Akoustik Piano 1.1r2

Native Instruments has released Akoustik Piano 1.1r2, a free update for its acclaimed piano software instrument. The new version offers significant improvements and additional features in almost every area, further extending its recognized strengths in sonic realism, playability, functionality and ease-of-use, according to the company. In addition to an enahnced user interface, version 1.1 features a new Overtone technology that delivers strikingly realistic string resonance for all three grand pianos and the upright piano. "To provide even smoother sonic characteristics across the full key range, the sample sets of all four included pianos have been meticulously retuned and re-adjusted in the new version," according to the company. The update also adds Stretched Tuning, the preferred tuning mode for classical solo piano performances, as well as the highly realistic "Repedalling" behavior to its implementation of the sustain pedal.

In addition, version 1.1 brings an improved Recorder section with MIDI song import, MIDI automation for a wide range of sound parameters including volume and pan, an adjustable "bass boost" function, and an easy-to-use output limiter. The update also increases the number of maximum voices to 150, providing sufficient polyphony headroom for even the most demanding piano arrangements.

Akoustik Piano 1.1 also enables all four pianos can now be fully used in both Kontakt 2.1 and Kore. It includes specific Kontakt 2 patches for each instrument, containing individual matching Performance Views for use in Native Instruments' flagship sampler. The Performance View gives users full control of the Akoustik Piano sound parameters directly within the Kontakt 2 rack.

The company said that an Intel native version of Akoustik Piano will be introduced with a separate update--expected to be released in the third quarter of 2006.

by MacNN Staff