Piano software sample library: Good for live performance use?

[BeowulfX]

So are software piano libraries/virtual piano "reliable" for gig-use and are they somewhat "acceptable" in a sense that you're not sort of "short-changing" your audience?

"Nothing beats the original" (i.e. real acoustic grand piano)...we've heard this so many times and I agree whole-heartedly. But today's piano sample libraries (i.e. Piano VSTi) are getting closer to sounding like the real thing...and for a good number of gigging musicians who don't have the luxury of using/renting good acoustic grands such Steinway D, Fazioli's, Bosendorfer, Yamaha etc., a MIDI-compatible, 88-weighted-key digital piano (hooked up to the PC or laptop via MIDI using sampled Piano libraries is the closest thing we could to the "real thing").

Although it's quite obvious that software piano sample libraries are way cheaper than buying acoustic grand pianos and the need for expensive mics and/or elaborate mic setups isn't much needed when using virtual piano sample libraries, good piano sample softwares usually cost somewhere between $300-$500 (and perhaps may cost even more depending on the brand and as additional samples/features are added in the near future).

Other than famous software piano sample libraries such as Ivory Synthology, EastWest Quantum Leap, Garritan, Best Service Galaxy etc. which cost a bit more, I found the following somewhat "workable", "believable" and a little gentle on the wallet (check out the links):

http://www.acoustica.com/pianissimo/index.htm

http://www.truepianos.com/

[Jazzooo]

There's no doubt there is some terrific piano software out there today. But for gigging, the sound system and the room will almost always be the log jam in terms of sonic quality--I'd really have to have my arm twisted to switch from a good-sounding Casio PXR (I have the 500, discontinued but even better than their newest crop imo) in order to deal with the added hassle of bringing your laptop and a controller and experience the fear of software/computer glitches on a gig.

If I had a stable of techs waiting in the wings to trouble shoot any problems, I might feel differently!

[BeowulfX]

I've actually seen some fellow gig-musicians (from different bands) bringing along micro-ATX cases w/ 15-inch LCD screens loaded with piano, EP, brass, strings software sample libraries and pro-level plug-in effects running on dual-core processors and 2GB to 4GB of memory (i.e. RAM) and 500GB Hard disk drive with a simple audio-interface PCI card like the M-Audio 2496 and some with E-MU 1212m ver. 2 connected to cheaper Yamaha 76-key or 88-key portable digital piano...and some using Casio Privias and then some with weighted-key MIDI controllers.

Micro-ATX cases like these:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...roatx,952.html.

I do understand what you mean with possible problems when your PC starts to have hardware problems and/or software incompatibility on-the-spot (while performing on a gig)...this is a big headache of course. I suppose a good dedicated micro-ATX PC (used only for gigging and not for home practice or recording) with fine-tuned OS and compatible drivers can be reliable to a certain point...if your PC fails...you can always revert to the default piano sound of your MIDI-compatible digital piano during a live gig.

[Jazzooo]

"I do understand what you mean with possible problems when your PC starts to have hardware problems and/or software incompatibility on-the-spot (while performing on a gig)...this is a big headache of course. I suppose a good dedicated micro-ATX PC (used only for gigging and not for home practice or recording) with fine-tuned OS and compatible drivers can be reliable to a certain point...if your PC fails...you can always revert to the default piano sound of your MIDI-compatible digital piano during a live gig."

It's true that some have a higher tolerance for potential problems than I do. I just want to make music. There isn't a piano software out there that sounds *that* much better than my Casio--it has excellent low end, excellent high end and very good middle, it's responsive to my particular touch, and it's idiot-proof. What tiny gains I'd get in quality would either be obscured by the P.A., my own amp, the room and the sweat on my brow while I wait for a power surge to lock up my laptop!

[BeowulfX]

Originally Posted by Jazzooo

It's true that some have a higher tolerance for potential problems than I do. I just want to make music. There isn't a piano software out there that sounds *that* much better than my Casio--it has excellent low end, excellent high end and very good middle, it's responsive to my particular touch, and it's idiot-proof. What tiny gains I'd get in quality would either be obscured by the P.A., my own amp, the room and the sweat on my brow while I wait for a power surge to lock up my laptop!

I also have a Casio digital piano (Privia PX-320) and I can relate to you when you say that it has excellent low-end and high-end, good middle and responsive key-touch. In addition, the decay-time of each sampled note is great as well...this can be appreciated when hooked up even to a simple Hi-Fi component system (via AUX-IN ports).

However, I was amazed at how close the sounds of the currently available software pianos were to the original Steinways, Fazioli's, Bosendorfers etc. that they "emulate"...and how other gig-keyboardists/pianists have been using these "virtual" instruments and have found some "confidence" in taking the risks involved with using software pianos (perhaps for better sound maybe?)...

Having tried a couple of their demo versions, I thought most well-sampled piano softwares sounded better than the hard-coded samples in my Privia PX-320. Now if only...these weren't "virtual"...

[Jazzooo]

I don't disagree that, in a studio setting or listening on good stereo speakers, a good software sampled instrument will give a more realistic sound than a $400-$600 keyboard instrument, no matter how good its samples are.

But playing live? I still feel that the weakest link (amplification, room acoustics and in some cases the P.A.) will reduce everything to "no better than what you and I have" status in most cases. I've seen plenty of big name players playing, no doubt, expensive software samples...and I don't either of us could tell the difference. Put headphones on and plug them into the mixer before it hits the amp and speaker and sure, it's there. But in truth, even a Fazoli with a mic into a mediocre sound system doesn't like a Fazoli to me anymore. It sounds *something* like a Fazoli.

What do you use for amplification? I've been alternating between a Bose tower, a little Fender PA (surprisingly good) and a Roland AC60 acoustic guitar amp, trying to find something that does the least amount of damage to the tone while still projecting. Different setups sound best in different rooms so far.