Virtual Studio Technology (VST) revolutionized music production in 1996, thanks to the innovative minds at Steinberg. This breakthrough allowed instruments and effects to be emulated in software form, changing the landscape of music production forever. Before VSTs, musicians and producers had to rely on physical hardware and instruments, which could be costly and space-consuming. VSTs provided a more flexible and cost-effective solution, making high-quality sounds accessible to anyone with a computer. This technology has become essential in modern music production, providing unparalleled sound quality and extensive flexibility.
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When it comes to piano VSTs, there are two primary types: sample-based and modeled. Understanding the differences between these two approaches can help you choose the best VST for your specific needs.
Sample-Based VSTs
Sample-based VSTs use recorded sounds from real pianos. These samples capture the unique character and nuances of the actual instrument, providing an authentic and rich sound. However, because these samples are essentially high-quality audio recordings, they require significant storage space and processing power.
For example, a sample-based VST might include recordings of each key being struck at various intensities, capturing the subtle variations in sound. This level of detail ensures a highly realistic playback but comes at the cost of large file sizes and higher CPU usage.
Modeled VSTs
Modeled VSTs, on the other hand, use sophisticated algorithms to recreate the sound of a piano. Instead of relying on pre-recorded samples, these VSTs generate sound in real-time based on mathematical models of how a piano behaves.
This approach requires less storage space and offers greater flexibility in sound customization. You can adjust parameters such as string resonance, hammer hardness, and other characteristics to create a personalized sound. While modeled VSTs may not always achieve the same level of authenticity as sample-based ones, advancements in technology have made them increasingly realistic and expressive.
To get started with piano VSTs, you'll need a few essential tools. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need:
While some VSTs come with standalone software, most require a DAW for recording and production. Setting up your DAW and MIDI keyboard might seem daunting at first, but plenty of tutorials and guides are available to help you get started.
Piano plugins offer a range of benefits that make them a popular choice among musicians and producers:
Here’s a look at some of the best piano VST plugins available in 2024, catering to various needs and preferences.
Overview: MODARTT Pianoteq 8 uses physical modeling to create realistic, expressive piano sounds. It's available in Stage, Standard, Pro, and Studio versions, each offering different levels of features and customization options.
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Ideal For: Studio and live use, providing low latency and a wide range of expressive possibilities. Pianoteq's physical modeling allows for a highly dynamic and responsive playing experience, making it a favorite among professional pianists and producers.
Watch this video to see MODARTT Pianoteq 8 in action:
Overview: Featuring a sampled Steinway Model D, Studio Grand offers intuitive use, quick load times, and extensive customization. This VST stands out for its ease of use and high-quality sound, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced producers.
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Ideal For: Versatile and CPU-efficient, great for various genres and quick, high-quality productions. Whether you're working on a classical piece or a modern pop track, Studio Grand provides the flexibility and sound quality you need.
Watch this video for a XLN Audio Addictive Keys: Studio Grand Demo:
Overview: Alicia’s Keys offers expressive sound from a sampled Yamaha C3 Neo grand piano, requiring Kontakt and featuring a large file size. This VST was developed in collaboration with Alicia Keys, capturing the soulful and rich tones of her personal grand piano.
✅ Pros:
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Ideal For: Musicians seeking expressive, high-quality piano sounds without breaking the bank. Alicia’s Keys is perfect for adding depth and emotion to your compositions.
Watch this product demonstration of Native Instruments’ Alicia’s Keys:
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Overview: The Giant samples the Klavins Piano Model 370i, providing cinematic sounds suitable for film scoring and atmospheric music. This unique instrument offers a distinct sound that stands out in any production.
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Ideal For: Film scoring and creating atmospheric music with a distinctive sound. The Giant's expansive and resonant tones are perfect for creating dramatic and immersive soundscapes.
Watch this demo of The Giant in action:
Overview: Synthogy Ivory II features three grand piano models with rich sounds and extensive editing options. This VST is known for its detailed sampling and realistic sound, making it a top choice for professional producers.
✅ Pros:
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Ideal For: Detailed, high-quality piano tracks with extensive editing capabilities. Ivory II's comprehensive features allow for precise control over every aspect of your piano sound.
