MacMacMac: Thanks, and yes, I thought so. I have two digital pianos, and they both do it too - a modern Casio PX-330, and a very old Kawai MP9000. ;^)

Greg.

Is it just my ears/equipment or do these Kawai demos sound rather bright, reminiscent of a Yamaha?

Yes, and that's a good thing IMHO.

Greg.

Yes, especially if your style is of the pop/rock type. But sometimes solo piano is better on a more mellow grand like a Steinway. Though I think we all agree there are a few too many sampled Steinways out there. ;P

Based on the variety of characteristics in all of the Steinway sampled piano software available it is not the source piano as much as the way it is recorded, treated and packaged in software that differentiates the plug-in. You cannot use merely a Steinway piano source as the barometer for choosing between the Steinways and any other piano plug-in..

I've read that Steinways themselves can vary quite a bit, even within groups of new ones emerging fresh from the factory.

Hey Guys! I went and bought an iLok today and just payed for the Kawai EX PRO.... I already registered the serial number so its on the iLok dongle. I downloaded the files (on my MAC) but I am unable to do anything with them. (i.e... Extract them) Are these files PC only? I didn't see that anywhere?

Use RAR Expander for Mac to decompress the sequenced RAR files.

Thanks, missed the Expander download.... Now if I could just get the file to download into a folder instead of opening up in another window, which does nothing, I would be set... I have been having that problem for a while and tried all the settings and I can't figure it out. Frustrating


Edit: Went to the direct site I got it!

Wow this is a nightmare! After downloading the expander I had to re-dowload all the files. I have extracted the 1st of 5 files and the second one gave me an error so I am having to wait while it downloads again. Haaaaa. :-(

i just ordered my copy - now I got to wait for the ilok to arrive. I had a best buy gift card for the ilok - but they have to ship it to me since they don't carry in stores - I'm excited to see how it sounds.

I just saw this and it is probably too late. In case anyone else encounters a similar problem you could try contacting support and asking for a direct link URL so you have the ability to download specific files in a multi-part series. It will save the time and trouble of unnecessarily re-downloading the entire series when one file is corrupt.

I'm the original poster - i got my ilok this weekend and tried the Kawai piano... to be honest I'm not that thrilled with it - it's just "OK" to me... maybe it's my setup but I can't get much dynamics out of the sound... can't seem to get any bite out of it

Hmmm. Too bad. Possibly the problem is that there are only 5 sampled layers.

i'm not sure if it's the number of layers - my Yamaha is 3 and it has bite on the 3rd layer

I would start by looking at the velocity settings of your board along with whatever velocity parameters you can adjust inside your software. If the highest layer of the VST piano kicks in at a higher velocity that your controller doesn't easily trigger, you may not be hearing it for that reason, and it may be a matter of getting the curves in sync.

it must be my setup, I'll keep playin' - the sound I'm getting sounds real but not like the youtube demos... of course those were in Kontakt back then.

Hi guys, i played with the settings and was able to get some more dynamics but I'm afraid it's not what I'm looking for.

I got permission from AcousticSamples to sell my Kawai Ex pro library. If anyone is interested in purchasing from me just send me a PM.

thanks

So I am curious whether you can dial the brightness in and out to a significant degree with that Tone knob?

On one of my piano plug-ins you are able to make dramatic changes to the overall character, while others less so.

it changes to brightness some - but not to the degree i can on my Galaxy Pianos.

someone asked for a recording... I took a midi file from "Let's render some Chopin"

I used cantabile to make the recording - this is the default Close Position with no changes to brightness or midi curve.

this file is a wav at 1536 bit rate (big file)
https://www.box.com/s/v8a1z1rx162dqi90s6li

here is the same recording converted to mp3 at 128 bit rate (for slow connections)
https://www.box.com/s/lowaqhtqepovke49ep4n

as for the price I'm looking for 70.00 - (it will cost me 25.00 to transfer the ilok license) so that will net me about 40.00

- I'm using version 1 of Ex-pro inside Kontakt where there's broad scope for eq-ing to soften up the sound. I find it works really well.

I had no intention of going for Ilok and don't know how machfive works but doesn't it present a similar range of controls to Kontakt?

edit: - sorry, I read back a bit further and have just realised your gripe is that it doesn't cut through enough. I was using the piano for a gentle classical piece and found it just a bit too harsh so needed to get it sounding warmer - the opposite of your problem.

I'm willing to take 55.00 for the vst. That's 1/2 off the online price. I'm sure it will be a benefit to someone. That includes the fee for me to have the iLok license transferred to you. Then the manufacturer will then send you the download links.

Hi mitzysman, I just PM'd you to see if this is still available!

Many thanks,

Kat

PURCHASED (Many thanks mitzysman)