C7 Grand Piano Sample Library Commercial Product Without Free Options

The C7 Grand piano sample library by Acoustic Samples represents a meticulously recorded virtual piano instrument based on a Yamaha C7 Grand piano. This product is designed for musicians seeking high-quality piano sounds for their music production. After reviewing all available information, there is no indication that the C7 Grand library is available as a free sample, promotional offer, trial version, or through any kind of mail-in sample program. The product is consistently presented as a commercial item with specific pricing and technical requirements.

Product Overview

The C7 Grand library is based on a Yamaha C7 Grand piano, which is described as the largest of the C series at 227cm (7'6"). This piano model is widely used in concert stages, studios, and prestigious music events, making it a popular choice for sampling. Acoustic Samples has captured the piano's "delicate, bright and precise sound" using various technologies and piano simulation tools developed over the years.

The library is available in different versions, each recorded from different microphone positions to provide various sonic characteristics:

1. Close microphone perspective: Placed inside the piano very close to the strings, providing powerful bass and a very detailed sound with a wide stereo image. This position captures the intimate, resonant qualities of the piano with enhanced low-end response.

2. Player microphone perspective: Positioned above the head of the piano player, resulting in a brighter sound with more air, similar to what a player would hear while performing. This perspective offers a more natural playing experience with a balanced tonal character.

3. Duo version: Combines both the close and player microphone positions into a single program, allowing users to blend the two perspectives for a custom sound that meets their specific needs.

Technical Specifications

The C7 Grand library features impressive technical specifications that contribute to its realistic sound:

• Sample Format: Uses FLAC lossless compression format (UVI Workstation 2.5.2 is required to use it). This compression method increases streaming performance and loading time without losing any audio quality.

• Storage Requirements: Approximately 15GB uncompressed, 2.41GB compressed. The significant reduction in file size makes the library more accessible while maintaining full audio fidelity.

• Sample Count: Around 4800 samples, providing comprehensive coverage of the piano's range and characteristics.

• Velocity Layers: Five velocity layers plus a resonance layer. This multi-layer approach allows for nuanced dynamic response, capturing the subtle variations in tone that occur when playing the piano with different touch intensities.

• Recording Method: Each note recorded for full duration with no artificial decay envelopes or sample loops. This ensures authentic natural decay and sustain characteristics.

• Advanced Features: Includes sympathetic resonances, repedal effect, sostenuto behavior, half pedal functionality, and a large choice of high-quality IR-based reverbs.

Compatibility and System Requirements

The C7 Grand library is compatible with several Korg keyboards:

• NAUTILUS
• KRONOS (including KRONOS3, KRONOS2, KRONOS X, and the original KRONOS)

For each version, specific system requirements must be met:

• For NAUTILUS: Version 1.2.0 or higher
• For KRONOS: Version 3.0.4 or higher

It's important to note that the order of factory Programs varies among different Korg models, which affects sounds that reference these programs. Users should download the file that matches their specific product model to ensure proper integration with their keyboard.

The library's compatibility with multiple Korg models makes it a versatile option for keyboard players who may upgrade or own different instruments within the Korg product line.

Library Versions and Pricing

The C7 Grand library is available in three distinct versions, each offering a different microphone perspective:

1. EXs147 C7 (Close)

   • Requires 1.9GB when fully loaded into sample memory
   • Only 40MB when using virtual memory, making it more memory-efficient
   • Includes 16 Programs specifically designed for the close microphone perspective
   • Price: $99.00

2. EXs148 C7 (Player)

   • Requires 1.8GB when fully loaded into sample memory
   • Only 40MB when using virtual memory
   • Includes 18 Programs optimized for the player microphone perspective
   • Price: $99.00

3. EXs147/8 C7 (Duo)

   • Combines both the close and player microphone positions into a single program set
   • Includes Duo versions that bring the two phase-aligned sample-sets into a single Program
   • Allows for seamless blending between microphone perspectives
   • Price: Not specified, but would likely be the combined price of both individual versions

All versions have been updated for compatibility with the Nautilus keyboard, ensuring that users of both older and newer Korg instruments can benefit from this high-quality piano library.

Sound Customization

The C7 Grand library offers extensive sound customization options that allow users to tailor the instrument to their specific needs:

• Overall sound adjustments: Users can modify the fundamental character of the piano sound to suit different musical contexts and personal preferences.

• Tuning capabilities: The library supports standard tuning as well as complex microtuning options, allowing for alternative temperaments or unique sonic textures.

• MIDI response customization: Users can adjust how the library responds to MIDI input, enabling fine-tuning of the instrument's sensitivity and playing feel.

• Advanced resonance simulations: The library features two very advanced types of resonances simulations that accurately model how the piano's strings and soundboard interact when notes are played.

• Reverb tweaking: A large choice of high-quality IR-based reverbs are included, allowing users to add appropriate spatial dimension to the piano sound.

These features make the C7 Grand library not just a sampled piano, but a versatile virtual instrument that can be adapted to a wide range of musical styles and production requirements.

Demo Recordings

Several demo recordings have been created using the C7 Grand library, showcasing its versatility and quality across different musical genres:

1. Medley-Jean-Michel Bernard (3 mic positions): A demonstration featuring all three microphone positions, allowing listeners to compare the different sonic characteristics.

2. Jazz Trio - Chris Cadenhead: A jazz performance highlighting the library's ability to handle complex chord voicings and rhythmic subtleties in a jazz context.

3. Someday my prince will come-Jean Michel Bernard (close+player): A jazz standard performance using both the close and player microphone perspectives.

