Modartt has announced that after two years of intensive research in several fields - acoustic models, electro-acoustic models, algorithms - the long awaited and much improved version 3 of Pianoteq is now available.

New Features Summary:

• New acoustic model.
• Mic position - up to 5 mics.
• Multi channel - up to 5 channels.
• New grand pianos C3 and M3.
• New electric pianos: Rhody and Wurly.
• New effects: Tremolo and Limiter.
• New parameters: pickup position, sound speed, and more...
• New interface design.
• Unlimited perspectives.
• Advanced preset and parameter manager.
• 64-bit version available for Vista x64.

New acoustic model
One of the most exciting new features in version 3 is the new acoustic model which simulates the sound radiation of the soundboard and the cabinet. Developed in close cooperation with demanding musicians, it brings stunning realism, clarity and brilliance, according to Modartt.

Unlimited sound perspectives
This new acoustic model allows the user to place up to 5 microphones anywhere around the piano in an additional illustrative interface. A mixer is available for combining the mics into 5 output channels, with the possibility to adjust separately level and delay. Pianoteq 3 offers thus full control of the sound source and unlimited possibilities to choose the "colour" of the piano sound, similar to what professional audio engineers do when recording.

In binaural mode, for headphone usage, a head model is used for simulating the sound heard by a person located where the head is placed in the interface. The head can be rotated in any direction and even its size can be changed.

New models for vintage electric pianos
With Pianoteq 3, a broad family of keyboard instruments is now covered, from historical harpsichords and pianoforte to contemporary grand pianos and electric pianos. The different models even share some features; for example, the electric pianos have a sostenuto pedal and the acoustic pianos can use the tremolo effect or the limiter. More surprising: you can change the sound speed in the air that is used by the model.

Acoustic pianos
Thanks to Modartt's research, they could build what they describe as "two beautiful new instruments that each has its own personality". The Grand C3 has a warm and coloured sound, suitable for classical, romantic or lyrical music. The Grand M3 has an attack and presence that will suit jazz and rock music. In the end, this is of course a matter of taste and the choice will depend on the selected music.

Different perspectives are provided with each instrument: player, recording (4 mics in the C3 solo recording), close mic, binaural. These are only a few among the infinitely many perspectives that users can create themselves by choosing their own recording settings: mics placement and mixing. Thus any musician or producer should find the piano they need.

The virtual piano factory
When building these instruments, Modartt took inspiration from the very best acoustic pianos in the world. These instruments can be used right out of the box. They can also serve as starting points for creating new instruments.

As mentioned by Philippe Guillaume, creator of Pianoteq: "during the 19th century, there were hundreds of different piano manufacturers offering a great variety of piano timbres. At the end of the 20th century, only a reduced number of timbres were still available because of standardization. The dream that Modartt share with other piano lovers is to offer the musicians a possibility to use and create many different sounds in order to enrich their expressivity."

Electric pianos
Using the newly extended model, Pianoteq can now reproduce famous electric pianos from the seventies. Two electric pianos, Rhody and Wurly, are provided as embedded add-ons and included for demo evaluation. Each instrument is provided with several variants, and by using new interface features such as limiter and tremolo, the user can customize them to his own taste.

Free add-ons
Since we started the KIViR project, we have continuously enriched our collection of free add-ons which now includes 9 historical instruments: 4 pianoforte, 2 harpsichords, 2 grand pianos and 1 electro-acoustic piano. All Pianoteq customers can download these add-ons for free.

Pricing & Availability

Impressively, Pianoteq 3 is a free upgrade for existing owners! New customers can purchase it for €249. The Electric Pianos add-on can be purchased for €49.

Pianoteq 3 is available for Windows (32- and 64-bit) and Mac OS X in stand-alone and VST, AU and RTAS plug-in formats.