Synchron Fazioli 308 vs Ivory 3 American Concert D

The primary distinction between these two premium grand piano VSTs lies in their underlying sound generation technology. The VSL Synchron Fazioli 308 is solely sample-based, meticulously capturing a Fazioli F308 concert grand with 100 velocity layers and 7 mic positions for extensive timbral variations. In contrast, the Synthogy Ivory 3 American Concert D employs a hybrid approach, combining sampling of a vintage 1951 Steinway Model D with modeling through its Real-time Gradient Blending (RGB) Engine.

This technological difference impacts their performance characteristics. The Fazioli 308 leverages its extensive sample count (165,060 samples) and numerous microphone perspectives to deliver a fixed, high-fidelity representation of its source instrument, renowned for its warm, bright, and clean character. The Ivory 3, with its hybrid engine, aims for "Continuous Velocity," suggesting a more fluid and continuous transition in timbre across dynamic ranges, potentially offering a different expressive control than a discrete sample-layered approach.

For users seeking the exact, pristine sound of a specific, large modern concert grand captured with extensive microphone options, the VSL Synchron Fazioli 308, with its 46 GB library, is a direct emulation choice. Conversely, composers prioritizing seamless velocity-to-timbre response and the unique characteristics of a vintage Steinway articulated through a hybrid engine, the 38 GB Ivory 3 American Concert D offers an alternative approach to realism.

Products Compared

• Synchron Fazioli 308
• Ivory 3 American Concert D

Insights from Real-World Use

Synchron Fazioli 308

• Loves the precise clarity of the Fazioli 308, attributing it to strong fundamentals.
• Fazioli 308 is the favorite grand piano to play in the Synchron Pianos lineup.
• The Fazioli 308 achieves pinnacle status in Synchron Piano lineup for tonal evenness, meticulous sampling, and full dynamic range.
• The Fazioli 308 leaves no wish unfulfilled and possesses special, unique qualities.
• The Synchron Fazioli 308 makes the user sound better and is very easy to play, almost anticipating actions.

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.