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ArminH · Joined: 13 Apr 2011 Posts: 44

For the ones owning both a Kronos and the Pianoteq SW - which one sounds better, any comments welcome.

EvilDragon · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 4:18 pm Post subject:

From what I've heard of SGX-1, Kronos doesn't do sympathetic resonance like Pianoteq. In fact, I heard none at all (hint to Korg - "damper resonance" is not the same thing as "sympathetic resonance" Smile

).

Also, 8 velocity layers on SGX-1 compared to no velocity layers on Pianoteq. Wink

While SGX-1 does sound good, I would still prefer Pianoteq for any delicate or extensive/demanding/expressive solo piano piece.

aron · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 4:55 pm Post subject:

From the demo I tried Pianoteq sounds very artificial. It doesn't sound anywhere near a real piano - but neither does the Kronos. The Pianoteq is missing so much of what you hear in a real piano - but the response is pretty decent.

In fact, most of the piano libraries take out much of what makes a piano sound like a piano (when you are playing it), and leaves you with a very pure sound that is nothing like what a piano sounds like when you are sitting and playing it.
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Korg Kronos, RD-88, Yamaha VL1, Deep Mind 6, Korg Kross, author of unrealBook for iPad.

ArminH · Joined: 13 Apr 2011 Posts: 44

One of the main things I want is a great Piano sound. I have used a lot of hardware synth and soft-synth libs.

Some years ago I tried an older version of Pianoteq and compared it to my Native Instruments Akustik Piano lib - and the NI one won.

While waiting for the Kronos - and being told that the 88 Key version will be here (in Germany) by October, I found again Pianoteq and bought the latest version and Yamaha piano upgrade.

...and really love it!

It sounds best for my needs to get the closest 'piano next to me feeling' when I use the Yamaha Piano 'Studio Player' preset and the Reverb 'chamber - player' preset.

Since the Kronos has a Yamaha Piano as well I wonder if it sounds as nice as the Pianoteq or even better.

If anybody with both (Pianoteq and Kronos) could create a comparison mp3 - I would love it.

Another sound I want is a Spinet - since I sold my real Spinet last month. And after I found that the Pianoteq included a free Spinet I gave it a try:
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10745030
(simple random playing)

Are there any Spinet sounds in the Kronos and how does it sound?

(Sorry for my English - I am not a native speaker)

EvilDragon · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 7:04 pm Post subject:

Bruce Lychee · Platinum Member Joined: 16 Jun 2011 Posts: 856

I have a CP1 setup in the same room as my Shigeru SK5. I run Pianoteq too. I think the Pianoteq sounds really good but there is no comparison to the SK5. There is no doubt that PT can be used to create a very musical and playable setup. It can even sound transparent when used in ensemble settings and certain recordings. Nevertheless playing any digital piano after playing the SK5 leaves you with an instant reality check regarding the limits of digitals.

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Shigeru Kawai SK5
Roland Jupiter 80
Vintage Vibe 64

EvilDragon · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 7:39 pm Post subject:

SHIGERU KAWAI!!!!

You, sir, are my instant idol! Embarassed

I love how those sound! I had experience with Bösendorfers, and they remain the best pianos for me currently... until I manage to make my dream come true and try a Shigeru!

Bruce Lychee · Platinum Member Joined: 16 Jun 2011 Posts: 856

EvilDragon · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 7:47 pm Post subject:

If you have some videos available, that would be most appreciated! Smile

Oh, and seeing your post count - welcome aboard! Wink

Bruce Lychee · Platinum Member Joined: 16 Jun 2011 Posts: 856

ArminH · Joined: 13 Apr 2011 Posts: 44

Randelph · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 8:51 pm Post subject:

Yes, and please share your comparison thoughts when you get the Kronos: the Kawai, the CP-1 and the K88!

What is special about the Kawai? My only experience with their grands/uprights (years ago) were all on the clunky side. I take it this one sounds very good?

And being the CP-1 is one of the highest regarded digital pianos, both for action, sound and playability- how would you compare the playing experience, sound, finger-to-sound connection, satisfaction, etc.? You stated your conclusion, but not all the particulars. This is becoming more and more of a valid question as the quality of digital pianos and soft pianos attain higher and higher quality.

Do you have a super high quality playback system so that the digital pianos have a reasonably even playing field to compare to a real piano?

Thanks,
Randy
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Keyboards: Kawai ES920 / Casio CT-X5000
Instruments: Keys / Alto Recorder and Melodica

EvilDragon · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 8:56 pm Post subject:

Shigeru Kawai is NOT a regular Kawai. Read up a bit, Google helps Smile

The last Kawai upright that I've played was VERY good!

Bruce Lychee · Platinum Member Joined: 16 Jun 2011 Posts: 856

Randy,

Kawai pianos in general are pretty highly regarded these days but the Shigeru Kawai is regarded as one of the finest pianos available and is used on stages and competitions. Only about 100 are built a year with the finest materials and by the most skilled artisans. I sold my Steinway to get one.

The CP1 is a great instrument. The action is really responsive and easy to play. The EP section is truly exceptional and the pianos are great for live sounds. I think a modeled piano like PT is better suited for recording and might offer more realism in a home or studio environment but Yamaha products always sound great live and the CP1 pianos are no exception. I would almost keep the CP1 for the action and EP section alone but the EPs on the Kronos sounded excellent and the action was acceptable.

When it comes to comparing the experience of playing my CP1 or PT v. the Shigeru, I have to state again that there is no comparison. The action on the Shigeru is my favorite piano action. It truly is perfect. The tones generated by the piano and the way those sounds are delivered by the acoustic instrument just can't be replicated by digital pianos and speaker systems. The Yamaha N3 tries to replicate the experience through using a multichannel approach. It is a nice step in the right direction but it definitely falls short.

I currently use Mackie HR824 MKIIs but also use Dynaudio monitors. I have also run my systems through my Eggleston speakers. I use AKG k271 studios for headphones when I need privacy.
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Shigeru Kawai SK5
Roland Jupiter 80
Vintage Vibe 64

aron · Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 7:39 am Post subject:

>Come on - everything is there: sympathetic resonances, duplex resonances, harp resonances, pedal noises, proper una-corda (and not just a lowpass filter), proper recreation of the sound when hitting an already vibrating string, etc., etc.

WOW, I heard nothing of that stuff. Maybe something's wrong on the demo on my system?

I will try it again - how much power does it require to sound good? I'm using an 8 processor Mac Pro - but I only have 6 gig of memory.

Really, the demo software doesn't sound that good on my system.
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Korg Kronos, RD-88, Yamaha VL1, Deep Mind 6, Korg Kross, author of unrealBook for iPad.