Xperimenta – Due 1.9.31 (KONTAKT)

Acoustic grand pianos Yamaha C7 and Yamaha C3. Due is our piano library with a new philosophy, containing two premium grand pianos, recorded with unique detail and using first-class equipment.

When Flavio and his team decided to create this sample library, they wanted to create something special, something unique, something that could truly preserve the true essence of an acoustic grand piano. We combined the art of sampling and the art of script writing to create the best sampled grand piano that will satisfy the most demanding composers and musicians.

Every pianist knows that not all pianos are the same. Each instrument can have a completely different sound and coloring, and sometimes it is important to find the right piano for the right piece. That is why we sampled the two instruments so deeply: we wanted to give our customers the freedom to choose between two different instruments recorded with the same quality.

The Art of Recording

After endless testing sessions, we recorded the grand pianos using only top microphones such as DPA, Neumann, Gefell in two beautifully sounding rooms at Sibelius Academy Studios, Helsinki.

The Art of Scripting

We modelled the acoustic behaviour of grand pianos using a combination of fine sampling of the action (i.e. hammer and pedal noise) and the philosophy of physical modelling scripting.

Playing Resonance

We believe that a grand piano is more than just the sum of its sounds: in fact, all the strings ‘interact’ with each other when played, creating a complex play. This interaction was created in two ways:

  • Overtones: We sampled ‘overtones’, which are harmonic resonances generated by the strings through sympathetic resonance controlled by a special mechanism. We also sampled the sound of the strings when the sustain pedal was depressed.
  • Impulse Response: In collaboration with the Sibelius Academy Music Technology Department, we tested the impulse response of the C7 strings and body.
  • 2 beautifully sampled grand pianos in one library
  • 14 dynamic layers
  • 16.6 GB, 9500 samples and 1 year of service
  • Up to three mic positions: close, performer (C7 only), room
  • Real sympathetic resonance, overtones and advanced repedaling simulation
  • Shape your sound with “Formant”, “Tone Balance” and built-in envelope
  • 15 noise layers (clap, leaves, etc.) and 9 instrument layers (choir, kantele, etc.)
  • “Feeling” simulates the response of a weighted keyboard
  • Half-pedaling support

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