianoteq was somehow more "unnatural", this review - and others - have made me question the assumption that I need to play a sample of a "real" piano in order to be playing the piano.

@MerriamPianos 4 месяца назад

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much! We're glad you found Stu's comparison helpful. These are both excellent plugins that will appeal to different types of players/users. It is certainly worth experimenting with both to see which one you connect with more. :)

@SlaVaPlays 6 месяцев назад

What is your personal favorite piano VST out of all of the ones you reviewed? :)

@MerriamPianos 6 месяцев назад

Hi! Brent here! I would have to ask Stu as to what his favourite VST is. With that said, I imagine he uses a variety of different VST plug ins depending on the context of use and musical situation.

@danmarco7126 Год назад

I'm sorry. I can't watch this video because he keeps calling its keyscapeSSSS.

@MerriamPianos Год назад

As they say: to err is human, to forgive divine.

@NachtPiano 3 месяца назад

when using pianoteq make sure to calibrate to your keyboard

@MerriamPianos 3 месяца назад

This is very good advice! Thanks for sharing! :)

@killaken2000 Год назад

one thing that's nice about pianoteq is that the whole application is under 50 MB and that includes the all the instruments which are unlocked separately. So if you have a low spec PC maybe if you're on a budget or traveling you just need a controller (or DAW) and 50 MB.

@MerriamPianos Год назад

That is a very good point! Sometimes the logistical limitations of one's setup is an important consideration. :)

@keisaboru1155 2 года назад

wth is this pianoteq wth it can just make wurli n stuff xD

@renekaaij6236 3 месяца назад

Great video! I've been using Pianoteq for 15 years and still love it for the acoustic piano's! But also for the Rhodes and Wurlitzer! The level of detail in Keyscape makes me feel less connected to the sound, also because it sounds a bit too processed to me. FOR me the Rhodes V8 is still the best Rhodes plugin out there! Anyway, both plugins are great and it's just a matter of taste and preference and to me the emotional connection is always the most important. But great comparison anyway!

@MerriamPianos 3 месяца назад

Thanks so much! We're glad you liked it! Pianoteq still holds up as an impressive VST plugin with tremendous versatility. The fun thing about VSTs is that, unlike pianos, they don't take up any real estate, which means that you can accumulate quite the tool box of sonic possibilities. :)

@renekaaij6236 3 месяца назад

@@MerriamPianos And I certainly do! Produce for a living, so I have a lot of them! But just like in the real world, I tend to buy Virtual instruments and plugins that really inspire me or which are otherwise needed for a certain project for a client! So I haven't bought keyscape, but I do have some other Spectrasonics plugins!

@dubsbarry9963 7 месяцев назад

they both sound good. I haven't played keyscape yet, but from what I've personally heard, the PianoTeq sounds more mid registery (I know, not a word) and the keyscape sounds brighter (more bell-like upper register), and probably the best of the two as far as acoustic piano goes. of course, keyscape is a much larger install, so cpu and storage come to mind. but the most important question for me, which of the two makes for the easiest mixing?

@MerriamPianos 7 месяцев назад

They are both fantastic VSTs that, as you mentioned, offer a different musical flavour. In terms of which one is easier to mix, it really depends on the context of use as different styles of music will require a different tonal quality. You may find that brighter sounding pianos are easier to mix into an ensemble setting where there are multiple instruments (i.e. guitar, bass guitar, etc.) occupying the low and low-mid frequency registers. Conversely, a warmer piano sound with more activity in the low and low-mid registers may be preferred for solo piano music.

@dubsbarry9963 7 месяцев назад

I actually think mid register piano fits better in my mixes. Yes I have to EQ to keep things from clashing, but the twinkly high resister stuff, tends to cut through too hard in everything except where it's specifically needed. Just my two cents

@berniem.6965 3 года назад

Keyscape may not be the best software if you're looking for the best grand piano sound. The real focus of Keyscape are the electric pianos and other classics. That's where Keyscape is the next best alternative to an original instrument in mint, freshly restored condition. There's nothing that comes even close to Keyscape. The grand pianos, while nice, are more like an additional bonus. There are better sampling based instrumens that specialize on pianos like Alicia Keys. Then, there is no doubt that a high quality sampling based piano software simply sounds more realistic, warm and rich than Pianoteq. The same goes for certain hardware instruments like Yamaha’s and Kawai's digital pianos or some sounds of the Nord Piano library. Some of those samples have so much character, Pianoteq simply can't deliver that. While it's impressive how good modelling can sound, it simply lacks that last bit of realism, warmth or character. Having said that and being aware of the limitations of Pianoteq, there's still something happening when you start playing Pianoteq yourself. The slightly artificial sound, the limitations in dynamic range (fortissimo and above), which I can clearly hear when listening to it, no longer matter like 1 minute after you start playing. The modelling based approach has such an instant and 'natural' response to your fingers that you completely forget all the imperfections and limitations. It simply feels like a real, living instrument that reacts to your playing. That's something no sampling based instrument could give to me so far. While they can sound great, it always feels like playing a very good recording of a piano while Pianoteq almost instantly makes you forget you're playing a software. It may not be the best sounding piano, but it makes you dive into the performance and just enjoy yourself playing it. Which again brings me back to Keyscape because the same happens with some of Keyscape's electric pianos. The Fender Rhodes and especially the LA Rhodes and that Rhodes sound of the MKS20 every single times make me close my eyes, see the original before me and bring a smile to my face.

