Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand Review - MusicTech
Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand Review: The Perfect Piano Software?
N/A Introduction
If you are looking for a piano software that can deliver the sound of one of the world's finest pianos, you might want to check out Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand. This software features a carefully sampled Steinway & Sons B-211 grand piano, which is widely considered as the "perfect piano" and often used for professional studio work.
Toontrack.EZkeys.Studio.Grand.v1.0.0.Win.OSX-R2R
In this review, we will take a closer look at what Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand has to offer, including its sound quality, functionality, MIDI library, pros and cons, price and value, and more. We will also compare it to some of its competitors and alternatives in the market. By the end of this review, you will have a better idea of whether Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand is the right piano software for you or not. The Sound of Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand
One of the most important aspects of any piano software is the sound quality. After all, you want to hear a realistic and expressive piano that can inspire your creativity and enhance your music. So, how does Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand sound?
Well, according to Toontrack, they sampled a Steinway & Sons B-211 grand piano, which is widely considered as the "perfect piano" and often used for professional studio work . They recorded it at OAL Studio, Sweden, using only the best of the best in modern and vintage equipment. They also captured the sympathetic resonance based on real samples, which adds to the realism and richness of the sound.
The result is a piano sound that is balanced, powerful, and versatile. It can handle any genre and style, from classical to pop, rock, jazz, blues, and more. It has a full range of dynamics, from soft and delicate to loud and bright. It has a smooth and natural tone, without being muddy or harsh. It sounds great both as a solo instrument and as part of a mix.
But that's not all. Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand also gives you a number of presets that let you tweak the sound further using various effects and parameters. You can adjust the reverb, compression, EQ, chorus, filter, tape saturation, pedal noise, detuning, and more . You can also save your own presets for later use. The presets range from standard and raw to rock, mellow, warm, LA studio, boogie, dusty, and big hall. Each preset has a different character and vibe that can suit different moods and genres.
So, how does Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand compare to other piano software? Well, there are many factors to consider when choosing a piano software, such as your personal preference, budget, system requirements, features, and so on. But based on some user reviews and feedback , here are some possible pros and cons of Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand:
Pros
It sounds very good and realistic.
It is versatile and suitable for any genre.
It is easy to use and customize.
It comes with creative tools and features.
It has an extensive MIDI library.
Cons
It only offers one piano sound.
It is not very cheap.
It does not have a lot of editing options.
It may not be very unique or distinctive.
It may not suit everyone's taste or needs.
Of course, these are just some general opinions and you may have your own views on Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand. The best way to find out if it is right for you is to try it yourself. You can download a free trial version from Toontrack's website and see how it sounds and works for you.
The Functionality of Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand
Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand is not just a piano sound library. It is also a powerful songwriting tool that can help you create and write great music. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you can use Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand to compose, arrange, edit, and perform piano tracks with ease and creativity.
Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand can work as a standalone application or as a plugin in your DAW. You can use it with any MIDI keyboard or even your computer keyboard. You can also drag and drop MIDI files from your DAW or other sources into Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand for further processing or inspiration.
Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand has several creative tools and features that make it stand out from other piano software. Here are some of them:
Song Track
file for further use in your DAW or other applications .
Smart Transpose
The Smart Transpose feature allows you to change the key, chord, or scale of any MIDI file in the Song Track without affecting the original melody or harmony. You can use this feature to experiment with different musical ideas, modulations, or variations. You can also use this feature to match the key of your vocal or other instruments. You can choose from a list of common chords and scales, or create your own custom ones. You can also use the Chord Selector to see the chord names and inversions of any MIDI file .
Chord Wheel
The Chord Wheel is a visual representation of the circle of fifths, which is a musical concept that shows the relationship between different keys and chords. You can use the Chord Wheel to see the chords that belong to a certain key, or to find out the key of a certain chord. You can also use the Chord Wheel to transpose the entire Song Track or a selected part of it to a different key. You can also drag and drop chords from the Chord Wheel into the Song Track to create your own chord progressions .
Browser
The Browser is where you can access the MIDI library that comes with Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand. The MIDI library contains thousands of professionally played piano MIDI files that cover various genres and styles, such as pop, rock, jazz, blues, country, gospel, funk, soul, R&B, and more. You can browse the MIDI files by genre, style, tempo, time signature, or feel. You can also preview the MIDI files by clicking on them. You can then drag and drop the MIDI files into the Song Track to use them as they are or to modify them as you wish .
Details
The Details panel is where you can adjust the sound and performance parameters of Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand. You can tweak the reverb, compression, EQ, chorus, filter, tape saturation, pedal noise, detuning, and more. You can also save your own presets for later use. The Details panel also shows you information about the current preset, such as name, description, author, date, and tags .
