IK Multimedia Pianoverse is a multi-sampled virtual piano instrument plugin souped up with creative FX, allowing you to dive into deep pianoscapes.
There are virtual instruments that are available in large quantities on the market. For example, multi-sampled pianos. The question: how many virtual pianos do we need? I think everyone has to answer the question for themselves.
IK Multimedia answers this with a big yes with the Pianoverse, a new multi-sampled piano collection.
IK Multimedia Pianoverse
Pianoverse is IK Multimedia’s answer to plugins like Spectrasonics Keyscape, Synthogy Ivory II, and others. Multi-samples are the core of the plugin. It’s surprising to me and a bit of a downer. With its MODO series, IK Multimedia has super versatile physical modeling instruments in its portfolio. I expected them to bring a MODO Piano here.
Each instrument was brought to one of Italy’s finest studios, hand-tuned and prepared, then sampled using multiple microphone setups and a unique custom-built robotic system, says IK. Moreover, it allows a degree of velocity measurement, sampling precision, and repeatability that simply cannot be matched with traditional sampling workflows.
Using the robot, IK Multimedia multi-sampled eight different piano classics:
- Concert Grand YF3 (based on Yamaha CFIII)
- Royal Upright Y5 (based on Yamaha U5 Professional Upright)
- Black Diamond B280 (based on Bösendorfer 280 Vienna Concert)
- NY Grand S274 (based on Steinway & Sons New York D-274)
- Hamburg Grand S274 (based on Steinway & Sons Hamburg D-274) – Coming soon
- Gran Concerto 278 (based on Fazioli F278) – Coming soon
- Liberty Upright (based on Koch & Korselt Upright) – Coming soon
- Black Pearl B200 (based on Bösendorfer 200) – Coming soon
Each instrument has different parameters (tune, transpose, space, tone…) with which you can fine-tune the character of it. It doesn’t stop there. Pianoverse has additional shaping sections (space, mix, effects) for taking the pianos into pianoscapes.
Space
The first section “shaping” section is called space. It hosts a unique “one-click” generative reverbation engine with 30 different, modeled space, including traditional concerts halls and studio spaces to crazy ones like a warehouse or a vault. There are also cinematic ones like iceberg, desert, or Mars.
Mix
From here, it goes into the mix section consisting of different sonic modifiable sonic ingredients. Pianoverse provides two sets of microphones per piano, two multi-type EQs and compressors (pre-, and post-space), send FX and insert FX.
And a dedicated master channel offers EQ and a VCA-style limiter for final mastering polish. Additionally, a stereo width sets the width of the image and can also reverse it from player to audience perspective.
Creative Effects
Pianoverse has a deep effects section that allows you to take the piano into new areas. Here you will not only find classic effects (chorus, delay, lo-fi, overdrive…) but also modern concepts.
Particles could be a granular processor but it’s an advanced digital delay with pitching and complex, evolving feedback path. Conovmorh is a reverb that continuously morph between two convolution responses. Each piano can host up to three effects: the first slot being a parallel send effect, while slots 2 and 3 are insert effects.
Plus, you get four modulators: two envelopes and two LFOs for adding movement to the effects.
First Impression
Pianoverse is not a bread and butter multi-sample piano library. Ok, the possibility exists but it can do more. Thanks to the many effects and modulation options, you can take the piano sounds to other sonics fields. An interesting virtual instrument.
A shame that it’s based on multi-samples, so tons of GBs and not light physical modeling.
IK Multimedia Pianoverse is available now. Individual pianos are available for an introductory price of $/€ 99,99 (instead of $/€ 129,99) each. IK also introduced a subscription that gives you full access to Pianoverse for $/€ 14,99/month or $/€ 149,99/year, including all current and newly released pianos without limitation.
More information here: IK Multimedia
I skipped the pricing section but knowing Ik Multimedia, they will charge for each piano or have a subscription service like everything else now. And it’ll be expensive for no reason and trapped behind its weird install/registration process and take up sooooo much hard drive space like a Kontakt instrument. How many did I get right?
Me gustaria optener para poder trabajar