One of the most enjoyable review/tutorial videos I've watched. I've never given the U4 much attention, but you've renewed my interest. Thank you for your generosity of talents and time.
My pleasure, I am so glad you enjoyed watching. Pianoteq really gives you so many ways to tweak and modify the piano models, it is quite amazing. Thanks again and wishing you the very best.
SEEING YOU USE THE SUSTAIN PEDAL REMINDS ME HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO ACHIEVE A DEEP EXPERIENCE ON THE KEYBOARD !!! I NEED ONE ... AFTER WATCHING THIS I EVEN LEARNED HOW TO USE IT !!! THANKS FROM URUGUAY !!!!
My pleasure, so glad you found the video helpful. I find myself discovering new things all of the time, even after playing pianos and keyboards for most of my life. There is a vast richness of expression and inspiration to be found out there, keep exploring. Thanks so much for watching!
I am so glad you found it helpful. Pianoteq is really something when you start looking deeper in how you can adjust all of the mechanics and characteristics of the various piano models. Thanks so much for watching.
So much great information in this video! Far beyond just a discussion about felted pianos - tons of great examples of the U4 in practice and some very cool features of Pianoteq in general, more than most of the review videos for the plugin I've seen.
So glad you enjoyed it. There is just so much to work with in Pianoteq, I forgot to show all of the different pedal options when you RIGHT CLICK, you have many more variations available, especially with the U4, to get some different felt and moderators in between the hammers and strings. Thanks so much for watching and for your encouraging feedback.
I like how you make the upright sound good. It has so much potential for soundtracks especially if you know how to edit them, but I didn't know how to bring it out since I'm more on classical showpieces
Yes, the recent upright libraries have been very surprising as far as the range of tones that is possible.. I am so glad you have enjoyed watching, thanks so much for the kind support. All the best.
Than you so much for your demo You put a lot of heart into it . Thank you for the Lars Lentz connect. Maybe we could trade some FXP settings I love piano tech I have it connected up with a Midi9 from my Yamaha conservatory ground to my laptop. All they do is open up the program on the laptop. Sit down on my grand piano and start playing. It’s in automatic record mode. I love it. ROBERT.
Your performance in Eb around 18 minutes onward terrifically beautiful, kinda Jimmy Webb modulations with a shift toward George Winston when you move to Ebm. Listened to that play over, over and over. Uplifting. :)
Wow, that really blesses and encourages me, I am so glad you enjoyed listening. I go into my reviews with sort of a blank slate and it is always surprising what comes through. When I get into one of those places, it sort of takes on a life of its own.
Once you start diving in you will find so many layers to explore. Just "Right Clicking" on the pedals is something I just discovered, that allows you to have different felts, Mozart Rails, and a few other things I never knew were there. Enjoy and thanks so much for watching.
I recently picked up Pianoteq Standard and I've been beating myself up trying to choose my three included models. I knew I wanted the Steinway D and I loved the Blüthner, but what to get for the third has been eluding me. I wasn't even really considering an upright model, but after watching this with the huge range of sounds on offer, the U4 has jumped to the top of the list...
I have been asked, what my favorite piano library is, and it always seems the answer is "the one I am currently playing." Kidding aside there are just so many wonderful options out there and I am glad to be able to present some of them to help musicians hopefully make good decisions based on what speaks to them. I have a feeling that there are many more "options" coming before you know it.
Been using Pianoteq since June and I've been spending my bonus money on it for quite a while. Personally what I'd choose for my starting instruments, if I were to do it all again, would be the C. Bechstein D 282, the Steinway B, and the U4. Cover all sizes, from the upright, to the small grand, to the concert grand. :) But then you taste also matters. Both the Steinway D and the Blüthner are great virtual instruments.
@@studiosnch I changed my mind about eight times just listening to demos and then about 15 more after I downloaded the demo and tried playing them all. I finally ended up with the Grotrian (I just love the bass registers at low velocity, and the high end is so clear); the Steinway D (this actually fell off the list for a while as I really don't think it's the best-sounding Pianoteq model and I already have several excellent Steinway sample libs, but in the end I just love the Steinway sound and it has so many interesting presets); and the Steingraeber (really probably IS the best sounding Pianoteq model, so responsive; it's something special). I love the Bluthner but in the end I decided it was just a midpoint between the Steinway and Grotrian so it didn't expand my options much. And while the U4 has a ton of interesting possibilities, at the end of the day I just don't think I'd play it much when I have grand options. I did also pick up the K2 since I found it relatively cheap; it gives me some of those bright pop Yamaha C7-ish kind of tones for when I need them. If there are sales on Black Friday I might pick up the Bluthner and/or U4, although I think I'd prefer to save my pennies and upgrade to Pro...
