Topic by Qexl

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Topic: Production tips and tricks - How do you use Pianoteq in your DAW?

Following on from this discussion about:

gated microphone recording technique

The interesting questions which follow-on from that seem to suggest a new thread is needed about what further things we might do with Pianoteq in our digital work stations, for pleasure or production value.

To begin, why do we use a DAW instead of the stand-alone interface?  One main and obvious reason is to take time in making a considered recording of a particular quality - from quick idea to finished at a certain quality level for personal or professional consumption.  There are limitless variations, including just using a particular favourite compressor or reverb available as a plugin in the DAW or making cut up sample loops for modern styles and so on. 

So I'd like to pose a fairly open-ended question, why do you use a DAW? And would you like to learn or share some good tips and strategies? If so, I kindly ask for your participation for no other reason than to share for the benefit of Pianoteq users and anyone thinking about using it in their music.

If you've followed the thread about gated mics and have related questions or ideas, or would like more info on my idea of 'shining' up the sound in a DAW with gated mics, or would like to express your special-sauce ideas, this may be a good thread to continue in that vein (not limited to gated mics).

I've written a lot of words in that above thread, as I tend to do, so I'll respectfully jump off here for now and look forward to exchanging ideas.

For now, post away if you have a question for Pianoteq users or myself about how you might achieve a certain effect/outcome in a DAW or if you have some helpful tips and advice to share about your workflow or settings when recording.

Pianoteq Studio Bundle (Pro plus all instruments)  - Kawai MP11 digital piano - Yamaha HS8 monitors

Reply by dklein

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Re: Production tips and tricks - How do you use Pianoteq in your DAW?

While I don't understand the processor load differences between running Pianoteq as a standalone versus as a VST in Cubase, I seem to get less overload (clicking, popping, dropouts) running Pianoteq in Cubase than on its own.  Also, running in Cubase allows switching quickly between Pianoteq and other VSTs, as well as between multiple sessions of Pianoteq.  And volume control is easier.

But it takes longer to get to playing from launching Cubase than from launching Pianoteq's standalone.

- David

Reply by Pianoteqenthusiast

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Re: Production tips and tricks - How do you use Pianoteq in your DAW?

@dklein
     For me it  takes 4 seconds to get playing, launching Garageband from my last session. I think it is fast enough, so I don’t use standalone.

@Qexl ”why do you use a DAW?”   
     One reason is, it’s easy to quantize one or to instrument when using Ptq in orchestra. Of course it is more personally without quantising, and many people never use it. But the bass track needs to be steady. And sometimes kick and snare. I think I used it in contest 2015 (song with Ptq, bass, french horn, trumpet, flute and drums). But I don’t quantise often, and never a Ptq track. Although it is interesting to experiment with these things.
     And I have to say, this forum and the video contests are an incredible collection of resources. I've learned many new ways to modify the sound and got ideas about making music!! Thank you everyone, and Modartt, so much.

Reply by Gaston

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Re: Production tips and tricks - How do you use Pianoteq in your DAW?

I don't use a DAW 'instead' of Pianoteq Standalone, for me both are complementary.
Usually I run PT Standalone first, because most of the time my main workflow begins by improvisation.
I set the Pianoteq MIDI recorder settings to never delete my recordings.
Once I finish my improv sequence I launch Reaper with Pianoteq as VSTi, I pick up the MIDI files in the Pianoteq MIDI folder, and I put them on my Reaper track. Then start the big work...
Almost all the tracks I have recently released on Hearthis.at (see my signature below) have been made this way, recorded with Pianoteq standalone (piano or harp) and edited in Reaper.

Last edited by Gaston (04-05-2018 08:57)
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Reply by Qexl

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Re: Production tips and tricks - How do you use Pianoteq in your DAW?

Thank you dklein, Pianoteqenthusiast and Gaston.

Interesting that your environment feels more stable within Cubase. I used it at times past and I do remember it to be very stable - very established software which had grown along with OS (not all old software is as venerable).

The dreaded "sit down and play" factor is always a thing Pianoteq is good for. Quick as 'all get out' compared to some of my other instruments with longer loads and large files. I can be running in a little more than 1 minute if I'm bringing the lappy into it.

I've been thinking more about this aspect and realise that I haven't touched my older 'sit down and play' DP for 2 years. It's sitting right before my studio space - could turn it on in a second but when I think about it, I might as well move/sell/give it away. Since Pianoteq hit version 4, that hallway piano became very secondary. Now at version 6 I'm wondering if I have thought about playing that since version 5 even.

The endless extra possibilities given by multi-track recording is fascinating always - I'll be sure to listen to more of your works here and elsewhere.

I really appreciate your postings and Gaston, thanks for your collection at your link - there is much to enjoy there - many thanks!

It's good to know a little more about how others are using their DAW. Some similarities all 'round

Pianoteq Studio Bundle (Pro plus all instruments)  - Kawai MP11 digital piano - Yamaha HS8 monitors