![pianoteq 5 stage pianoteq 5 stage](https://images.musicstore.de/images/0960/modartt-pianoteq-6-stage-license-code_1_PCM0014712-000.jpg)
Pianoteq Pro adds note by note editing capability – up to 28 parameters can be adjusted for each note on the keyboard. Piano models can be tweaked to a granular level, mic placement can be adjusted and there is the option to load external reverb pulses.
#PIANOTEQ 5 STAGE UPGRADE#
Pianoteq Standard offers a significant upgrade – there is full compatibility between presets created in the Pro version and Standard. User defined presets can be loaded but they may not play back with full functionality. Pianoteq Stage offers basic player functionality with the ability to tweak a few settings and effects. So what’s the difference besides price – it is a significant price difference between Stage and Pro. Being the careful type I bought the Stage version but will shortly be upgrading to Standard for reasons that will become apparent. There are three versions of Pianoteq – Stage, Standard and Pro.
#PIANOTEQ 5 STAGE SOFTWARE#
The software footprint is incredibly small only requiring around 40Mb of disk space. Pianoteq offers a full dynamic range with no key switching. I’ve yet to find a keyboard controller that can accurately cover 127 velocity layers or a keyboard player that can articulate them. There appears to be a bit of a competition as to how many velocity layers you can have in a sampled instrument – one company has up to 127! The more layers the larger the sample set. What are velocity layers? When sampling an instrument it’s a common technique to sample the same note at different velocities so that as you hit the key harder a different sample plays. There are no huge sample files to load, no direct from disc loading and more importantly no velocity layers or loop points. What hasn’t changed a lot is the absolute playability of the instrument as they pretty much nailed it from the off. I’ve been playing Pianoteq by Moddart for a few years now and seen it come on leaps and bounds in terms of sound. There is no right and wrong instrument although some are downright badly designed. Sounds a bit gushy but pianos are emotional and very personal instruments. Which instrument can make you lose yourself for several hours in the pure joy of just playing. What makes you feel good and gives that creative spark.
![pianoteq 5 stage pianoteq 5 stage](https://info.shimamura.co.jp/digital/img/upload/shimastaff/2020/pianoteq7_1600_a-1.jpg)
Ignore the Gearslutz arguments about the technical details, sample size, layers and velocity switching. So it all comes down to personal preference. We are spoilt today by the number of 88 key weighted and semi weighted keyboards out there covering almost every price point and capability. As important as the software for a good piano experience is the keyboard controller.
![pianoteq 5 stage pianoteq 5 stage](https://media.sweetwater.com/api/i/ha-b34a982bb8b48f1e__hmac-1e40df85890d5beddf4244334c042484940b03fc/images/items/750/Pianoteq3-large.jpg)
Some are very basic whilst others require the power of a Cray supercomputer and disc storage rivalling google in order to run fully. Almost every type and brand is covered from prepared pianos though to uprights, grands and electric grands. It feels like there are hundreds of high quality piano virtual instruments on the market.