Synchron Yamaha CFX vs CinePiano

The most significant distinction between VSL's Synchron Yamaha CFX and CinePiano lies in their source instruments and approach to sonic versatility. The Synchron Yamaha CFX is a dedicated capture of a single, celebrated concert grand, meticulously sampled to preserve its precise, bright, and powerful character, aiming for an authentic representation of that specific piano with extensive velocity layers and mic positions. CinePiano, while also a grand piano, focuses on providing four distinct sonic characters achieved through varied microphone and mixing techniques within a single instrument.

Technically, the Synchron Yamaha CFX offers a much deeper sample library at 35 GB, featuring 100 velocity layers and 7 mic positions, resulting in 119,020 samples for maximum authenticity and liveliness. In contrast, CinePiano, at 10 GB, emphasizes its adaptable "four distinct sonic characters" by using specific microphone choices and placements, including vintage Neumann M49s, recorded at the MGM Scoring Stage for seamless integration with other CineSymphony libraries.

Choose Synchron Yamaha CFX if you require an extremely detailed and nuanced virtual rendition of a specific, high-end Yamaha concert grand, prioritizing the exact sonic integrity of that instrument. Choose CinePiano if you need a versatile grand piano that can easily adapt to different mixing contexts within film scoring, offering varied characters from a single library and designed to integrate well with existing CineSymphony virtual instruments.

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.

CinePiano

  • CinePiano's samples impress with musicality and clarity.
  • Compared to most Piano VST, the upper notes are to the right in the stereo field, to where this piano seems to hang around in the left of the stereo field, or doesn't seem to be consistent in the ster
  • Cinematic Studio Piano and this library are my favourite, the only downsides are out-of-the-box lack of fullnes with CSP and lack of velocities with CP.
  • I have CinePiano and find it to be a very full sounding Steinway, with an appealing hammer attack throughout the range - great for ballads where you want a melody line to sing. The Sony Scoring stage
  • There is an ambiance with these sample libraries that just isn't there with Pianoteq. Generally speaking Pianoteq is much more dry. I like the rich sound of many sample libraries.

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