Impeccable, Ultra-tweakable Virtual Pianos
MODARTT Pianoteq 8 Standard gives you stunning, expressive, superbly playable pianos, along with robust recording and sound-sculpting tools that let you adjust physical parameters such as microtuning, unison width, and hammer hardness, as well as soundboard and string length. It also lets you choose from a selection of up to five mics and position them around the instrument. For impressive sonic versatility, this plug-in’s impeccable piano models were recorded with a selection of superb directional mics you can rotate in all three dimensions for your desired perspective. Need highly tweakable virtual pianos with uncanny clarity and realism? Get MODARTT Pianoteq 8 Standard. Pianoteq Standard includes three instrument packs of your choice.
Related Videos: Pianoteq 8 Standard Edition Virtual Instrument Software
The advantages of physical modeling
Physical modeling offers three important advantages over samples. As the process models the individual components of an acoustic instrument, modeled virtual instruments are particularly adept at simulating its performance characteristics and complex behavior. Second, as these components are individually modeled, you have complete control over them. In a piano, for example, you can adjust basic parameters like pedal state, cabinet resonance, and mechanical noise. In addition, the Standard and Pro versions of Pianoteq 8 give you access to unique physical parameters such as lid position, sympathetic string resonance, unison width, octave stretching, string length, hammer hardness, the soundboard, duplex scale resonance, and more. Lastly, because they are modeled rather than sample-based, the file sizes are a mere fraction of those offered by other virtual piano instruments, making them ideal for laptop deployment.
Morphing and Layering
Last we checked, instruments like XyloHarp, VibraDrum, and GlockenTines do not exist in the real world. But in the world of physical modeling, anything is possible. That’s why you’ll find these intriguing hybrid instruments in Pianoteq, thanks to the software’s innovative Morphing feature, which is new in Pianoteq 8 Standard and Pro. The morphing is handled at the physical modeling level, bestowing sonic authority and shimmering acoustic authenticity on instruments that never existed. By popular demand, Pianoteq 8’s new Layering feature (again, available in Standard and Pro versions) lets you mix several instruments together by playing, for example, a Bass Marimba in the low range, a Xylophone in the high range, and a blend of both in the middle range. Though Morphing and Layering may seem similar, the difference is that with Layering, two instruments are being mixed together, while Morphing alters the instrument at the molecular level (so to speak).
Enhance physical modeling with double polarization
With Pianoteq 8, MODARTT introduces a new refinement to its physical model: double polarization. What? Simply put, double polarization involves modeling string vibrations that can vibrate in any direction, either parallel or perpendicular to the soundboard. The upshot is that this enhanced physical model allows for more complex tones that are three-dimensional, as heard from the perspective of the pianist. It also allows for longer sustain, most acutely in the low range, producing notes that can sustain for as much as two minutes or so, just as on a real acoustic piano. All the pianos in Pianoteq 8 have been re-voiced using this new “double-polarized” physical model.
The world’s finest pianos, including the majestic New York Steinway D
MODARTT has collaborated with the finest piano manufacturers, including Steinway & Sons, Steingraeber & Söhne, Bechstein, Blüthner, Grotrian, and Petrof — all of whom have approved the sonics and playability of their physically modeled concert grand pianos in Pianoteq 8. In cooperation with Steinway & Sons, MODARTT has modeled a breathtaking new Model D Concert Grand in New York’s legendary Steinway Hall. The reference piano was the first produced of the company’s new flagship instrument, which has been played by some of today’s most famous pianists. The New York Steinway Model D accompanies Pianoteq’s existing Hamburg Steinway D and provides the famous Steinway concert piano sound with unequaled musical expression.
Pianos that spring to life at your fingertips
What’s really amazing about MODARTT Pianoteq 8 is its realism. Strike a key on your MIDI controller and it’s as though there’s a piano there that you can reach out and touch. That’s because MODARTT’s Pianoteq 8 creates the sound of the piano in real time, taking into account all of the complex factors that make the piano so vivid. You’ll hear the interaction between the strings, the use of pedals, the cabinet resonance, and the position of the hammers. From the most delicate pianissimo to the strongest fortissimo, what you express on the keyboard will sound pure and natural through Pianoteq 8.
Get inside your own piano workshop and create your dream piano sound
The many adjustable parameters in Pianoteq 8 make it possible to not only adapt the existing adapted piano model, but also to create new piano sounds. This is one of the advantages of a truly modeled piano — it opens up new possibilities for the creative musician. Go ahead and adjust everything from hammer hardness to string tuning and temperament to reverb, resonance, brilliance, timbre, and more. Build your music with instruments that are as unique as the music itself.
Efficient plug-in you can easily run on your laptop
At Sweetwater, we have better things to do than wait for plug-ins to load — and we know you do, too. Thanks to its rather modest system requirements, Pianoteq 8 can easily run on a modern laptop — perfect for the on-the-go musician. Plus, its small size (under 50MB) and streamlined interface mean fast loading time. Just a few mouse clicks, and you’re ready to roll.
MODARTT Pianoteq 8 Standard Virtual Piano Plug-in Features:
- Physically modeled virtual instrument: small footprint, unlimited tweakability
- Included KIViR historical instruments collection, bells, and carillons
- Unique adjustable physical parameters, such as unison width, octave stretching, hammer hardness, soundboard, string length, sympathetic resonance, duplex scale resonance *
- Morphing and Layering features *
- Progressive timbre variation (uses all 127 MIDI velocities)
- Control of dynamics in timbre and volume
- Polyphonic Aftertouch (particularly useful for the Clavichord)
- Realistic sympathetic resonances, including duplex scale
- Microtuning, supports Scala format *
- Adjustable mechanical noise
- Built-in graphic equalizer
- Built-in graphic curve for key velocity, note-off, and pedal
- Keyboard calibration assistant
- 10 types of pedals (assignable to 4 UI pedals): Sustain, Soft, Harmonic, Sostenuto, Super Sostenuto, Rattle, Buff Stop, Celeste, Pinch Harmonic, Glissando
- Progressive sustain pedal allows partial-pedaling effects
- Convolution reverb
- Effects: Tremolo, Wah, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Fuzz, Delay, Amp, Compressor, Mini-EQ
- Mallet bounce (note repetition)
- Instrument condition (mint to vintage)
- Variable lid position *
- 5 adjustable microphone positions *
- Multi-channel — up to 5 channels *
- 32-bit internal computation with no quantization noise
- Renders high-resolution MIDI formats CC#88 and Disklavier XP
- Small file size (under 50MB); installs and loads in seconds; perfect for laptops
- Extended key range (105 keys = 8+2/3 octaves) for Steinway D and K2 grand pianos
- 64-bit host / operating system
- Optional instruments available separately: grand pianos, uprights, electric pianos, harp, vibraphones, clavinet, celesta and glockenspiel, xylophone and marimba, steel pans
- Extended key range: 105 keys (8+2/3 octaves) for the Steinway D and K2 grand pianos
- Includes 3 instrument packs of your choice
- * Available in Standard and Pro versions
