Sonuscore Chroma – Upright Piano is a meticulously sampled virtual instrument that brings the rich, warm tones of a century-old German Wilhelm Diemer upright piano to the digital realm. This Kontakt-based plugin offers an impressive level of detail, featuring 27 velocity layers and 8 round robins, ensuring a highly responsive and authentic playing experience. The library includes four microphone positions, allowing users to shape the piano’s sound to fit various musical contexts. Chroma – Upright Piano goes beyond traditional sampling by incorporating Sonuscore’s “The Engine,” which enables users to create atmospheric and cinematic sounds. With 97 snapshot presets and a user-friendly interface, this plugin bridges the gap between classic upright piano tones and contemporary sound design, making it a versatile tool for composers, producers, and pianists alike.
Pros:
• Deeply sampled with 27 velocity layers and 8 round robins for exceptional realism
• Four microphone positions offer flexible sound shaping options
• Includes both authentic natural samples and creative sound design capabilities
Cons:
• Requires 17GB of hard disk space, which may be substantial for some users
Chroma – Upright Piano boasts an impressive array of features that cater to both traditionalists and sound designers. At its core is the deeply sampled 100-year-old German Wilhelm Diemer upright piano, captured with meticulous attention to detail. The 27 velocity layers ensure that every nuance of touch is accurately represented, from the softest pianissimo to the most thunderous fortissimo. The inclusion of 8 round robins adds further realism by providing subtle variations in each repeated note, eliminating the “machine-gun effect” often found in less sophisticated sampled instruments.
The four microphone positions (likely close, mid, room, and ambient, though specific details are not provided) allow users to craft the perfect piano sound for their productions. This flexibility is crucial for fitting the piano into various mix contexts, from intimate solo pieces to full orchestral arrangements.
Sonuscore’s “The Engine” is a standout feature that sets Chroma – Upright Piano apart from many of its competitors. This sound design tool allows users to create atmospheric and cinematic textures using the upright piano as a source. While the exact capabilities of “The Engine” are not fully detailed in the available information, it likely includes features such as granular synthesis, convolution effects, and modulation options to transform the piano’s sound into evolving pads, textures, and abstract soundscapes.
The plugin comes with 97 NKSN snapshot presets, providing users with a wide range of starting points for both traditional and creative piano sounds. These presets likely cover everything from classic upright tones to heavily processed cinematic textures, showcasing the instrument’s versatility.
Chroma – Upright Piano is fully compatible with Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol ecosystem, offering seamless integration with Komplete Kontrol keyboards and software. This integration provides enhanced browsing capabilities and hands-on control of the instrument’s parameters.
The user interface is divided into three main pages: Main, Engine, and Mix. The Main page likely provides access to essential articulations and basic sound-shaping parameters. The Engine page is where users can delve into more advanced sound design capabilities. The Mix page allows for balancing the four microphone positions and adjusting the overall character of the piano.
One particularly noteworthy feature is the adjustable velocity curve, which allows users to tailor the dynamic response of the instrument to their playing style or MIDI controller. This level of customization ensures that Chroma – Upright Piano can feel natural and expressive regardless of the user’s setup.
The plugin also includes adjustable mechanical sounds, such as key presses, releases, and pedal noises. These details contribute significantly to the overall realism of the instrument, especially in solo piano contexts where such nuances are more noticeable.
Chroma – Upright Piano enters a market with several established competitors, such as Native Instruments’ The Grandeur, Spitfire Audio’s Originals Upright Piano, and Arturia’s Piano V. Compared to these offerings, Chroma – Upright Piano stands out with its exceptionally deep sampling (27 velocity layers surpasses many competitors) and the inclusion of “The Engine” for sound design capabilities. While The Grandeur and Piano V focus primarily on accurate reproduction of classic piano sounds, Chroma – Upright Piano offers a broader palette that extends into cinematic and atmospheric territory. This makes it potentially more versatile for composers working across multiple genres. Spitfire’s Originals Upright Piano, being part of a budget-friendly line, likely offers less depth in sampling and fewer features compared to Chroma – Upright Piano. However, it may be a more accessible option for those with limited budgets or storage space.
Chroma – Upright Piano’s four microphone positions provide more mixing flexibility than many competitors, which often offer fewer mic options or pre-mixed sounds. This feature, combined with the extensive preset library, positions Chroma – Upright Piano as a more comprehensive solution for those seeking both traditional and experimental piano sounds in a single package.
This plugin is best for:
• Film and game composers seeking a versatile upright piano with cinematic sound design capabilities
• Producers working in genres that benefit from both authentic and creatively processed piano sounds
• Pianists looking for a deeply sampled, highly expressive virtual upright piano
• Sound designers who want a high-quality acoustic source for creating atmospheric textures
Sonuscore Chroma – Upright Piano is a impressive virtual instrument that successfully marries the timeless charm of a vintage upright piano with modern sound design capabilities. Its deep sampling, multiple microphone positions, and extensive preset library provide users with a highly flexible and expressive instrument suitable for a wide range of musical applications. The inclusion of “The Engine” for creative sound manipulation sets it apart from many traditional piano libraries, making it particularly appealing to composers and producers working in cinematic and atmospheric genres. While the large storage requirement may be a consideration for some users, the depth and quality of the samples justify the space needed. The plugin’s integration with the Komplete Kontrol ecosystem enhances its usability, especially for those already invested in Native Instruments’ hardware and software. Overall, Chroma – Upright Piano represents a significant addition to the virtual piano market, offering a compelling blend of authenticity and innovation that should appeal to both traditionalists and experimental musicians alike.