Topic by jsaras

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Topic: Tweaks for Steinway Model D bliss

Firstly, some general settings that can be applied to nearly all Pianoteq models to eliminate the perfect “McPiano” syndrome.  Set the condition slider to around 0.47 and set the octave spread to about 1.18.

For the spectrum profile of the Steinway D models specifically, set the second harmonic to -4.3 and the third harmonic to +0.6.  This really gets the Steinway sound profile as I hear it in my mind's imagination.   (h/t Merriam Music).

For hammer hardness I use 0.3, 0.81, 1.57.

Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Reply by MaurizioP

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Re: Tweaks for Steinway Model D bliss

I have tried first two settings as far (condition and octave stretching) and for me pianos sound better, far more realistic. Less (unwanted) digital perfection and more interesting real resonances. Thanks!

Last edited by MaurizioP (29-12-2024 19:37)

Reply by vorpal

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Re: Tweaks for Steinway Model D bliss

jsaras wrote:

Firstly, some general settings that can be applied to nearly all Pianoteq models to eliminate the perfect “McPiano” syndrome.  Set the condition slider to around 0.47 and set the octave spread to about 1.18.

For the spectrum profile of the Steinway D models specifically, set the second harmonic to -4.3 and the third harmonic to +0.6.  This really gets the Steinway sound profile as I hear it in my mind's imagination.   (h/t Merriam Music).

For hammer hardness I use 0.3, 0.81, 1.57.

Give it a try and let me know what you think.

I loaded the Modartt Steinway D preset and then made the changes you listed... I quite like it! However, I'm a piano tuner and found with the condition slider set to 0.47 the middle C4 unison was very wild, I moved it back a bit.

1929 Baldwin C 6'3" grand with ProRecord module
Pianoteq Pro 8.4 iPad Mini + USB Cable

vorpal's Website

Reply by dikrek

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Re: Tweaks for Steinway Model D bliss

vorpal wrote:
jsaras wrote:

Firstly, some general settings that can be applied to nearly all Pianoteq models to eliminate the perfect “McPiano” syndrome.  Set the condition slider to around 0.47 and set the octave spread to about 1.18.

For the spectrum profile of the Steinway D models specifically, set the second harmonic to -4.3 and the third harmonic to +0.6.  This really gets the Steinway sound profile as I hear it in my mind's imagination.   (h/t Merriam Music).

For hammer hardness I use 0.3, 0.81, 1.57.

Give it a try and let me know what you think.

I loaded the Modartt Steinway D preset and then made the changes you listed... I quite like it! However, I'm a piano tuner and found with the condition slider set to 0.47 the middle C4 unison was very wild, I moved it back a bit.

Nice. What did you set it to in order to avoid the issue?

Reply by vorpal

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Re: Tweaks for Steinway Model D bliss

dikrek wrote:

Nice. What did you set it to in order to avoid the issue?

I moved the condition slider about halfway back to New while testing the C unison until I liked it... not sure what the value was, will check when I'm home tonight.

1929 Baldwin C 6'3" grand with ProRecord module
Pianoteq Pro 8.4 iPad Mini + USB Cable

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Reply by Adje

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Re: Tweaks for Steinway Model D bliss

Same here with the condition slider….. 0.22 sounds
comfortable to me. The other suggested tweaks
are great; thanks.

Reply by dikrek

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Re: Tweaks for Steinway Model D bliss

Adje wrote:

Same here with the condition slider….. 0.22 sounds
comfortable to me. The other suggested tweaks
are great; thanks.

Can these be done on standard or do they need Pro?

Reply by Adje

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Re: Tweaks for Steinway Model D bliss

dikrek wrote:
Adje wrote:

Same here with the condition slider….. 0.22 sounds
comfortable to me. The other suggested tweaks
are great; thanks.

Can these be done on standard or do they need Pro?

I believe Pianoteq 8 STD is sufficient.

Reply by vorpal

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Re: Tweaks for Steinway Model D bliss

dikrek wrote:

Nice. What did you set it to in order to avoid the issue?

Checked my settings, I went a bit more to 0.18. I like the color of the unisons with that setting, any further out and I'm reaching for the tuning lever

For fun, I froze the settings and loaded the Bechstein DG, one of my favorites, but this didn't sound as good as the NY Steinway D with these mods.

1929 Baldwin C 6'3" grand with ProRecord module
Pianoteq Pro 8.4 iPad Mini + USB Cable

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Reply by jsaras

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Re: Tweaks for Steinway Model D bliss

vorpal wrote:
dikrek wrote:

Nice. What did you set it to in order to avoid the issue?

Checked my settings, I went a bit more to 0.18. I like the color of the unisons with that setting, any further out and I'm reaching for the tuning lever

For fun, I froze the settings and loaded the Bechstein DG, one of my favorites, but this didn't sound as good as the NY Steinway D with these mods.

I'm not a piano tuner, and my acoustic piano is typically tuned 1-2 times per year, so my tolerance for a bit of beating is likely greater than yours ;-D

Reply by brundlefly

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Re: Tweaks for Steinway Model D bliss

Hey there, Jonas. Recognized your username from old CW forum days. Haven't seen you around for many years so presume you moved on to another DAW...?

Reply by jsaras

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Re: Tweaks for Steinway Model D bliss

brundlefly wrote:

Hey there, Jonas. Recognized your username from old CW forum days. Haven't seen you around for many years so presume you moved on to another DAW...?

I’ve been using Reaper and I’m
happy with it.  That said, when I occasionally launch Sonar, my muscle memory kicks in immediately. 

I released a jazz project last year along with my writing partner, James Lownes.

Glad to run into old aquaintances!