Prime Studio GMBH Ravenscroft 220 VI

The Ravenscroft 220 VI is one of the worlds most deeply sampled and realistic sounding piano sample libraries. Two fully sampled sound characteristics, based on vintage Neve 31102 and modern AMS Neve 1081R microphone preamps. Six microphone positions to mix your favorite piano sound. Play it like a real grand piano by enjoying sustain pedal samples, una corda samples, differently sustaining release samples, Maestoso sustain pedal functionality, harmonic resonances, action and pedal sounds, as well as staccato sounds.

The Ravenscroft Model 220 Grand Performance Piano

The Ravenscroft 220 Virtual Instrument is the result of a joint venture between Prime Studio GmbH, Austria and Ravenscroft Pianos, USA. With two outstanding companies taking two years in the making and recording over 185,000 samples, we present one of the most deeply sampled and realistic sounding acoustic performance pianos in the world.

This immense project began with the concept, design, and creation of the Custom Handcrafted Ravenscroft Model 220 Swarovski Edition Acoustic Piano in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. This 220 offers 7′ 3″ of exhilarating performance at your fingertips with an enormous full-bodied bass, clear lush tenor, and an exquisite singing treble. Characterized by the thoughtfully sculpted sound, the unique voice of the 220 is a complex blend of fundamental power coupled with precision clarity. An exquisite, handcrafted case completes the peerless work of art.

The piano was then crated up in a custom flight case and flown across the pond to Prime Studio GmbH located in the beautiful Alps of Mils, Austria.

11 Microphones And Full Natural Decay

To ensure capturing the finest nuances and soul of the acoustic instrument as well as recording the highest sound quality, while residing in Studio A, only top notch equipment and components, such as the Abendrot Everest 701 True Audio Master Clock, state of the art microphones like AKG, Neumann, Telefunken and ultra rare vintage gear was used throughout the whole production process.

It took over three months to record every individual note. The sampling was performed by human touch to ensure the final result would sound natural and not automated or robotic. To replicate the realism of the acoustic piano, each sustaining note was recorded from attack to silent infinity with many of the lower bass notes exceeding 2 minutes in natural duration.

Precision In Every Detail At Your Fingertips

The library was sampled running our AD converters at 192 kHz capturing signals at 32 bit precision. Where applicable at least 12 velocity layers have been recorded, resulting in approx. 60,000 samples being finally used for the full version of the virtual instrument. The final library has been converted to 44.1 kHz at 24 bit precision, resulting in 140 GB size.

The virtual instrument offers real sustain pedal sampling, action and pedal sounds reacting to continuous MIDI controllers for Una Corda, Sostenuto and Sustain pedal use. Blend in fully sampled sympathetic resonances using the "Harmonics" feature. Six different positions offering 11 microphone signals to mix your favorite sound. Choosing „Parquet“ and blending in the „LFE“ microphone position in conjunction with the use of stereo headphones offers you a binaural listening experience too. For experimental players the Ravenscroft 220 VI offers staccato samples as well.