Sound Quality:
As an umbrella statement, the wide-ranging sound quality of True Pianos is excellent. This collection of virtual pianos produces realistic sounds that run the full gamut of the piano tone spectrum.
True Pianos’ Sympathetic Response is subtle, but enabling it in the Options panel adds noticeable realism to the overall sound.
I’d go so far as to say that the Atlantis module’s sound quality is exquisite. This particular module reproduces a powerful, imperial sound quality reminiscent of “Steinway Model D” or “Bösendorfer 290” Grands.
In any case, all of True Pianos’ modules shine – each in its own way.
I totally dig the Diamond module as an excellent ‘all rounder’. Out of the five, I find Diamond is the one easiest to situate in a mix. Meanwhile, the Sapphire module really cuts through congested Pop productions with its crisp, bright tonality.
Why aren’t FX included?
4Front has put concerted, intelligent programming effort into the development of True Pianos’ core engine, as well as its accompanying piano modules. They have accomplished a very great feat, in this reviewer’s professional opinion. That said, they have deliberately eschewed any attempt to incorporate a bevy of onboard DSP effects. Their adequate, but usable, built-in reverb/room algorithm is the one exception.
Because this piano suite demands minimal processing and memory, 4Front recommends using third-party plug-ins for specialized tasks. There is plenty of computer “headroom” available for 3rd party effects-processing while using True Pianos.
Audio Snippets: atlantis module
Audio Snippets: sapphire and diamond
Audio Snippets: emerald module
Audio Snippets: amber module
Each of the five modules produces clear, appreciably realistic piano sound. The modules don’t replicate any specific piano model’s sound exactly. Be that as it may, any discerning pianist can immediately recognize tonal qualities reminiscent of renowned, sought-after pianos here.
Many present-day pianists have become accustomed to playing midi keyboards to access large, carefully recorded sample libraries. That is to say, many keyboardists equate sample size with sound quality and playability.
By comparison, True Pianos achieves similar results with none of the bloat. The modules are a synergy of digital samples, synthesis, and VSTi modeling.
True Pianos is highly responsive and dynamic. Of all the virtual pianos I have ever used, I can honestly report that this one is the most dynamic to date. Moreover, 4Front Technologies painstakingly coded exemplary expression sensitivity, and subtle tonal nuances into this small, unpretentious piano suite.
True Pianos Diamond Module: Jazzy upbeat Blues Example
Stereo Imaging and Depth:
Each of the five modules is pleasingly spacious and dynamic across the stereo field. Both the “Amber” and “Atlantis” modules exhibit the greater degrees of dynamic stereo width. Meanwhile, the “Sapphire” module is also very dynamic and wide — perhaps the widest sounding of the lot. Lastly, both “Emerald” and “Diamond” modules seem to be the easiest to place and pan in a mix.
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I would welcome a “width” control as a new feature. So fingers crossed, the developers will implement it in a future release of True Pianos. For solo piano performance, or when playing in a small combo setting, the dynamic stereo width is absolutely wonderful. By the same token, producers often need to narrow an instrument so they can place it into a mix more easily.
In the meantime, there are 3rd party plug-ins available that you can use to adjust the width of a stereo instrument.
Such as:
- SKnote, XTrim
- DDMF, StereooeretS
- SleepyTimeRecords, StereoChannel.
4Front’s built-in reverb module impressed me—much more than I was expecting from a bundled ambience effect. It’s deep without feeling excessively ‘wide.’ Although the reverb uses a single algorithm, it strikes a perfect balance—a true ‘Goldilocks’ effect.
This is certainly not a criticism; in fact, the reverb rivals many third-party plug-ins costing $100 or more. Its subtle, pleasant modulation greatly enhances piano sounds. Excellent work, 4Front! Five stars.
CPU Consumption:
True Pianos generally places very conservative demands on both CPU and RAM. The C++ code is tightly optimized and crafted by top-tier programmers with years of VSTi coding experience.
A minor quirk: CPU usage rises slightly when the ‘Basic’ interface is open, but stays normal when the plug-in is hidden, or the ‘Advanced’ screen is in view.
This likely stems from how the GUI auto-refreshes and renders its elements. This is a very minor niggle, and is probably not even discernible on a modern, multi-core computer.
Concluding Remarks:
In today’s zealous, competitive arena of multi-gigabyte sample libraries, musicians should cherish and favor a powerful, lightweight instrument of such quality. True Pianos exudes the finesse and class of a white-tie gala, yet it can easily groove along with a raucous Jerry Lee–style rock ’n’ roll bash!
This delicious, finely crafted collection of five distinct piano modules comes at a very affable price. Many single-instrument sample libraries cost as much, and perhaps more. In conclusion, True Pianos is a good deal.
SPECIAL MENTION:
The creators (and developers) of True Pianos are also the product support team. In other words, the company treats each customer with personal care and respect. My interaction with Mr. de Wit and Mr. Yohng has been a very amiable and pleasant experience. These gentlemen have been congenial and courteous while remaining professional and “on top of it.”
What’s more, the company offers TruePianos at a whopping 50% discount for Churches, Ministers and Worship leaders, as well as for Teachers, Students, Medical personnel, and NON-PROFIT goodwill workers.
5 out of 5 Stars
:: Pros
- Highly dynamic and expressive!
- Wide range of piano sounds.
- Light on system resources, requiring little hard drive space.
- Well-designed, intuitive 3D interface.
- Good selection of usable presets.
- Easy to navigate and smooth controls.
- Good quality built-in reverb.
- Well-reputed developer and abundant online help.
- Polite, professional product support.
- Highly Optimized code resulting in conservative CPU requirements.
- Exceptional reliability.
- No dongles, call/response challenges, nor invasive piracy protection overhead.
- Multi-platform MAC , PC, vMachine and Receptor..
::Cons
- Not ‘quite’ as authentic-sounding as a 15GB sample library – oh, but it doesn’t consume 15GB of hard drive space either. 😉
Visit the True Pianos website. TruePianos.com
Intellectual Copyright – 2013 – All rights Reserved. This review may not be copied or reproduced in whole, nor in part, without express written permission from the author.
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