Toontrack EZkeys Cinematic Grand v1.2.5 | VST Instruments | Buy in USA Online
Toontrack EZkeys Cinematic Grand v1.2.5: A Review
If you are looking for a piano instrument that goes beyond the tradition, you might want to check out Toontrack's EZkeys Cinematic Grand. This is a unique and innovative product that offers a new way of creating ambient soundscapes, soundtracks and creative sound design. In this article, we will review the features, functions and benefits of EZkeys Cinematic Grand, as well as its pros and cons.
Toontrack – EZkeys Cinematic Grand v1.2.5 STANDALONE, VSTi, VSTi3 x86 x64
What is EZkeys Cinematic Grand?
EZkeys Cinematic Grand is a virtual instrument that is part of Toontrack's EZkeys line of products. EZkeys is a series of piano instruments that are designed to make songwriting and music production easy and fun. EZkeys Cinematic Grand is the latest addition to the series, and it is unlike any other piano instrument you have ever heard.
A prepared piano with four configurations
EZkeys Cinematic Grand is based on the concept of a prepared piano. A prepared piano is a traditional acoustic piano that has its sound altered by placing objects on or between the strings. This creates new timbres and harmonics that are not possible with a normal piano. Some famous composers who have used prepared pianos include John Cage, Henry Cowell and George Crumb.
EZkeys Cinematic Grand uses a classic Bösendorfer from 1891 as its source instrument. This piano was recorded in four individual configurations:
Bowed: Horsehair was used as a bow on each piano string, creating a smooth and ethereal sound.
Plucked: The strings were struck by hand, creating a percussive and organic sound.
Damped: Various preparations were added to the strings, such as felt, rubber and metal, creating a muffled and muted sound.
Harmonic: The overtones of the strings were exaggerated, creating an ambient and soaring sound.
A hybrid instrument with altered harmonics and layered textures
EZkeys Cinematic Grand is not just a collection of prepared piano sounds. It is also a hybrid instrument that combines different configurations and effects to create new sounds that have never been heard before. The sounds are altered by various chains of sound-shaping effects, such as filters, reverbs, delays, distortions and modulations. These effects can be controlled by the user or by using the built-in presets.
EZkeys Cinematic Grand also allows the user to layer different configurations together to create complex textures and atmospheres. For example, you can combine the bowed and harmonic configurations to create a lush and dreamy sound, or the plucked and damped configurations to create a rhythmic and dynamic sound. The possibilities are endless and only limited by your imagination.
A versatile tool for ambient soundscapes, soundtracks and creative sound design
EZkeys Cinematic Grand is a versatile tool that can be used for various musical genres and purposes. Whether you are composing an ambient soundscape, a cinematic soundtrack, or a creative sound design, EZkeys Cinematic Grand can provide you with the sounds you need. You can use it as a standalone instrument, or as a complement to other instruments and sounds. You can also use it as a source of inspiration, by exploring the different presets and configurations, and discovering new sonic possibilities.
What are the features of EZkeys Cinematic Grand?
EZkeys Cinematic Grand has many features that make it a powerful and easy-to-use instrument. Here are some of the main features:
Based on a classic Bösendorfer from 1891
EZkeys Cinematic Grand is based on a classic Bösendorfer piano from 1891, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious piano brands in the world. The Bösendorfer has a rich and warm tone, with a wide dynamic range and a distinctive resonance. The piano was recorded in four octaves (C0 to C4), using high-quality microphones and preamps, to capture every nuance and detail of the sound.
Recorded in four octaves and in four different configurations
EZkeys Cinematic Grand was recorded in four octaves (C0 to C4), which covers the most commonly used range of a piano. Each octave was recorded in four different configurations: bowed, plucked, damped and harmonic. This gives the user a total of 16 different sounds to choose from, each with its own character and expression. The user can also mix and match different octaves and configurations, to create custom sounds.
40 mix-ready presets, offering creative instrument blends
EZkeys Cinematic Grand comes with 40 mix-ready presets, which are designed to offer creative instrument blends and effects chains. The presets are divided into four categories: Ambient, Soundscapes, Soundtracks and Creative. Each category contains 10 presets that are suitable for different musical genres and purposes. The user can also create their own presets, by adjusting the parameters of the effects and the layers.
Compatible with STANDALONE, VSTi, VSTi3 formats for Windows
EZkeys Cinematic Grand is compatible with STANDALONE, VSTi, VSTi3 formats for Windows. This means that the user can use it as a standalone application, or as a plugin in their favorite DAW (digital audio workstation). The user can also use EZkeys Cinematic Grand with other EZkeys products, such as EZkeys Grand Piano, EZkeys Electric Grand or EZkeys Mellotoon.
How to use EZkeys Cinematic Grand?
EZkeys Cinematic Grand is easy to use, thanks to its intuitive interface and navigation. Here are some of the steps on how to use EZkeys Cinematic Grand:
Installation and activation
To install EZkeys Cinematic Grand, the user needs to download the installer from Toontrack's website, or from their Toontrack Product Manager application. The user also needs to have an account on Toontrack's website, where they can register their product and get their serial number. The user then needs to run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen. The user also needs to activate their product online or offline, using their serial number.
Interface and navigation
EZkeys Cinematic Grand has a simple and user-friendly interface, which consists of four main sections: the keyboard, the preset browser, the layer controls and the effect controls. The keyboard shows the range of notes that can be played by the instrument, as well as the velocity levels and the sustain pedal status. The preset browser allows the user to select from 40 mix-ready presets, or create their own presets. The layer controls allow the user to adjust the volume, pan, tune and mute of each layer (octave/configuration). The effect controls allow the user to adjust the parameters of each effect in the chain.
