Black Pearl B200 completes IK Multimedia’s Pianoverse

Published 19/10/24

Final piano added to virtual instrument platform

IK Multimedia have announced the launch of the final scheduled addition to their Pianoverse virtual instrument. Available both individually and as a part of Pianoverse MAX, Black Pearl B200 captures a Bösendorfer 214VC Vienna Concert grand piano, promising to round off the instrument collection with a unique, contemporary tone.

As with all previous instalments, the latest member of the Pianoverse family has been captured with the assistance of IK Multimedia’s custom sampling robot, which employs a precise motor paired with an elastic actuator designed to perform exactly like a human finger. Recordings took place at the Fonoprint Studios in Bologna, Italy, a prized facility housed within the walls of a 15th-century convent, with a collection of DPA microphones put to work on close- and room-miking duties. The resulting instrument is said to be equally at home in classical and contemporary genres thanks to two distinct microphone setup options that offer a choice of classical or modern sounds, with adjustable lid position, harp resonance, pedal noise, release triggers and mallet noise helping to enhance the library’s realism.

Those who want to fine-tune the sound can take advantage of Pianoverse’s suite of built-in processors and effects — which include four compressor models and a dedicated master channel with EQ and a VCA-style compressor — and there’s also a selection of more extreme processing options aimed at creative sound-design applications. A total of 12 creative effects ranging from cinematic reverbs to tape modellers are included, and there’s a powerful modulation system that allows four sources (two LFOs and two envelopes) to take control of any effects parameter.

Compatibility

Pianoverse is supported on PCs running Windows 7 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.13 and above. VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.