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I like the Kawai. But then wouldn’t a CA79/99 sound the same if you’re listening on headphones? (putting aside the action which would obviously be a factor)
I do wonder if anyone will come out with an upgradeable sound box - they’re just computers in there after all - so it would be interseting if we could upgrade them by downloading new samples or new rendering algorithms.
Or an independent company that could produce a VST box - small form factor PC, runs headless but you manage from a web browser for setup, you connect via MIDI out, and then through the line ins on your piano to replace the built-in sounds with new ones. Feels like there might be a market for that?
Both ideas have been discussed here ... for over a decade.
The latter notion (a VST box) was in development five or eight years ago. It was demonstrated ... and it then faded into obscurity and was never released. I guess there was little or no market for it.
If this is a quote-like thread, from best to worst: NV5 > VSL > Ravenscroft
I found the Ravenscroft to have too much of reverb. Sounded most artificial for me. And "thinner" than VSL. NV5 on the other hand was hard to compare, because its samples came from a more mellow grand. Hence, I liked NV5 the most.
If this is a quote-like thread, from best to worst: NV5 > VSL > Ravenscroft
I found the Ravenscroft to have too much of reverb. Sounded most artificial for me. And "thinner" than VSL. NV5 on the other hand was hard to compare, because its samples came from a more mellow grand. Hence, I liked NV5 the most.
With both hardware and software pianos, you've got two issues concerning how good they are to play: 1) How the hardware /software interface meshes 2) Most hardware and software sound sources are all very tweekable, so it should be possible to dial down reverb (perhaps not on the Ravenscar oft).
Instruments: Current - Kawai MP7SE; Past - Kawai MP7, Yamaha PSR7000 Software: Sibelius 7; Neuratron Photoscore Pro 8 Stand: K&M 18953 Table-style Stage Piano Stand
My opinion on their sound: VSL>Ravenscroft >Nova 5
Harry Likas was the Technical Editor of Mark Levine's "The Jazz Theory Book" and also helped develop "The Jazz Piano Book." Harry spends his time teaching jazz piano online and playing solo piano gigs.
If this is a quote-like thread, from best to worst: NV5 > VSL > Ravenscroft
I found the Ravenscroft to have too much of reverb. Sounded most artificial for me. And "thinner" than VSL. NV5 on the other hand was hard to compare, because its samples came from a more mellow grand. Hence, I liked NV5 the most.
I don't know about to much reverb, but it can be thin at times. Still my favorite for play-ability and sound.
I think what he was trying to show and I agree is that there is very little need for VST's with the higher market DP.
It really comes down to what what you prefer to hear and not the quality of the sound.
I do wonder if anyone will come out with an upgradeable sound box - they’re just computers in there after all - so it would be interseting if we could upgrade them by downloading new samples or new rendering algorithms.
Also, the Yamaha Motif XS available in rack form can have external samples loaded, and patches/registrations created to wrap internal effects etc around them. Here are some examples of non-builtin digital instrument sounds you can load into a Motif XS rack:
