XLN Audio Addictive Keys Studio Grand

The Studio Grand features a classic Steinway Model D concert grand piano. The first choice of many pianists, Steinways are famous for their character and unrivaled sound. The included ExploreMaps offer presets in a variety of styles ranging from open and natural to processed and strange. The variety of sounds makes Studio Grand perfect for both production and stage duties.

Our Studio Grand features a Steinway Model D Concert Grand piano. At 8' 11 3/4" (274cm) in length, this majestic instrument is the overwhelming choice of the world's greatest pianists. More than ten Steinway Grand Pianos were auditioned before finding the one with the most desirable character: a crystal clear and open timbre with a perfectly balanced resonance.

We approached Studio Grand with production in mind. We found that fitting a grand piano in a mix can be hard and often results in a compromise of the sound quality in order to make it fit with the other instruments and vocals. By offering the exact recording setup in Addictive Keys and the option of mixing and matching microphones, Studio Grand is sure to fit nicely into any production style.

Studio Grand was recorded in a large recording studio at the Swedish Broadcasting Corporation. The studio is famous for being extremely quiet and for having a controlled acoustic ambience; for such a large room the reverberation still sounds tight and airy which is a rare combination and the perfect condition for recording a grand piano.

The recordings were done using rare vintage tube and ribbon microphones capturing the instrument at several different perspectives. From close up perspective with microphones next to the soundboard to far away perspective with natural room ambience. The end result is a warm and vibrant sound that goes from intimate to larger-than-life. The microphones used were hand picked from the studios impressive collection.