Topic by IndoPlayer

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  • IndoPlayer
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  • Registered: 21-08-2026
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Topic: Studio recording presets in pianoteq

You might've seen my topic from the steinway d ultra-realism preset, Pianoteq Ultra-Realistic Recording Presets . So far, I've improved very far from the 1st draft of this preset all the way to a tone that you'd hear from legendary labels such as Deutsche Grammophon (atleast to my ears). Here's my take on hyper-realism:
Steinway D (HB) Studio Recording

The main problem in pianoteq's presets is the general tone of the piano. To put it simply, I've never liked the sound generated by pianoteq. I don't know if its a personal issue, rarely trying or performing on world-class concert grands, or even watching concerts with them. I decided to change that since I'm basically unemployed and have too much free time. With my limited equipment of a $20 IEM, a USB-C DAC, I decided to create a preset that sounds "good enough" to my ears while not hitting the limiter.

Details about the preset:
- Large studio reverb, with 4 mics (2 close, 2 room)
- Spectrum profile has been changed a lot to obtain a much more organic tone
- Almost nonexistent hammer noise and bright hammer tone
- Increased soundboard impeadance.
- Reduced direct sound duration and increased unison width
- Dynamics reduced to a point similar to recordings
- Hammer hardness variations within the keyboard range, especially at forte -> fortissimo

Note: Change the velocity curve immediately, only used for the demo.
Feedback is welcome
That's all from me, I hope people can enjoy this preset.

Preset Demo(s):
F. Chopin - Ballade No. 3

Last edited by IndoPlayer (Today 16:41)

Reply by kihar

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  • kihar
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Re: Studio recording presets in pianoteq

Getting there.

I really like the ambience. Too bright still. Not as piercing as the previous ones but especially Nocturne high notes are too bright and too ringing.

I was listening with headphones. My studio monitors will sound different though.

Reply by Kengrayfield

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  • Kengrayfield
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Re: Studio recording presets in pianoteq

IndoPlayer wrote:

You might've seen my topic from the steinway d ultra-realism preset, Pianoteq Ultra-Realistic Recording Presets . So far, I've improved very far from the 1st draft of this preset all the way to a tone that you'd hear from legendary labels such as Deutsche Grammophon (atleast to my ears). Here's my take on hyper-realism:
Steinway D (HB) Studio Recording

The main problem in pianoteq's presets is the general tone of the piano. To put it simply, I've never liked the sound generated by pianoteq. I don't know if its a personal issue, rarely trying or performing on world-class concert grands, or even watching concerts with them. I decided to change that since I'm basically unemployed and have too much free time. With my limited equipment of a $20 IEM, a USB-C DAC, I decided to create a preset that sounds "good enough" to my ears while not hitting the limiter.

Details about the preset:
- Large studio reverb, with 4 mics (2 close, 2 room)
- Spectrum profile has been changed a lot to obtain a much more organic tone
- Almost nonexistent hammer noise and bright hammer tone
- Increased soundboard impeadance.
- Reduced direct sound duration and increased unison width
- Dynamics reduced to a point similar to recordings
- Hammer hardness variations within the keyboard range, especially at forte -> fortissimo

Note: Change the velocity curve immediately, only used for the demo.
Feedback is welcome
That's all from me, I hope people can enjoy this preset.

Preset Demo(s):
F. Chopin - Ballade No. 3
F. Chopin - Nocturne Op. 48 No. 1

The demos sound amazing! I am gonna check this out for sure. Thanks!

Reply by IndoPlayer

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  • IndoPlayer
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  • Registered: 21-08-2026
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Re: Studio recording presets in pianoteq

kihar wrote:

I was listening with headphones. My studio monitors will sound different though.

This was one of my main concerns when i used my iems to balance
Thankfully i made only 2 parameters to the brightness of the piano, the hammer hardness and a high shelve eq. I'll look at it again with better speakers when i have the chance to
Probably the most difficult part is just getting the stereo image correct, cause its always different on speaker/headphones/earphones.
Still confused on what's the best reference to follow
Quick revision:
Ballade 3 R1

Last edited by IndoPlayer (Today 08:45)

Reply by gong75

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  • Registered: 27-08-2026
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Re: Studio recording presets in pianoteq

Thanks, the demo sounds great even if on the bright side.

One question, I see DELAY, EQ 3 BANDs and EQ effects are not enabled in the preset, is it on purpose ?