Synchron Bösendorfer Imperial vs Modern D

The fundamental difference between these two VSTs lies in their source instruments: the Synchron Bösendorfer Imperial is sampled from a Bösendorfer 290 Imperial, known for its extended bass notes and warm, dramatic character, while Modern D captures a Steinway Model D, offering a clean, modern, and balanced tone. This distinction accounts for their differing sonic palettes and the specific details they emphasize.

Technically, Synchron Bösendorfer Imperial offers 101 velocity layers and 10 mic positions, resulting in a larger library size of 42 GB with 20,000 samples. In contrast, Modern D features 34,615 samples, but with 5 mic positions and a smaller library size of 18 GB. Modern D also specifically highlights its "Natural Response method" for dynamic range, 2,500 release trails per mic, and distinct samples for Una Corda, Muted Strikes, Half Pedal, Silent Strikes, along with pedal and key noises.

Choose Synchron Bösendorfer Imperial if you prioritize a deeply sampled Bösendorfer grand with extensive mic options and a warm, dramatic sound profile, particularly for film scoring or classical pieces requiring its distinct resonance. Choose Modern D if you seek a meticulously detailed Steinway Model D, emphasizing realistic performance nuances through its high sample count and dedicated samples for various playing techniques and mechanical noises, suited for a clean, modern sound in recording.

Products Compared

Insights from Real-World Use

Synchron Bösendorfer Imperial

  • Great great instrument, this video and composition shows the power of the bosendorfers imperial by vsl. Who could possibly think that one day we can olay the real instruments through our computers? Th
  • This new piano is bittersweet for me. I have had the Synchron Steinway D-274 for almost a year now and have become increasingly dissatisfied with its frequency imbalance – 7-10K is ear-piercing, espec
  • The piano is extremely versatile, with the best sound quality I've experienced.
  • Velocity curve adds bigger, bolder sound while retaining soft, delicate, warm qualities.
  • Unique 'two sus' feature adds realism and authenticity, feels like an acoustic piano.

Modern D

  • The Claire had a nice upper range, but it really felt dead in the lower mid range. The Modern D sings throughout all the registers. IMO, it's the best virtual piano on the market today.
  • I just picked up the Steinway D, I must say, I was veeery hesitant. I own some other vilabs pianos, The Ravenscroft among them, and feel like those instruments did not live up to their hype. That said
  • I purchased it today after listening to this excellent demo. It sounds pretty realistic and may work better in my pop-rock tracks than Ivory American D or the Keyscape C7 I've been using. I had to bri
  • It sounds very nice, but (to my ear) not as good as my custom C. Bechstein DG preset on Pianoteq, so... for now, I'll keep my wallet in my pocket.
  • Modern D's playability is awesome and better than Garritan CFX and Fazioli.

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