See? It’s really all about the playing. Everything he plays sounds amazing regardless of the patch. He plays TO the sound, it inspires what he plays. Simeon could turn the power off on the MIDI controller and still sound better than half of us.
PD, thanks so much. I really enjoy sharing my experiences with all of you. I appreciate the encouragement as well as it inspires me to do more. Thanks again for watching!
i bought noire yesterday and i found the holy grail of piano plugins. and this is by far the best video i have seen explaining such a complex thing with perfect examples and calm voice. just transporting the joy for this masterpiece. thank you sir.
That is great! Thanks so much for watching and the encouraging words. I am so impressed with Galaxy Instruments as they approach their projects like works of art. I just received Una Corda and Giant Friday and let’s just say, impressed once again. Stay tuned
Wonderful playing and an incredibly thorough review. NI should compensate you for demonstrating all the features as well as you did. Your walkthrough left no doubt in my mind that this is THE sample based piano to have and unquestionably worth NI’s asking price. Thanks for your time and effort.
Thanks so much for watching and so glad you enjoyed it. I just think NOIRE has a very beautiful quality about it in both Felt and Pure versions. I really enjoy working with it.
I just purchased 'Noire' today, and it was before seeing your video which added to my feeling that my decision was a good one. While several reviewers play and praise Noire, your review got into the 'nuts and bolts' of the software, for which I thank you, Simeon.
Michael, it is my pleasure. NOIRE is a groundbreaking instrument that has inspired so many wonderful virtual piano titles that followed it. There is so much to explore and love about this instrument. I know that you will truly enjoy finding your voice as you dive into making it a part of your compositions. You kind words and support are very much appreciated. All the very best.
Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated; I am so glad you enjoyed watching. NOIRE is one of the sweetest piano libraries out there and really breaks through to new levels of what a piano library can be. Please subscribe as there are many adventures ahead. 🤓
Simeon Amburgey, It was simply a statement of truth sir. I also admired your layman’s approach to the public at large. I subscribed after that review, and will stay tuned.💎🦁💎
Brilliant demo and amazing playing. I just bought NOIRE a couple days ago as NI is having an awesome sale right now. I'm a bit of a purist with my classical training and find I often get tired of bells and whistles and just return to the basic piano sound. However, this is different. It has a great pure replication of a real piano. However, authenticity of the sounds and the brilliant implementation of all the real mechanical sounds sounds and variables is amazing. I got lost in the Particle engine very quickly. So exciting to play and create with this.
I'm a big fan of Nils Frahm's unique voice in the world of piano and sounds. Are you familiar with him? If not, he frequently produces recordings that amplify and emphasise the mechanical sounds of the piano. I have mixed feelings about it but it is definitely unique. Like you, when I played with the mechanical and pedal sounds in Noire, I brought the levels down from the defaults. The default levels sound very much in keeping of Frahm's own sensibilities.
Thank you very much for your lovely and wonderful video. i agree, the love, the passion and the art of the creators of Noire is clearly audible and visible, but so is yours when you present it in your video. I would love to take a piano lesson from you !
My pleasure. Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement. Funny thing, I am doing Christmas concerts this weekend and the church has a beautiful 9’ Yamaha CF grand that is amazing.
Thank you Simeon ... because this is all you ever need, because all we need is response. Any Piano Player needs response, not a perfect designed Piano ... but this one, is one of them too. We are fishing for response all the time we play any Instrument. This one was designed by our Berlin based Composer Nils Frahm. Nils Frahm, as an Artist, was able to create this Sounds with those great response. Its so great to see, how you acting and what the response did with you ... maybe at this beautiful Sunday Morning. Response ... so great to get some.
It is such an honor to hear from you. NOIRE was one of the first pianos I extensively have reviewed on the channel and it has set me on a joyful course of exploration which I am so grateful for. NOIRE to me was sort of a genesis if you will of breaking ground for how developers approached sampling and scripting their virtual pianos and the introduction of the Particles Engine was literally a game changer in the truest sense of the word as it allowed you to take the piano into uncharted and exciting places. My best to you, I can't wait for the next virtual piano revolution. Joyfully yours!
If you listen to the Nils Frahm interview any creating this library, you'll find that they didn't actually use that elaborate mic set up but instead went with two mics close to where the pianists ears would be and the additional sub mic. Thank you for your in depth review though! Really need this plug in in my life!
Yes, I saw that. Those initial images of that crazy mic setup can be really confusing when approaching the library at first. I love watching these behind the scenes videos as they really help you connect with the artist and library in a special way. Thanks so much for watching, and for your kind support. All the best.
My pleasure. NOIRE was definitely a breakthrough instrument that defined a new category of virtual pianos that many have been inspired by in developing their own libraries. Enjoy, and thanks so much for watching.
Thanks so much, I really appreciate your kind words. NOIRE is a really beautiful instrument and it was a lot of fun discovering the possibilities. All the best!
I bought Noire last night and was already extremely impressed by the sheer magnitude of its amazing sounds and dynamic qualities. I went to bed after starting the download and woke up to it being installed. Very excited to see all the attributes of this impressive software so I found this video that you made. You nailed the demo spot on my friend. I think you could literally sell a ton of this on an affiliate somehow. :). What a great and talented pianist you are. WOW! I found myself wrapped up in the entire video from beginning to end. And to think it's new to you. Do you do studio work by chance? I'm a singer/songwriter but would love to get together and collaborate on some of my works. Simply amazing. Thank you so very much for taking the time to do this demo. I did subscribe to your channel and will check out your other videos as well. Have a blessed day and please let me know about the studio work.
Mark Leland , so glad you enjoyed the video and thank you so much for your gracious words of encouragement! I would love to have the opportunity of working with you. Please feel free to contact me at praisetracks@gmail.com Also I have started releasing my original arrangements on all of the streaming services (Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, etc.); just search for Simeon Amburgey and you should be able to find me there. Have a great day and enjoy NOIRE, it is indeed a beautiful instrument!
Excellent video! Really enjoyed your playing and the sound is amazing. Your playing is superb and you explained and demonstrated it very well. Saw this on sale at Sweetwater and after watching your video I'm definitely getting it. Thanks so much for posting!
My pleasure, NOIRE is a really beautiful piano library with so many places it can take you. Thanks for watching and your kind encouraging words. Now enjoy the journey. 🤓
Thanks for the instructive exploration... I have NOIRE as well...and it is absolutely amazing to hear... haven’t even touched all of the variations... again... thank you .... especially your creative piano playing... love the variation of tunes and emotions conveyed in your playing... All the continued VERY BEST!
So eye opening. Thank you for the time, energy and resources you put into creating this video. It is extremely helpful....and has positioned me to better maximize my Noire piano.
koʻu hauʻoli ( my pleasure), I am so glad you are enjoying the channel. My visits to Hawaii have been filled with such inspiration and beauty. All the best my friend.
I just finished watching your video. wow, I was thinking of waiting for a sale. but that could mean waiting until Noire Friday. :) but after seeing all that this program does, I'm thinking of buying it this Friday. really you have done a superb walkthrough. my favorite I've ever seen, by far. thank you so much Simon. Noire looks like it will lots of fun. and a cool kickstarter for creative inspiration.
Excellent playing and great review! Probably the best Noire review I've seen! You showed all the features and really let us hear the character of the instrument. Maybe you should work for Native Instruments. :)
Amazing walkthrough with this! I had to choose between this and Ivory 2 American Grand D and this video convinced me to get Noire. I love all the extras that can give you so many new sounds and experiences. Thank you so much for doing this, I hope more people come to your channel. You play with real heart, thanks for sharing.
NOIRE is like a work or art and you can dig into all of those settings and really make some very special textures. Be sure to check out the Mystique Reverb options as they act as more of a convolution effect. I was playing around with those today. Thanks again for watching and sub to make sure you don’t miss anything 😎 Also let me know if there is anything you would like to see on the channel.
Thank you so much for posting this detailed review of the Noire piano - just got it yesterday, your playing and love of music is absolutely inspirational!! All the very best Simeon, Carl
Thank You so much, sir its help me, I bought this Noire fews days ago it's really Amazing Thanks to Native and all engineers for this incredible Job. This Noire sound is incredible and give me many ideas to creat pieces...I Used FL Studio 20 and of course Komplete Kontrol with a S88 MK2.
I am so glad you found a little help and inspiration. NOIRE is the gift that keeps on giving. It is very deep in what you can do so don’t miss the convolution reverb effects and of course the Particles Engine. Thanks so much for watching!
Thanks for watching and so glad you enjoyed it. I feel I only touched the surface with this review as I was not able to feature a lot of the other piano; FELT which is totally amazing in its own right but you never know...
Thank you so much for this video. Beautiful playing throughout, stunning instrument, great demo. Love it when you lean into the jazz stuff. NI should have you on the payroll. Don't forget to eat and sleep. Wow, man is right.
Thanks so much for watching and for your gracious comments. There are so many wonderful piano libraries out there and each one is amazing in its own special way. I am hoping to do lots more highlighting these amazing instruments.
NOIRE brought us into a wonderful new world for piano libraries and expression, it is a very beautiful piano library indeed. I am so glad you enjoyed watching. All the best.
Speaking of Casios; I had the VL-1 (with the calculator built in) in high school and programmed it to sound like the tones for us to change classes. Nothing like getting out of class 5 minutes early 😎 Thanks so much for watching and yes NOIRE is amazing. You might also enjoy my videos on Heavyocity’s ASCEND. They take a similar but different approach using a Steinway.
Great video. Very nice, the "radio" feature really intrigued me about this product and would be great for film work. I hadn't seen anybody else mention that effect. Thanks!
That is where NOIRE shines in my opinion. One of its greatest assets is to allow you to explore some very unique performance and sound design capabilities, it is like as I have said before a sheer work of art.
Sorry for the query, I've never used piano plugins before, could someone please explain how to set-up the connection with my digital piano? Is the voice coming directly from the piano speakers or from the computer speakers? Thanks all.
There are a few ways you can do this depending on the type of digital piano you have. Newer digital pianos will have some sort of USB to Computer connection to take care of sending the notes you play into the software. It creates a MIDI port. You might also see some unisual jacks in the rear of the keyboard having 5 pins, these are also MIDI connectors that would connect to an external audio/MIDI interface on your computer. To get the best performance you would want an external audio interface that would connect to your monitor speakers. There might be a way to connect the audio interface to your digital piano’s external input but it depends. I hope that helps get you started in the right direction. Thanks for watching.
Great in depth description of all this piano can do. I just bought it and it is so versatile. I especially like how quickly it loads compared to the CFX lite vst I was using.
My pleasure. NOIRE is a work of art in my opinion and has a very unique sound. Having Pure and Felt pianos opens up the door for so many opportunities. Thanks again for watching and check out some of the other piano vids as they each offer something a little different.
NOIRE was the first instrument to feature the Particles engine that was introduced as a new feature in KONTAKT 6. I would not say this is cheating, but rather a form of sound design, as it takes the initial sound of the instrument and takes it into new and beautiful places. Heavyocity released ASCEND (Grand Piano), and most recently AVANT (Rhodes), that also take advantage of a particles engine. Thanks so much for watching. Joyfully!🎹
Brandon, so did I. NOIRE in my opinion was an innovation that started us on an amazing path to the piano libraries we have today, it is a very inspiring instrument. Thanks so much for watching. Joyfully! 🎹
NOIRE was a breakthrough piano library that many have taken inspiration from. The sound and creative options are beautiful. Thanks so much for watching and enjoying the channel. All the best.
