True Keys: Italian Grand vs True Keys German Grand

The fundamental difference between these two VI Labs True Keys instruments lies in their source pianos and associated characteristics. True Keys: Italian Grand is a deeply sampled Fazioli F308 10-foot concert grand, while True Keys German Grand is derived from a Bechstein semi-concert grand. Both are sampled grand pianos, but originate from distinct regional manufacturing traditions and specific instrument models.

Sonically, the Italian Grand emphasizes a clean, modern, and balanced tone, further enhanced by its 19 velocity layers and four distinct mic positions, offering more spatial flexibility. It also includes specific enhancements like real sympathetic resonance samples, thousands of detailed release samples including true staccato trails, and discreet soft pedal sustain samples. The German Grand, while also clean and balanced, does not specify these granular sampling details or provide as many mic positions, and its library size is notably smaller at 1.93 GB compared to the Italian Grand's 2.93 GB, suggesting a less extensive sampling depth in certain aspects.

Choose True Keys: Italian Grand if you require a highly detailed and flexible sampled Fazioli F308 with extensive velocity layers, multiple mic positions, and advanced resonance and release sample modeling. Choose True Keys German Grand if you prioritize the distinct character of a Bechstein semi-concert grand and its more modest library footprint.

Products Compared

Insights from Real-World Use

True Keys: Italian Grand

  • I have the True Keys set and like the Italian the most. I think the German is darker and may give you that softer vibe if you watch the velocities. The Ivory sounded more mono to me. In fact, I have t
  • I just like the TrueKeys a bit more. With American, German and Italian, I have a lot of choices. If you use pianos in different tracks, Ivory or True Keys is a good base.
  • I kind of like the sound of the Italian TrueKeys, oddly enough maybe even better than the Ravenscroft sound, so I might consider that one to buy. ... this Gamma classical pianist guy says that it's go
  • Although I usually prefer a bit of a mellower tone, the True Keys is miles ahead in this comparison. It's the releases that does it for me. VI Labs has the best release scripting on the market, and yo
  • First the sound: nice enough, but not what I expected as I've heard from various classic recordings. To me it sounded more like a Yamaha CFX. And there are a few keys that sound unbearably foggy in th

True Keys German Grand

  • Overall verdict: value for size/price, playability praised, sound quality not highest tier
  • Dynamic response at loud volumes, perceived confinement, lack of life
  • A great sample library, like the Fazioli, sounds beautiful dry without effects.
  • EQ suggestion (boost highs), velocity mapping adjustment, practical workaround for dynamic softness
  • Model type/size (semi-concert, 7.5 ft), advertised tonal character (soft lyrical, confined), planned performance test

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