Native Instruments Elektrik Piano Serial Number
Lora Ceasor
Elektrik Piano is available for Mac and PC. The Mac version supports VST, Audio Units, RTAS, Core Audio and Core MIDI, and requires a minimum specification of Mac OS 10.2.6 and a G4 867MHz processor. The PC version supports VST, RTAS, DXi, ASIO and Direct Sound, and needs a minimum spec of Windows XP and a Pentium 3 or Athlon 800MHz processor. 2GB of hard drive space and a minimum 512MB of RAM is required on both platforms. For the purpose of this review, I primarily ran the instrument as a VST plug-in under Cubase on my 2.4MHz Athlon-based PC with 1GB of RAM and can report that it worked flawlessly.
Elektrik Piano uses a sample-based audio engine with individual samples taken for every semitone across the keyboard at various velocity levels. Separate samples have also been taken of the release phase of each instrument for added authenticity. Usefully, the sample material can be loaded straight into NI's Kontakt sample player, which affords possibilities for some serious mangling should the mood strike you. I found the Clavinet samples to be particularly good in this respect, being chunky and full of body, unlike many of the synth emulations we're more often exposed to.
I really like the look of this plug-in. I might wish it was slightly bigger on my 1024 x 768 resolution screen, but everything from the faux- Fender logo to the shading around the silver knobs gets brownie points from me. Over to the right of the panel are the tuning, pan and volume controls, with attendant VU metering. Tuning is available over a 12 semitone range, while holding the Shift key allows for fine adjustment in cents (hundredths of a semitone). Use of the Shift key to reduce the range of knob movement works across all of Elektrik Piano 's controls.
Just below the main panel are a number of indicators showing MIDI channel (Elektrik Piano is monotimbral, but you can of course load more instances up to the limit of your computer's disk/processor resources), current polyphony count, memory usage, CPU usage, and whether you're using Direct From Disk (DFD). DFD is a useful RAM-saving feature available as an update from NI's web site (though it does increase the strain on your hard disk, obviously). A number of 'economy-sized' Preset variants are also available on the web site, which is a helpful option if CPU resources are getting tight.
Keyboard options are included to allow MIDI transposition over 24 semitones, to define a playback key range and to set pitch-bend response over 12 semitones. Velocity response is adjustable, but this is simply a slider control producing a concave/convex velocity slope (this is shown on a graphic to the right of the slider). Given the highly personal nature of realistic piano keyboard responses, I would maybe have hoped for a little more control here, perhaps to ramp the top or bottom of the curve, for example. Elektrik Piano will function correctly with both sustain and sostenuto commands over MIDI, though there are options to switch off this ability if required.
The stand-alone version of Elektrik Piano has a number of other options for assigning audio and MIDI ports, but this is all pretty standard stuff and worked just as expected. In fact, I had a very easy, crash-free time with this instrument using it both under Cubase (SX2 and SX3) and as a stand-alone instrument.
The use of release samples is transparent, and that's the way it should be. I tried hard to hear any clicks, or obvious crossfades on key release, but I couldn't spot any. The Wurlitzer A200 Presets benefit greatly from this feature; I find the slight 'choking' of the A200 voicing during release one of its most endearing traits, and NI have captured it beautifully. It was gratifying to launch into my painfully limited renditions of Supertramp riffs and hear such a close copy of those glorious tones.
Comparisons are readily available. The most obvious alternatives are likely to be Emagic's EVP73 and Applied Acoustics' Lounge Lizard. Good though these instruments are, I feel that Elektrik Piano exhibits a more authentic depth and vibrancy. It also seems somehow more 'playable' to my fingers, but that is undoubtedly going to be a subjective matter.
The best set of electric piano/Clavinet samples I've heard. The interface is simple to use, which will endear it to live users and anyone who wants to get the job done with the minimum of fuss. The lumpy velocity switching is a shame, but it's still way better than other sampled electric pianos I've heard to date. Highly recommended.
All contents copyright SOS Publications Group and/or its licensors, 1985-2024. All rights reserved.
