Sonuscore say that when they were recording samples for their Chroma - Grand Piano library, their team’s attention was captured by an unassuming upright piano housed in the same studio. The instrument in question was a century-old example from a renowned maker in Würzburg, Germany, lovingly restored with new strings, felts and mechanics, with a distinct sound that left a lasting impression on the recording team. As you might have guessed, they set about capturing the upright as well as the grand, and the result is now available to all in the form of Chroma - Upright Piano.
The library promises to deliver an authentic reproduction of the instrument’s distinct sound, with 27 dynamic layers helping to provide a realistic and responsive playing experience, and a variety of mic positions capturing not just the strings themselves, but mechanical noise from the pedals and action. The resonance from its soundboard is said to make it particularly well suited to intimate, expressive music, while still being versatile enough to tackle everything from dynamic cinematic scores to contemporary rock and pop tracks.
Sonuscore have also captured some unusual playing techniques, with the library’s articulations adding to the standard sounds with the likes of felt notes and palm mutes, as well as more hands-on offerings such as plucked strings, flageolets and bowed notes. Keen sound designers will enjoy the wealth of customisation options, with pitch and tuning controls and advanced mic mixing options joined by a range of built-in effects processors.
Check out the demonstration video below to hear Chroma - Upright Piano in action.
Compatibility
Chroma - Upright Piano runs in Native Instruments’ free Kontakt Player, the latest version of which is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or 11, and Macs running macOS 10.15 and above. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Chroma - Upright Piano is available now, and is currently being offered for an introductory price of $€109 reduced from its full cost of $€149) for the first two weeks following its release (25 June 2024). During the same period, those who already own Chroma - Grand Piano can crossgrade for $€99, and both are available as a bundle costing $€199 (or $€239 once the introductory offer has ended).