The MIDI Library of Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand
As we mentioned earlier, Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand comes with an extensive MIDI library that contains thousands of professionally played piano MIDI files that cover various genres and styles. The MIDI library is one of the main selling points of Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand, as it can help you create and write great music with ease and creativity.
The MIDI library is divided into two categories: EZkeys MIDI and Songwriting MIDI. The EZkeys MIDI category contains MIDI files that are designed for Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand specifically. They are optimized for the sound and features of this software. They are also organized by genre and style .
The Songwriting MIDI category contains MIDI files that are more generic and universal. They are compatible with any piano software or instrument. They are also organized by song parts (intro, verse, chorus, etc.) and song structures (ABABCB, AABA, etc.) .
You can browse the MIDI library by genre, style, tempo, time signature, or feel. You can also preview the MIDI files by clicking on them. You can then drag and drop the MIDI files into the Song Track to use them as they are or to modify them as you wish.
You can also edit and arrange the MIDI files in the Song Track using various tools and features. You can cut, copy The Pros and Cons of Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand
Now that we have seen the sound and functionality of Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand, let's weigh the pros and cons of this software. As with any product, there are advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before making a purchase decision. Here are some of the main pros and cons of Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand:
Pros
It sounds very good and realistic. The Steinway & Sons B-211 grand piano is a high-quality instrument that has been carefully sampled and recorded by Toontrack. It has a balanced, powerful, and versatile sound that can handle any genre and style. It also has a smooth and natural tone, without being muddy or harsh.
It is versatile and suitable for any genre. The presets and effects allow you to tweak the sound further to suit different moods and genres. You can also adjust the reverb, compression, EQ, chorus, filter, tape saturation, pedal noise, detuning, and more. You can also save your own presets for later use.
It is easy to use and customize. The user interface is simple and intuitive, with all the essential controls and features at your fingertips. You can also drag and drop MIDI files from your DAW or other sources into Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand for further processing or inspiration.
It comes with creative tools and features. The Song Track, Smart Transpose, Chord Wheel, Browser, and Details panel are all powerful tools that can help you create and write great music with ease and creativity. You can compose, arrange, edit, and perform piano tracks with Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand.
It has an extensive MIDI library. The MIDI library contains thousands of professionally played piano MIDI files that cover various genres and styles. You can browse the MIDI files by genre, style, tempo, time signature, or feel. You can also preview the MIDI files by clicking on them. You can then drag and drop the MIDI files into the Song Track to use them as they are or to modify them as you wish.
Cons
It only offers one piano sound. Unlike some other piano software that offer multiple piano sounds or models, Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand only features one piano sound: the Steinway & Sons B-211 grand piano. While this is a great piano sound that can suit most situations, some users may prefer more variety or options in their piano sounds.
It is not very cheap. Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand costs $179 for the full package or $89 for the Sound Expansion version (if you already own the EZkeys front-end). This is not a very low price for a piano software, especially considering that there are some free or cheaper alternatives available in the market.
It does not have a lot of editing options. While Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand allows you to tweak the sound and performance parameters of the piano, it does not offer a lot of editing options for the MIDI files or the samples. For example, you cannot change the velocity curve, the tuning system, the microphone positions, or the sample layers of the piano. You also cannot edit the individual notes or events of the MIDI files in detail.
It may not be very unique or distinctive. While Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand sounds very good and realistic, it may not have a very unique or distinctive character or vibe that sets it apart from other piano software. Some users may prefer a more vintage, warm, or quirky sound that has more personality or flavor.
It may not suit everyone's taste or needs. As with any product, Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand may not suit everyone's taste or needs. Some users may find it too simple or limited, while others may find it too complex or overwhelming. Some users may prefer a different sound or style of piano, while others may prefer a different type of instrument altogether.
Of course, these are just some general opinions and you may have your own views on Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand. The best way to find out if it is right for you is to try it yourself. You can download a free trial version from Toontrack's website and see how it sounds and works for you.
The Price and Value of Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand
The final factor to consider when choosing a piano software is the price and value. How much does Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand cost and where can you buy it? Is it worth the money and investment? What are some alternatives and competitors?
Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand costs $179 for the full package or $89 for the Sound Expansion version ( if you already own the EZkeys front-end). This is not a very low price for a piano software, especially considering that there are some free or cheaper alternatives available in the market. For example, you can find some of the following piano software that offer different sounds, features, and prices: - Addictive Keys by XLN Audio: This software offers four different piano sounds (Studio Grand, Modern Upright, Mark One, and Electric Grand) that you can buy individually or as a bundle. Each piano sound has its own unique character and vibe, and comes with various presets and effects. You can also mix and match different microphone perspectives and create your own custom sounds. Addictive Keys costs $89.95 for each piano sound or $179.95 for the bundle. - Pianoteq by Modartt: This software is based on physical modeling rather than sampling, which means it simulates the sound and behavior of real pianos using mathematical algorithms. This allows it to offer a more realistic and expressive sound, as well as more flexibility and customization options. You can also choose from a wide range of piano models, from classical to modern, acoustic to electric, and even historical and exotic ones. Pianoteq costs $149 for the Stage version, $299 for the Standard version, or $449 for the Pro version. - Piano V by Arturia: This software is also based on physical modeling rather than sampling, and offers nine different piano models that cover various eras and styles. You can also tweak the sound and performance parameters of each piano model, such as the hammer hardness, string length, resonance, pedal noise, and more. You can also apply various effects and presets to enhance the sound. Piano V costs $199. - Keyscape by Spectrasonics: This software is a massive collection of over 500 keyboard sounds, including 36 different pianos that range from grand to upright, electric to toy, vintage to modern, and more. Each piano sound has been meticulously sampled and recorded using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment. You can also layer and combine different sounds to create your own hybrid instruments. Keyscape costs $399. Of course, these are just some examples of the alternatives and competitors of Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand, and there are many more out there. The best way to find out which one suits your needs and preferences is to try them yourself and compare them with Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand. So, is Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand worth the money and investment? Well, that depends on what you are looking for in a piano software. If you want a high-quality, versatile, and easy-to-use piano software that also comes with creative tools and features and an extensive MIDI library, then Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand might be a good choice for you. However, if you want more variety or options in your piano sounds, or more editing or customization options for your MIDI files or samples, or a lower price tag, then you might want to look elsewhere. Conclusion
Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand is a piano software that features a carefully sampled Steinway & Sons B-211 grand piano, which is widely considered as the "perfect piano" and often used for professional studio work. It has a balanced, powerful, and versatile sound that can handle any genre and style. It also comes with various presets and effects that let you tweak the sound further to suit different moods and genres.
But Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand is not just a piano sound library. It is also a powerful songwriting tool that can help you create and write great music with ease and creativity. It has several creative tools and features that make it stand out from other piano software, such as the Song Track, Smart Transpose, Chord Wheel, Browser, and Details panel. It also has an extensive MIDI library that contains thousands of professionally played piano MIDI files that cover various genres and styles.
However, Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand also has some drawbacks that you should consider before buying it. It only offers one piano sound, which may not suit everyone's taste or needs. It also does not have a lot of editing options for the MIDI files or the samples. It also costs $179 for the full package or $89 for the Sound Expansion version, which is not a very low price for a piano software. So, is Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand the perfect piano software? Well, there is no definitive answer to that question, as different users may have different preferences and expectations. However, based on our review, we can say that Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand is a very good piano software that offers a high-quality, versatile, and easy-to-use piano sound, as well as creative tools and features and an extensive MIDI library. It can help you create and write great music with ease and creativity. However, Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand is not without its flaws, and it may not suit everyone's taste or needs. It only offers one piano sound, which may not be enough for some users who want more variety or options. It also does not have a lot of editing options for the MIDI files or the samples, which may limit some users who want more control or customization. It also costs $179 for the full package or $89 for the Sound Expansion version, which may be too expensive for some users who have a tight budget or who want to try other alternatives. Therefore, we recommend that you try Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand yourself and see if it meets your needs and expectations. You can download a free trial version from Toontrack's website and test it out for yourself. You can also compare it with other piano software in the market and see how they differ in terms of sound quality, functionality, MIDI library, pros and cons, price and value, and more. We hope that this review has been helpful and informative for you. We invite you to share your thoughts and questions about Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you and learn from your experience. FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand: Q1: Do I need a MIDI keyboard to use Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand?
A1: No, you do not need a MIDI keyboard to use Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand. You can use your computer keyboard or mouse to play the piano sound or to input MIDI notes. However, using a MIDI keyboard can give you more expression and control over the sound and performance, as well as more comfort and convenience.
Q2: Can I use Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand with other DAWs or VSTs?
A2: Yes, you can use Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand with other DAWs or VSTs. Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand can work as a standalone application or as a plugin in your DAW. You can also drag and drop MIDI files from your DAW or other sources into Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand for further processing or inspiration.
Q3: How much disk space does Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand require?
A3: Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand requires about 4 GB of free disk space on your computer. This includes the installation files, the samples, the presets, and the MIDI library.
Q4: Can I upgrade from other EZkeys products to Toontrack EZkeys Studio Grand?
A4