4. Chopin Nocturne Op 62 No 2 (close+player, small plate): A classical piano piece demonstrating the library's capability for nuanced classical repertoire.

5. Jazz Ballad - Chris Cadenhead: Another jazz performance showcasing the library's expressiveness in a ballad setting.

These demos demonstrate the library's versatility across different genres and playing styles, from classical to jazz, and highlight the quality of the sampling and the effectiveness of the microphone positioning.

Producer Information

The C7 Grand library is a collaboration between Acoustic Samples and Purgatory Creek Soundware. Acoustic Samples is described as "world renowned for their beautiful, highly detailed software-based sample libraries." The company has developed a reputation for creating high-quality virtual instruments that capture the essence of acoustic instruments with remarkable accuracy.

Purgatory Creek Soundware has partnered with Acoustic Samples to provide a selection of their extensive product line in Korg Kronos format, with the C7 Grand piano being the first offering in this collaboration. This partnership makes Acoustic Samples' high-quality piano libraries accessible to Korg keyboard users, who can now integrate these sounds directly into their instruments.

The collaboration between these two companies represents a meeting of expertise: Acoustic Samples' sampling and sound design knowledge combined with Purgatory Creek's expertise in creating libraries specifically for Korg instruments.

Advanced Features and Performance

The C7 Grand library includes several advanced features that contribute to its realistic performance and expressive capabilities:

• Sympathetic Resonances: This feature models how the unstruck strings of the piano vibrate in sympathy with played notes, adding a rich, complex overtone structure that is essential for a realistic piano sound.

• Repedal Effect: This advanced pedal simulation captures the subtle nuances of releasing and reapplying the damper pedal, including the characteristic "bloom" that occurs when notes are re-engaged.

• Sostenuto Behavior: The library accurately models the sostenuto pedal functionality, which allows notes played before the pedal is pressed to be sustained while subsequent notes are damped.

• Half Pedal: This feature captures the intermediate damping effect that occurs when the damper pedal is pressed only partially, allowing for more nuanced control over the sustain and decay of notes.

• IR-based Reverbs: The inclusion of high-quality Impulse Response (IR) based reverbs allows users to add realistic spatial ambience to the piano sound, with options ranging from small room to large hall environments.

These advanced features contribute significantly to the library's realism and playability, making it suitable for professional music production and demanding performance applications.

Memory Management

The C7 Grand library employs smart memory management techniques to balance sound quality with system resource requirements:

• Virtual Memory Support: The library can utilize virtual memory, reducing the immediate RAM requirement from approximately 1.8-1.9GB to just 40MB. This allows users with limited RAM to still access the full library, albeit with potential streaming from disk during playback.

• FLAC Compression: By using FLAC lossless compression, the library maintains full audio quality while reducing the storage space from 15GB to 2.41GB. This makes the library more practical to distribute and store without compromising sound quality.

• Selective Loading: Users can choose to load only specific microphone positions or programs as needed, further optimizing memory usage.

These memory management features make the C7 Grand library accessible to a wider range of users, including those with older or less powerful computer systems.

Application in Music Production

The C7 Grand library is suitable for a wide range of music production applications:

• Solo Piano Performances: The library's detailed sampling and advanced features make it ideal for solo piano recordings across genres, from classical to jazz to contemporary.

• Songwriting: The realistic piano sound can serve as an inspirational tool for songwriters, providing a responsive and expressive instrument for developing musical ideas.

• Film Scoring: The library's multiple microphone positions and extensive reverb options make it suitable for creating piano parts for film and television scores.

• Pop and Rock Productions: The piano can be integrated into various contemporary genres, either as a featured instrument or as part of the overall texture.

• Live Performance: When loaded into compatible Korg keyboards, the library can be used for live performances, offering high-quality piano sounds without the need for a physical instrument.

The versatility of the C7 Grand library makes it a valuable tool for musicians and producers working in diverse musical contexts.

Absence of Free Options

After thoroughly reviewing all available information, there is no indication that the C7 Grand piano sample library is available as a free sample, promotional offer, trial version, or through any kind of mail-in sample program. The product is consistently presented as a commercial item with a price tag of $99.00 for each microphone position version.

All sources describe the library as a purchasable product with specific technical requirements and pricing. There is no mention of demo versions, limited-time free access, or promotional discounts. The library appears to be a premium product with no apparent free or trial options available.

Conclusion

The C7 Grand piano sample library by Acoustic Samples is a high-quality commercial virtual piano instrument based on a Yamaha C7 Grand piano. It offers multiple microphone positions, extensive sound customization options, and advanced features like sympathetic resonances and half pedal functionality. The library is compatible with Korg NAUTILUS and KRONOS keyboards and requires specific software versions to function properly.

While no free samples or trial versions are mentioned in the available information, the library's detailed sampling and numerous features make it an attractive option for musicians seeking a realistic piano sound for their music production. The memory management features and compatibility with multiple Korg models further enhance its accessibility and practicality for a wide range of users.

The collaboration between Acoustic Samples and Purgatory Creek Soundware has resulted in a product that combines high-quality sampling with seamless integration into Korg instruments, making it a valuable addition to the sound libraries of Korg keyboard owners.

Sources

1. Korg Shop - EXs147 Acousticsamples C7 Grand Close
2. Best Service - C7 Grand
3. SoundCloud - Acoustic Samples C7 Grand
4. Purgatory Creek - Acousticsamples Libraries for Korg Kronos
5. Acoustic Samples - C7 Grand