Ivory 3 German D vs Hans Zimmer Piano

Ivory 3 German D and Hans Zimmer Piano both feature sampled Steinway Model D grand pianos but diverge significantly in their underlying technology and sonic presentation. Ivory 3 utilizes a hybrid RGB Engine, which aims to combine the expressive behavior of piano modeling with the realism of digital sampling, creating a clean and balanced acoustic character. In contrast, Hans Zimmer Piano is purely sample-based, focusing on an expansive capture of a single instrument with an emphasis on detailed microphone placements and unique performance articulations.

The core technical difference lies in their approach to sound generation and depth. Ivory 3 German D provides four microphone positions within a 42 GB library, prioritizing a natural and modern tone suitable for classical or film scoring, with its unique engine acting like a modeling instrument. Hans Zimmer Piano, conversely, boasts an exceptionally large 211.2 GB library containing 88,352 samples across a remarkable 16 mic positions, recorded through a complex signal chain involving over 60 microphones. This allows for a warmer, more intimate, and dramatic character, further enhanced by experimental techniques like zither-like plucks and timpani-stick string hits.

Therefore, choose Ivory 3 German D if you prioritize a clean, balanced Steinway D sound with a hybrid engine offering the playability benefits of modeling combined with sampling realism. Opt for Hans Zimmer Piano if you require an exceptionally deep, detailed, and dramatically flavored Steinway D designed for film scoring and orchestral integration, with a vast array of mic options and unconventional articulations.

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.

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.

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