Topic by bluescreendive

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Topic: PC System Requirements for Pianoteq (with continuous sustain)

Hello everyone,

i'm planning to invest in a destop pc, powerful enough to handle Pianoteq softpianos with continuous sustain (gonna be running a midi keyboard and sustain pedal through MIDI Solutions Pedal Controller).

The question is how powerfull a PC has to be?

I'm thinking this: Intel i7-4770 QuadCore (4 x 3,4GHz), 16GB DDRIII PC1600, 2TB HDD, 120GB SSD.

Would it be enough? Or maybe it's too much and can save up some 100 euros by buying a weaker processor?


Guys, I'd really appreciate your hints suggestions. I'm really a newbie in the midi-world.

Reply by Kridlatec

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Re: PC System Requirements for Pianoteq (with continuous sustain)

bluescreendive wrote:

Intel i7-4770 QuadCore (4 x 3,4GHz), 16GB DDRIII PC1600, 2TB HDD, 120GB SSD

This is more than enough even for sampled monsters like VSL Vienna. Pianoteq is not too much demanding.

From pianoteq FAQ (https://www.pianoteq.com/faq):

How much RAM (internal memory) is needed for smooth playback?
Just 256 MB (megabytes). Most modern computers are equipeed with 2-4 GB (gigabytes) RAM. In contrast to many other virtual pianos, there is no need to invest in any additional RAM sticks to achieve maximum performance.
Do I need a dedicated disk drive?
No. Since Pianoteq does not store any samples on the computer, there is no need to invest in a dedicated disk drive. Pianoteq occupies just 20 MB whereas other virtual pianos need to frequently access many sample files (usually several gigabytes) from a fast and stable disk drive.
What kind of CPU (processor) do I need?
PIANOTEQ is CPU intensive software for it computes the sound in real time. However, most modern computers already offer a fully sufficient CPU. We recommend a CPU with dual or multiple cores, such as the Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD X2. By restricting polyphony or the internal sample rate in the Options menu, you can work with less powerful CPU's.
In what situation does the CPU load get high?
Many bass notes in combination with the sustain pedal require lots of computations for the CPU. Most modern CPUs can handle this fine.
Do I need any specific soundcard?
If using a PC, you need a soundcard that supports ASIO drivers (most soundcards do). You should be able to use the in-built soundcard on your computer. If you have high demands on the audio quality you should use a soundcard which is more adapted to music production. For suggestions on what soundcard to use, please visit our http://www.forum-pianoteq.com/.
Can I really use Pianoteq with a laptop?
This is one of the great advantages of Pianoteq. You can use any modern laptop successfully without any need to add external disk drives. The low system requirements and the high stability make it optimal also for live performances.

I think, it would be better to spend money for a good controller (NB!) and soundcard, than for 16Gb ram (4/8 is enough) and 2 TB disc + SSD. About processors: my old Core 2 Duo generally copes good, only in rare-rare cases it can be overwhelmed by PT. But if you plan to use your PC also for games or sample libraries, your configuration is really good.

Last edited by Kridlatec (24-02-2014 14:49)
Pianoteq 6 Pro (D4, K2, Blüthner, Model B, Grotrian, Ant.Petrof)
Studiologic SL88Grand, Steinberg UR22mkII

Reply by Luc Henrion

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Re: PC System Requirements for Pianoteq (with continuous sustain)

Sure, an i5 + 4 GB RAM performs admirably here. A good soundcard is more recommended.

Luc Henrion's Website

Reply by jarosujo

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Re: PC System Requirements for Pianoteq (with continuous sustain)

http://www.forum-pianoteq.com/viewtopic.php?id=3196

200€ intel NUC is fine. Why would you need 2 TB hdd for 20 MB software ? Or 16 GB of RAM ?

Reply by bluescreendive

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Re: PC System Requirements for Pianoteq (with continuous sustain)

Kridlatec,

I appreciate your input! Really nice to have someone with a first-hand experience.

Pianoteq is not the only one I'll be checking out, I guess.
Some software grands require 162GB disk space and 1GB RAM, for instance:
http://www.imperfectsamples.com/website...ements.php

Apart from that, I intend to use 2 VST instruments at once (piano and pads or orchestra). Some libraries are huge, and I want the best possible sounds in terms of authencity.

Thank you for your opinion, I'll be dfinitely looking into something a bit cheaper.

Any other opinions?

Reply by bluescreendive

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Re: PC System Requirements for Pianoteq (with continuous sustain)

Luc Henrion wrote:

Sure, an i5 + 4 GB RAM performs admirably here. A good soundcard is more recommended.

Good to hear. I guess i7-4770 QuadCore mentioned above wuold be an overkill. I just wanted to be on a safe side and have enough "headroom" potential in case I end up using huge sample libraries alongside Pianoteq.

Luc, what audio interface would you recommend for latency-free response? I still own a Focusrite Saffire LE with ASIO 2.0, but I've heard that RME and Presonus are way better. Any suggestions?
Thx

Last edited by bluescreendive (24-02-2014 15:55)

Reply by Kridlatec

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Re: PC System Requirements for Pianoteq (with continuous sustain)

bluescreendive wrote:

Kridlatec,

I appreciate your input! Really nice to have someone with a first-hand experience.

Pianoteq is not the only one I'll be checking out, I guess.
Some software grands require 162GB disk space and 1GB RAM, for instance:
http://www.imperfectsamples.com/website...ements.php

Apart from that, I intend to use 2 VST instruments at once (piano and pads or orchestra). Some libraries are huge, and I want the best possible sounds in terms of authencity.

Thank you for your opinion, I'll be dfinitely looking into something a bit cheaper.

Any other opinions?

Of course, if you have enough money - i think, this configuration would be great even for big symphonic projects with many instruments. Though, my old laptop can cope with sample library + pianoteq, or pianoteq + 20GB italian Ivory. But when i tried the same Ivory with cubase library (a score for nearly 20 instruments), my 3GB ram made me sad Anyway, you can save some money choosing i5 (or cheaper i7) instead of top i7.

Last edited by Kridlatec (24-02-2014 16:32)
Pianoteq 6 Pro (D4, K2, Blüthner, Model B, Grotrian, Ant.Petrof)
Studiologic SL88Grand, Steinberg UR22mkII

Reply by Luc Henrion

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Re: PC System Requirements for Pianoteq (with continuous sustain)

I have 2 Tascam, 1 MOTU and 1 Focusrite interfaces (and 3 laptops!). Used with PianoTeq, there is only a very, very small difference between the most expensive (MOTU 896 MKIII) and the cheapest (Tascam US-144 MKII). If it's for VSTi's, simply keep your Focusrite. An RME might be marginally better but you wouldn't probably notice any difference with a Presonus.
This being said, all that have been written above concerns PianoTeq only. Contrary to PianoTeq, other VSTi's (or VST plugs) might require a lot of RAM and CPU indeed...

Luc Henrion's Website

Reply by bluescreendive

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Re: PC System Requirements for Pianoteq (with continuous sustain)

Thanks for your advice, Luc