Topic by Mikis4318

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Topic: Brighter presets for jazz/rock band

Hi everyone, what is your favorite preset if you play in a band?

I'm very happy with Pianoteq. I was stunned when I discovered it. In solo playing, in playing ballads it is incomparable to anything below v-piano. However I'm still looking for optimal sound when the band plays louder. Korg sv-1 acoustic pianos or Roland rd300nx with "sound focus" were able to cut through the mix much better!

Even if I select jazzy and "bright" presets in Pianoteq it is still not so convincing in latin or swing, the piano sound is less clear and more muffled than the mentioned keyboards. But when I return to sample-based keyboards the magic is lost.... I'm sure you know what I mean.

Reply by Lylo

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Re: Brighter presets for jazz/rock band

Try this : http://www.forum-pianoteq.com/dca7bf6bd...9e7dda6d7b

Last edited by Lylo (08-01-2014 20:37)

Reply by Pianoteqenthusiast

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Re: Brighter presets for jazz/rock band

Hello Mikis4318!

With Pianoteq you can create almost any sound that a piano can create. Using presets is one thing, but to adapt the sound to your own taste can take some time. To get it cut through, try to change the velocity, choose pop or rock from presets in equalizer, change the hammerhardness, change the position of the microphones (if you have PT Standard). If I was playing in a band, I choose my own created preset for the occasion.
Hope you got some help.

Reply by varpa

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Re: Brighter presets for jazz/rock band

You might also try the Grand YCS add-on which is a brighter rock piano, as well as using the compressor in the effects section.

varpa's Website

Reply by Mikis4318

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Re: Brighter presets for jazz/rock band

Thank you all for helpful tips. I tried some on yesterday's gig. Less release is definitely one of the factors that improves transparency within the rhythm section (Lylo).

Pianoteqethusiast you are also right, until now I've never gone beyond equaliser and effects settings (on any keyboard). I will have to find out what exactly was the good thing o,f for example, sv-1 while maintaining the advantages of Pianoteq.

YC5 is also a good choice for band playing. But the most important thing I learnt was that I have to get used to Pianoteq much much more than I expected at the first glance. Pedalling must be precise, the chords have to be transparent.

Reply by doncolga

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Re: Brighter presets for jazz/rock band

My ears are used to the Kurzweil piano and relatively its bright, so I was leaning to working with brighter presets too.  I found the EQ adjusted that nicely and will try the file mentioned earlier as well.

Reply by doncolga

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Re: Brighter presets for jazz/rock band

Lylo wrote:

Try this : http://www.forum-pianoteq.com/dca7bf6bd...9e7dda6d7b

Will try this later today.  Thanks for sharing.  I'm still new to this and this is just amazing to share presets like this.

Reply by Mikis4318

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Re: Brighter presets for jazz/rock band

Bravo Modartt! This thread can disappear to oblivion now :-)

Pianoteq 5 brought EXACTLY the sound I missed in 4.5. So inspiring when playing alone. So good in a band. Lylo's preset with less release sounding perfect in version 5. If I want to cut through the mix even more, I add S-shaped velocity curve and a bit of treble.