Thanks so much for watching and the kind words of encouragement. Stay tuned for more to come. As always let me know if you have any questions or anything you would like to see covered on the channel.
Thanks for the video. You are definitely the piano man !!! I saw also your Grandeur review!! Both the best for me. Just one simple question, are you using some processing on this piano or simply the stock sound? Thanks a lot
My pleasure. In this video I was using a Studiologic SL-880, which I have had for over 15 years. It has been an amazing controller. Recently I have been enjoying the Studiologic SL88: Grand which takes the playing experience to an entirely different level, amazing. Thanks so much for watching and for the kind encouragement.
It is my pleasure. You are taking your first steps into an amazing world, just take one step at a time, persevere and don't stop. Thanks so much for watching and please let me know if I can ever be of assistance.
Hey Mike, did you buy this? I have a copy which I’m selling. I bought this outright, but it will be included as part of Komplete UCE 13 which I’ve just upgraded to, so I have a spare copy. Let me know if you’re interested. I can transfer the license through NI
Hi. Excellent review. Thanks a lot. All your videos are gold. Allow me to ask you a question. What do you think about playing classical music with this piano?
I think NOIRE would be fine playing classical but it might not have everything a pure classical player might be looking for (una corda, soft pedal samples, etc.). I do find that it does have a very warm and emotional quality to it, especially using the Felt variant of the library. Thanks so much for watching , and your kind words. Here is looking forward to a new year full of hope and new possibilities. All the best.
🤓 So I have been playing this way for many years and just now discovering the actual naming of the scale modes and Lydian is possibly one of my favorites to play. Rick Beato has a great video on this. Thanks so much for watching. th-cam.com/video/O4IJnSTS84A/w-d-xo.html
I'm looking for a piano vst at the moment and really like the sound of Noire. I will be using it for a wide range of styles from very intimate soundscapes to jazz, classical and gospel. What would you recommend?
I own a Roland RD1000 which I was about to let go but after hearing this software demo I'm considering keeping the Roland as a controller. Do you followers think that would be a wise choice? I know this Roland is over 30 years old now but it still has a lovely touch.
I think you answered your question 🤓 It is all about the touch and Roland has done a wonderful job over the years with their weighted keyboards with the RD1000 as a great example.
Well, I always make it a point not to use any additional processing on the library I'm reviewing as to give you the most true to an out of the box sound to judge what the instrument sounds like. A couple of factors with NOIRE is, first of all, getting the right velocity response dialed in. Velocity curves are I think one of the single most important things to get right as it affects how the sample layers and dynamics play out. So click on the FIRST ICON (looks like a piano tuner's wrench), this will take you to SETTINGS. Now under the far RIGHT look under SETTINGS and you should see VELOCITY. From there try the various drop-down choices and see how they respond to your playing. Next thing to check os on the initial MAIN interface, play with adjusting the COLOR and DYNAMIC controls, these shape tone and some additional response elements. Also depending on the controller you are using there might be some velocity curves and scaling options there so I would definitely check those out as well. Let me know how it goes.
I just bought Noire...I don't know why in my case the release gets cutt off immediately the moment I release my finger from a note...in fact this is happening with every instrument within Komplete Standard, whether it be Noire, or Picked Acoustics or Una Corda etc. ...Does anyone have any idea what I might be doing wrong?
Hello Simeon, I saw Your video about Noire. Its Black Friday, and its 74.50 Euros. Does it still hold? Seems like a great creative tool and the sound is very good. Ended up buying the complete version of Fazioli because of Your advice. Kindly let me know on this one =) Thanks! Best, Nuno
Nuno, this was one of the first virtual pianos I had the privilege of playing on the channel, as you can see the setup was quite different. NOIRE will always be able to stand on its own, as it broke new ground for how developers approached piano libraries from then on. I think that this seems like a very good value and will give you not one, but TWO pianos to choose from, The Pure, and The Felt. So, did you get the VSL Fazioli???? Thanks as always for watching.
@@PraiseTracksNow I have to choose a good controller for these libraries. My Korg Kronos 88 its in another country. I am gravitating on VPC1. My doubt is the pressure per key (if too heavy may prevent me from playing fast when needed). I need to go to a music store and try a similar one with these libraries on my pc. Thanks again! Best, Nuno
hi Simeon, since last comment I've bougth NOIRE and it´s amazing like you said.Meanwhile I would like purchase a keyboard with keys the most similar possible to acoustic piano. The Studiologic SL-88 Studio or Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 ? My point is keyboard touch... Can you help?
Hello my friend, I am so glad you are discovering the beauty that is NOIRE. As keyboard controllers go, the SL88 Studio has the weighted plastic action like my older SL-880 used in the video. The Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 has the slightly heavier wooden action that feels closer to a piano action. The actions are manufactured by Fatar, who is also the parent company for Studiologic. The newer Studiologic SL88 Grand that I am using now is wonderful to play. The velocity range is so dynamic and playable, and that action is also in the Komplete Kontrol S88. The Komplete controllers are slightly more expensive due to the additional options built in to have detailed control over Native Instruments titles, like Kontakt that integrate with it. You can save and go with the SL88 Grand which for me has been a great experience. I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any additional questions and I will do my best to respond. Joyfully!🎹
After reviewing so many of them it becomes more difficult and at the same time you start to zone in on the ones you enjoy more. NOIRE is definitely one that fits into the keeper category as it has a very unique texture and playing experience. I am thinking for next year’s Piano Day is to have a battle royal of all of the libraries I have, by that time who knows where things will be, all I know is it will be very exciting. Thanks so much for watching. All the best.
your review it's amazing ! thank you. let me know what model is your studiologic keyboard? By the way can I use this fabulous Noir piano with Cubase elements 11 ? Thank you
It is my pleasure. So when I produced this video I was using the Studiologic SL-800, it is around 15 years old and out of production. The good news is that this past Summer I was able to get one of the new Studiologic SL88 Grands which is an amazing keyboard controller. Since NOIRE is available using the FREE Kontakt Player you can use it in Cubase as a VST Instrument. Thanks so much for watching and your words of encouragement. All the best.
Hey Simeon, just subscribed! Loving these videos. If budget wasn’t an issue and I were to get one piano library to write an album with, what would you recommend? I’m not looking for a versatile selection of pianos just one great piano that sounds and plays like a real piano. Thanks so much.
Not sure why that is. There are so many controls for tone and EQ that can affect this. You might try loading another instrument and see if it too sounds muddy and that could point to something else possible EQ if your audio interface is connected to an outboard mixer.
Simeon, dear brother in Jesus, everything you play is beautiful, what a bless you have! 😊 Off-topic I think I've never seen that desktop setup, with a midi controller on the bottom, the computer keyboard on the top and in a tray! Is that desk custom made, right?
C.P. , yes, this was something a friend helped put together for me. It is basically two L-shaped shelves that are screwed into the wall. I eventually want to lower the bottom on at least a little bit. I attached one of those sliding computer keyboard trays underneath the top shelf and it has been working great. I purchased the sliding rails and picked up a piece of shelving material from Lowe's, it works ;^) Also, thank you so much for your prayers and kind support, I am constantly amazed at the goodness of The Lord and never take the opportunity to share on the channel lightly. Joyfully!
NOIRE hands down. Grand Rhapsody is a great piano mind you but more comparable to Wavesfactory Mercury which is from the same Fazioli Grand. Thanks so much for watching.
If I don't get as much dynamic response as you do in this video (beginning, forte parts especially).. could it be that my midi keyboard just isn't that good? I've got an M-Audio Keystation 88.. not super experienced in this, so could anyone who is let me know.
@@PraiseTracks Yes it has the similar mechanical noises from the keys and player. Common factor is Nils Frahm. If you get a chance to see him live you must. He is very clever and witty. Great rapport with the audience.
Great playing! I know you said no effects or anything but do you have a limiter on the signal chain for this and if so, what do you recommend for the optimum volume for mixing?
Dan, thanks so much for the kind words. I probably was not using a limiter at that time. Just recently I have been using Waves Playlist Rider and their WLM Plus to stay in compliance to TH-cam's LUFS requirement. When I am working on projects I normally use Ozone (now at version 9). I also am a big fan of Gullfoss for tonal balancing.
@@PraiseTracks Thanks! I have Ozone too but I find that if I raise the volume too high (above say -15db for Noire) I get unwanted sounds in the piano which is heightened if adjusting the soft knob on the left hand side! Not sure if you have similar issues but then you are much better than I am at playing!
@@Dangetsuu, well you have to be gentle with the maximization settings. Also, I would look into how your keyboard velocity curves are set up as that makes a world of difference. Also anytime you boost too much, especially the "soft" portions of the piano you also raise the noise floor.
Definitely in the studio; the amount of flexibility and options given in the effects section and what you can do with the reverbs and particles engine give you an amazing amount of creative options. Using it live would depend on your complete computer setup. Also since this uses the Kontakt 6 engine this would also come into play. I think it is a very nice creative option for Live performance, especially when you map some of the controls to a MIDI controller.
First off, thanks so much for watching and so glad you enjoyed the video. NOIRE is a gem of a piano library with so much heart. If you check out the video where I compare the Garritan CFX to NOIRE (which is also based on a CFX) you can see I was actually able to get quite the dynamic range out of it which surprised me a bit. It is all in the way you dial it in using the various controls for color, velocity response (that is a BIG one to get right) and dynamic range, there is a lot of places NOIRE can go. The feel is really achieved by knowing your individual keyboard velocity response curve and matching it up well with the corresponding setting in NOIRE. NOIRE gives you some control over this through specific presets and you should definitely check your user manual for how your keyboard velocity curve is set. Please let me know if you have any additional questions and I will do my best to assist.
@@PraiseTracks Awesome, thanks Simeon. Very much appreciate your swift and detailed response. I have a Roland RD700NX so will take a look at the manual tonight.
Hi Simeon, I really enjoyed this demo of you and Noire! I’m about to purchase this and have (3) questions: 1) Can I switch between my PC & Mac computers with one license? 2) Which studiologic 88 are you using? 3) How might that compare with my RD 800? Thank you and GOD Bless!
Hey Sonny; 1) Yes, I do this all the time 2) My Studiogic is an older model so 3) your Roland would be just fine. Also make sure you get in on the 50%off sale from the Native Instruments website. I purchased The Grandeur and have been enjoying it quite a lot.
Fried, it is being captured directly into the audio interface, so you hear it exactly as it would sound. I always try and keep the signal path free of anything that would change the sound in any way as I want you to hear what it sounds like right out of the box. Thanks for watching.
I would be glad to. First of all, I am using a Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 as my audio and MIDI interface, along with Cakewalk by BandLab which has recently become available as a full featured DAW application. So everything is being hosted inside of Cakewalk (virtual instruments, microphone, etc.). All of this is being sent to the Focusrite Audio interface so that the audio can be heard by the speakers along with being able to pass the audio to my video and screen capture application which is the freely available OBS Studio. The Focusrite provides a "loopback" output that is a virtual audio router that OBS sees and uses to record and stream audio to recordings or to the outside world during livestreams. For my personal monitoring of the audio during recording, I use headphones or earbuds in order to isolate the sound. if I were to have used the actual monitor speakers, I would experience a lot of nasty feedback as the microphone would have been picking up everything coming from the speakers and running it back to the audio input, that is the reason to turn off those monitor speakers and only use headphones. At the time of this video my SL-880 Keyboard Controller was connected to the MIDI in and Out of the Scarlett 4i4 as well in order for me to be able to play NOIRE hosted inside of Cakewalk. I hope that gives you a little more info. Joyfully!🎹
Simeon, do you know how they made the NI walkthrough video for Noire? When I try to replicate it, it doesn't match the sound they got. (I think it might be something I'm doing wrong in the particles engine). Regardless, God gave you a great gift and you sharing it is returning that gift to him. I subscribed.