I think you missed an important thing: if you press on the microphone icon, close to the OUTPUT label, you get into the detailed mic position configuration. And it opens a full world of new sounds!. I have just been experimenting with it
I did take a look at that in the video, especially loved the movable wall! I think having the virtual room an mic modeling settings is an amazing feature of Pianoteq. As a,ways, thanks so much for watching.
Yes, that is such an interesting feature, I actually used it during the video. I am always amazed when I work with Pianoteq as it has so many things going on and allows so much experimenting with how the piano is setup. Thanks so much for watching.
@@PraiseTracks I perhaps missed it, sorry. What I meant was adding just a bit of worn condition to a setting which is usually set as perfect. The subtle difference is what makes the piano sound more real, as there is no real piano which keeps perfectly tuned, so usually you play on slightly worn / untuned pianos
Great review Simeon! Upright piano VST’s don’t get enough love these days. I don’t have PianoTeq, but a few of my other VST’s have uprights, and I use them a lot. The Upright ECO that comes with SampleTank 4SE is pretty good too.
Yes, the recent discovery of the tried and true upright has really been fun. I will have to look back at SampleTank to check their upright out. Thanks so much for watching and for the continued support.
Hey, great video and great playing. I like the resonances of Pianoteq and the long notes but I find it sounds unnatural when playing staccato. For example when you play the SMALL Preset. I tend to lower the Damping duration and put it around 0.64 for middle and higher register. And increase it for the Bass notes. In my opinion this improves playing those staccato notes but still not perfect. What is your opinion on those staccato notes and have you tried changing the damping duration?
I will have to give that a try. Pianoteq is so much deeper than most users know, the real power comes in all of the tweak ability under the hood. Thanks so much for watching and the feedback, so appreciate it.
Bruno/bm did a fantastic spectrum remapping of the U4 to sound like his Schimmel T130. I've been using that FXP and it made the U4 even better. He upload two FXPs with different mic setups: a distant one and a close one (with a bonus AB mic setup). Maybe you could try these out and perhaps even play with the "felt" opportunities on it. :))
That sounds amazing. Do you have any info on links, website, etc.? Thanks so much for watching and the great feedback. I am really looking forward to what Pianoteq comes up with next!
@@PraiseTracks I forgot that it's on the Modartt forum FXP Corner. Here they are: Schimmel T130 SE8 (latest revision): forum.modartt.com/file/azc1xt3w Schimmel T130 Rode (latest revision): forum.modartt.com/file/4qeindti And as a bonus, the U4 Olafur: forum.modartt.com/file/9i1o12xt
@@PraiseTracks other user-made FXPs are also available there: forum.modartt.com/fxpcorner/index.php and then click "extended search" and choose the FXPs made for the instrument you'd like to use under "filter by: instrument"
My pleasure. I do use Waves Playlist Rider to help with volume level and balance, but stay away from using EQ or coloring the instrument I am reviewing as I want to get as close as I can to what you would hear unprocessed. Thanks so much for watching.
So just to verify, I loaded my Pianoteq review project and checked the Playlist Rider settings. They do have a "tonal character" button which uses a pink noise curve type of adaptive EQ, BUT it was NOT engaged. I just wanted to make myself 😉. Thanks again.
Try this one, I also tried to update it in the description. Sometimes the URL might get truncated. Thanks so much for watching, sorry for the trouble. bit.ly/Simeon_U4_Felted_Midnight_Preset
How do you make the notes stop playing so long? Like ill hit a note but it keeps going for like an extra 10 seconds until it gradually fades out. It seems like every sound in Pianoteq does that sustain for way too long.
Does this happen when holding the sustain pedal down or just pressing and releasing a key? Is it a decay from playing a very short note? Just need a little more info. Thanks so much.
Well I would have to say Pianoteq as you have so many possibilities for modifying the sounds even to the pint of setting up virtual mic positions, along with tweaking the design of the piano itself. I still need to do a feature in Ivory Uprights.
In my experience, they have been very good at utilizing resources as they are not dependent on streaming things from a hard drive, everything is being generated on the spot which is very cool. They also keep improving the piano models and optimizing code all of the time, in fact they have just released their 7.5 update which makes a lot of requested improvements to some of the models. Thanks so much for watching.
