Synchron Yamaha CFX vs Ivory 3 American Concert D

The fundamental difference between these two premium grand piano VSTs lies in their underlying sound generation technology and the source instrument they emulate. The Synchron Yamaha CFX is a purely sampled instrument capturing a modern Yamaha CFX grand, while Ivory 3 American Concert D employs a hybrid engine combining sampling with modeling to recreate a vintage 1951 Steinway Model D.

Sonically, the Synchron Yamaha CFX offers a bright, clean, and modern tone with 100 velocity layers and seven mic positions, providing extensive expressive range and recording flexibility. In contrast, Ivory 3 American Concert D, with its Real-time Gradient Blending (RGB) Engine and "Continuous Velocity" feature, aims for seamless velocity-to-timbre transitions on a vintage Steinway, using four mic positions to capture its natural and balanced character.

Choose the Synchron Yamaha CFX if you require the pristine, detailed sound of a contemporary Japanese grand piano captured with a high number of velocity layers and microphone options. Choose Ivory 3 American Concert D if you prioritize the unique character of a classic American Steinway grand, enhanced by an advanced hybrid engine for extremely smooth velocity response.

Products Compared

• Synchron Yamaha CFX
• Ivory 3 American Concert D

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.

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.