- Publisher: Vienna Symphonic Library
- Product: Synchron Bösendorfer Imperial (Resampling)
- Release: Dima22839
- Version: 1.0.0
- Requirements: Kontakt v8.2.0 or higher
There are pianos, and then there is the Bösendorfer Concert Grand 290 Imperial. An instrument spoken of in hushed tones, revered for its commanding presence and uniquely rich sonic tapestry. From its imposing physical construction to the sheer depth and color of its voice, the Imperial represents the absolute pinnacle of the legendary Austrian piano maker’s craft. Now, the Vienna Symphonic Library brings the soul of this iconic instrument directly into your studio with the Synchron Bösendorfer Imperial.
Prepare yourself for a virtual piano experience unlike any other. This isn’t merely a recreation; it’s a living, breathing digital embodiment of a masterpiece, captured with meticulous detail in one of the world’s finest recording environments.
The Legend: A Sound That Reigns Supreme
Why does the Bösendorfer Imperial hold such a revered status? Its magic lies in its uncompromising design and the resulting tonal character.
- Extended Range, Extended Resonance: Boasting a unique 97-key range extending down to a low C, the Imperial spans a full eight octaves. These nine additional sub-bass notes aren’t just for playing lower; their sympathetic vibrations enrich the harmonic resonance across the entire keyboard. Every note you play benefits from this expanded low-end foundation, contributing to unparalleled warmth and depth.
- Massive Soundboard, Orchestral Timbre: The Imperial’s immense soundboard allows it to project an extraordinarily broad frequency range. This results in a full, sonorous voice often described as “orchestral” – brimming with complex overtones, capable of immense power, yet possessing an exquisite subtlety, especially in softer dynamics.
- A Heritage of Admiration: From its debut, the Imperial captivated composers like Bartók, Debussy, and Ravel. Today, it remains a coveted instrument for discerning artists who demand the utmost in expressive potential and tonal richness.
Captured in Perfection: Synchron Stage Vienna
To capture an instrument of this caliber requires an equally exceptional space. The Synchron Bösendorfer Imperial found its temporary home in the main hall (Stage A) of Synchron Stage Vienna. This acclaimed 540 m² scoring stage is renowned for its warm, natural, and precisely controllable acoustics – the same environment trusted for countless international film scores, orchestral recordings, and, crucially, detailed piano sampling sessions.
Recording the Bösendorfer here ensures that the instrument’s natural interaction with a world-class acoustic space is captured authentically, providing a stunningly realistic sense of placement and ambience right out of the box.
Unprecedented Realism Through Meticulous Sampling
Bringing the Imperial to life digitally was an undertaking of immense precision:
- Robotic Precision: A custom, high-precision motion-control system utilizing a noise-free “robot finger” was employed. This allowed for superhuman consistency and control over note attacks and releases, capturing flexible velocity curves and nuanced release characteristics corresponding to different note lengths and playing styles.
- Deep Sampling: The commitment to authenticity is staggering. With over 4,000 samples captured per key and nearly 20,000 samples per microphone position, every subtle dynamic layer and resonant interaction has been meticulously preserved.
- Minimized Environmental Changes: To ensure absolute sonic consistency across the entire instrument, the recording sessions were conducted under tightly controlled conditions, running nearly 24/7 over several weeks to minimize even the slightest variations in the piano’s behavior or the room’s acoustics.
This dedication results in breathtaking realism and an instrument that responds with the nuance and complexity of the real thing.
The Powerhouse Behind the Sound: The Synchron Pianos Engine
The Synchron Bösendorfer Imperial is played through VSL’s powerful and free Synchron Pianos Software. This dedicated engine is engineered for performance and intuitive control, offering:
- Authentic Playability: Experience true sympathetic string resonance, detailed pedal noise (sustain, sostenuto, soft), and realistic key release sounds.
- Deep Sound Shaping: Go beyond presets with musician-friendly controls. Adjust body resonance, fine-tune sympathetic resonance, apply filters to specific key ranges or even single keys, and blend in high-quality algorithmic reverb to taste.
- Optimized Performance: Designed for efficiency, the engine ensures a smooth playing experience, letting you focus on the music.
Curated Presets for Instant Inspiration
To get you started immediately, the Synchron Bösendorfer Imperial includes a range of expertly crafted presets utilizing various microphone configurations:
- Room Mix (Standard Library): Resource-friendly presets offering a balanced mix of all available microphones (from the Full Library) for a ready-to-play sound.
- Decca Tree Multi Mic (Standard Library): Delivers the classic, focused Decca tree sound, slightly more direct and less diffused than the Room Mix.
- Surround to Stereo Downmix (Full Library): Utilizes all room microphones with varied time delays for enhanced depth perception in stereo.
- Surround (Full Library): Provides dedicated outputs for immersive surround sound setups.
Each preset serves as a perfect starting point, easily editable to match your specific production needs.
Is the Synchron Bösendorfer Imperial For You?
This virtual instrument is ideal for:
- Composers: Seeking a grand piano with unparalleled warmth, depth, and an orchestral weight perfect for scoring.
- Pianists: Demanding the utmost in dynamic response, realism, and the unique expressive potential of the extended 8-octave range.
- Producers: Needing a flagship virtual piano sound that exudes quality and character for any genre requiring acoustic piano.
- Sound Designers: Looking to explore the unique resonances and tonal possibilities offered by this iconic instrument.
System Requirements
Ensure your system is ready to handle this majestic instrument:
Minimum:
- Windows 10 (latest update, 64-bit) / macOS 10.14 Mojave (latest update)
- Intel Core i5 or AMD Athlon 64 X2
- Note: Multi-thread support (from Synchron Piano Player v. 1.3.816) requires macOS 11+
- 16 GB RAM
- SSD (M2, SATA 6 or USB3/3.1, UASP Support – HFS+, APFS or NTFS formatted)
- Free Storage Space: 42 GB (Standard Library) / 99 GB (Full Library)
- Note: macOS 11 Big Sur or higher required for lossless compression; older macOS requires more space.
Recommended:
- Windows 11 (latest update) / macOS 13 Ventura (or higher)
- Intel Core i7/i9/Xeon or Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3)
- 32 GB RAM
- AU/VST/VST3/AAX Native compatible host software
- 88-key master keyboard for the best playing experience
Bring Home the Legend
The Bösendorfer Concert Grand 290 Imperial is more than just a piano; it’s an experience. Its majestic tone, rich resonance, and expansive range have inspired musicians for generations. Now, meticulously captured by the Vienna Symphonic Library and powered by the intuitive Synchron Pianos engine, this legendary instrument is ready to inspire you.
Explore its profound depth, command its orchestral power, and feel the imperial grandeur in every note.
