Having said that, the VLabs American is indeed a very decent virtual piano. The Ravenscroft has it as well, by the way, but it doesn't bother me as much there as it does in the American. It's all barely noticeable (and you certainly won't hear it in a mix), but every time I work with this instrument, there comes a moment when I hear it. Where I disagree with Jesse is that, to my ears, the American has a few unfortunate problems: certain (small but noticeable) inconsistencies in the 'weight' of the dynamics - lower velocities sometimes producing a bigger sound than higher velocities - and there's also something going on in that piano which sounds to me as if there are filters at work, resulting in a sound that occasionally even seems to suffer from phase issues. I agree with Jesse that this perspective doesn't show the American from its best side, but at least this example gives you a good idea what the 'Close Mic' sounds like.
Not something I like the sound of, but it does make the sound even dryer than the 'Close' already is.)Īnd to compare: here's the same bit, rendered with the (VLabs American Close Mic). No? (If you feel the default 'Close' setting isn't close enough, you can increase the perceived closeness by lowering the level of the releases a bit. (Mostly staccato stuff across the entire dynamic range and up and down the keyboard, to give you a good idea of its spatial characteristics.) Sounds pretty close and dry to me. You think so, Nicoroy? Here's a little example of the (VLabs Ravenscroft Close Mic). The American is a quality piano library and very good to have in your collection no matter what. The other 2 are okay but I don't think I could recommend either. If you were gonna just go for one I would hands down recommend the American. Also mixing the player position mics with a little side mic creates even a little more body and warmth.
However the player position mics sound amazing! They still sound very close, warm and intimate but you can feel the life and dynamics of the piano. I actually think it feels a little too close and comes across a little lifeless and sterile sounding. The funny thing is I don't actually like how they close mic'ed the American haha. Now in regards to the close mics on the American. The Italian is also very versatile but I think you can find similar sounding libraries and in my opinion probably better than it - such as Ivory II American Concert D (which is also a top 5 piano library for me). I think the Ravenscroft really shines with jazz and blues styles, however, that is not really my preferred style so I don't really play it often. I guess it has a lot to do with the particular style and sound you are after. I also much prefer it to the Ravenscroft. The American is by far my favorite of the 3 True Keys.
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