IK Multimedia releases Grand Piano Y7, a unique virtual instrument based on an iconic Yamaha C7 meticulously crafted at Yamaha's factory in Hamamatsu, Japan, in the late ’80s.

Extremely versatile, this larger-format piano offers powerful projection and tonal clarity that can command concert halls, while its nuanced expressiveness and responsive touch are perfect for recording studios.  Combined with Pianoverse’s expressive, interactive Spaces, the Y7 offers a range of dramatic, cinematic and evocative sounds.

The Grand Piano Y7 is available now, sold separately or as part of Pianoverse MAX. For current MAX owners, it is included with the Pianoverse update released today through the IK Product Manager.

A Perfect Pedigree

The Grand Piano Y7 was recorded at the legendary Fonoprint Studios in Bologna, Italy. Located within the walls of a 15th-century convent, the studio has been iconic for producing pop, progressive, cinematic and classical music since the ’90s. Artists like Bocelli and Morricone have worked there, and this piano serves as the studio’s resident instrument.

The recording involved DPA cardioid microphones for close miking and two beautiful Coles ribbon microphones in the Blumlein technique, ensuring a high-quality and captivating sound. The samples were recorded multiple times and integrated with the Round Robin technology for unparalleled realism. The result is a breathtaking, hyper-realistic virtual piano. Combined with the innovative cinematic effects found only in Pianoverse, the Grand Piano Y7 offers no limit to the style users can play or the mood they can set. It promises a new sonic adventure every time.

Three New Spaces

Pianoverse transports any of its 9 deeply sampled pianos to 33 sonic destinations, including three new ones, Northern Lights, Mirrors and White Loft Spaces, which were also released today. These destinations range from traditional Concert Halls and Studio Spaces to less traditional ones like a Warehouse or Vault and otherworldly cinematic environments like an Iceberg, Desert or Mars. Flexible controls are included to further shape the sounds and textures and create never-before-heard-of cinematic sounds and textures.

Beyond Accuracy and Sound

Pianoverse features a comprehensive combination of stage and studio work performance controls. To customize each piano’s sound, it offers adjustable lid position, harp resonance, pedal noise, release triggers, and even the noise of the piano mallets. All three pedals provide continuous control, including half- and, catch-pedaling and soft-pedaling, to deliver an unmatched performance experience.

Must-have Studio Processing

Pianoverse offers two distinct microphone setups for each piano, allowing users to choose between a modern or classical sound, replicating the experience of being in a professional studio. For traditional sound-shaping and mixing, the Pianoverse engine also includes a complete suite of must-have effects tools, including four compressor models, a dedicated master channel with EQ and a VCA-style compressor for final mastering polish.

Unique Creative Effects

In addition to custom-created spaces, Pianoverse features 12 Creative Effects for sound design, such as the tape modeler Reelab and IK’s acclaimed Convomorph technology. These effects range from cinematic spatial effects to must-have studio effects and can be inserted in 3 simultaneous slots: the first slot is a parallel send effect, while the others can be used for insert effects.

Unique to Pianoverse, users will find four modulation sources—two envelopes and two LFOs—that can be assigned to any effect parameter. This gives the user endless creative possibilities: animate further, move the sound and create extreme effects when desired. Together, these features offer an arsenal of sound-sculpting tools that cannot be found in any other piano instrument.

A Series of 9 Pianos

With the addition of the Grand Piano Y7, Pianoverse now boosts 9 world-class pianos, each based on a state-of-the-art instrument: a Yamaha C7, a Bösendorfer 214 Vienna Concert, a Koch & Korselt Upright Grand, a Steinway & Sons Hamburg D-274, a Fazioli F278 Concert Grand, a Yamaha CFIII Concert Grand, a Yamaha U5 Professional Upright, a Bösendorfer 280 Vienna Concert and a Steinway & Sons New York D-274.

Options, Pricing and Availability

Pianoverse Grand Piano Y7 is available now. It can be purchased separately or as part of Pianoverse MAX from the IK Multimedia online store and worldwide. It’s free to current Pianoverse MAX owners.

• Grand Piano Y7 $/€99.99*
• Pianoverse MAX  $/€99.99 (on promo through March) – Includes all 9 available pianos.

*Pricing excludes taxes

For more information about Pianoverse and the new Grand Piano Y7, please visit: www.ikmultimedia.com/pianoverse