Ivory 3 American Concert D vs Hammersmith Pro

The fundamental distinction between Ivory 3 American Concert D and Hammersmith Pro lies in their underlying piano engine architectures, with Ivory 3 utilizing a hybrid approach and Hammersmith Pro relying purely on sampling. Ivory 3's Real-time Gradient Blending (RGB) Engine combines sampling with modeling, employing a groundbreaking Continuous Velocity feature for fluid, continuous changes in timbre across all velocities. Hammersmith Pro, in contrast, meticulously captures 21 distinct velocity layers per note through sampling, both with the sustain pedal up and down.

Regarding the source instruments, Ivory 3 meticulously samples a specific vintage 1951 New York Steinway Model D (CD 121), carefully chosen by Steinway & Sons for its historical significance and character. Hammersmith Pro samples a Steinway Model D, notable for being retro-fitted with a rare MIDI self-play system, and was recorded in the acoustically renowned British Grove Studios with 6 microphone positions, two more than Ivory 3's four. This results in Hammersmith Pro having a significantly larger sample count of over 30,000.

Choose Ivory 3 American Concert D if you prioritize the nuanced, continuous timbral shifts offered by its hybrid engine and desire the sound of a historically significant Steinway D. Choose Hammersmith Pro if you prefer the extensive detail of 21 discrete velocity layers and require the broader sonic palette provided by more microphone positions, captured in a prestigious studio environment.

Products Compared

• Ivory 3 American Concert D
• Hammersmith Pro

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.

Hammersmith Pro

• The 21 velocity layers and sound capture are excellent, indicating a well-crafted library.
• The piano offers nice responsiveness, dynamic range, and playability due to 21 velocity layers.
• The piano has a nice sparkle and sounds good even without effects.
• I have downloaded the free version and am very impressed. I have added the full version to my "wish list of purchases". It is currently sitting right next to Pianoteq V7. I try to keep my piano librar
• Overload on my PC. Especially when playing this instruments inside Daw while we recording the screen.