Ivory 3 German D vs BBC Symphony Orchestra Piano Core

The fundamental difference between these two Steinway Model D virtual pianos lies in their underlying technology and scope. Ivory 3 German D employs a Hybrid Engine featuring a custom RGB Engine that blends modeling techniques with sampled realism, aiming for dynamic expressiveness. In contrast, BBC Symphony Orchestra Piano Core is a purely sampled instrument, focusing on a streamlined recording of a single concert grand.

Further distinguishing them, Ivory 3 German D provides recordings from a German Steinway D with four distinct microphone positions and a substantial 42 GB library size, offering flexibility in sound shaping. BBC Symphony Orchestra Piano Core, while also a Steinway D, is specifically recorded in "concerto position" at Maida Vale Studios with one bespoke mix signal, resulting in a much smaller 2.81 GB library, indicative of a more focused, "ready-to-go" sound.

Choose Ivory 3 German D if you prioritize advanced engine technology for detailed expressiveness, multiple mic perspectives, and a larger, more customizable sound library. Choose BBC Symphony Orchestra Piano Core if you prefer a compact, performance-ready sampled piano captured in a specific acoustic environment, ideal for blending seamlessly into orchestral contexts or when disk space is a consideration.

Products Compared

Insights from Real-World Use

Ivory 3 German D

  • Ivory 3 German D excels in dynamic range, allowing for unrestricted fortissimo, which is its strong suit.
  • The spectral modeling and sampling, especially the tamber shift, make Ivory 3 German D sound nice and covered.
  • Ivory 3 German D's modeling makes playing more musical and expressive.
  • Ivory 3's awesome effects are amazing, offering quality usually found elsewhere.
  • The dynamic range of Ivory 3 German D, from true fortissimo to very soft, is highly appreciated.

BBC Symphony Orchestra Piano Core

  • BBC Symphony Orchestra Piano is a go-to for BBC Symphony Orchestra, saving time on blending and positioning.
  • The Pro version offers an instant cinematic sound, is versatile, stunning, and highly dynamic.
  • The piano library's embedding into the BBC Symphony Orchestra plugin is brilliant, eliminating plugin searching.
  • The free BBC Symphony Orchestra Piano is great value.
  • The real beauty of this piano (and where it excels after 6 months) is its ability to work with BBSCO. Perhaps if you are doing a piano solo without an orchestra then another piano may be in order.

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