@@PraiseTracks LOL!! 😁 Indeed!! I'm happy this program exists, because it's likely the best instrument I have, to aid me in bringing my musical imagination to reality. Expression is such a major thing for me, as I become inspired.
I am not a great fan of modelled sounds. I prefer to have the sound of a real piano captured, with all its imperfections. I do not know the state of modelling but I think the sound of a piano with every aspect is too complex to simulate yet.
I agree, I was mainly offering it as an experiment and comparison. It is in all of those perfect imperfections where the beauty of randomness and design reveal themselves. It is like an uncanny valley of instruments at times. I can however appreciate the instrument and view it as another creative tool in the box, it is all in what speaks to you and stirs creativity and that varies wildly sometimes with musicians😂🤣😂🤣 Always appreciate the feedback and support.
The elephant in the room so to speak is actually, the room itself. This plays a major role in how we interpret the instrument we are hearing. So it’s having not only a great piano model but also a complex acoustic and room design in which it is placed and that’s another ballgame.
One of the most brilliant musicians I have ever had the privilege with which to be involved!!!
You are so kind. I so appreciate the opportunity of being able to work with you and your church family.
@@PraiseTracks you sir, are one of the biggest blessings that God has chosen to pour out upon me and my church
One of the most enjoyable review/tutorial videos I've watched. I've never given the U4 much attention, but you've renewed my interest. Thank you for your generosity of talents and time.
My pleasure, I am so glad you enjoyed watching. Pianoteq really gives you so many ways to tweak and modify the piano models, it is quite amazing.
Thanks again and wishing you the very best.
SEEING YOU USE THE SUSTAIN PEDAL REMINDS ME HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO ACHIEVE A DEEP EXPERIENCE ON THE KEYBOARD !!! I NEED ONE ... AFTER WATCHING THIS I EVEN LEARNED HOW TO USE IT !!! THANKS FROM URUGUAY !!!!
My pleasure, so glad you found the video helpful. I find myself discovering new things all of the time, even after playing pianos and keyboards for most of my life. There is a vast richness of expression and inspiration to be found out there, keep exploring. Thanks so much for watching!
After watching this video I went and bought the Pianoteq 6 with U4. So much fun.
I am so glad you found it helpful. Pianoteq is really something when you start looking deeper in how you can adjust all of the mechanics and characteristics of the various piano models. Thanks so much for watching.
So much great information in this video! Far beyond just a discussion about felted pianos - tons of great examples of the U4 in practice and some very cool features of Pianoteq in general, more than most of the review videos for the plugin I've seen.
So glad you enjoyed it. There is just so much to work with in Pianoteq, I forgot to show all of the different pedal options when you RIGHT CLICK, you have many more variations available, especially with the U4, to get some different felt and moderators in between the hammers and strings.
Thanks so much for watching and for your encouraging feedback.
Simeon, there's an Olafur preset in the user forum for U4, try that, it may add another dimension to your review amongst other felt piano options. 😊
Thanks Nang, I will most definitely check that out!
I like how you make the upright sound good. It has so much potential for soundtracks especially if you know how to edit them, but I didn't know how to bring it out since I'm more on classical showpieces
Yes, the recent upright libraries have been very surprising as far as the range of tones that is possible.. I am so glad you have enjoyed watching, thanks so much for the kind support. All the best.
Great demo thank you
My pleasure. Thank you for watching.
Than you so much for your demo
You put a lot of heart into it .
Thank you for the Lars Lentz connect.
Maybe we could trade some FXP settings I love piano tech I have it connected up with a Midi9 from my Yamaha conservatory ground to my laptop. All they do is open up the program on the laptop. Sit down on my grand piano and start playing. It’s in automatic record mode. I love it. ROBERT.
Your performance in Eb around 18 minutes onward terrifically beautiful, kinda Jimmy Webb modulations with a shift toward George Winston when you move to Ebm. Listened to that play over, over and over. Uplifting. :)
Wow, that really blesses and encourages me, I am so glad you enjoyed listening. I go into my reviews with sort of a blank slate and it is always surprising what comes through. When I get into one of those places, it sort of takes on a life of its own.
I like your style!!
Thanks Jeff, that is so kind of you.
Sounds a damn site better than when I play the U4! Nice work; encourages me to revisit and explore the possibilities!
Once you start diving in you will find so many layers to explore. Just "Right Clicking" on the pedals is something I just discovered, that allows you to have different felts, Mozart Rails, and a few other things I never knew were there. Enjoy and thanks so much for watching.
