The Maverick vs Pearl Concert Grand

The fundamental difference between these two grand piano virtual instruments lies in their sonic character and the underlying source instruments and sampling depth. The Maverick aims for a distinctive, character-rich sound derived from a vintage Bechstein Model A, emphasizing its "imperfectly expressive" nature, while the Pearl Concert Grand focuses on a clean, balanced, and versatile tone from a Yamaha C7.

This leads to specific technical distinctions: The Maverick utilizes 18 velocity layers and 2,500 samples across a 14 GB library to capture its unique personality, including separate resonance and noise samples. In contrast, the Pearl Concert Grand features 8 velocity layers, more extensive sampling with 14,000 samples, a larger 40 GB library, and critically, four adjustable mic positions for greater tonal flexibility and control over the acoustic space.

Choose The Maverick if you prioritize a vintage, characterful piano sound with individual key nuances for pop or jazz, accepting its inherent "imperfection." Choose the Pearl Concert Grand if you require a pristine, versatile, and balanced grand piano suitable for film scoring and classical works, benefiting from its deep sampling and multi-microphone perspective.

Products Compared

• The Maverick
• Pearl Concert Grand

Insights from Real-World Use

The Maverick

• I am a pianist and have been playing for over 15 years. The pianos in Native Instruments (The maverick, Noire, Grandeur, the gentleman) sound a bit off from the...
• The dying string sound elevates The Maverick from a recording to a living instrument.
• The Maverick offers a soft, romantic, and chill sound, not booming notes.
• The Maverick is a great instrument that feels real and authentic, despite its appearance.
• The Maverick is a great, versatile piano excelling at emotional, vintage piano sounds.

Pearl Concert Grand

• Wouldn’t believe it if you didn’t compare them side to side, but I definitely can hear more detail into Pearl Grand Piano samples than Keyscape ones! I’m so glad I purchased Pearl and not Keyscape, it
• The Pearl Concert Grand has a lot more resonance compared to Cinematic Studio Piano, and sounds more alive & 3D to me
• The Pearl Concert Grand has a lot more resonance compared to Cinematic Studio Piano, and sounds more alive & 3D to me
• GREAT pedal handling, the best one, but totally dull sound with zero hardness / brightness or dynamic control for the classical and jazz pianists out there...
• lower C.D.E.F.G samples really unclean and too hard.