REQ: J Chris Griffin Studio Piano Reason RE

INFO:
Studio Piano
- Close, “Jazz”, and Room Signals - Simultaneously!
- Multiple Note, Mechanical, Lift and Pedal Layers
- Vintage And Modern Effects Processors Included

Introduction
So I’m sitting around one day thinking about another product under development, and realize it needs a piano keymap to make it complete. It also becomes clear that I need to go all-in and sample a particular Japanese Grand Piano known for its bright sound and piercing attack when played hard (it’s 7‘6” long if that helps).

I found a great instrument through NYU Dolan studios on West 4th Street here in Manhattan. I’ve been an ajdunct Music Production Professor at NYU (Steinhardt) for over 12 years, so after a few calls and a fresh tuning, I went in for a session. 1500 samples later I had some great sounds to work with.

When I started processing these samples, it became clear there was something special happening. This was far better than simply a ‘piano keymap’ for another product. These sounds deserved a release of their own.
Luckily…
When setting up, I already decided to record more than was needed - a close stereo pair right over the hammers each side of Middle C, and a spread pair in typical NY Jazz position facing the strings from overhead. Then one of the engineers brought out a set of Coles 4038s that worked well, so we set these up in the room and recorded three full positions. Studio Piano is the result. It’s the most realistic acoustic piano VI I’ve ever played. No lie.

Most piano emulations focus on one thing - the “weight” for example - and forget about bite or warmth. I understand why this is, but still hate the way these instruments sound, even if they are best-sellers. I set out to solve this problem and develop a versatile, playable, affordable, authentic instrument that sounds like the ones on records I admire. Why the Rack Extension format and not others? Well, that’s a great story, and there are things brewing here, but Reason is an integrated part of my production workflow and I like the platform.

It’s For Me… And You
As with all of my Rack Extension offerings, I made this for myself first, though I know you will want it too. Try it! Play it! It will play and feel like the acoustic piano you always hoped others would be, especially if you’re a good player. I spent a fair amount of time voicing this instrument for feel and speed; I hope you enjoy the results.”

Product description
Studio Piano is an Acoustic Piano instrument that plays and sounds like you hope it does. Try it out!
3 Signals
It features simultaneous Close, “Jazz” position, and Room signal paths. The SSL Duality console, Pultec (EQP 1A) and Neve (1084) qualizers, and AKG and Coles microphones were used to capture sounds that are indistinguishable from the original instrument. Because it was captured this way, numerous sounds, covering several decades and styles are available. Over 40 factory presets reflect this versatility.

Multiple Velocity Layers
Many velocity levels on each signal path, combined with multi-layer lift, mechanical, and pedal-noise samples allow realism and playability. Over 1,050 24-bit samples make this the ultimate Rack Extension Piano.

Noiseless - Even With Insanity
Extreme attention to detail and a proprietary harmonic-preserving denosing process renders noise and hiss nonexistent - allowing +20 and +30dB treble boosts. Sharp notes will never be noisy again!

Sostenuto and Soft Pedal
Accurate Sostenuto and Soft Pedal implementation, all assignable to the Modwheel if pedals aren’t available.

Global and Individual Tone Controls
Global tone controls are provided along with full parametric equalization on each layer for precise frequency adjustments.

Vintage and Modern Effects
Studio Piano includes a full complement of effects, reminiscent of a well-equipped studio that understands acoustic piano.

Effects include:
- Bus Compression
- Individual Fully-Parametric Equalizers for each of the 3 signal paths
- Convolution Reverb sampled from Chris’ personal outboard equipment
- Vintage stereo and mono Delay
- Lush 4-Voice Chorus
- Vintage Flanger
- Multi-Pole Phaser
- Granular Effects with built-in convolution reverb and delay
- Modern Crunch distortion
- Rotary Speaker

Other Features
- Polyphony adjustment - Modern ARM processors can sustain over 1000 notes simultaneously!
- Individual-Path effect sends.
- Stereo Width controls