Pianoteq Tuning

[Kody Chavva]

Pianoteqis the starting point of a new generation of physically modelled virtual instruments, developed from mathematical research made at the Institute of Mathematics of Toulouse at INSA Toulouse, France.

Pianoteq introduces the fourth generation of pianos, based on physical modelling. It offers extraordinary playability and unique physical parameters that model the behaviour of real acoustic pianos.

With Pianoteq, you can adapt the piano sound to your own taste. Unique parameters that model the behaviour of real pianos result in great realism, until now only to be experienced on real acoustic pianos.

Using 32-bit internal computation, the calculated piano sound is free from quantization noise. True dynamic timbre results, from the faintest pianissimo to the strongest fortissimo, for all 127 standard MIDI velocities (and even more with high resolution MIDI).

Everything that characterizes a real piano is there: the mechanical noises, the complex sound of pedals and strings in interaction, the percussive impact on staccato play (short notes), and of course, most importantly, the beauty of the piano sound.

The second generation brought innovative sounds (such as the Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Yamaha CP 80, and others), whereas the third generation only reproduced recorded samples. Based on an effective physical model, Pianoteq allows you to adjust and stretch parameters, resulting in new sounds and performance styles. Pianoteq is both away to emulate existing pianos and an innovative tool for music creation.

Pianoteq is in fact the first virtual piano factory: it can produce new brands as well as copies of existing instruments, from historical instruments such as harpsichords and pianofortes to contemporary grand pianos or the more recent electro-acoustic pianos.

[2] In PIANOTEQ Stage, preset loading is limited to parameters that are present in the interface. Presets built with PIANOTEQ PRO can be loaded in PIANOTEQ Standard without limitation.

Pianoteq works on computers equipped with Windows, macOS or Linux. You can use Pianoteq in standalone mode or as a plug-in instrument in a VST, VST3, Audio Units or AAX host. Pianoteq runs in 64-bit mode. We recommend visiting www.modartt.com where you will find the latest information, a detailed FAQ page and a tutorial on how to connect your hardware.

Execute the installation program file pianoteq_setup.exe. Activation is required when launching Pianoteq for the first time. Just follow the on-screen instructions. ASIO drivers are necessary for obtaining a low latency. If using a soundcard that is not distributed with its own ASIO drivers, you can download ASIO drivers at www.asio4all.com.

Red bars in the graphic indicate an overload. In that case, look at the displayed CPU frequency. If this frequency varies or stays below the normal frequency of your CPU, it comes from the Power Management setting of your computer which should be set to High Performance.

To install a new instrument pack that you purchased, make sure you have the latest update installed. Log in to the user area on our website to download. After updating to the latest Pianoteq version, update your licence as follows: click on Options, then on About, then on Update licence. There, leave the serial number as it is and click on Quick Activation. If your computer has no internet connection, you need to click on the Manual Activation button and follow the instructions given.

Pianoteq can be used with any MIDI compatible keyboard. We recommend a touch sensitive keyboard, such as one with full weighted keys simulating the hammer response of a real piano. See tutorial section 16.4 for adapting Pianoteq to your keyboard in the best way. For partial pedalling, a progressive sustain pedal is required.

Pianoteq computes all notes dynamically (that is, in real time). Thus a modern CPU is required. Bass notes contain more overtones and thus require more computations. The Perf section allows you to select from among the following features:

You can load fxp and ptq files (and MIDI files with the standalone version) quickly by dragging each file at a time, from the file manager, email client or web browser, onto the Pianoteq interface.

In the standalone version, for exploring your MIDI file step by step, forwards or backwards, use the computer keyboard right or left arrows to play single notes or chords. Using right click in the MIDI player, you can remove events placed before or after the current position.

Authorized by Steinway & Sons, the Steinway Model B grand piano was carefully designed to reproduce the finest sound characteristics of a Steinway B instrument which was selected by Modartt for this project. This model is based on the Martha Argerich edition, and is one of the twenty-five Steinway & Sons Model B-211 grand pianos that the prestigious pianist carefully chose in 2014 for their musicality. She signed each.