The contents of this article are subject to worldwide copyright protection and reproduction in whole or part, whether mechanical or electronic, is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the Publishers. Great care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this article but neither Sound On Sound Limited nor the publishers can be held responsible for its contents. The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the publishers.
Sorry, the Native Instruments Elektrik Piano is no longer available. We've left this page up for reference only.
Check out the great alternatives on this page or call toll-free (800) 222-4700 to speak with a Sweetwater Sales Engineer about similar products.
Elektrik Piano gives you the true sounds of four of the most revered electric keyboards of the past on your Mac or Windows computer! Elektrik Piano is a sample-based instrument that unites four legendary E-pianos into one powerful software instrument, delivering the sounds of the Fender Rhodes Mk 1 and Mk 2, Hohner Clavinet E7 and Wurlitzer A200 electric piano with unprecedented authenticity, playability, and charm. With Elektrik Piano musicians and producers have an incredible range of e-piano sounds available in a single instrument, coupled with incredible ease-of-use and all the power and flexibility of modern software. Elektrik Piano is available for all Mac OS X and Windows XP audio formats.
Four classics in one package!
Elektrik Piano unites the four most beloved E-pianos of all time into one high-performance software instrument, which reproduces in exacting detail the sounds of the Fender Rhodes Mk I and MK II, Hohner Clavinet E7, and the Wurlitzer A200. To this day these vintage classics possess a magical allure, and with Elektrik Piano these sounds are playable from any laptop or desktop computer.
Native Instruments' sampling expertise
Elektrik Piano is based on the award-winning high-performance sampling technology from Native Instruments, making for an unrivalled authentic playback of the original instruments. Each individual key of the hardware predecessors has been meticulously sampled in Elektrik Piano to include the entire release phase and at various velocity levels. Release samples reproduce the sound made when a key is released, enhancing authenticity and playability.
Effects and presets for authentic vintage sounds
Depending on the instrument, Elektrik Piano offers various effects for creating instrument-specific effect sounds, including chorus, reverb, phaser, and tremolo. Each instrument also includes a wide selection of ready-to-play presets, which can be grouped into individual performance presets for quick recall during live performance using the computer function keys or a MIDI controller. Altered sound settings can be saved as new Elektrik Piano presets.
Works standalone and also supports all OS X and XP formats!
Impressive sound, uncomplicated operation, and support for all professional interfaces make Elektrik Piano the first choice for studio and stage. Beginning in 2004 all NI software is completely compatible with all Mac OS X and Windows XP audio formats. Perfect integration is guaranteed with VST2, DXi, Audio Units and RTAS. Elektrik Piano can run standalone via Core Audio and Core MIDI or in Windows XP without audible latency. It's perfect for studio or stage! Whether standalone or as a plug-in with multiple instances in a sequencer, Elektrik Piano combines the classic sounds of these essential e-pianos with the power of modern computer-based music production.
Sweetwater Sales Engineers are a world-class team of experts dedicated to you. Hand selected from across the globe, each brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of music gear to provide you with unparalleled service completely free of charge. Friendly relationships, real trust, and the right gear are only a call or a click away!
Sweetwater Sales Engineers live and breathe gear and are as passionate about music as they are about helping you! Many have owned studios, worked as engineers, and performed as professional musicians on tours. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, your friendly Sales Engineer is professional, highly trained, and here to help you find the right gear.
Sweetwater Sales Engineers provide personalized customer service and will always recommend the right piece of gear based on your unique setup, goals, and budget. Your Sales Engineer is a committed partner in your musical journey and acts as your backstage pass to new and noteworthy gear.
I am currently using a cheap digital piano, but will be purchasing a decent one in next week or two. I have narrowed my choice down to the Yamaha P105 or the DGX 650. What attracted me to the DGX 650 was that it had a lot of different sounds built in which I would quite like, e.g drums, guitar noises, harp which I would like for some songs I would like to attempt etc.On the downside, it is quite bulky compared to the P105.
After doing some reading, I also found I could get a sound module instead which has a lot of effects. So I popped down to my local music shop to ask what they had on offer, however they didn't have much selection, plus the ones they did have were VERY expensive. They informed me that they are mostly going out of fashion, as most people use software now instead.
b1e95dc632