Hello Citizen, The first place I would look as far as having problems with things not sounding right would be your keyboard velocity settings, this can make a world of difference. Do you know what part in the video you are referring to? I might be able to go back and see if I notice anything. One of the things I think they do is use a couple of instances of NOIRE to create some of the more dramatic moments in their overview. Thanks so much for watching, as well as the kind words of encouragement. All the best.
@@PraiseTracks Hi Simeon. I tried looking at Noire again. Somehow they managed to get a very rhythmical and steady "mechanical" part sound from the outset. I found that nearly impossible to replicate and it's not entirely me because I worked as a pro (classical) pianist so my technique, control and rhythm is spot on. Theirs seems to add a natural and clear percussion, especially as the score has accented offbeats which reverberates perfectly on the demo. However my settings which are the same are not replicating their video. They never mentioned sustain/sostenuto either. I didn't bother trying a second instance of Noire as the first ain't cutting it. I'd greatly appreciate your thoughts and keep up your important work. Thanks.
@@citizenworld8094, So I took a look at one of the intro videos here: th-cam.com/video/ALzLIDyRk_8/w-d-xo.html It looks like they are using the PURE PRESET: PARTICLES: RIDING ON HAMMERS Go to the PARTICLES PAGE and you will see the BALANCE SLIDER that will blend the Particles (in this case some mechanical sounds) with the piano. Take a look and experiment with that a little and see what happens. Also, check out the Dynamics control on the Main Page as well as trying different Velocity Curve Profiles (in the ANATOMY section, the one with the piano tuning wrench), it might make a difference. Let me know what you discover. All the best and always glad to help when I can.
@@PraiseTracks Simeon, I did a bit more looking at what you said and I noticed that I didn't see where the narrator said in 6:34 of the Noire Walkthrough video that "this cloud is simply doubled in the next part with brushed particles of another instance of Noire creating the Strumming effect". Have you any idea what he means by another instance? I know you can reload Kontakt again but does he mean that the midi notes are repeated or do I have a track sourced to another track? How do I insert another instance of NOIRE in studio one? Simeon I know this is a bit esoteric but maybe you know how Jesus healed on a one on one basis and you'll understand! Would be very grateful if you can help me on this.
@@citizenworld8094 Yes! That unlocks the mystery. So what they are saying is that there are TWO instances of NOIRE loaded into Kontakt. You can have ONE instance of Kontakt loaded into Studio One and just create the layer from there. Here is a short demonstration of how I just created this sound. th-cam.com/video/goLcFom3_w8/w-d-xo.html
Simeon, how do you like your StudioLogic keyboard? Do the weighted keys feel good and have good action in your opinion? Any other comments? I record with an excellent piano player however, I don't have a good keyboard for her to use. I am looking for a controller with good weighted action but I have to rely on the opinions of good piano players as I am not a piano player myself. Anything you have to add would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Oh yes, I really enjoyed using my SL-880 for many years. It does have a lot of miles on it here in my workstation area for sure. Studiologic uses a FATAR action which implements sort of a hammer action that gives you the feel of the mechanics of a piano keyboard. It is graded in weight from heavy at the bottom and progressively lighter as you go to the upper registers. You would not go wrong with one of the newer weighted Studiologic controllers as I am sure they have kept refining their action and control features. I have to say that some of the newer Roland Digital pianos have a fantastic action and feel to the point of creating sort of a faux ivory keytop that just gives you the sense of sitting behind a concert grand. It also has a physical hammer action and graded keyboard and it is wonderful to play. Thanks so much for watching and please let me know if I can ever be of assistance in the future?
Realistic and natural sounding wise, how do you compare Noire to Keyscape? I just like playing jazz, classical, pop songs, and don't actually need options for experimental or unique sounds that Noire is good at. I heard Keyscape has neutral sounding so it was my go-to, but I also heard we can get similar sounds within Noire by tweaking a little bit. If so, I think Noire is a better choice for me, because it's cheaper but has deeper sounds. What do you think?
Unfortunately, I do not own Keyscape, it is definitely a library I would love to experience. So right off the bat NOIRE is more affordable and I think you could do much of what you are looking for with the library. The Felt option gives you another color to play with as well which is an added bonus. I would say NOIRE has a nice balance in the mic positions they chose along with the sound of the stage they recorded it in, it is not that huge reverberant sound that is impossible to separate from the piano tone. When you look at NOIRE you must take into account the reason and persons involved in its creation as that will give you more clues into the underlying personality of the library. To me it is like a musical piece of art. Check out my other NOIRE vids as well as they might help you hear more examples. Maybe one day I can give you some insight on Keyscape 🤓 Thanks so much for watching. All the best.
NOIRE is a really wonderful piano library. I have been using the Focusrite 3rd Gen 4i4 for my recordings and live streams. When doing reviews, I never use any type of EQ or additional processing, so you can be sure to hear the library’s out of the box sound. Thanks so much for watching. All the best.
@@PraiseTracks I would appreciate if you could help me to setup that. The keyboard is connected to the computer using a USB cable right? You control the noire and send the audio out using a focusrite. What we hearing is the line out sound from the audio interface... ? How do you record that line out?
Yes, I am using the built in MIDI from the 4i4. Focusrite Control has Main Speaker Out, Headphone, and Loopback. In OBS Studio I have the Loopback selected so all of the audio coming from my DAW (Cakewalk by BandLab) is being captured. I can still monitor with headphones as well.
It is a very older SL880. It only has the basic sustain and volume pedal functions. I am looking at the new Studiologic and possibly Arturia. I do love the feel of the Studiologic though; it has been through quite a beating over the years.
Well, it sounds like I was just improvising a little. That is what happens so many times when I do instrument reviews, the sounds just take me into different places. Thanks so much for watching. All the best.
Yes, Windows 10 was what I am currently using. Since NOIRE is a Kontakt library you need Kontakt Version 6 to host it as well as an audio interface that would provide the low latency you would need to enjoy it. The USB to MIDI is also fine to use to connect your keyboard to your system. Thanks so much for watching and let me know if you had any additional questions.
I have heard a lot of positive thoughts about Grandeur, I have not tried it myself...yet ;^) I think you will tell a difference between your digital piano and the sample libraries; the reason is that while hardware pianos are great and have a lot of dynamic use, you will be able to have a lot more in terms of quality and flexibility. The downside is being tethered to a computer or laptop and all the things that accompany that. It is about finding your"voice" for the particular project or playing situation and each piano library like its namesake piano from which is was recorded have their own unique qualities. That's why it is exciting to have all of these options to find exactly the colors that will complete your next masterpiece.
It will, with the only variables being the performance of the speakers you have and how they respond to the room where they are. It would be similar to any type of recorded material. What I want to represent in the videos is the closest I can come to the pure sound of the instruments right out of the box without using anything to enhance or color the sound.
ARO_23 , well I have not titled it yet🤓 This was something I improvised as I read the title of the preset and listened to the initial sound and the rest just sort of happened. The sounds sometimes play me and it is always interesting as to what happens when I hear these sounds for the first time; I am never really sure what will happen. Thanks so much for watching.
Sorry you are having difficulties with NOIRE. One of the main things to adjust is the velocity curve settings in NOIRE as well as checking the various velocity curves on your keyboard controller, it will make all of the difference. Can you give me a little more detail about your controller b2? Thanks for watching and don’t give up as NOIRE is a beautiful piano library once you get things dialed in. All the best.
Glad you enjoyed watching. At the time I was using a PreSonus Studio 6|8 and was capturing the audio directly from the DAW channel through the Loopback output. I always try never to use any additional EQ or effects on the instrument, but just let it speak for itself. Thanks again for watching. All the best.
@@PraiseTracks I have keyscape and I use to record it directly into daw (without passing through an audio interface). The result is not great. Will try to get an interface with that function to see the diference. Thanks
Well if you are recording in your DAW then it should be the same. Are you rendering MIDI to audio or just capturing your playing to an audio track without MIDI? Also your velocity curve settings can make a huge difference in the sound you are getting, so be sure to try different settings there to see if it makes any difference. BTW , what DAW and interface are you currently using?
@@PraiseTracks I play a Yamaha p115 as a midi controller connected to a laptop via usb cable. I don’t use audio interface. On laptop, I use Reaper. Open a vsti track and open keyscape as a plugin. I record the track then render it 48khz 24bit wav file.
So you said the magic words Yamaha 😳 I have heard a lot of users having issues getting the right dynamic velocity settings as this makes all the difference, especially with the piano libraries. Let me see if I can find some more info on this. And yes, a dedicated audio interface is always going to be the best thing for audio quality. Stay tuned.
Great demo with some lovely playing... Curious though, are you using drawbars for a specific reason and if so why? Are they actually moving pieces of NOIRE in and out or as a volume control. Thanks!
Thanks for watching. Yes, I am using a new open source MIDI drawbar controller from GMLabs; the D9-X. I actually received the very first assembled prototype from them which was exciting and challenged me to see the controller not just for use in tone wheel organ simulations. I have the drawbars mapped to some of the tonal co trolls of NOIRE which open up some really interesting possibilities. I also found that the drawbars felt very natural when using them in this way. There is a link in the description to learn more about the D9-X.
Pure and Felt are two separate instruments within NOIRE so there is not a way to easily switch between them like you can change the treatments out in Una Corda. Initially I mapped the four controls along the bottom of the main NOIRE interface. You can map other controls in the additional edit pages. You can see me do this somewhere near the beginning of the video.
One idea that might work is to have two instances of NOIRE (1Pure, 1Felt), assign them to the same MIDI channel BUT map the Volume control in such a way that one of them would be inverted. This would allow you to sort of cross fade between the two. I might try this and if so post a short follow up vid. 🤓
Ralph, I can tell you that you have started me on a very interesting journey indeed. So this is what I just tried and it's fascinating; So I loaded up two instances of NOIRE (1 Felt and 1Pure) and it brings an entirely new dimension to this instrument. I also assigned each volume control to a separate drawbar so you can blend them together. I definitely will do a short demo of this because it opens up some really beautiful possibilities. For instance you can engage the Particles Engine on just one instance and just have the particles play in the PURE piano and play freely with FELT without the Particles Engine affecting anything there. That is why I am so glad they included two entirely different pianos and not one version with a convolution effect to get the different characters. These are two discretely sampled pianos which adds so much to their quality and value. Thanks again for your comments as our individual experiences can combine and compliment each other with the result of opening new doors of creative opportunity.
Definitely this one over the Waves Grand Rhapsody. Although the Waves piano has its place NOIRE just is in a class of its own.Thanks so much for watching!
Hello, I'm having a problem with Noire which I can't seem to solve. Whenever I release a key, the sound instantly stops. (I'm using a midi keyboard) Any idea how to fix this issue ?
@@Mandovzkis , so sorry you are having issues. There are a couple of things that come to mind. My first thought is making sure you allow NOIRE to load completely. Sometimes when there are still samples loading it can give you the feeling that notes are being immediately cut off. I would also check the streaming and preload memory settings to fine-tune Kontakt for your particular setup. Another way to troubleshoot is to load the standalone version of Kontakt 6 and see how things perform there. That way you know if it is a Kontakt or Fruity Loops issue. Let me know how things go.
