CFX Concert Grand vs CinePiano

The fundamental difference between CinePiano and CFX Concert Grand lies in their recording environments and foundational instrument choices, which directly influence their sonic signatures and library sizes. CinePiano offers a more flexible sound profile through varied microphone techniques, while CFX Concert Grand focuses on the singular character of a Yamaha CFX piano recorded in a renowned studio.

CinePiano was recorded at the MGM Scoring Stage at Sony Pictures Studios, utilizing vintage Neumann M49 microphones and Neve preamps, providing four distinct piano characters despite its smaller 10 GB library size. In contrast, CFX Concert Grand is a much larger 133 GB library, capturing the specific sonic qualities of a Yamaha CFX grand piano exclusively within the acoustics of Abbey Road Studio One. This difference in source instrument and recording space directly translates into their unique tonal offerings.

Choose CinePiano if you prioritize microphone versatility and multiple sonic characters within a more compact library, ideal for integrating into orchestral scores where the piano needs to cut through. Choose CFX Concert Grand if you desire the meticulously captured, extensive detail of a specific high-end Yamaha piano recorded in an iconic studio, prioritizing that particular instrument's bright, clean, and modern sound.

Products Compared

Insights from Real-World Use

CFX Concert Grand

  • IMHO, the sound quality of VSL is way above Garritan. At least when I tested them with my Hifiman Sundara headphones. Yesterday I played for 30 minutes using Garritan until my ear got used to it, and
  • All I can say is this: after extensive research a year or so ago, I found lots of people talking about Ravenscroft, and once I listened to the examples on their site I decided to buy it, and still gla
  • The CFX Concert Grand is worth it, feels great, is well-priced, well-done, and highly recommended.
  • The CFX Concert Grand is an awesome library, ranking among the top three with Keyscape and Pianoteq, perfectly excelling in its category.
  • The CFX Concert Grand is recommended for its authentic recording, making it ideal for piano lessons or college courses.

CinePiano

  • CinePiano's samples impress with musicality and clarity.
  • Compared to most Piano VST, the upper notes are to the right in the stereo field, to where this piano seems to hang around in the left of the stereo field, or doesn't seem to be consistent in the ster
  • Cinematic Studio Piano and this library are my favourite, the only downsides are out-of-the-box lack of fullnes with CSP and lack of velocities with CP.
  • I have CinePiano and find it to be a very full sounding Steinway, with an appealing hammer attack throughout the range - great for ballads where you want a melody line to sing. The Sony Scoring stage
  • There is an ambiance with these sample libraries that just isn't there with Pianoteq. Generally speaking Pianoteq is much more dry. I like the rich sound of many sample libraries.

Explore PianoVST