Grand Piano XXL
Key Features
- 16 velocity layers sampled from a Yamaha C5 6'7" grand piano for expressive, dynamic playback across the full keyboard range
- 48kHz/24-bit recordings captured with dual AKG C414 condenser microphones in AB stereo positioning for natural stereo imaging
- Key release samples that add realistic mechanical resonance when notes are lifted, enhancing performance realism
- Four built-in effects modules: reverb, chorus, delay, and motion/tremolo with LFO rate and depth controls
- ADSR envelope shaping with selectable lowpass/highpass filter for sculpting the piano tone from bright and cutting to warm and mellow
- Low CPU usage despite the large sample set, keeping system resources available for other plugins in the session
Description
Grand Piano XXL is a sampled Yamaha C5 6'7" grand piano plugin by Audiolatry, built from recordings captured with two AKG C414 condenser microphones in an AB stereo configuration. The 16 velocity layers per note deliver a wide dynamic range that responds naturally to playing intensity, from delicate pianissimo passages to forceful fortissimo strikes.
The original samples were recorded at 48kHz/24-bit quality by Alexander Holm, resulting in a 1.19 GB instrument with detailed tonal character across the full keyboard. Key release samples are included, adding the subtle mechanical resonance that makes acoustic piano performances feel authentic.
Built-in effects include reverb, chorus, delay, and a motion/tremolo module with LFO controls for pitch, expression, and pan modulation. A selectable lowpass/highpass filter with cutoff control and full ADSR envelope shaping round out the sound design options.
The Yamaha C5 is known for its strong low-end presence, an area where many virtual pianos fall short. Grand Piano XXL captures that bass weight effectively, making it particularly suited to pop and hip-hop style chord progressions where piano needs to sit prominently in a mix.
A smaller version called Grand Piano ships with 4 velocity layers at 319 MB for producers who need a lighter footprint. Grand Piano XXL supports VST3 and AU formats across Windows and macOS.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Grand Piano XXL differ from the standard Grand Piano version?
Grand Piano XXL includes 16 velocity layers per note and weighs 1.19 GB, while the standard Grand Piano version has only 4 velocity layers at 319 MB. The XXL version delivers significantly more dynamic expression and tonal detail across playing intensities.
What effects are built into Grand Piano XXL?
The plugin includes four effect modules: reverb, chorus, delay, and a motion/tremolo section. The tremolo module features LFO controls for pitch, expression, and pan modulation, plus a selectable lowpass/highpass filter with cutoff control.
Is Grand Piano XXL compatible with Pro Tools?
No, Grand Piano XXL does not support the AAX plugin format and is not compatible with Pro Tools. It works with any DAW that supports VST3 (Windows and macOS) or AU (macOS only), including Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Cubase.
What are the key release samples and how do they work?
Key release samples capture the subtle sound of piano hammers and dampers returning to rest when a key is lifted. Grand Piano XXL includes a dedicated "Key" knob to control the volume of these release sounds, letting you dial in the right amount of mechanical realism for your mix.
