CFX LITE by Garritan

by Garritan · $79.95

Overview

The CFX Lite is a subset of the CFX Concert Grand that retains all of the expressive detail of the original by providing the full power of the Close Classic mic perspective.

Key Features

  • Timbre effect
  • Corrects pitch using higher/lower samples
  • Reverb
  • 22 reverb impulses
  • Samples from Abbey Road Studio One
  • Re-Pedaling
  • Continuous sustain pedal control
  • Variable dampening amount
  • Tonal color control

Technical Specifications

Library Size
22 GB GB
Velocity Layers
20 Layers
Mic Positions
2
Presets
Dozens of presets
Plugin Formats
AAX, VST, AU
Standalone
Yes
Timbre Effect
simulates the change in timbre produced when instruments are played back at a different speed than they were recorded at
Additional convolution impulse responses
including outboard reverbs from Abbey Road Studios
Partial pedaling
requires continuous pedal controller

Ideal Use Cases

  • Film composers needing a high-quality, expressive grand piano for dramatic scoring without needing multiple mic positions.
  • Music students and educators requiring a realistic piano sound for practice and instructional purposes.
  • Songwriters and arrangers looking to quickly sketch out ideas with an authentic acoustic piano sound.
  • Game audio designers creating immersive soundscapes that require a versatile and responsive piano.
  • Home studio producers seeking a professional-grade piano for diverse projects without a complex setup.
  • Live stream performers wanting a reliable and nuanced piano sound for their online performances.

Insights from Real-World Use

Strengths

  • VERY good
  • incredibly pleased with how it plays and sounds
  • nice sounding VST

Tone: too bright, nice sounding, sound better

Review Snippets

  • I decided to purchase the Garritan CFX Lite last night. It is currently $59.95 on Sweetwater. So far, I'm incredibly pleased with how it plays and sounds.
  • I have the lite version and just upgraded to the full version. The difference is worth it I think, but it is not earth-shaking.
  • I also have the Garritan CFX lite also. Price was great and it's a nice sounding VST. Maybe down the line, I'll upgrade to the full version because it does sound better with the "ambient mics" that completes the full color of the CFX.
  • My second go-to is Garritan CFX. They also have a lite version which sounds ... Also, while i love it's sound, it's worth mentioning that the CFX Lite.
  • The better VSTs (here VI Modern D and Garritan CFX Lite, demoed also VSL) sound more piano-like but less "polished". I think if you're ok with the key…
  • Garritan CFX Lite (the lite version) is VERY good, and it's cheaper to buy ...
  • Got VI Labs Modern D, which is popular with many these days, and Garritan CFX Lite, also demoed VSL Synchron pianos, none works for me as a "normal" VST though.
  • Hi David. I don't have anymore Garritan installed in my computer (VSL takes a lot of SDD real estate), but quickly installed CFX Lite and you are correct.
  • Garritan (which is based on SFZ/Aria), VI Labs, and VSL all have ... I bought Garritan CFX lite, then full. It sounded too bright (which I later…
  • So good piano libs I own are Ravenscroft 275, Garritan CFX, and Simple Sam Signature Grand... Have Garritan CFX Lite and likely going to Full, as recent advices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What host or player is required to use this plugin?
This plugin does not require a separate host or player; it runs standalone by the ARIA Player.
Is the CFX LITE a sampled or modeled piano?
The CFX LITE is a sampled piano, offering 20 velocity layers to capture expressive detail.
What is the library size of the CFX LITE?
The library size of the CFX LITE is 22 GB.
What are the key features of the CFX LITE?
Key features include Half Pedal, Repedal/Catch, continuous sustain pedal control, tonal color control, and a timbre effect that simulates changes in timbre at different playback speeds.
Which platforms are supported by the CFX LITE?
The CFX LITE supports Windows (8.1 or later, 64-bit) and macOS (10.12 and up).
What genres is CFX LITE best suited for?
The CFX LITE is ideal for classical, jazz, pop, rock, film/scoring, and contemporary genres.
How many mic positions are available?
There is one mic position, the Close Classic, which retains the expressive detail of the original CFX Concert Grand.