Review: Synthogy Ivory II Studio Grands – Piano VST

Who wouldn’t want a Bösendorfer or a Steinway in their living room? Unfortunately, only a select few can enjoy that privilege. Nevertheless, the Synthogy Ivory II Studio Grands software piano brings both of these concert grands to your computer.

Synthogy Ivory II is a software instrument that you can fill with a high-quality selection of sampled pianos. This allows you to expand the Studio Grands with additional instruments from the Synthogy library. An Italian Grand (Fazioli), American Concert D, and upright pianos are a few of the available options. Synthogy’s instruments released to date are known for their first-class sound quality—but also for their high system requirements. If in doubt, you should therefore compare the technical specifications of the software instrument with the performance characteristics of your computer.

Simply Huge!

If you choose this software package, which includes the Bösendorfer 225 and the Steinway Model B, you will first need to download and install the 50-gigabyte libraries. The effort pays off, though, as the sound is massive. With more than 40 presets, the collection covers a wide range of applications and tones. Experienced users will also appreciate the extensive customization options.

Synthogy Ivory II Studio Grands Sounds Dangerously Good

Both grand pianos have an outstanding sound, and playing them is downright addictive. Each instrument delivers a rich, authentic piano tone with its own distinctive character. The Bösendorfer offers greater warmth and depth, with a softer, more rounded quality, even under a strong touch. Yet, it still retains clarity in both the upper octaves and the lower registers. The Steinway Model B, by contrast, has a more defined presence. Its pronounced highs lend it a more direct character, though it can still sound gentle and pleasing when required.

Players who favor softer dynamics will especially delight in the Steinway Model B’s ability to excel in the quieter range. This responsiveness is due to its 24 velocity layers, which capture subtle nuances particularly well at lower volumes. The result is a Steinway sound that can be shaped with remarkable finesse.

Synthogy Ivory II Supports Una Corda Playing

The icing on the cake is the inclusion of authentic una corda samples, which is a rarity among sampled pianos. Holding down the left pedal allows you to draw out even softer, more delicate tones from the strings. But that’s just the beginning: With added sound-shaping tools, such as synthesizer layers, reverb, chorus, EQ, timbre shift, and shimmer effects, you can take the piano sound to entirely new levels.

Your Sound, Your Stage

Chosen your dream grand but still not satisfied with the sound? Luckily, you can adjust nearly everything to your taste. How far should the lid be opened? Do you want to hear the piano from the pianist’s bench or the audience’s seat? How prominent should pedal and mechanical noises be? The sheer number of options may feel overwhelming at first, but curious players will find it rewarding to explore. There are countless subtle nuances of tone waiting to be discovered.

With Attention to Detail

Well-recorded samples alone aren’t enough to achieve a world-class piano sound. It takes more than that. What really brings the instruments to life are the resonances, which let the player experience the full sound response in a dynamic and realistic way. The Ivory II engine faithfully models damper resonance, sympathetic resonance, release samples, and damper noise. Additionally, the engine uses sample interpolation technology to produce a smooth, authentic sound without any audible dynamic jumps.

The choice of instruments was just as critical. Steinway & Sons personally prepared and voiced the Steinway Model B used in these sessions, while Firehouse Recording Studios provided the Bösendorfer 225.

Conclusion: Demanding, but with Outstanding Sound

At around 50 gigabytes per grand piano, the library is substantial, and older computers may struggle with it. However, that’s hardly a drawback because ultimately, the most important thing is the sound. In this regard, Ivory II Studio Grands is utterly convincing. It’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a realistic piano library.

Synthogy Ivory II Studio Grands – Overview

Release date: June 2017
Concept: Software piano for Mac and PC
Plug-in formats: VST, AU, AAX
Standalone application: Yes
System requirements: 2.4 GHz quad-core CPU, fast hard drive, 2 GB RAM, iLok copy protection
Developer: Synthogy