Okay, so I made sure that NOIRE loads completely, tried dabbling with the preload memory settings, tried loading it in the standalone and I even tried reinstalling kontakt. The last 17 keys work properly (High notes) starting from G# one octave below the last octave. Whenever I try to press any other key with out holding it, it cuts off the sound and if I do it very quickly I can even hear a "woosh" like sound right when it cuts off. I am using the portable version, tho... maybe that could be the problem ? And thanks in advance for trying to help me out here. :)
@@Mandovzkis , OK let's look at this some more. So what exactly is "the portable version"? Can you tell me what type of controller you are using, that might help as well..
Papa, when you start down the rabbit hole of Kontakt libraries things can be a little challenging at first. You are going to find the need for an external USB audio device, which are very reasonable. The reason for the interface is to provide the lowest latency possible so you can enjoy playing the library. On board sound cards are not typically able to handle demanding tasks that this requires. Also storage speed and system memory might be an issue as you need something that can handle playing the samples back from disk and memory efficiently. Don’t let this discourage you but rather inspire you to what the possibilities await once you pass through that door. There is a learning curve to get started but there are many here who can help. Thanks for watching and please let me know how I can be of further assistance.
Is there an easier explanation? I just want to plug and play. My piano sounds bad so I want something that sounds nicer without buying a whole new piano
Sorry, what type of computer are you currently using? It would be helpful to know what processor you have, memory, and how much storage space. Then we can go from there.
Mr Woodhaven , well you know what they say; “ain’t nothing like the real thing” 😎 I feel that it does a very nice job conveying the feel of the real CFX. I also feel NOIRE is a unique take in the CFX due to how the project was approached. You will appreciate this even more if you watch my Garritan/Abbey Road CFX video. You will see how even though it is a similar piano how different concepts create different experiences.
Lots of respect for making this video. A suggestion. Your enthusiasm is clear, and certainly justified, but I will confess to stopping it when you said at the start how great it sounded, then said some more, then played one note, then talked more about how great it was... I support your video making, but this one could benefit from more compelling pacing at the start. If you say you just want us to hear it, I suggest you just start playing it at that point. If it sounds good, we will know.
Yes, I have so much to learn still. It is like there is so much to process that it is hard to express things clearly, and for that pacing is what suffers. I need to find more ways to edit myself.Thanks so much for watching, and the honest feedback, it is what helps make things better. All the best.
OK, rewatching, I see exactly what you mean. 🤓 So one thing is that I went into this after viewing some of the behind the scenes videos and I was impressed at the process of creating NOIRE, so a first time viewer did not have the benefit I had of experiencing that. Thanks again.
@@PraiseTracks I know - these are hard! But even more respect for the gracious reply. The one I have made (only one) had me just doing subtitles because I didn't want to interfere with the audio at all. But that was a very different kind of video. It seems like it's hard to choose between focusing on a specific audience a video is for and keeping it general enough to fit all. And moreover, considering that there are a great many videos on every subject imaginable, doing one that's not utterly meta. I've been resisting doing a few on some VI's and setups because I have been so irritated by how un-real-world many are and I want to avoid doing sort of response videos to those. Yours shows what the instrument can do by playing it in very appropriate ways, which to me is one of the best ways of doing it.
It is indeed very intimidating to put yourself out there, that is for sure. I hope with each new video I am able to do I can build on past experiences (good and bad) and pray the result is something that will bring joy and inspire the viewer to see the vast potential music creation has to bring hope and healing in such a very troubled and uncertain world. Blessings!
You made me order this thing today, the whole package for $1,600.00. Somehow I have to explain to my wife how you made me buy this package. Help anyone!
So you went for one of the Komplete packages? All I can say in my best Sgt. Shultz voice ; “I SEE NOTHING!” 😂 So if you did then you have many more amazing pianos to keep you busy for a great while.
Oh, another thing. Let Native Instruments know about the channel, it helps a little, not monetarily but keeps me on their radar for possible future reviews. Thanks again!
Well, you know what they say, purchase a bunch of Kontakt instruments and the next day they go on an insane sale. You might want to reach out to whomever you purchased your bundle from to see if they can make an adjustment for you since you just made the purchase. Check out this link: www.native-instruments.com/en/catalog/cyber-season-2021
So sorry you are having issues. Have you loaded any other libraries to see if the sound is altered as well? I would also suggest loading one of the Pure presets (like the initial one) and check that. Let me know how it goes?
@@PraiseTracks thanks for your quick reply. I have no idea how to load other libraries...it took me two days to find out how to get sound in Noire....Just bought the whole package and installed Komplete Control, Kontakt 6, Noire, and a few other apps in the NI. Maybe I should install all of them (even though some don't look relevant, like the Kinetic Treats)
OK, so tell me about your setup. Are you using the internal sound of the Mac? What Mac are you using (Maccbook, iMac)? Also make sure that there is not audio co I guess from your Yamaha as it could be generating sound along with NOIRE. Speakers or Headphones? The more info the better 😎 When you installed Kontakt you probably also need to install the Factory library as it will give you some additional sounds and have something to compare things to. Always glad to help!
@@PraiseTracks I use a Macbook Air with an AKG K240 headphone, USB-Midi cable connecting the yamaha and the laptop. When the yamaha is at the silent function, the middle pedal is put all the way down, so the acoustic part is disabled. The sound from Noire is also different from my yamaha's own sampling sound using silent function, and it sounds very weird, like under water.
I bought Noire some time ago.....never used a software instrument before.....and It just sounds terrible, and I don't know why. Because it seems to sound pretty amazing on youtube...
Simeon Amburgey Im running the software on a MacBook Pro, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and a couple of studio monitors. I use a Yamaha CSP-170 as a midi controller.
OK, thanks for that. If you would like, you can reach me at my email and we might be able to dive a little deeper to try and figure out what might be going on. My email is praisetracks@gmail.com
Hello, it's me again. So I never could figure out what's wrong until I rewatched your video. I really think that the problem lies in the fact that I don't have a sustain pedal. Or is there a way to stretch the notes longer without holding the key down without a sustain pedal ?
Well there is not an associated "release" setting that could extend the notes in NOIRE other than trying to emulate it with a long reverb.. So not having a sustain pedal for a piano library is like not having a bow for a violin. The sustain pedal does not have to be fancy, I actually have a couple of controllers and on one of them I just have a very simple switch pedal assigned to sustain. If your controller does not have a plug for a switch pedal you might could assign a button on the controller to MIDI CC 64 (hold/sustain), but that would mean having to take one hand off the keyboard to trigger it which is not optimal. Sorry for not being able to be of more assistance but I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to be of some help. Please keep me posted on your progress. All the best.
@@PraiseTracks Thanks for the reply. My midi keyboard does actually have a plug for a sustain pedal. The best part is that they are not too expensive. So, I will buy one very soon. Thanks again for your help, have a good one. :)
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See? It’s really all about the playing. Everything he plays sounds amazing regardless of the patch. He plays TO the sound, it inspires what he plays. Simeon could turn the power off on the MIDI controller and still sound better than half of us.
PD, thanks so much. I really enjoy sharing my experiences with all of you. I appreciate the encouragement as well as it inspires me to do more. Thanks again for watching!
i bought noire yesterday and i found the holy grail of piano plugins. and this is by far the best video i have seen explaining such a complex thing with perfect examples and calm voice. just transporting the joy for this masterpiece. thank you sir.
That is great! Thanks so much for watching and the encouraging words. I am so impressed with Galaxy Instruments as they approach their projects like works of art. I just received Una Corda and Giant Friday and let’s just say, impressed once again. Stay tuned
Wonderful playing and an incredibly thorough review. NI should compensate you for demonstrating all the features as well as you did. Your walkthrough left no doubt in my mind that this is THE sample based piano to have and unquestionably worth NI’s asking price. Thanks for your time and effort.
Thanks so much for watching and so glad you enjoyed it. I just think NOIRE has a very beautiful quality about it in both Felt and Pure versions. I really enjoy working with it.
I just purchased 'Noire' today, and it was before seeing your video which added to my feeling that my decision was a good one. While several reviewers play and praise Noire, your review got into the 'nuts and bolts' of the software, for which I thank you, Simeon.
Michael, it is my pleasure. NOIRE is a groundbreaking instrument that has inspired so many wonderful virtual piano titles that followed it. There is so much to explore and love about this instrument. I know that you will truly enjoy finding your voice as you dive into making it a part of your compositions. You kind words and support are very much appreciated. All the very best.
That was an absolutely superb review! Your skills on the piano are impeccable...🕊🌞🔥
Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated; I am so glad you enjoyed watching. NOIRE is one of the sweetest piano libraries out there and really breaks through to new levels of what a piano library can be. Please subscribe as there are many adventures ahead. 🤓
Simeon Amburgey, It was simply a statement of truth sir. I also admired your layman’s approach to the public at large. I subscribed after that review, and will stay tuned.💎🦁💎
Brilliant demo and amazing playing. I just bought NOIRE a couple days ago as NI is having an awesome sale right now. I'm a bit of a purist with my classical training and find I often get tired of bells and whistles and just return to the basic piano sound. However, this is different. It has a great pure replication of a real piano. However, authenticity of the sounds and the brilliant implementation of all the real mechanical sounds sounds and variables is amazing. I got lost in the Particle engine very quickly. So exciting to play and create with this.
I'm a big fan of Nils Frahm's unique voice in the world of piano and sounds. Are you familiar with him? If not, he frequently produces recordings that amplify and emphasise the mechanical sounds of the piano. I have mixed feelings about it but it is definitely unique. Like you, when I played with the mechanical and pedal sounds in Noire, I brought the levels down from the defaults. The default levels sound very much in keeping of Frahm's own sensibilities.
Thank you very much for your lovely and wonderful video. i agree, the love, the passion and the art of the creators of Noire is clearly audible and visible, but so is yours when you present it in your video. I would love to take a piano lesson from you !
My pleasure. Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement. Funny thing, I am doing Christmas concerts this weekend and the church has a beautiful 9’ Yamaha CF grand that is amazing.
Piano sound like crystal, trasparent whitout sfx that listen like dirty. I like too much the video. Bravisimo from Canary Islands - Spain
Thank you. Your teaching and playing is first class.
Thank you Simeon ... because this is all you ever need, because all we need is response. Any Piano Player needs response, not a perfect designed Piano ... but this one, is one of them too. We are fishing for response all the time we play any Instrument.
This one was designed by our Berlin based Composer Nils Frahm.
Nils Frahm, as an Artist, was able to create this Sounds with those great response.
Its so great to see, how you acting and what the response did with you ... maybe at this beautiful Sunday Morning.
Response ... so great to get some.
It is such an honor to hear from you. NOIRE was one of the first pianos I extensively have reviewed on the channel and it has set me on a joyful course of exploration which I am so grateful for.
NOIRE to me was sort of a genesis if you will of breaking ground for how developers approached sampling and scripting their virtual pianos and the introduction of the Particles Engine was literally a game changer in the truest sense of the word as it allowed you to take the piano into uncharted and exciting places.
My best to you, I can't wait for the next virtual piano revolution.
Joyfully yours!
If you listen to the Nils Frahm interview any creating this library, you'll find that they didn't actually use that elaborate mic set up but instead went with two mics close to where the pianists ears would be and the additional sub mic.
Thank you for your in depth review though!
Really need this plug in in my life!
