VI Labs True Keys Pianos

What Is True Keys

True Keys is a Piano Virtual Instrument. It was created by recording nearly 50,000 audio files using some of the best microphones and recording equipment available today. Then, the audio files are matched to their corresponding piano, note, microphone position and velocity to build an electronic version of the piano. Next, the audio files are loaded into a software playback device called an engine that runs on a sophisticated scripting language to mimic the natural sound and playability of a real piano.

Traditional keyboards that have piano sounds built-in are typically built from modeling or by using samples. Models are mathematical representations of sound much like a synthesizer. A modeled piano is essentially a very large math equation used to mimic the sound of a piano. Samples are based on real recordings of an instrument.  True Keys is built using real audio samples in every aspect of the software.  From the individual microphone positions to the samples sympathetic resonance.  Everything you hear is real.

Three Pianos We sampled 3 of the most popular grand pianos in the world for True Keys. We chose the pianos for this collection based on their craftsmanship and general tonality to ensure a wide array of tones between the library. From the pronounced low end and bombastic sound of the Italian Grand to the sweet and subtle nuances in the American Grand and everything in between we designed True Keys Pianos to be a versatile asset in your recording studio or for your live performance. A Virtual Studio Three phase-aligned microphone setups, plus a stereo mixdown of all three offer a wide variation of tonal colors from each piano. The Sideposition is mono and mid-side compatible.   Resonance The sympathetic resonances within a real piano are what bind the sound together to make the sound rich and full. Unlike other sampled and digital pianos, True Keys uses real samples for both sympathetic and sustain pedal resonance.   Una Corda True una corda sustain and release samples give the soft pedal more realism. Use a soft pedal, or simply switch on the una corda from the interface, and experience the warm variation in tone with these samples. Staccato Release samples are carefully recorded and voiced for each key and are numerous and timed for the utmost realism. Most noticeable is having true staccato release trails that make staccato playing more enjoyable and realistic. Listen to the energy of a long bass string as it's dampened as well as the ringing trails of treble notes. Along with resonances, the release trails give body and depth to the real pianos. Half Pedal No part of the sound in True Keys is modeled or synthesized in any way, nor is the half pedal feature. When the sustain pedal is held near a user-defined halfway point the effect known as half pedaling can be heard.   MIDI You have full control over the response of the library. From the minimum velocity to the velocity curve or the dynamics, you have all the tools to match your keyboard response and your taste. Engine When we started developing True Keys, sampling technology was adequate in many ways, but not perfect. Our first goal was to find a technology partner that shared our obsession with quality and detail. After searching we began working with a company based out of France called UVI. They are the company behind many popular sound products such as Mach 5 by MOTU. And True Keys now uses this engine and the free player that we provide: the UVI Workstation. Copy Protection Our products are protected with an iLok Security dongle. Visit our support page for step by step instructions on how to activate your iLok for use with True Keys.  Specifications/Requirements

• 50000 Samples 
• Mac OSX 10.5 (intel) or greater or Windows XP SP2 or Higher
• Minimum system requirements: Intel Core 2 Duo System or equivalent,
• 2GB of RAM required–-4GB or more suggested
• 64 GB of free disk space required for all three pianos
• Supports RTAS, VST, and AU Plug-in formats
• Tone Control & Convolution Reverb built-in
• Standalone or plug-in operation modes
• Full mix control of 3 stereo mic pairs and a fully mixed setting.
• Full samples, no loops
• iLok Required