Pianoteq

Pianoteq is physical modeling software for pianos and other keyboard instruments. It generates sound in real-time using mathematical algorithms that simulate the physical behavior of real instruments, without relying on recorded audio samples. Physical modeling technology reproduces the complex interactions between the parts of an instrument, such as the strings, hammers, and soundboard.

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• Physical modeling of acoustic pianos. Pianoteq's primary function is piano sound synthesis through physical modeling. The algorithms calculate in real-time the vibrations of the strings, the impact of the hammers, the damping of the dampers, and the resonances of the soundboard. This method provides total control over the physical parameters of the sound, allowing modifications to aspects such as the hardness of the hammer felt, the length of the strings, or the position of the lid.
• Historical and ethnic instruments. The software includes models of historical instruments such as clavichords, harpsichords, and fortepianos, as well as ethnic instruments like the cimbalom. Each model is based on the specific physics of that instrument, which makes it possible to recreate its authentic sound and performance characteristics, including register mechanisms and particular sounds that no longer exist on modern instruments.
• Electric and grand pianos. Pianoteq models electric pianos like the Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and Hohner Electra Piano. The simulation includes the tines, magnets, and amplification circuits characteristic of these instruments. For grand pianos, the modeling reproduces the construction differences between brands such as Steinway, Bösendorfer, Bechstein, and Petrof.
• Detailed physical adjustment parameters. Users can modify more than 30 physical parameters of the instrument. These include string tension, soundboard size, hammer position, string material, and felt properties. The changes affect the sound non-linearly, mimicking the modifications that would be made to a real physical instrument.
• Complex resonance system. The sound engine calculates multiple types of resonances: sympathetic resonances between strings, full-body resonances, pedal resonances, and longitudinal resonances. These interactions occur in real-time as notes are played, creating an organic and coherent sonic behavior that varies with each performance.
• Environmental conditions and wear. The function allows simulating different instrument conditions such as temperature, humidity, and wear from use. It's possible to adjust tuning based on ambient temperature, humidity affecting the wood of the soundboard, and wear on the hammer felt or strings, which impacts the timbre and dynamic response.
• Micro-tuning and historical temperaments. Includes tuning systems and historical temperaments such as meantone, Werckmeister's well-temperament, Kirnberger, and Vallotti. It also allows creating and saving custom temperaments, adjusting the tuning of each note individually, and applying tuning deviations typical of real acoustic pianos.
• Advanced sustain pedal modes. Simulates the real behavior of the sustain pedal with different modes: partial, harmonic, and symbolic. Each mode affects resonances and string damping differently. It also includes modeling of the una corda pedal, which shifts the hammers to strike fewer strings and changes the character of the sound.
• Integrated effects engine. Contains effects processors based on algorithms such as convolutional reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, and parametric equalizer. The reverb uses impulse responses from real rooms and allows adjusting the room size, wall absorption, and virtual microphone position.
• Customizable velocity profiles. Allows creating and adjusting response curves for MIDI keyboard velocity. Users can define how the sound responds to different playing speeds, adapting the software's dynamic behavior to their controller keyboard and particular playing technique.
• Virtual microphone system. Offers the possibility of positioning multiple virtual microphones around the piano in a 3D environment. Each microphone has parameters for polar pattern, distance from the instrument, and pickup angle. This function allows creating stereo or multi-channel mixes for different applications such as solo recording, chamber music, or concert.
• Low bandwidth mode. An optimization feature that reduces CPU consumption while maintaining sound quality. The algorithm dynamically adapts the complexity of the physical modeling based on the processor's capabilities and the required polyphony, allowing its use on systems with limited resources without audio interruptions.
• Audio and MIDI export. Capability to record generated audio in WAV or FLAC formats with quality up to 32-bit/384 kHz. It also allows exporting the MIDI performance along with all modulation and expression parameters, capturing the complete performance for later editing or playback.
• Compatibility with plug-in standards. The software functions as a virtual instrument in VST, VST3, Audio Units, and AAX formats. This compatibility allows its integration into digital audio workstations such as Cubase, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Ableton Live, synchronizing with their transport and automation systems.
• Scripting and advanced automation. Includes a Lua-based scripting system that allows creating custom behaviors and real-time MIDI data transformations. Users can program complex responses to MIDI controls, create custom arpeggiators, or implement conditional logic for parameter modification during performance.

Pianoteq was created by the French company Modartt, founded by engineers and musicians Philippe Guillaume and Julien Pommier. Development began in 2002 with research into physical modeling synthesis applied to struck string instruments. The first commercial version was released in 2006 after four years of research into algorithms of physics applied to sound. The core of the sound engine is programmed in C++ with assembler optimizations for real-time signal processing routines. The initial versions focused on the acoustic piano, later expanding to other keyboard instruments.

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