Lovely work as always, 💜
I recently picked up Pianoteq Standard and I've been beating myself up trying to choose my three included models. I knew I wanted the Steinway D and I loved the Blüthner, but what to get for the third has been eluding me. I wasn't even really considering an upright model, but after watching this with the huge range of sounds on offer, the U4 has jumped to the top of the list...
I have been asked, what my favorite piano library is, and it always seems the answer is "the one I am currently playing." Kidding aside there are just so many wonderful options out there and I am glad to be able to present some of them to help musicians hopefully make good decisions based on what speaks to them.
I have a feeling that there are many more "options" coming before you know it.
Been using Pianoteq since June and I've been spending my bonus money on it for quite a while. Personally what I'd choose for my starting instruments, if I were to do it all again, would be the C. Bechstein D 282, the Steinway B, and the U4. Cover all sizes, from the upright, to the small grand, to the concert grand. :)
But then you taste also matters. Both the Steinway D and the Blüthner are great virtual instruments.
@@studiosnch I changed my mind about eight times just listening to demos and then about 15 more after I downloaded the demo and tried playing them all. I finally ended up with the Grotrian (I just love the bass registers at low velocity, and the high end is so clear); the Steinway D (this actually fell off the list for a while as I really don't think it's the best-sounding Pianoteq model and I already have several excellent Steinway sample libs, but in the end I just love the Steinway sound and it has so many interesting presets); and the Steingraeber (really probably IS the best sounding Pianoteq model, so responsive; it's something special). I love the Bluthner but in the end I decided it was just a midpoint between the Steinway and Grotrian so it didn't expand my options much. And while the U4 has a ton of interesting possibilities, at the end of the day I just don't think I'd play it much when I have grand options. I did also pick up the K2 since I found it relatively cheap; it gives me some of those bright pop Yamaha C7-ish kind of tones for when I need them.
If there are sales on Black Friday I might pick up the Bluthner and/or U4, although I think I'd prefer to save my pennies and upgrade to Pro...
Great info, thanks so much for sharing.
Great selection! The Steingraeber was what brought me to Pianoteq in the first place.
........................amazing.............................truly amazing. HNY.
I think you missed an important thing: if you press on the microphone icon, close to the OUTPUT label, you get into the detailed mic position configuration. And it opens a full world of new sounds!. I have just been experimenting with it
I did take a look at that in the video, especially loved the movable wall! I think having the virtual room an mic modeling settings is an amazing feature of Pianoteq. As a,ways, thanks so much for watching.
@@PraiseTracks Yes, I meant moving the microphones, I could have missed if you also moved them, sorry
Great review!. Try to modify the condition to slightly worn, that helps with more realistic sound
Yes, that is such an interesting feature, I actually used it during the video. I am always amazed when I work with Pianoteq as it has so many things going on and allows so much experimenting with how the piano is setup. Thanks so much for watching.
@@PraiseTracks I perhaps missed it, sorry. What I meant was adding just a bit of worn condition to a setting which is usually set as perfect. The subtle difference is what makes the piano sound more real, as there is no real piano which keeps perfectly tuned, so usually you play on slightly worn / untuned pianos
Great review Simeon! Upright piano VST’s don’t get enough love these days. I don’t have PianoTeq, but a few of my other VST’s have uprights, and I use them a lot. The Upright ECO that comes with SampleTank 4SE is pretty good too.
Yes, the recent discovery of the tried and true upright has really been fun. I will have to look back at SampleTank to check their upright out. Thanks so much for watching and for the continued support.
The VI Labs Modern U is very popular in the Upright Piano section.
Cyb3rAssassine , it’s a masterpiece from VI Labs. Did you get to see my vid on that?
Great stuff!!!
Hey, great video and great playing. I like the resonances of Pianoteq and the long notes but I find it sounds unnatural when playing staccato. For example when you play the SMALL Preset. I tend to lower the Damping duration and put it around 0.64 for middle and higher register. And increase it for the Bass notes. In my opinion this improves playing those staccato notes but still not perfect. What is your opinion on those staccato notes and have you tried changing the damping duration?
I will have to give that a try. Pianoteq is so much deeper than most users know, the real power comes in all of the tweak ability under the hood. Thanks so much for watching and the feedback, so appreciate it.
Bruno/bm did a fantastic spectrum remapping of the U4 to sound like his Schimmel T130. I've been using that FXP and it made the U4 even better. He upload two FXPs with different mic setups: a distant one and a close one (with a bonus AB mic setup). Maybe you could try these out and perhaps even play with the "felt" opportunities on it. :))
That sounds amazing. Do you have any info on links, website, etc.?