Watch this video for a Synthogy Ivory II Studio Grands demo:
– Best Budget Piano VST
Overview: Addictive Keys offers solid piano sounds from the Steinway D Grand, multiple mic placements, and built-in reverb. This budget-friendly VST provides excellent sound quality without compromising performance.
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Ideal For: Budget-conscious musicians seeking quality sounds and efficient performance. Addictive Keys is a great option for those looking to get the most value for their money.
Watch this video to hear the VST in action:
– Best for Songwriters
Overview: EZKeys ocuses on songwriting with chord mode and a MIDI library, being user-friendly and not CPU intensive. This VST is designed to help you quickly create and arrange songs, even if you’re not a proficient pianist.
✅ Pros:
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Ideal For: Songwriters looking for tools to streamline their creative process. EZKeys offers features like chord progressions and MIDI patterns that can inspire new ideas and simplify the composition process.
Check out EZKeys in action:
– Most Diverse Piano Library
Overview: Keyscape offers over 500 sounds from 36 instruments, including the LA Custom C7. This expansive library includes everything from grand pianos to vintage keyboards, making it one of the most versatile VSTs available.
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Ideal For: Producers needing a wide variety of high-quality piano sounds. Keyscape's extensive library ensures you'll always have the right sound for any musical situation.
Check out this Keyscape review to learn more about the VST:
Overview: Garritan CFX features Yamaha CFX9 samples recorded at Abbey Road with various mic placements and convolution reverb. This VST captures the grandeur and detail of a world-class concert grand piano.
✅ Pros:
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Ideal For: High-quality, detailed piano tracks suitable for various production needs. Garritan CFX is perfect for creating lush, realistic piano recordings.
Check out this Garritan CFX review and demo to learn more about the plugin:
– Low CPU & Beautiful Options
Overview: Ravenscroft 275 includes 17,000 samples of the model 275 titanium concert grand, with four mic placements and pedal noise options. This VST is known for its detailed sampling and low CPU usage.
✅ Pros:
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Ideal For: Detailed, expressive piano sounds with low CPU usage. Ravenscroft 275 is ideal for producers looking for high-quality sound without taxing their computer’s resources.
Check out this Ravenscroft 275 walkthrough:
Overview: Bösendorfer Imperial 290 samples the Bösendorfer Imperial 290 piano, offering realistic sound but requiring an iLok account and significant CPU power. This VST is designed for those who demand the highest level of realism and detail.
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Ideal For: High-quality, realistic piano sounds for live and studio use. East-West Gold is perfect for those seeking the unparalleled richness and depth of a Bösendorfer piano.
Check out this improvisation played using the Imperial 290:
Overview: Spitfire LABS Soft Piano offers a beautiful, intimate piano sound perfect for ambient and cinematic music. It's free and easy to use, making it a popular choice among producers.
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Ideal For: Ambient and cinematic music production, offering simplicity and quality for free. Soft Piano's gentle and warm tones are perfect for creating atmospheric and emotional music.
Check out these demos of all Spitfire Audio Labs free plugins:
Musiversal's got you covered!
When you embark on crafting your next song and want to use a piano VST, you might find that you need additional professional elements to build out your track. Whether it's layering in some dynamic keyboards or the depth of a grand piano, Musiversal is here to help. With over +100 instruments and services, along with a handpicked roster of professional session musicians, we’re all about helping you bring your music to life.
Musiversal makes it easy to collaborate with top-tier musicians, ensuring your tracks have that professional edge. By joining our community, you can transform your music-making process, allowing you to create better music - and more of it.
Choosing the right piano VST really comes down to what works best for your music and your style. Whether it’s the versatile and detailed sounds of Pianoteq 8 or the budget-friendly and efficient Addictive Keys, there's a piano VST out there for every musician and producer. Finding the right piano VST can significantly elevate the quality of your music production and help you craft dynamic, professional-sounding tracks.
But here's the secret: with Musiversal, you don’t need to invest in a full library of VSTs. Our talented keyboard players already have access to an incredible and extensive variety of top-tier options that can be tailored to fit your music perfectly. You can experiment with these by booking unlimited remote sessions, so you can explore different sounds without the extra expense.
Instead of worrying about building your own VST library, you can dive right into making music with our world-class roster of musicians. They’ve got the tools, expertise, and experience to help you find the perfect sound for your next track.
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