Hi Ton,

Some things I do when working with piano (I mostly use 2 mic-positions):

1. add MIDI-compressor for the note-velocity
2. add some EQ and cut frequencies I do not like / change characteristic of the piano
(3. mix the two mic-positions in a group channel)
4. add a little compression
5. add good IR reverb (in my case MIR; experiment and try different positions / settings)
6. add EQ (mostly to remove just a little the low-frequencies from the sides of the stereo field
[7. mix everything and master]

Best, Ben

Hi, 

Good input there, Ben. 

That seems to be the "mini-piano" from the Special Editions, is that correct?

Best,
Paul

Hi Paul,

I use the 'Bösendorfer Imperial'. Because there are not so many velocity layers compared to the Vienna Imperial, MIDI-velocity compression makes the piano sound better.

Best, Ben

Thanks for your input, Ben and Paul.

Ben: eq-, compression-, reverb- and master-wise I already do that, off course.

Paul: this is indeed the 'mini'.

But if you read my initial post, you can see my question specifically is a more acoustic-technical one - i.e. about this split-second warble after a string has been hammered (non-damped) and before the actual note/tone carries on (you have to listen quite attentively to discern the frequency). I also hear this phenomenon in a number of other (non VSL) libraries, so it could be a 'normal' charachteristic of string-behaviour. Would love to hear some thoughts on this.

Related question: would the Vienna Imperial also display this sonically? I cannot clearly distinguish this from online demo's.

All the best,

Ton

Hi Ton, 

In my experience, this is natural behaviour and characteristic to the instrument. You will also hear it in the Vienna Imperial. 

Of course the microphone choice and placement always plays a role as well. 

So I guess the question is: Which library does NOT contain this?

Best,
Paul

Hi Paul,

I'm afraid you are right about this characteristic... And probably I'm too prone to this effect, as my hearing is more than average (both a blessing and a curse, so to speak 😉).

You rightfully state 'Which library does NOT contain this?'. However, there are a few libraries in which one virtually can alter microphones and a number of positions to taste. Sometimes this indeed makes a difference.

Would VSL also opt this feauture in some future upgrade (f.i. the upcoming Yamaha)? Perhaps more users would welcome this, as the quality of the VSL-piano's remains outstanding.

All the best,

Ton

Hello Ton, 

Yes, the upcoming Synchron Yamaha CFX offers multiple mics to choose from, like all Synchron Series products. 

Best, 
Paul

Hi Paul,

so one month to go for the Yamaha... Well worth the waiting, as his grand could slightly differ in high frequent after touch harmonics in the high(er) register.

Synchron miking: more microphone positions to choose from, but also adjustable in position (f.i. individually moving 2 or 3 close mic's at random)?

All the best,

Ton

Hi Ton, 

We will send out more information as soon as possible!

Best, 
Paul

You definitely know, Paul, how to keep people interested...😉