I have a Casio Privia PX-800 and the PSR-S900. Neither piano sound excites me. Now I do have a sounblaster soundcard that I don't use.

I don't think I need to spend $300 for a grand piano sample. What should I do?


Beakybird

Hi BB,
While you're waiting for replies you could try downloading this piano user voice for the S900 if you don't already have it.
It starts off as a bright piano, but you can tailor it mellow to taste by pushing the mod wheel forward.

Sorry didn't give the link
http://www.box.net/shared/2pcmjx3zij


John

[This message has been edited by jwyvern (edited 03-05-2009).]

Beaky.., have you tried adjusting any of the synth parameters on your S900? The default piano isn't going to suit everyone.., but often minute adjustments to the filters, velocity settings, and even EQ'ing can prove to be very effective in getting a better piano sound.

If you're looking for a piano sample (softsynth) for less than $100.., in that price range I say save yourself the money and just tweek the onboard piano patch. The tools are already there in your keyboard. The PSR's can produce some very nice pianos with basic synth edits.

Let the other S900 owners here know what you're looking for in that piano patch..., if you're not into editing.., I'm sure there's an owner or two here that can help you tweek that patch to your liking.



[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 03-05-2009).]

Pianissimo...
surprised that Fran has not jumped in yet, he posted first about it.
http://www.acoustica.com/pianissimo/buy.asp

or a "used" Edirol HQ Orchestral, which i prefer. May not work on Vista, but I think Fran has found a way.

Your main problem is the latency the soundblaster card will induce on anything played through it...

This will result in, even if you COULD find a great softpiano at under $100 (I have my doubts), a loss of 'feel' and a sense of disconnectedness with the sound. Latency is a groove killer. If you can't get down to about 2-3ms total latency (which is about hardware levels), you lose the sense that you are actually 'playing', and start to feel like you are unconnected with the sound.

Squeak's right, just look at the post just above his (Post No.2)

John

Diki's right about that latency issue. I had the exact same problem. Just the slightest latency can make you feel disconnected. I was using my Novation Xio synth to control one of the softsynths that came with it.., and UGGGHH the latency using that soundblaster was terrible.

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 03-05-2009).]

http://www.acoustica.com/pianissimo/buy.asp


Easily the beat value...

Yes, I used XP compatible and Orchestral loaded fine...

Modart Pianoteq has got to be the smallest in size & THE BEST PIANO ,

only 20MB sounding like GB of the big DVD sample libraries

version 3 ROCKS, but it does cost more... http://www.pianoteq.com/

check out the demos on right side of website