Native Instruments Announces Akoustik Piano

Jul 25, 2005 7:48 PM, By Gino Robair

           
 

Native Instruments has announced Akoustik Piano (Mac/Win; $349), a sample-based software instrument focusing on three popular grand pianos: the Boesendorfer 290 Imperial, the Steinway D, and the Bechstein D 280. Also included is the Steingraeber Model 130 upright piano.

All four instruments have been captured in 10 Velocity levels and with full sustain phases. The Expert settings allow you to change the soundboard resonance characteristics, the key and pedal noise, and the position of the piano lid for each of the four instruments.

Akoustic Piano includes a basic MIDI-file player, a 2-channel performance recorder with a Render-to-Disk option, a metronome, and a convolution reverb with several settings: Concert Hall, Recording Studio, Cathedral, and Jazz Club. The reverb includes controls for stereo positioning, tuning, Velocity response, and a 3-band EQ.

Akoustic Piano can be used with any major host sequencer or in standalone mode. According to Native Instruments, Akoustic Piano's Direct-From-Disk streaming technology significantly reduces the memory requirements of the instrument. The ECO mode offers smooth operation even on less powerful computer setups. For more information about Akoustic Piano, click here.