Topic by IndoPlayer

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  • IndoPlayer
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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 (23-09-2026 16:41)

Reply by 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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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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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 (23-09-2026 08:45)

Reply by gong75

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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 ?

Reply by IndoPlayer

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Re: Studio recording presets in pianoteq

gong75 wrote:

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 ?

Yes, that's intentional
The EQ if only you think if it needs more bass/brightness, the delay is just optional (depending on what sound you're trying to get)
As for the other parameters, they're intentional

Reply by dikrek

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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

If you’re only using headphones I’d recommend at least using multiple kinds, including common stuff like EarPods or some of the cheaper but common open back and closed back large headphones.

Kinda like mastering but for headphones. The master needs to survive multiple kinds of playback systems without extreme tuning needed.