Midnight Grand vs Velvet Grand

The fundamental difference between these two grand piano libraries lies in their intended character and recording approach. Midnight Grand prioritizes an intimate, atmospheric sound achieved through a prepared piano technique, whereas Velvet Grand focuses on capturing a pristine, natural rendition of a distinct Steinway model with extensive mic options and dynamic layering.

Midnight Grand's core sonic identity comes from its cotton-muted Steinway Model D, resulting in a refined, textural tone ideal for ambient and film scoring contexts. It includes integrated atmosphere layers for broader sound design. In contrast, Velvet Grand meticulously samples an unprepared Steinway Model B with 7 velocity layers, 5 round-robins, and 5 microphone positions across 25,000 samples, reflecting a robust approach to capturing detail and versatility for traditional piano applications.

Choose Midnight Grand if you require a uniquely muted, ambient, or textural piano sound with integrated atmosphere layers for sound design. Choose Velvet Grand if you need a highly detailed, natural, and balanced Steinway Model B with extensive mic control and dynamic ranges suitable for classical, jazz, or detailed recording projects.

Products Compared

Insights from Real-World Use

Midnight Grand

  • Midnight Grand's Steinway base provides a unique, warm felt piano sound.
  • Midnight Grand's felt-modified Steinway creates beautiful atmospheres and emotions.
  • Midnight Grand is a 'gentle giant,' sounding huge yet tame and very playable.
  • Midnight Grand has stunning character and flexible response.
  • Both pianos are solid, affordable, and playable, making them must-haves for scoring.

Velvet Grand

  • The ribbon mic gives Velvet Grand a nice, velvety sound.
  • Velvet Grand's decay provides good presence and life.
  • Close mic provides essential hammer sound and 'bite' for Velvet Grand.
  • Velvet Grand is great for cinematic but not for cutting through a pop mix.
  • Appreciation for the natural room sound in Velvet Grand recordings.

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