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MODARTT Pianoteq 8 Stage Edition Virtual Instrument Software

Modeled Virtual Piano Plug-in with Adjustable Parameters and 5 Mic Positions - Mac/PC VST, AU, AAX Native
$139.00

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Compatible with:

Mac
Windows
AAX
VST
AU
NKS
Standalone

Software Compatibility

Most software is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers, but check to make sure.

If you're using Pro Tools, AAX plug-ins (or RTAS for older versions) are what you need. Most other Mac DAWs support AU plug-ins. VST is compatible with a number of Mac and Windows programs. Be sure you choose plug-ins that work with your DAW!

To learn more about software compatibility, check out our buying guide.

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Amazing Virtual Pianos for Immediate Deployment

Since Pianoteq’s initial release in 2006, MODARTT has continued to develop the Pianoteq physical model for each major version, and Pianoteq 8 Stage raises the bar significantly, giving you a selection of gorgeous-sounding, uber-expressive, and supremely playable pianos for immediate deployment. Although Pianoteq Stage supports all Pianoteq instruments, the settings and parameters are not tweakable, but you can gain full tweakability at any time by upgrading to Pianoteq Standard or Pro. Whether you’re onstage or in the studio, if you need virtual pianos with unrivaled clarity and realism, MODARTT Pianoteq 8 Stage belongs in your rig. Pianoteq Stage 8 comes with two instrument packs of your choice.

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.

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 Stage 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 2 instrument packs of your choice
  • * Available in Standard and Pro versions
  • Upgradable to Standard or Pro at any time

Additional Media

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Tech Specs

  • Software Type: Modeled piano virtual instruments
  • Platform: Mac, PC
  • Upgrade/Full: Full
  • Download/Boxed: Download
  • Bit Depth: 64-bit
  • Format: AAX Native, VST, AU, Standalone, NKS
  • Hardware Requirements - Mac: Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended
  • Hardware Requirements - PC: Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended
  • OS Requirements - Mac: OS X 10.11 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 7 SP1 or later
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 12-41378

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Works very well for performances

Works very well with my Mac and my Roland RD-2000. Used the New York Steinway Pop setting for a week's worth of high school performance of the Little Mermaid. Fit in beautifully well. No lag in playing and no dongles required.
Rated 2/5

I was intrigued, but falls short

I really like the idea of modeling rather than sampling the piano, and Pianoteq has gotten a lot of great feedback online, so I figured I'll take the plunge with the base model to see if it is as good as the internet says it is.

My references at home are my 1990 Yamaha G2R (5'7" baby grand), Keyscape C7, VILabs Ravenscroft. I also had a Nord Piano before I traded that in for my MODX8.

IMO, Pianoteq 8 isn't there yet. I love the feature set (especially the velocity curve customization wizard, every instrument should have that), but in terms of playability and realism it can't hang with my other virtual pianos.

But it'll be interesting to see how it develops. I'm not writing this off yet.
Music background: lifelong piano guy
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