CFX LITE vs Ivory 3 LE Uprights

The fundamental distinction between these two piano VSTs lies in their instrument type and sound engine. CFX Lite by Garritan is a sampled grand piano derived from a Yamaha CFX, whereas Ivory 3 LE Uprights by Synthogy offers a collection of upright pianos utilizing a hybrid engine, including a Yamaha U5 and a vintage 1914 Hume.

Sonically, CFX Lite presents a bright, clean, and modern grand piano character with a single microphone position and a 22 GB library, emphasizing realism through features like re-pedaling and partial pedaling. It also uniquely includes 22 reverb impulses from Abbey Road Studio One and a 'Timbre Effect' for pitch-corrected timbre alteration. In contrast, Ivory 3 LE Uprights, with its 12 GB library, is characterized by a warm, natural, and characterful tone across its upright variants, designed for pop and songwriting, suggesting a different acoustic emphasis.

Therefore, users seeking a modern, bright grand piano sound with advanced pedaling realism and unique timbre manipulation, particularly for classical or jazz recording, should consider CFX Lite. Conversely, those preferring the warmer, characterful sound of an upright piano for songwriting or pop productions, and benefiting from a hybrid engine and multiple upright models, would find Ivory 3 LE Uprights more suitable.

Products Compared

Insights from Real-World Use

CFX LITE

  • I decided to purchase the Garritan CFX Lite last night. It is currently $59.95 on Sweetwater. So far, I'm incredibly pleased with how it plays and sounds.
  • I have the lite version and just upgraded to the full version. The difference is worth it I think, but it is not earth-shaking.
  • I also have the Garritan CFX lite also. Price was great and it's a nice sounding VST. Maybe down the line, I'll upgrade to the full version because it does sound better with the "ambient mics" that co
  • My second go-to is Garritan CFX. They also have a lite version which sounds ... Also, while i love it's sound, it's worth mentioning that the CFX Lite.
  • The better VSTs (here VI Modern D and Garritan CFX Lite, demoed also VSL) sound more piano-like but less "polished". I think if you're ok with the key…

Ivory 3 LE Uprights

  • Highlighting the character and 'heart' of the vintage Ivory 3 LE Uprights sound.
  • The Modern U is very nice. The difference here is that the Ivory 3 LE uprights have a single stereo mic pair. Ivory3 uses their new engine which gives you so much under the hood control of the sound.
  • Appreciating the unique 'something' in the 'Smoky' preset.
  • Appreciating the lively and responsive velocity layers of Ivory 3 LE Uprights.
  • CraigNZ I'm looking forward to your update review of this Ivory upright... I got the full set of four Synthogy uprights for something like $35 from...

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