@JoeLinux2000 3 года назад

My opinion is the Pro version is Pianoteq the only version to put your money into I started out with "Stage," upgraded to "Standard," and finally to "Pro". It ended up costing me more than if I would have just gone for the Pro Version from the start. What you consider "insane," I consider essential. As far as I know, it's the only version that allows for complete adjustment of every detail on every individual note. This is essential to correct for velocity issues with your input device, and subsequent hard spots in whatever speaker system you are using. You can tune every individual note, adjust the voicing and so forth. It's absolutely like a real piano. Granted I' am a Pianoteq player, but to my ear, Keyscape sounded rather bland by comparison, I always feel I'm hearing a real acoustic piano with Pianoteq at least with certain of their instruments. Phil Best did this comparison and concluded Keyscape may work better when the music is sequenced, while Pianoteq is better as a live performance instrument. Whatever you have, either one of these instruments is probably good enough. Both sound authentic enough to be completely deceptive. You talk about "plugins" I'm not clear on the difference between a plugin and a stand alone instrument. With Pianoteq, you have a stand alone instrument that runs on natively on Linux. If you know how to use Linux, it's very doubtful you will ever go back to Windows. You'd have to be very desperate. I'm not totally keen on the Pianoteq Rhodes. I've owned several actual Rhodes and Pianoteq is just too pure. I'm much more OK with the Keyscape Rhodes. Again if you only have one, it really isn't any sort of disaster. The stand for my DGX-670 arrived today. It's well made and properly priced. It was quite logical to put it together. I didn't have to use the instructions at all, and the various screws are easy to figure out. It's more or less impossible to screw up. The actual piano may arrive tomorrow or the next day. I was glad to get the stand and pedal unit first. The pedals also look very well made and substantial for a reasonable price.

@phenixnunlee372 3 года назад

Yeah, as a linux user it is the choice sounds good.

@gravynog 2 года назад

Drinking game: take a shot every time he says “KeyscapeS”

@MrDexterSr Год назад

Keyscape just sounds better and more intimate to my ear. Both sound great!

@MerriamPianos Год назад

For sure! They're both excellent VST plugin that offer a slightly different flavour, but every player will have their personal preference. :)

@Noedell 3 года назад

50 MB vs 80 GB

@marvoinfo 3 года назад

At 50MB it would be nice to have on my iPad. 😃 Although I doubt that would happen.

@Itsallawesome Год назад

The thing about Keyscapes is I can close my eyes and trick my brain into thinking I’m hearing a real piano. Can’t quite do that with Pianoteq.

@MerriamPianos Год назад

Every player will have their preferences between different VST pianos. With that said, I definitely agree that Keyscape has a very authentic tone. :)

@raymola 2 года назад

The comparison would be correct if the volume of the instruments were the same .Pianoteq sounds a little louder.

@MerriamPianos 2 года назад

I am not entirely sure as to what the settings were for the comparison video, but I imagine everything was set to its default parameters initially. So, on that note, it is possible that Pianoteq's default volume output is slightly louder. Thanks for taking the time to check out the comparison video! :)

@raymola 2 года назад

@@MerriamPianos Thanks for response!

@juandenz2008 3 года назад

Good comparison. I would rate both those products highly. The keyscape does seem to have some sort of additional warmth / complexity to the sound that the modeled instruments don't quite deliver.

@julianmanjarres1998 2 года назад

Depends on the preset

@godisgoodallthetimeman4796 2 года назад

your piano playing is very nice

@MerriamPianos 2 года назад

Thanks for taking the time to check out the video! Stu is amazing and we're very lucky to have his talents! :)

@jacobsmith1877 2 года назад

Pianoteq is generally cleaner and more sterile to me. I think it would be great for live use, but for studio use Keyscape has that authenticity that I would prefer

@charleslascari7191 3 года назад

Can you tell us what keyboard you were using in this video ? Thank you.

@ervinlotric8393 3 года назад

ROLAND RD2000

@KarelBeelaertsvanBlokland Год назад

Pianoteq is clearer, crispier. Keyscape is warmer

@MerriamPianos Год назад

Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! :)

@PurpleMusicProductions 2 года назад

Nice video. I liked the keyscape much more especially the electric piano sounds.

@danemusic5242 Год назад

piano teq sounds vinyl keyscape sounds cd

@MerriamPianos Год назад

That is an interesting way to think about it, but I can see what you mean! :)

@Drfresh1402 2 года назад

There is something quite uninspiring about Pianoteq. It simply doesn’t sound real to me. It lacks the human element.

@GalantGoStudio 3 года назад

Nothing can beats pianoteq ❤

@s.d.d.6063 2 года назад

While pianoteq acoustic pianos are great there is simply no comparison about the electric ones. Keyscapes' are far superior. If i wanted to play a Steinwey VST I'd go for pianoteq no doubt. Should I want to play a MKI, so to say, Keyscapes is the clear winner hands down.

@llRoBoBinHoll 4 месяца назад

I think many of the Keyscape instruments you demonstrate have a more ‘ready mixed’ sound. They’re already EQ’d, have some stereo effects, maybe some compression. I do think on many occasions they sound bigger and more detailed in this demo, but it’d be interesting to know if the Pianoteq sounds can get there with a little bit of post-processing.

@MerriamPianos 4 месяца назад

That is a very good point! And, for some users, the "ready-to-go" nature of a certain VST is going to be a very important selling point. Work-flow can certainly be a concern. Thank you for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! :)