Ivory 3 American Concert D vs Hans Zimmer Piano

The fundamental difference between these two premium Steinway D grand piano VSTs lies in their engine technology and sampling approach. Hans Zimmer Piano utilizes a purely sample-based engine, meticulously capturing a vast array of samples and mic positions, while Ivory 3 American Concert D employs a hybrid engine that combines sampling with physical modeling for its core sound generation.

Hans Zimmer Piano distinguishes itself with its extensive 211.2 GB library size, 88,352 samples, and the unique recording setup involving 60 microphones and specialized pre-amps, offering a dramatic and intimate character with diverse playing techniques beyond standard notes. In contrast, Ivory 3 American Concert D, with its 38 GB library and four mic positions, features a "Continuous Velocity" system and a Real-time Gradient Blending (RGB) Engine, aiming for hyper-realistic and seamless velocity-to-timbre transitions derived from a specific vintage 1951 Steinway D (CD 121).

Choose Hans Zimmer Piano if your priority is an extremely deep, cinematic, and sampled sound with unique articulations often used in film scoring and orchestral integration. Opt for Ivory 3 American Concert D if you seek a clean, balanced, and natural piano sound, valuing the advanced hybrid engine's continuous velocity for nuanced expressive performance, particularly for recording and classical repertoire.

Products Compared

• Ivory 3 American Concert D
• Hans Zimmer Piano

Insights from Real-World Use

Ivory 3 American Concert D

• Each piano has a unique tone signature, suitable for different songs.
• I listened to the review twice and what my uneducated ears heard was Ivory 3 sounding a bit more airy with ambiance baked in. The piano seems a bit more open.
• It sounds slightly hollow in the mid highs. It’s missing some weight that makes it sound really static.
• American D is brighter (halfway to a Yamaha), while German one is darker.
• I listened to the review twice and what my uneducated ears heard was Ivory 3 sounding a bit more airy with ambiance baked in. The piano seems a bit more open.

Hans Zimmer Piano

• I bought this Hans Zimmer piano because of this video but it is a regret of mine. I would rather get The Giant now if I could go back... This Piano is very bad. Even Hans Zimmer himself reviewed this
• Hans Zimmer Piano has depth, weight, high end, and remains controlled even when pushed, unlike others.
• Hans Zimmer Piano is the 'Getty Veyron of piano' and great to play.
• It's pretty realistic tbh. So far we're loving it!
• I don’t know why but this piano sounds like it lacks bass. It seems to work well in the orchestral setting though.