Synchron Yamaha CFX vs CFX Concert Grand

The fundamental difference between these two virtual instruments lies in their recording environments and the resulting sonic characteristics. The Synchron Yamaha CFX from VSL was captured on Vienna Synchron Stage A, while the Garritan CFX Concert Grand was recorded in Abbey Road Studio One. This studio choice significantly influences the inherent acoustic properties of each library.

Technically, the Synchron Yamaha CFX offers a granular approach with 100 velocity layers and 7 mic positions across 35 GB of samples, allowing for detailed shaping of its bright, clean, and modern tone. In contrast, the Garritan CFX Concert Grand, while also exhibiting a bright and balanced character, boasts a substantially larger 133 GB library, suggesting a different sampling philosophy to achieve its fidelity, though specific mic positions or velocity layers are not detailed.

Choose the Synchron Yamaha CFX if a detailed, multi-mic perspective and flexible sonic shaping in a concert hall acoustic are paramount for your classical, film scoring, or pop productions. Choose the Garritan CFX Concert Grand if you prioritize the unique and renowned acoustic signature of Abbey Road Studio One, paired with an exceptionally large sample pool, for recording, film scoring, or classical applications demanding that specific studio ambience.

Products Compared

Insights from Real-World Use

Synchron Yamaha CFX

  • Synchron pianos are high definition with thousands of samples and incredible velocity and mic positions.
  • I thought the VSL CFX would be my least favorite of the VSLs. Now that I've bought it, it may actually be my favorite. The CFX was the last VSL piano I acquired, figuring I was covered by the Garritan
  • Before the velocity RE-mapping and the velocity curve editor it was weird but now it's a fine instrument. It's only about preference rn - I don't like how they voiced their steinway. It's aggressive a
  • The Synchron Yamaha CFX stands out with its signature edge and beautiful brightness compared to others.
  • Describes the Synchron Yamaha CFX as an intense, complex, and extraordinarily visceral musical experience.

CFX Concert Grand

  • IMHO, the sound quality of VSL is way above Garritan. At least when I tested them with my Hifiman Sundara headphones. Yesterday I played for 30 minutes using Garritan until my ear got used to it, and
  • All I can say is this: after extensive research a year or so ago, I found lots of people talking about Ravenscroft, and once I listened to the examples on their site I decided to buy it, and still gla
  • The CFX Concert Grand is worth it, feels great, is well-priced, well-done, and highly recommended.
  • The CFX Concert Grand is an awesome library, ranking among the top three with Keyscape and Pianoteq, perfectly excelling in its category.
  • The CFX Concert Grand is recommended for its authentic recording, making it ideal for piano lessons or college courses.