Modartt has released Pianoteq 9, the next generation of its popular physical modeling piano plugin, with new features and now with Linux support.
Good news: Modartt has just released Pianoteq 9 for iOS. A purchased license is valid for macOS, Windows, Linux, and iOS. Therefore, the same price for iOS and desktop users.
Article from October 17, 2025
How large can a piano plugin be? 20 GB, 40 GB, or more? For example, the recent IK Multimedia Pianoverse plugin requires 30 GB, and each expansion requires another 30 GB. Btw: you can get two of these titles now in a no-brainer Humble Bundle deal.
The French developers from Modartt are taking a completely different approach with the popular Pianoteq plugin. It’s based on physical modeling and takes up just 50 MB of hard disk space.
This is now moving into the next generation. Moderatt has unveiled Pianoteq 9, which further enhances authenticity and quality but without raising the memory bar. It is still around 50MB.
Physical Modeling Synthesis
In my opinion, the Pianoteq plugin is the best piano physical modeling plugin on the market. Already with version 8, released in 2022, it has reached a level where one wonders how this is technically possible.
Now with Pianoteq 9, the Moderatt developers are expanding the engine with even more features, allowing you to dive even deeper into every detail of a piano.
I like to describe Pianoteq as a piano Synthesizer because it uses physical modeling synthesis, and the user can edit it like a synth.
Moderatt Pianoteq 9
Pianoteq 9 is the new generation and introduces a new audio engine based on an improved model of the soundboard vibration, enhancing stereo and spatial perception.
Each note you play creates a rich, vibrant swirl, making the sound feel organic and evolving, like ripples shimmering at the surface of a lake, the Pianoteq developers say.
It’s nice that every grand piano in the collection benefits from this update and has been meticulously revoiced. Version 9 also comes with new interface features, including a new updated microphone panel.
You can now place up to 8 microphones simultaneously in 3D space around the instrument. According to Moderatt, this is only possible by using physical modeling technology. Plus, there is a streamlined mixing panel that offers intuitive controls for stereo and multi-channel outputs.
New Sounds
Like its predecessors, the Pianoteq 9 engine is capable not only of emulating pianos but also other instruments, such as e-pianos, percussions, plucked strings, or historical keyboards like the legendary harpsichord.
These can be purchased separately as instrument expansions. Pianoteq 9 introduces new sounds to these expansions.
The Harp pack now features a new Italian Triple Harp, rooted in the baroque era, with a characterful, delicate timbre.
Then, they updated the MKII and Reeds from the Electric Pianos pack with upgraded dynamic response and added grit in the fortissimo range. This brings great expressivity with more detail in every note.
Alongside these, all grand pianos now have new expressive “Sombre” presets, delivering a highly dynamic response with a silken tone ideal for emotive and cinematic playing.
Further, owners of the historical piano can now play with the new soti, intimate sound of Felt presets. Most instruments feature refreshed binaural presets for an immersive headphone experience.
A highlight: Pianoteq 9 is now also available for Linux-based music production systems.
Moderatt Pianoteq 9 First Impression
The developers aren’t resting on their laurels; they’re continuing to develop Pianoteq and making it more authentic than ever. At 29€, they offer a very fair upgrade price that is hard to refuse.
Modartt Pianoteq 9 is available now in different versions: Stage with two instrument packs for 139€, Standard for 269€, Pro for 399€, and Studio with all instruments for 929€. Existing Pianoteq customers can upgrade for 29€ from any version (1-8).
It runs as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel), Linux, and Windows. NKS support is also included. An iOS version is coming soon.
More information here: Modartt
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