Thanks so much for watching and the great feedback. I am really looking forward to what Pianoteq comes up with next!
@@PraiseTracks I forgot that it's on the Modartt forum FXP Corner.
Here they are:
Schimmel T130 SE8 (latest revision): forum.modartt.com/file/azc1xt3w
Schimmel T130 Rode (latest revision): forum.modartt.com/file/4qeindti
And as a bonus, the U4 Olafur: forum.modartt.com/file/9i1o12xt
@@PraiseTracks other user-made FXPs are also available there:
forum.modartt.com/fxpcorner/index.php
and then click "extended search" and choose the FXPs made for the instrument you'd like to use under "filter by: instrument"
I wonder what is your go to piano library?
Excellent review thanks. are you using an equalizer or effect behind of pluging?
My pleasure. I do use Waves Playlist Rider to help with volume level and balance, but stay away from using EQ or coloring the instrument I am reviewing as I want to get as close as I can to what you would hear unprocessed. Thanks so much for watching.
So just to verify, I loaded my Pianoteq review project and checked the Playlist Rider settings. They do have a "tonal character" button which uses a pink noise curve type of adaptive EQ, BUT it was NOT engaged. I just wanted to make myself 😉. Thanks again.
@@PraiseTracks Thanks for your time.
hi simeon: nice work. link to your felted presets doesn't seem to work
Try this one, I also tried to update it in the description. Sometimes the URL might get truncated. Thanks so much for watching, sorry for the trouble.
bit.ly/Simeon_U4_Felted_Midnight_Preset
Pianoteq 7 dropped yesterday, are you planning on doing a review?
I am hoping to very soon. 😎
It landed here today, stay tuned 📺
How do you make the notes stop playing so long? Like ill hit a note but it keeps going for like an extra 10 seconds until it gradually fades out. It seems like every sound in Pianoteq does that sustain for way too long.
Does this happen when holding the sustain pedal down or just pressing and releasing a key? Is it a decay from playing a very short note? Just need a little more info. Thanks so much.
Pianoteq Upright or Ivory II Upright.... which would you say is better and why? Thank you, brother.
Well I would have to say Pianoteq as you have so many possibilities for modifying the sounds even to the pint of setting up virtual mic positions, along with tweaking the design of the piano itself.
I still need to do a feature in Ivory Uprights.
Oh, and Pianoteq v7 is just around the corner!
Why not also check the felt possibilities of VI Labs Modern U?
You mean like this 😎
Modern U from VI Labs | Could This Be The Best Upright Piano Library | First Look
th-cam.com/video/GXG5H0RFimU/w-d-xo.html
Can you share your felted preset please? 😊
That's a good idea, I will work on it and update the description.
Just added the link in the description but here it is just for you:
bit.ly/Simeon_U4_Felted_Midnight_Preset
Thanks so much!!!
Nang Lee , my pleasure, enjoy!
0:34 I thought pianoteq was just as CPU intensive as a sample library, if not more so?
In my experience, they have been very good at utilizing resources as they are not dependent on streaming things from a hard drive, everything is being generated on the spot which is very cool. They also keep improving the piano models and optimizing code all of the time, in fact they have just released their 7.5 update which makes a lot of requested improvements to some of the models.
Thanks so much for watching.
Maybe we can trade fxp files sometime
Well, I'm going to blame YOU for making me spend $60 on this!! (Although it's not 'really' YOUR fault, of course.) 😏
I sir am but a humble messenger and lover of music 🤓 I know you will really enjoy playing and exploring. Joyfully!🎹
@@PraiseTracks LOL!! 😁 Indeed!! I'm happy this program exists, because it's likely the best instrument I have, to aid me in bringing my musical imagination to reality. Expression is such a major thing for me, as I become inspired.
I am not a great fan of modelled sounds. I prefer to have the sound of a real piano captured, with all its imperfections. I do not know the state of modelling but I think the sound of a piano with every aspect is too complex to simulate yet.
I agree, I was mainly offering it as an experiment and comparison. It is in all of those perfect imperfections where the beauty of randomness and design reveal themselves.
It is like an uncanny valley of instruments at times.
I can however appreciate the instrument and view it as another creative tool in the box, it is all in what speaks to you and stirs creativity and that varies wildly sometimes with musicians😂🤣😂🤣
Always appreciate the feedback and support.
The elephant in the room so to speak is actually, the room itself. This plays a major role in how we interpret the instrument we are hearing. So it’s having not only a great piano model but also a complex acoustic and room design in which it is placed and that’s another ballgame.