In cooperation with Bechstein, Modartt has developed an accurate physical model of a C. Bechstein 282 grand piano, the Bechstein company flagship. Its sound was captured by the acclaimed Teldex Recording studio in Berlin. The Pianoteq version reproduces the outstandingly brilliant and powerful sound of the C. Bechstein D 282 with its singing, richly coloured voice, suitable for many different music genres.

In cooperation with Petrof, Modartt has developed accurate physical models of the two Petrof masterpieces: Ant. Petrof 275 and Petrof 284 Mistral grand pianos. It maintains the colourful, romantic and rounded tone which the Petrof instruments are praised for, thanks to first class materials. These physically modelled pianos capture the characteristic Petrof sound with a range of presets offering a beautiful palette of timbres suitable for all kinds of music.

In cooperation with Steingraeber, Modartt has developed an accurate physical model of a Steingraeber E-272 grand piano. Steingraeber has reduced the surface of the treble soundboard; hence strings have 27% less wood weight to set in motion, and even when softer intonation is called for, the player is rewarded with an immediate, singing resonance. For more delicate playing, Steingraeber E-272 is also equipped with the Sordino (Celeste pedal) and the Mozart Rail (Mozart Rail pedal).

In cooperation with Grotrian, Modartt has developed an accurate physical model of a Grotrian Concert Royal grand piano, rightly considered to be one of the best grand pianos in the world. In order to reproduce the characteristic clarity and warmth of the original instrument, every detail of the Pianoteq model has been fine-tuned, resulting in an authentic and joyful instrument. Timbre and complex resonances are breathtaking.

The grand piano K2, which was created for Pianoteq 5, has evolved by combining the best elements of several models. Its 211 cm (6' 11") cabinet offers the magnificent sound that comes from a perfect balance between warmth and brilliance.

The YC5 Rock piano adds a lot of bite to your pop/rock recording, and fits beautifully in a mix with drums and electric instruments. Its characteristic bright timbre is also adapted for expressive playing and suitable for jazz recording sessions. YC5 is modelled from a well known Japanese grand piano, frequently seen on stages and widely appreciated by touring artists for its musical qualities and reliability. It is also a popular instrument at conservatories and other music schools.

The U4 upright piano offers many presets emphasizing the characteristics of upright pianos. Besides the beautiful timbre of well-built acoustic pianos, there is higher inharmonicity and increased imperfections in presets such as Blues, Honky Tonk, Vintage, Detuned, Ruined, Bierkeller, Tacky, Wavy, Weathered, Club...

This collection is the result of the Keyboard Instrument Virtual Restoration project. It can be downloaded from our website at www.modartt.com. It includes the free instruments clavichord, cimbalom, harpsichords, pianofortes and acoustic and electro-acoustic pianos. Some of them are presented in their current state. Their age has caused imperfections, such as some voicing irregularities, which we have kept intact. We regularly enrich this collection with new instruments.

This instrument is modelled after nylon Classical guitars. Three reference instruments, among these a concert guitar C9 by Luthier Jean-Marie Fouilleul, was used as basis for the model. For the attack part, a finger pick style has been chosen, which is natural given that this instrument is mainly used to play classical, flamenco and Latin music. The idea was to find a sweet spot regarding the amount of nail used during the attack. If it differs from your taste, it is easy to take advantage of the parameters of the model, in order to adjust the sound to the target style. A guitar mode has been designed to help keyboard players mimic the guitar player without limiting their playing, see section 5.3. Many of the most common guitar player techniques are available: legato, vibrato, glissando, pinch harmonics, palm mute and rasgueado. The model has been augmented by natural noises resulting from the interaction between the player and the instrument, including squeaking, rubbing and sliding sounds. Additionnal features, such as supplementary tunings, automatic or manual fingering, fast repetitions, hollow or solid body, reserved midi channels for midi guitar are offered. The instrument lets you explore a range of presets including some experimental ones, such as 12-string guitars and electric guitars. If the Amp effect from Pianoteq does not suit your needs, the bare preset is a great starting point for third-party Amp plug-ins.

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