Yes, I saw that. Those initial images of that crazy mic setup can be really confusing when approaching the library at first. I love watching these behind the scenes videos as they really help you connect with the artist and library in a special way.
Thanks so much for watching, and for your kind support. All the best.
nice thanks bought noire last night - Nashville .....
My pleasure. NOIRE was definitely a breakthrough instrument that defined a new category of virtual pianos that many have been inspired by in developing their own libraries. Enjoy, and thanks so much for watching.
Excellent job demonstrating noir! Thank you! You play beautifully.
Thanks so much, I really appreciate your kind words. NOIRE is a really beautiful instrument and it was a lot of fun discovering the possibilities. All the best!
Your enthusiasm is infectious! Thank you for an extraordinary review!
It is my pleasure! I really enjoy sharing my experiences and so appreciate the words of encouragement!
In-depth and sensitive demonstration of a beautiful instrument. Great synergy between man and machine. Thank you!
I bought Noire last night and was already extremely impressed by the sheer magnitude of its amazing sounds and dynamic qualities. I went to bed after starting the download and woke up to it being installed. Very excited to see all the attributes of this impressive software so I found this video that you made. You nailed the demo spot on my friend. I think you could literally sell a ton of this on an affiliate somehow. :). What a great and talented pianist you are. WOW! I found myself wrapped up in the entire video from beginning to end. And to think it's new to you. Do you do studio work by chance? I'm a singer/songwriter but would love to get together and collaborate on some of my works. Simply amazing. Thank you so very much for taking the time to do this demo. I did subscribe to your channel and will check out your other videos as well. Have a blessed day and please let me know about the studio work.
Mark Leland , so glad you enjoyed the video and thank you so much for your gracious words of encouragement!
I would love to have the opportunity of working with you. Please feel free to contact me at praisetracks@gmail.com
Also I have started releasing my original arrangements on all of the streaming services (Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, etc.); just search for Simeon Amburgey and you should be able to find me there.
Have a great day and enjoy NOIRE, it is indeed a beautiful instrument!
thank you for making this. you have done an excellent superb walkthrough.
Excellent video! Really enjoyed your playing and the sound is amazing. Your playing is superb and you explained and demonstrated it very well. Saw this on sale at Sweetwater and after watching your video I'm definitely getting it. Thanks so much for posting!
My pleasure, NOIRE is a really beautiful piano library with so many places it can take you. Thanks for watching and your kind encouraging words. Now enjoy the journey. 🤓
Thanks for the instructive exploration... I have NOIRE as well...and it is absolutely amazing to hear... haven’t even touched all of the variations... again... thank you .... especially your creative piano playing... love the variation of tunes and emotions conveyed in your playing... All the continued VERY BEST!
It is my pleasure. Your kind words are much appreciated and encouraging. Stay tuned for much more 📺
Wow! What a real & truly dedicated demo
Thank you so much for watching and the kind words of encouragement. I am so glad you enjoyed the experience of NOIRE, it is an amazing virtual piano.
So eye opening. Thank you for the time, energy and resources you put into creating this video. It is extremely helpful....and has positioned me to better maximize my Noire piano.
Wonderful, I am so glad you enjoyed watching. Stay tuned for much more.
Wonderful! Mahalo from Honolulu!
koʻu hauʻoli ( my pleasure), I am so glad you are enjoying the channel. My visits to Hawaii have been filled with such inspiration and beauty. All the best my friend.
I just finished watching your video. wow, I was thinking of waiting for a sale. but that could mean waiting until Noire Friday. :) but after seeing all that this program does, I'm thinking of buying it this Friday. really you have done a superb walkthrough. my favorite I've ever seen, by far. thank you so much Simon. Noire looks like it will lots of fun. and a cool kickstarter for creative inspiration.
Great review and great playing. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Again!
So glad! Thanks for watching - again! 🤓All the very best !
Excellent playing and great review! Probably the best Noire review I've seen! You showed all the features and really let us hear the character of the instrument. Maybe you should work for Native Instruments. :)
Amazing walkthrough with this! I had to choose between this and Ivory 2 American Grand D and this video convinced me to get Noire. I love all the extras that can give you so many new sounds and experiences. Thank you so much for doing this, I hope more people come to your channel. You play with real heart, thanks for sharing.
NOIRE is like a work or art and you can dig into all of those settings and really make some very special textures. Be sure to check out the Mystique Reverb options as they act as more of a convolution effect. I was playing around with those today. Thanks again for watching and sub to make sure you don’t miss anything 😎
Also let me know if there is anything you would like to see on the channel.
Simeon Amburgey thanks for the tip. You have a new subscriber now and I look forward to any new videos in the future. 🙂
It is my pleasure and thanks so much for your support.
I own the Ivory 2 American D and it is lovely. Although I cannot wait to get my hands on noire!
Thank you so much for posting this detailed review of the Noire piano - just got it yesterday, your playing and love of music is absolutely inspirational!! All the very best Simeon, Carl
Thank You so much, sir its help me, I bought this Noire fews days ago it's really Amazing Thanks to Native and all engineers for this incredible Job. This Noire sound is incredible and give me many ideas to creat pieces...I Used FL Studio 20 and of course Komplete Kontrol with a S88 MK2.
I am so glad you found a little help and inspiration. NOIRE is the gift that keeps on giving. It is very deep in what you can do so don’t miss the convolution reverb effects and of course the Particles Engine. Thanks so much for watching!
This is a fantastic review, and your playing is superb! I think I'm definitely going to have to get this piano.
Thanks for watching and so glad you enjoyed it. I feel I only touched the surface with this review as I was not able to feature a lot of the other piano; FELT which is totally amazing in its own right but you never know...
Thank you so much for this video. Beautiful playing throughout, stunning instrument, great demo. Love it when you lean into the jazz stuff. NI should have you on the payroll. Don't forget to eat and sleep. Wow, man is right.
Thanks so much for watching and for your gracious comments. There are so many wonderful piano libraries out there and each one is amazing in its own special way. I am hoping to do lots more highlighting these amazing instruments.
that was a great review man, thank you. made me want to dwell deeper into noire rather than just stick with the (amazing) basic sounds.
NOIRE brought us into a wonderful new world for piano libraries and expression, it is a very beautiful piano library indeed. I am so glad you enjoyed watching. All the best.
The first great piano synthesizer, but this guy could make an old Casio sound good.
Speaking of Casios; I had the VL-1 (with the calculator built in) in high school and programmed it to sound like the tones for us to change classes. Nothing like getting out of class 5 minutes early 😎
Thanks so much for watching and yes NOIRE is amazing. You might also enjoy my videos on Heavyocity’s ASCEND. They take a similar but different approach using a Steinway.
Epic Kontakt Tool! Thanks for the review, friend!
My pleasure. NOIRE is a beautifully crafted instrument to say the least. Thanks so much for watching.
Great video. Very nice, the "radio" feature really intrigued me about this product and would be great for film work. I hadn't seen anybody else mention that effect. Thanks!
That is where NOIRE shines in my opinion. One of its greatest assets is to allow you to explore some very unique performance and sound design capabilities, it is like as I have said before a sheer work of art.
Sorry for the query, I've never used piano plugins before, could someone please explain how to set-up the connection with my digital piano?
Is the voice coming directly from the piano speakers or from the computer speakers? Thanks all.
There are a few ways you can do this depending on the type of digital piano you have.
Newer digital pianos will have some sort of USB to Computer connection to take care of sending the notes you play into the software. It creates a MIDI port.
You might also see some unisual jacks in the rear of the keyboard having 5 pins, these are also MIDI connectors that would connect to an external audio/MIDI interface on your computer.
To get the best performance you would want an external audio interface that would connect to your monitor speakers.
There might be a way to connect the audio interface to your digital piano’s external input but it depends.
I hope that helps get you started in the right direction.
Thanks for watching.
I came here for the NI library reviews but I keep coming back just for the playing! Do you have any releases?
Great in depth description of all this piano can do. I just bought it and it is so versatile. I especially like how quickly it loads compared to the CFX lite vst I was using.
So glad you found it helpful. Thanks so much for watching.
Aaron Thomas hey Aaron, how do you find Noire compared with Garritan CFX Lite?
ArgoBeats personally I prefer Noire. The depth and features are awesome
Great walkthrough... much appreciated!
My pleasure. NOIRE is a work of art in my opinion and has a very unique sound. Having Pure and Felt pianos opens up the door for so many opportunities.
Thanks again for watching and check out some of the other piano vids as they each offer something a little different.
I love the particles engine, even if its kind of cheating. Is it a unique feature or do other VSTs have something similar.
NOIRE was the first instrument to feature the Particles engine that was introduced as a new feature in KONTAKT 6.
I would not say this is cheating, but rather a form of sound design, as it takes the initial sound of the instrument and takes it into new and beautiful places.
Heavyocity released ASCEND (Grand Piano), and most recently AVANT (Rhodes), that also take advantage of a particles engine.
Thanks so much for watching. Joyfully!🎹
Great review thank you 👏👏👏
My pleasure, so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for watching.
27:15 So much feeling... Beautiful
I so enjoy sharing what these amazing instruments bring out of me, it is a wonderful experience. Thanks so much for watching and your kind words.
I forgot this was a plug-in review/demo a few times throughout the video😅🤙🏽
Brandon, so did I. NOIRE in my opinion was an innovation that started us on an amazing path to the piano libraries we have today, it is a very inspiring instrument. Thanks so much for watching. Joyfully! 🎹
Nice presentation. Thank you very much!
Daniel Sander Hoffmann , it is my pleasure. I really enjoy sharing my experiences. Thanks for watching.
And the noire is actually not yet all loaded... Lol.. And the particles just wonderful..
NOIRE was a breakthrough piano library that many have taken inspiration from. The sound and creative options are beautiful. Thanks so much for watching and enjoying the channel. All the best.
Amazing Player
Thanks so much for watching and the kind words of encouragement. Stay tuned for more to come. As always let me know if you have any questions or anything you would like to see covered on the channel.
Thank you very much sir
Thanks for the video. You are definitely the piano man !!! I saw also your Grandeur review!! Both the best for me. Just one simple question, are you using some processing on this piano or simply the stock sound? Thanks a lot
Bravo! Amazing video thank you sir 👏
My pleasure and so glad you enjoyed it!
I appreciate your opinion, brother Simeon. Keep giving HIM Glory! Thank you
Very Cool Video Thank you, which Model Studiologic you use ?
My pleasure. In this video I was using a Studiologic SL-880, which I have had for over 15 years. It has been an amazing controller. Recently I have been enjoying the Studiologic SL88: Grand which takes the playing experience to an entirely different level, amazing.
Thanks so much for watching and for the kind encouragement.
Thanks to you I'm getting this. Now I gotta learn how to play piano.😁
It is my pleasure. You are taking your first steps into an amazing world, just take one step at a time, persevere and don't stop. Thanks so much for watching and please let me know if I can ever be of assistance.
Hey Mike, did you buy this? I have a copy which I’m selling. I bought this outright, but it will be included as part of Komplete UCE 13 which I’ve just upgraded to, so I have a spare copy. Let me know if you’re interested. I can transfer the license through NI
@@paultumelty Are you still selling it? I am interested.
@@azariahco Sorry, it sold quite quickly
Hi. Excellent review. Thanks a lot. All your videos are gold. Allow me to ask you a question. What do you think about playing classical music with this piano?
I think NOIRE would be fine playing classical but it might not have everything a pure classical player might be looking for (una corda, soft pedal samples, etc.). I do find that it does have a very warm and emotional quality to it, especially using the Felt variant of the library.
