Pianoteq 8 Stage is a virtual piano that utilizes physical modeling to simulate the playability and complex behavior of real acoustic instruments. The entry-level Stage Edition is a good choice for budget-minded musicians who do not need to modify their sound in great detail.
Version 8 refines the engine and physical modeling to increase authenticity, and offers a fresh, streamlined user interface to enhance readability and usability. Pianoteq has partnered with Steinway & Sons, Steingraeber, Bechstein, Blüthner, Grotrian, and Petrof, each a venerated piano-manufacturing powerhouse. All of them have approved the sound of their pianos.
Pianoteq 8 Stage comes with two instrument packs of your choice. The software works on Mac, Windows, and Linux systems, operating in AAX, AU, VST, NKS, and standalone formats. Because there are no samples, the file size is just a tiny fraction of that required by most virtual instruments, making Pianoteq perfect for any laptop.
- Improved piano model: All contemporary acoustic pianos, the Vintage Reeds electric pianos and the Concert Harp have been carefully revoiced in order to increase authenticity and playability of these instruments. Everything is tailored to suit demanding recording projects and performances.
- New slick GUI facelift: Reflecting this new major upgrade, Pianoteq 8 offers a fresh streamlined user interface, enhancing readability and usability. Instruments and scenes are now displayed for a clear presentation of preset selections.
- New Classical Guitar instrument pack (available separately): The nylon Classical Guitar, available as an instrument pack for Pianoteq 8, introduces a new category of physically modeled instruments, with emulated gestures and natural instrument noises for breathtaking realism. Presets range from a 12-string acoustic guitar to a Greek bouzouki or even an electric guitar.
- Physically modeled Steinway & Sons, Steingraeber, Bechstein, Blüthner, Grotrian, and Petrof pianos
- Includes 2 instrument packs
- Free KIViR historical instruments
- Supports up to 48 kHz audio
- Preset (fxp) loading
- Extended key range (105 keys or 8¿ octaves) for grand pianos Steinway D and K2
- Convolution reverberations
- Effects: Tremolo, Wah, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Fuzz, Delay, Amp, Compressor, Mini-EQ
- Mallet bounce (note repetition)
- Instrument condition (mint to worn)
- Built-in graphic curve for key velocity, note-off, and pedal
- Progressive variation of the timbre (uses all the 127 MIDI velocities)
- Polyphonic Aftertouch (particularly interesting for the clavichord)
- Realistic sympathetic resonances, including duplex scale
- Adjustable mechanical noises (sampled or modeled)
- Built-in graphic equalizer
- Ten types of pedals (that can be assigned to the four UI pedals): Sustain, Soft, Harmonic, Sostenuto, Super Sostenuto, Rattle, Buff Stop, Celeste, Pinch Harmonic, and Glissando
- Renders high-resolution MIDI formats CC#88 and Disklavier XP
- Extremely small file size (less than 50MB)
- VST, AU, AAX, NKS, Standalone / Mac, Windows, Linux
- Additional grand pianos, upright pianos, Electric pianos, Classical Guitar, Harps, Vibes, Clavinet D6, Celeste and Glockenspiel, Xylo xylophone and marimba, and Steelpans virtual instruments available separately