Thanks so much for watching , and your kind words. Here is looking forward to a new year full of hope and new possibilities. All the best.
Hi can you review the AIR stage piano? It has a 10 day trial. Thank you
24:21 that preset has that Thomas Newman sound, especially when you play something in Lydian haha
🤓 So I have been playing this way for many years and just now discovering the actual naming of the scale modes and Lydian is possibly one of my favorites to play. Rick Beato has a great video on this. Thanks so much for watching.
th-cam.com/video/O4IJnSTS84A/w-d-xo.html
I'm looking for a piano vst at the moment and really like the sound of Noire. I will be using it for a wide range of styles from very intimate soundscapes to jazz, classical and gospel. What would you recommend?
Synchron CFX or Steinway
I own a Roland RD1000 which I was about to let go but after hearing this software demo I'm considering keeping the Roland as a controller. Do you followers think that would be a wise choice? I know this Roland is over 30 years old now but it still has a lovely touch.
I think you answered your question 🤓
It is all about the touch and Roland has done a wonderful job over the years with their weighted keyboards with the RD1000 as a great example.
Hi Simeon, the sound is very clear. May I know what others music plugin you using when you playing Noire?
Well, I always make it a point not to use any additional processing on the library I'm reviewing as to give you the most true to an out of the box sound to judge what the instrument sounds like.
A couple of factors with NOIRE is, first of all, getting the right velocity response dialed in. Velocity curves are I think one of the single most important things to get right as it affects how the sample layers and dynamics play out.
So click on the FIRST ICON (looks like a piano tuner's wrench), this will take you to SETTINGS. Now under the far RIGHT look under SETTINGS and you should see VELOCITY. From there try the various drop-down choices and see how they respond to your playing.
Next thing to check os on the initial MAIN interface, play with adjusting the COLOR and DYNAMIC controls, these shape tone and some additional response elements.
Also depending on the controller you are using there might be some velocity curves and scaling options there so I would definitely check those out as well.
Let me know how it goes.
I just bought Noire...I don't know why in my case the release gets cutt off immediately the moment I release my finger from a note...in fact this is happening with every instrument within Komplete Standard, whether it be Noire, or Picked Acoustics or Una Corda etc. ...Does anyone have any idea what I might be doing wrong?
Hello Simeon, I saw Your video about Noire. Its Black Friday, and its 74.50 Euros. Does it still hold? Seems like a great creative tool and the sound is very good. Ended up buying the complete version of Fazioli because of Your advice. Kindly let me know on this one =) Thanks! Best, Nuno
Nuno, this was one of the first virtual pianos I had the privilege of playing on the channel, as you can see the setup was quite different.
NOIRE will always be able to stand on its own, as it broke new ground for how developers approached piano libraries from then on. I think that this seems like a very good value and will give you not one, but TWO pianos to choose from, The Pure, and The Felt.
So, did you get the VSL Fazioli???? Thanks as always for watching.
@@PraiseTracks Thank You so much Simeon! Yes, VSL Fazioli
@@PraiseTracksNow I have to choose a good controller for these libraries. My Korg Kronos 88 its in another country. I am gravitating on VPC1. My doubt is the pressure per key (if too heavy may prevent me from playing fast when needed). I need to go to a music store and try a similar one with these libraries on my pc. Thanks again! Best, Nuno
hi Simeon, since last comment I've bougth NOIRE and it´s amazing like you said.Meanwhile I would like purchase a keyboard with keys the most similar possible to acoustic piano. The Studiologic SL-88 Studio or Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 ? My point is keyboard touch... Can you help?
Hello my friend, I am so glad you are discovering the beauty that is NOIRE. As keyboard controllers go, the SL88 Studio has the weighted plastic action like my older SL-880 used in the video. The Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 has the slightly heavier wooden action that feels closer to a piano action.
The actions are manufactured by Fatar, who is also the parent company for Studiologic. The newer Studiologic SL88 Grand that I am using now is wonderful to play. The velocity range is so dynamic and playable, and that action is also in the Komplete Kontrol S88. The Komplete controllers are slightly more expensive due to the additional options built in to have detailed control over Native Instruments titles, like Kontakt that integrate with it.
You can save and go with the SL88 Grand which for me has been a great experience.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any additional questions and I will do my best to respond. Joyfully!🎹
@@PraiseTracks thank you so much.
My pleasure. 👍🏻
My pleasure. 👍🏻
Sounds great! I’m curious as to what you’re favorite virtual software pianos are...?
After reviewing so many of them it becomes more difficult and at the same time you start to zone in on the ones you enjoy more. NOIRE is definitely one that fits into the keeper category as it has a very unique texture and playing experience. I am thinking for next year’s Piano Day is to have a battle royal of all of the libraries I have, by that time who knows where things will be, all I know is it will be very exciting.
Thanks so much for watching. All the best.
I have definitely started to consider the pianos that are staying on my drives. 😎
Thank you...
your review it's amazing ! thank you. let me know what model is your studiologic keyboard? By the way can I use this fabulous Noir piano with Cubase elements 11 ? Thank you
It is my pleasure. So when I produced this video I was using the Studiologic SL-800, it is around 15 years old and out of production. The good news is that this past Summer I was able to get one of the new Studiologic SL88 Grands which is an amazing keyboard controller.
Since NOIRE is available using the FREE Kontakt Player you can use it in Cubase as a VST Instrument. Thanks so much for watching and your words of encouragement. All the best.
@@PraiseTracks thank you so much
Hey Simeon, just subscribed! Loving these videos. If budget wasn’t an issue and I were to get one piano library to write an album with, what would you recommend? I’m not looking for a versatile selection of pianos just one great piano that sounds and plays like a real piano. Thanks so much.
Its sound is really nice. I’ve been playing with Noire, I don’t know why my sound is muddy than yours.
Not sure why that is. There are so many controls for tone and EQ that can affect this. You might try loading another instrument and see if it too sounds muddy and that could point to something else possible EQ if your audio interface is connected to an outboard mixer.
Simeon Amburgey Thank you for your kind explanation. I’ll check my other controls. Thank you so much!
@@Harpiano, Let me know what you find and as always if you need any further assistance, please let me know.
Wow!!! 🙏🙌 any chance it’ll load in kontakt 5?
It would not work in Kontakt 5 due to some of the performance and effects features.
Simeon, dear brother in Jesus, everything you play is beautiful, what a bless you have! 😊
Off-topic I think I've never seen that desktop setup, with a midi controller on the bottom, the computer keyboard on the top and in a tray! Is that desk custom made, right?
C.P. , yes, this was something a friend helped put together for me. It is basically two L-shaped shelves that are screwed into the wall. I eventually want to lower the bottom on at least a little bit. I attached one of those sliding computer keyboard trays underneath the top shelf and it has been working great. I purchased the sliding rails and picked up a piece of shelving material from Lowe's, it works ;^)
Also, thank you so much for your prayers and kind support, I am constantly amazed at the goodness of The Lord and never take the opportunity to share on the channel lightly. Joyfully!
@@PraiseTracks Thank you very much for your time!
My pleasure, anytime. Joyfully!
What do u think is better waves rhapsody grand or noire?
NOIRE hands down. Grand Rhapsody is a great piano mind you but more comparable to Wavesfactory Mercury which is from the same Fazioli Grand.
Thanks so much for watching.
If I don't get as much dynamic response as you do in this video (beginning, forte parts especially).. could it be that my midi keyboard just isn't that good? I've got an M-Audio Keystation 88.. not super experienced in this, so could anyone who is let me know.
That keyboard is fine. But you can always tweak your velocity settings do you dont need to slam as hard for a forte
I’ve been for someone who reviewed this properly at all levels. I’m now convinced to add this to Una Corda. Great review thanks. Subbed also 🤟
Thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed the review. Now you have me on the other side to try Una Corda 🤓
Simeon Amburgey I wrote the music to take my daughter down the aisle with on the Una Corda. It is seriously good 😏
That’s fabulous. In one of NOIRE’s company walkthroughs the highlight that some of the effects were similar to Una Corda.
@@PraiseTracks Yes it has the similar mechanical noises from the keys and player. Common factor is Nils Frahm. If you get a chance to see him live you must. He is very clever and witty. Great rapport with the audience.
I can't take to the Una Corda. What am I doing wrong?
Great playing! I know you said no effects or anything but do you have a limiter on the signal chain for this and if so, what do you recommend for the optimum volume for mixing?
Dan, thanks so much for the kind words. I probably was not using a limiter at that time. Just recently I have been using Waves Playlist Rider and their WLM Plus to stay in compliance to TH-cam's LUFS requirement. When I am working on projects I normally use Ozone (now at version 9). I also am a big fan of Gullfoss for tonal balancing.
@@PraiseTracks Thanks! I have Ozone too but I find that if I raise the volume too high (above say -15db for Noire) I get unwanted sounds in the piano which is heightened if adjusting the soft knob on the left hand side! Not sure if you have similar issues but then you are much better than I am at playing!
@@Dangetsuu, well you have to be gentle with the maximization settings. Also, I would look into how your keyboard velocity curves are set up as that makes a world of difference. Also anytime you boost too much, especially the "soft" portions of the piano you also raise the noise floor.
@@PraiseTracks Thank you!
Do you think this is the Best Vst piano plugin for Live playing as well as studio?
Definitely in the studio; the amount of flexibility and options given in the effects section and what you can do with the reverbs and particles engine give you an amazing amount of creative options.
Using it live would depend on your complete computer setup. Also since this uses the Kontakt 6 engine this would also come into play.
I think it is a very nice creative option for Live performance, especially when you map some of the controls to a MIDI controller.
Awesome video. How did you rate the dynamic range of noire when playing? It’s sounds good but wondered if it felt good?
First off, thanks so much for watching and so glad you enjoyed the video. NOIRE is a gem of a piano library with so much heart. If you check out the video where I compare the Garritan CFX to NOIRE (which is also based on a CFX) you can see I was actually able to get quite the dynamic range out of it which surprised me a bit. It is all in the way you dial it in using the various controls for color, velocity response (that is a BIG one to get right) and dynamic range, there is a lot of places NOIRE can go.
The feel is really achieved by knowing your individual keyboard velocity response curve and matching it up well with the corresponding setting in NOIRE. NOIRE gives you some control over this through specific presets and you should definitely check your user manual for how your keyboard velocity curve is set.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions and I will do my best to assist.
@@PraiseTracks Awesome, thanks Simeon. Very much appreciate your swift and detailed response. I have a Roland RD700NX so will take a look at the manual tonight.
Hi Simeon,
I really enjoyed this demo of you and Noire! I’m about to purchase this and have (3) questions: 1) Can I switch between my PC & Mac computers with one license? 2) Which studiologic 88 are you using? 3) How might that compare with my RD 800? Thank you and GOD Bless!
Hey Sonny; 1) Yes, I do this all the time 2) My Studiogic is an older model so 3) your Roland would be just fine.
Also make sure you get in on the 50%off sale from the Native Instruments website. I purchased The Grandeur and have been enjoying it quite a lot.
Where is the voice output coming from?
The piano speakers or the laptop external speakers?
Fried, it is being captured directly into the audio interface, so you hear it exactly as it would sound. I always try and keep the signal path free of anything that would change the sound in any way as I want you to hear what it sounds like right out of the box.
Thanks for watching.
@@PraiseTracks can you give exta details please about the setup!?
Sorry, I'm very beginner to DAW things and setups...!?
I would be glad to.
First of all, I am using a Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 as my audio and MIDI interface, along with Cakewalk by BandLab which has recently become available as a full featured DAW application.
So everything is being hosted inside of Cakewalk (virtual instruments, microphone, etc.).
All of this is being sent to the Focusrite Audio interface so that the audio can be heard by the speakers along with being able to pass the audio to my video and screen capture application which is the freely available OBS Studio.
The Focusrite provides a "loopback" output that is a virtual audio router that OBS sees and uses to record and stream audio to recordings or to the outside world during livestreams.
For my personal monitoring of the audio during recording, I use headphones or earbuds in order to isolate the sound. if I were to have used the actual monitor speakers, I would experience a lot of nasty feedback as the microphone would have been picking up everything coming from the speakers and running it back to the audio input, that is the reason to turn off those monitor speakers and only use headphones.
At the time of this video my SL-880 Keyboard Controller was connected to the MIDI in and Out of the Scarlett 4i4 as well in order for me to be able to play NOIRE hosted inside of Cakewalk.
I hope that gives you a little more info.
Joyfully!🎹
Simeon, do you know how they made the NI walkthrough video for Noire? When I try to replicate it, it doesn't match the sound they got. (I think it might be something I'm doing wrong in the particles engine). Regardless, God gave you a great gift and you sharing it is returning that gift to him. I subscribed.
Hello Citizen, The first place I would look as far as having problems with things not sounding right would be your keyboard velocity settings, this can make a world of difference.
Do you know what part in the video you are referring to? I might be able to go back and see if I notice anything. One of the things I think they do is use a couple of instances of NOIRE to create some of the more dramatic moments in their overview.
Thanks so much for watching, as well as the kind words of encouragement. All the best.
@@PraiseTracks Hi Simeon. I tried looking at Noire again. Somehow they managed to get a very rhythmical and steady "mechanical" part sound from the outset. I found that nearly impossible to replicate and it's not entirely me because I worked as a pro (classical) pianist so my technique, control and rhythm is spot on. Theirs seems to add a natural and clear percussion, especially as the score has accented offbeats which reverberates perfectly on the demo. However my settings which are the same are not replicating their video. They never mentioned sustain/sostenuto either. I didn't bother trying a second instance of Noire as the first ain't cutting it. I'd greatly appreciate your thoughts and keep up your important work. Thanks.
@@citizenworld8094, So I took a look at one of the intro videos here: th-cam.com/video/ALzLIDyRk_8/w-d-xo.html
It looks like they are using the PURE PRESET: PARTICLES: RIDING ON HAMMERS
Go to the PARTICLES PAGE and you will see the BALANCE SLIDER that will blend the Particles (in this case some mechanical sounds) with the piano. Take a look and experiment with that a little and see what happens. Also, check out the Dynamics control on the Main Page as well as trying different Velocity Curve Profiles (in the ANATOMY section, the one with the piano tuning wrench), it might make a difference. Let me know what you discover. All the best and always glad to help when I can.
@@PraiseTracks Simeon, I did a bit more looking at what you said and I noticed that I didn't see where the narrator said in 6:34 of the Noire Walkthrough video that "this cloud is simply doubled in the next part with brushed particles of another instance of Noire creating the Strumming effect". Have you any idea what he means by another instance? I know you can reload Kontakt again but does he mean that the midi notes are repeated or do I have a track sourced to another track? How do I insert another instance of NOIRE in studio one?
Simeon I know this is a bit esoteric but maybe you know how Jesus healed on a one on one basis and you'll understand! Would be very grateful if you can help me on this.
@@citizenworld8094 Yes! That unlocks the mystery. So what they are saying is that there are TWO instances of NOIRE loaded into Kontakt. You can have ONE instance of Kontakt loaded into Studio One and just create the layer from there. Here is a short demonstration of how I just created this sound.
th-cam.com/video/goLcFom3_w8/w-d-xo.html
Simeon, how do you like your StudioLogic keyboard? Do the weighted keys feel good and have good action in your opinion? Any other comments? I record with an excellent piano player however, I don't have a good keyboard for her to use. I am looking for a controller with good weighted action but I have to rely on the opinions of good piano players as I am not a piano player myself. Anything you have to add would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Oh yes, I really enjoyed using my SL-880 for many years. It does have a lot of miles on it here in my workstation area for sure. Studiologic uses a FATAR action which implements sort of a hammer action that gives you the feel of the mechanics of a piano keyboard. It is graded in weight from heavy at the bottom and progressively lighter as you go to the upper registers.
You would not go wrong with one of the newer weighted Studiologic controllers as I am sure they have kept refining their action and control features. I have to say that some of the newer Roland Digital pianos have a fantastic action and feel to the point of creating sort of a faux ivory keytop that just gives you the sense of sitting behind a concert grand. It also has a physical hammer action and graded keyboard and it is wonderful to play.
Thanks so much for watching and please let me know if I can ever be of assistance in the future?
Realistic and natural sounding wise, how do you compare Noire to Keyscape?
I just like playing jazz, classical, pop songs, and don't actually need options for experimental or unique sounds that Noire is good at. I heard Keyscape has neutral sounding so it was my go-to, but I also heard we can get similar sounds within Noire by tweaking a little bit.
If so, I think Noire is a better choice for me, because it's cheaper but has deeper sounds.
What do you think?
Unfortunately, I do not own Keyscape, it is definitely a library I would love to experience. So right off the bat NOIRE is more affordable and I think you could do much of what you are looking for with the library. The Felt option gives you another color to play with as well which is an added bonus.
I would say NOIRE has a nice balance in the mic positions they chose along with the sound of the stage they recorded it in, it is not that huge reverberant sound that is impossible to separate from the piano tone. When you look at NOIRE you must take into account the reason and persons involved in its creation as that will give you more clues into the underlying personality of the library. To me it is like a musical piece of art.
Check out my other NOIRE vids as well as they might help you hear more examples.
Maybe one day I can give you some insight on Keyscape 🤓
Thanks so much for watching. All the best.
@@PraiseTracks You are the best!
Thank you very much for this kind and informative reply :)
Amazing sound. How did record the piano sound? Audio interface?
NOIRE is a really wonderful piano library. I have been using the Focusrite 3rd Gen 4i4 for my recordings and live streams. When doing reviews, I never use any type of EQ or additional processing, so you can be sure to hear the library’s out of the box sound. Thanks so much for watching. All the best.
@@PraiseTracks I would appreciate if you could help me to setup that. The keyboard is connected to the computer using a USB cable right?
You control the noire and send the audio out using a focusrite. What we hearing is the line out sound from the audio interface... ? How do you record that line out?
Yes, I am using the built in MIDI from the 4i4. Focusrite Control has Main Speaker Out, Headphone, and Loopback. In OBS Studio I have the Loopback selected so all of the audio coming from my DAW (Cakewalk by BandLab) is being captured. I can still monitor with headphones as well.
@@PraiseTracks Thanks a lot. I will try to get that quality at home!
My pleasure, always glad to help when I can. All the best!
Which model Studiologic controller is that? Does it do half-damping?
It is a very older SL880. It only has the basic sustain and volume pedal functions. I am looking at the new Studiologic and possibly Arturia.
I do love the feel of the Studiologic though; it has been through quite a beating over the years.
what piece did you play on 1.27-1.50?
Well, it sounds like I was just improvising a little. That is what happens so many times when I do instrument reviews, the sounds just take me into different places. Thanks so much for watching. All the best.
screw the vst bro you are amazing
Thanks so much, I am so glad you enjoyed watching. All the best. 🤓
Good lord you’re good!
Thanks for watching! So appreciate the kind comment to end the year on a high note. Looking forward to bringing more in 2020.
Simeon Amburgey you’re welcome sir! And just a passionate and enjoyable review. Subscribed.
Hi Simeon
Can I use Noire with windows 10..
Its usb to host cable ok for connection?
Or did I need a Midi to usb cable?
Thank you..
Yes, Windows 10 was what I am currently using. Since NOIRE is a Kontakt library you need Kontakt Version 6 to host it as well as an audio interface that would provide the low latency you would need to enjoy it. The USB to MIDI is also fine to use to connect your keyboard to your system.
Thanks so much for watching and let me know if you had any additional questions.
Thank you for answering..
I think The Grandeur is well.
I have a Digital Piyano yamaha Clp 645 did you think the sound is differend?
I have heard a lot of positive thoughts about Grandeur, I have not tried it myself...yet ;^) I think you will tell a difference between your digital piano and the sample libraries; the reason is that while hardware pianos are great and have a lot of dynamic use, you will be able to have a lot more in terms of quality and flexibility. The downside is being tethered to a computer or laptop and all the things that accompany that.
It is about finding your"voice" for the particular project or playing situation and each piano library like its namesake piano from which is was recorded have their own unique qualities. That's why it is exciting to have all of these options to find exactly the colors that will complete your next masterpiece.
Is that sound coming out of your external speakers?
John, no it is being captured directly from the audio interface. Let me know if you have any additional questions. Thanks for watching.
@@PraiseTracks but the sound sounds the same with external speakers right?
It will, with the only variables being the performance of the speakers you have and how they respond to the room where they are. It would be similar to any type of recorded material. What I want to represent in the videos is the closest I can come to the pure sound of the instruments right out of the box without using anything to enhance or color the sound.
Lovely review.
Name of the piece at 23:15 please?
ARO_23 , well I have not titled it yet🤓 This was something I improvised as I read the title of the preset and listened to the initial sound and the rest just sort of happened.
The sounds sometimes play me and it is always interesting as to what happens when I hear these sounds for the first time; I am never really sure what will happen. Thanks so much for watching.
I bought it today and i dont know the sound are different from the vid (using asio and b2 keyboard)
Sorry you are having difficulties with NOIRE. One of the main things to adjust is the velocity curve settings in NOIRE as well as checking the various velocity curves on your keyboard controller, it will make all of the difference. Can you give me a little more detail about your controller b2?
Thanks for watching and don’t give up as NOIRE is a beautiful piano library once you get things dialed in. All the best.
So clean! How did you record the sound of that video?
Glad you enjoyed watching. At the time I was using a PreSonus Studio 6|8 and was capturing the audio directly from the DAW channel through the Loopback output. I always try never to use any additional EQ or effects on the instrument, but just let it speak for itself.
Thanks again for watching. All the best.
@@PraiseTracks I have keyscape and I use to record it directly into daw (without passing through an audio interface). The result is not great. Will try to get an interface with that function to see the diference. Thanks
Well if you are recording in your DAW then it should be the same.
Are you rendering MIDI to audio or just capturing your playing to an audio track without MIDI?
Also your velocity curve settings can make a huge difference in the sound you are getting, so be sure to try different settings there to see if it makes any difference.
BTW , what DAW and interface are you currently using?
@@PraiseTracks I play a Yamaha p115 as a midi controller connected to a laptop via usb cable. I don’t use audio interface.
On laptop, I use Reaper. Open a vsti track and open keyscape as a plugin.
I record the track then render it 48khz 24bit wav file.
So you said the magic words Yamaha 😳
I have heard a lot of users having issues getting the right dynamic velocity settings as this makes all the difference, especially with the piano libraries. Let me see if I can find some more info on this.
And yes, a dedicated audio interface is always going to be the best thing for audio quality. Stay tuned.
13:47 ...and suddenly, Wave (Tom Jobim)....
Oh yes, I spend lots of time listening to Jobim, just some of the richest music, love it.
Great demo with some lovely playing... Curious though, are you using drawbars for a specific reason and if so why? Are they actually moving pieces of NOIRE in and out or as a volume control. Thanks!
Thanks for watching. Yes, I am using a new open source MIDI drawbar controller from GMLabs; the D9-X. I actually received the very first assembled prototype from them which was exciting and challenged me to see the controller not just for use in tone wheel organ simulations.
I have the drawbars mapped to some of the tonal co trolls of NOIRE which open up some really interesting possibilities.
I also found that the drawbars felt very natural when using them in this way.
There is a link in the description to learn more about the D9-X.
@@PraiseTracks Which tonal controls? Can you go seemlessly from Pure to Felt or Particles without interacting via a mouse or pad?
Pure and Felt are two separate instruments within NOIRE so there is not a way to easily switch between them like you can change the treatments out in Una Corda.
Initially I mapped the four controls along the bottom of the main NOIRE interface. You can map other controls in the additional edit pages. You can see me do this somewhere near the beginning of the video.
One idea that might work is to have two instances of NOIRE (1Pure, 1Felt), assign them to the same MIDI channel BUT map the Volume control in such a way that one of them would be inverted. This would allow you to sort of cross fade between the two. I might try this and if so post a short follow up vid. 🤓
Ralph, I can tell you that you have started me on a very interesting journey indeed. So this is what I just tried and it's fascinating; So I loaded up two instances of NOIRE (1 Felt and 1Pure) and it brings an entirely new dimension to this instrument. I also assigned each volume control to a separate drawbar so you can blend them together. I definitely will do a short demo of this because it opens up some really beautiful possibilities. For instance you can engage the Particles Engine on just one instance and just have the particles play in the PURE piano and play freely with FELT without the Particles Engine affecting anything there. That is why I am so glad they included two entirely different pianos and not one version with a convolution effect to get the different characters. These are two discretely sampled pianos which adds so much to their quality and value.
Thanks again for your comments as our individual experiences can combine and compliment each other with the result of opening new doors of creative opportunity.
This piano vs "WAVES MERCURY " ?
Definitely this one over the Waves Grand Rhapsody. Although the Waves piano has its place NOIRE just is in a class of its own.Thanks so much for watching!
Hello, I'm having a problem with Noire which I can't seem to solve. Whenever I release a key, the sound instantly stops. (I'm using a midi keyboard) Any idea how to fix this issue ?
PS: For my DAW I'm using FL studio. And I've tried sliding up the "release' everywhere without any change at all. :(
@@Mandovzkis , so sorry you are having issues. There are a couple of things that come to mind. My first thought is making sure you allow NOIRE to load completely. Sometimes when there are still samples loading it can give you the feeling that notes are being immediately cut off.
I would also check the streaming and preload memory settings to fine-tune Kontakt for your particular setup.
Another way to troubleshoot is to load the standalone version of Kontakt 6 and see how things perform there. That way you know if it is a Kontakt or Fruity Loops issue.
Let me know how things go.
@@PraiseTracks Okay, I'll try it out and return back as soon as possible. Thanks. :)
Okay, so I made sure that NOIRE loads completely, tried dabbling with the preload memory settings, tried loading it in the standalone and I even tried reinstalling kontakt. The last 17 keys work properly (High notes) starting from G# one octave below the last octave. Whenever I try to press any other key with out holding it, it cuts off the sound and if I do it very quickly I can even hear a "woosh" like sound right when it cuts off.
I am using the portable version, tho... maybe that could be the problem ?
And thanks in advance for trying to help me out here. :)
@@Mandovzkis , OK let's look at this some more. So what exactly is "the portable version"? Can you tell me what type of controller you are using, that might help as well..
half price sale... till May 18th ,2022
That is a tremendous deal for sure!
if i buy this program, how would i use it? i have a midi piano and its connected to my PC
Papa, when you start down the rabbit hole of Kontakt libraries things can be a little challenging at first. You are going to find the need for an external USB audio device, which are very reasonable. The reason for the interface is to provide the lowest latency possible so you can enjoy playing the library. On board sound cards are not typically able to handle demanding tasks that this requires.
Also storage speed and system memory might be an issue as you need something that can handle playing the samples back from disk and memory efficiently.
Don’t let this discourage you but rather inspire you to what the possibilities await once you pass through that door.
There is a learning curve to get started but there are many here who can help. Thanks for watching and please let me know how I can be of further assistance.
Is there an easier explanation? I just want to plug and play. My piano sounds bad so I want something that sounds nicer without buying a whole new piano
Sorry, what type of computer are you currently using? It would be helpful to know what processor you have, memory, and how much storage space. Then we can go from there.
I have pretty strong Pc, Ryzen 5 2700 with a GTX 1070, 16gb memory
I have plenty of storage!
is noire sample based on REAL piano or physical modelling synthesis like pianoteq?
It is based on a “real” Yamaha CFX concert grand recorded in an amazing room. Thanks so much for watching.
@@PraiseTracks How does this plugin actually compare to the actual Yamaha CFX ?
Mr Woodhaven , well you know what they say; “ain’t nothing like the real thing” 😎
I feel that it does a very nice job conveying the feel of the real CFX. I also feel NOIRE is a unique take in the CFX due to how the project was approached. You will appreciate this even more if you watch my Garritan/Abbey Road CFX video. You will see how even though it is a similar piano how different concepts create different experiences.
@@PraiseTracks Ok thanks I will
Every pianos different anyway
Lots of respect for making this video. A suggestion. Your enthusiasm is clear, and certainly justified, but I will confess to stopping it when you said at the start how great it sounded, then said some more, then played one note, then talked more about how great it was... I support your video making, but this one could benefit from more compelling pacing at the start. If you say you just want us to hear it, I suggest you just start playing it at that point. If it sounds good, we will know.
Yes, I have so much to learn still. It is like there is so much to process that it is hard to express things clearly, and for that pacing is what suffers. I need to find more ways to edit myself.Thanks so much for watching, and the honest feedback, it is what helps make things better. All the best.
OK, rewatching, I see exactly what you mean. 🤓 So one thing is that I went into this after viewing some of the behind the scenes videos and I was impressed at the process of creating NOIRE, so a first time viewer did not have the benefit I had of experiencing that. Thanks again.
@@PraiseTracks I know - these are hard! But even more respect for the gracious reply. The one I have made (only one) had me just doing subtitles because I didn't want to interfere with the audio at all. But that was a very different kind of video. It seems like it's hard to choose between focusing on a specific audience a video is for and keeping it general enough to fit all. And moreover, considering that there are a great many videos on every subject imaginable, doing one that's not utterly meta. I've been resisting doing a few on some VI's and setups because I have been so irritated by how un-real-world many are and I want to avoid doing sort of response videos to those. Yours shows what the instrument can do by playing it in very appropriate ways, which to me is one of the best ways of doing it.
It is indeed very intimidating to put yourself out there, that is for sure. I hope with each new video I am able to do I can build on past experiences (good and bad) and pray the result is something that will bring joy and inspire the viewer to see the vast potential music creation has to bring hope and healing in such a very troubled and uncertain world. Blessings!
Noire sounds very thin in my DAW, dont know why, searched internet for solution but couldnt find it.
Can you give me a little more info on your setup (DAW, Audio Interface, etc.)? Let’s see what we can do.
Hello Simeon,
Studio one 4
i7 3rd gen CPU
16 GB DDR RAM
Focusrite 2i2.
ASIO4ALL driver
Thanks.
Have you had any progress? Let me know if I can help?
I skipped it, was taking tio much time to figure out.
but thanks any way.
have a good day.
@@alexjohnson9815 , any time always glad to help out when I can.
You made me order this thing today, the whole package for $1,600.00. Somehow I have to explain to my wife how you made me buy this package. Help anyone!
So you went for one of the Komplete packages?
All I can say in my best Sgt. Shultz voice ; “I SEE NOTHING!” 😂
So if you did then you have many more amazing pianos to keep you busy for a great while.
Oh, another thing. Let Native Instruments know about the channel, it helps a little, not monetarily but keeps me on their radar for possible future reviews.
Thanks again!
@@PraiseTracks I sure will.
Well, you know what they say, purchase a bunch of Kontakt instruments and the next day they go on an insane sale. You might want to reach out to whomever you purchased your bundle from to see if they can make an adjustment for you since you just made the purchase. Check out this link:
www.native-instruments.com/en/catalog/cyber-season-2021
@@PraiseTracks Thx so much for the advice.
Just bought Noire and plugged with an Yamaha silent piano, but it doesn't sound the same, not good at all. I wonder what is wrong...
So sorry you are having issues. Have you loaded any other libraries to see if the sound is altered as well? I would also suggest loading one of the Pure presets (like the initial one) and check that.
Let me know how it goes?
@@PraiseTracks thanks for your quick reply. I have no idea how to load other libraries...it took me two days to find out how to get sound in Noire....Just bought the whole package and installed Komplete Control, Kontakt 6, Noire, and a few other apps in the NI. Maybe I should install all of them (even though some don't look relevant, like the Kinetic Treats)
@@PraiseTracks Or maybe I shouldn't use the yamaha silent piano? I connected the silent piano with the mac using a midi-USB cable.
OK, so tell me about your setup.
Are you using the internal sound of the Mac?
What Mac are you using (Maccbook, iMac)?
Also make sure that there is not audio co I guess from your Yamaha as it could be generating sound along with NOIRE.
Speakers or Headphones?
The more info the better 😎
When you installed Kontakt you probably also need to install the Factory library as it will give you some additional sounds and have something to compare things to.
Always glad to help!
@@PraiseTracks I use a Macbook Air with an AKG K240 headphone, USB-Midi cable connecting the yamaha and the laptop. When the yamaha is at the silent function, the middle pedal is put all the way down, so the acoustic part is disabled. The sound from Noire is also different from my yamaha's own sampling sound using silent function, and it sounds very weird, like under water.
I bought Noire some time ago.....never used a software instrument before.....and It just sounds terrible, and I don't know why. Because it seems to sound pretty amazing on youtube...
Sorry you are experience issues. Can you share with me what your computer and audio setup looks like and maybe I can help.
Simeon Amburgey Im running the software on a MacBook Pro, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and a couple of studio monitors. I use a Yamaha CSP-170 as a midi controller.
OK, thanks for that. If you would like, you can reach me at my email and we might be able to dive a little deeper to try and figure out what might be going on. My email is praisetracks@gmail.com
Hello, it's me again. So I never could figure out what's wrong until I rewatched your video. I really think that the problem lies in the fact that I don't have a sustain pedal. Or is there a way to stretch the notes longer without holding the key down without a sustain pedal ?
Well there is not an associated "release" setting that could extend the notes in NOIRE other than trying to emulate it with a long reverb.. So not having a sustain pedal for a piano library is like not having a bow for a violin. The sustain pedal does not have to be fancy, I actually have a couple of controllers and on one of them I just have a very simple switch pedal assigned to sustain. If your controller does not have a plug for a switch pedal you might could assign a button on the controller to MIDI CC 64 (hold/sustain), but that would mean having to take one hand off the keyboard to trigger it which is not optimal.
Sorry for not being able to be of more assistance but I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to be of some help.
Please keep me posted on your progress. All the best.
@@PraiseTracks Thanks for the reply. My midi keyboard does actually have a plug for a sustain pedal. The best part is that they are not too expensive. So, I will buy one very soon.
Thanks again for your help, have a good one. :)
It will take you into a whole new world. 🤓