Selecting and customizing presets
To select a preset, the user can click on the preset name at the top of the interface, or use the arrow keys on their keyboard. The user can also browse through the presets by category (Ambient, Soundscapes, Soundtracks or Creative), by clicking on the icons at the bottom of the interface. The user can also use the search function to find a preset by name or keyword.
To customize a preset, the user can adjust the layer controls and the effect controls, as well as the master volume and the master tune. The user can also save their custom preset by clicking on the save icon at the top of the interface, or delete a preset by clicking on the trash icon. The user can also rename a preset by double-clicking on the preset name.
Using the song track and the MIDI library
EZkeys Cinematic Grand also comes with a song track and a MIDI library, which are useful features for songwriting and music production. The song track allows the user to drag and drop MIDI files from the MIDI library or from their own collection, and create a song structure. The user can also transpose, edit, quantize and humanize the MIDI files, as well as change the tempo and the time signature. The user can also export their song track as a MIDI file or as an audio file.
The MIDI library contains hundreds of MIDI files that are categorized by genre, style and mood. The MIDI files are played by professional pianists, and they are designed to fit different musical contexts and scenarios. The user can preview the MIDI files by clicking on them, and drag and drop them to the song track or to their DAW. The user can also use the smart transpose function, which automatically adapts the MIDI files to the key and chord of their song.
What are the pros and cons of EZkeys Cinematic Grand?
EZkeys Cinematic Grand is a great instrument for anyone who wants to explore new sonic territories and create original music. However, it also has some limitations and drawbacks that should be considered. Here are some of the pros and cons of EZkeys Cinematic Grand:
Pros
Unique and inspiring sounds: EZkeys Cinematic Grand offers a wide range of sounds that are not available in any other piano instrument. The sounds are rich, expressive and atmospheric, and they can evoke different emotions and moods. The sounds are also suitable for various musical genres and purposes, such as ambient, cinematic, experimental, electronic, etc.
High-quality samples and effects: EZkeys Cinematic Grand uses high-quality samples that capture every detail and nuance of the prepared piano. The samples are also processed by various effects that enhance and transform the sound. The effects are adjustable and customizable, allowing the user to create their own soundscapes and textures.
Easy to use and customize: EZkeys Cinematic Grand has a simple and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use and navigate. The user can select from 40 mix-ready presets, or create their own presets by adjusting the layer controls and the effect controls. The user can also layer different configurations together to create complex sounds.
Affordable price: EZkeys Cinematic Grand is priced at $149 USD, which is a reasonable price for such a unique and innovative instrument. The user can also get a discount if they own another EZkeys product, or if they buy EZkeys Cinematic Grand as part of a bundle.
Cons
Limited range of octaves: EZkeys Cinematic Grand is only recorded in four octaves (C0 to C4), which limits the range of notes that can be played by the instrument. This might be a problem for some users who want to play higher or lower notes, or who want to have more flexibility in their playing.
Requires a lot of disk space and RAM: EZkeys Cinematic Grand requires 4 GB of free hard disk space and 2 GB of RAM to run smoothly. This might be an issue for some users who have limited storage space or memory on their computers.
Not suitable for traditional piano playing: EZkeys Cinematic Grand is not designed for traditional piano playing, as it does not sound like a normal piano. It is more suitable for creating ambient soundscapes, soundtracks and creative sound design. Some users might prefer a more realistic and natural sounding piano instrument.
Conclusion
EZkeys Cinematic Grand is a unique and innovative virtual instrument that offers a new way of creating ambient soundscapes, soundtracks and creative sound design. It is based on a prepared piano concept, which alters the sound of a classic Bösendorfer from 1891 by placing objects on or between the strings. It is also a hybrid instrument that combines different configurations and effects to create new sounds that have never been heard before.
EZkeys Cinematic Grand has many features that make it a powerful and easy-to-use instrument, such as the 40 mix-ready presets, the song track, the MIDI library, the layer controls and the effect controls. It is compatible with STANDALONE, VSTi, VSTi3 formats for Windows, and it can be used with other EZkeys products. EZkeys Cinematic Grand has some pros and cons that should be considered before buying it. Some of the pros are the unique and inspiring sounds, the high-quality samples and effects, the easy to use and customize interface, and the affordable price. Some of the cons are the limited range of octaves, the high disk space and RAM requirements, and the unsuitability for traditional piano playing. EZkeys Cinematic Grand is a great instrument for anyone who wants to explore new sonic territories and create original music. It is especially suitable for ambient, cinematic, experimental and electronic music genres. It is also a great source of inspiration, as it offers a wide range of sounds that can evoke different emotions and moods. EZkeys Cinematic Grand is a product that goes beyond the tradition, and challenges the user to create something new and innovative. FAQs
Q: How much does EZkeys Cinematic Grand cost?
A: EZkeys Cinematic Grand costs $149 USD. However, you can get a discount if you own another EZkeys product, or if you buy EZkeys Cinematic Grand as part of a bundle.
Q: How can I get a free trial of EZkeys Cinematic Grand?
A: You can get a free trial of EZkeys Cinematic Grand by downloading the EZkeys Player from Toontrack's website. The EZkeys Player allows you to try all the EZkeys products for 10 days.
Q: What are the system requirements for EZkeys Cinematic Grand?
A: The system requirements for EZkeys Cinematic Grand are:
Windows 7 or newer
Pentium 4 or Athlon processor with 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
4 GB free hard disk space
A sound card compatible with ASIO or Windows Core Audio
Q: Can I use EZkeys Cinematic Grand with a MIDI keyboard?
A: Yes, you can use EZkeys Cinematic Grand with a MIDI keyboard. You just need to connect your MIDI keyboard to your computer, and select it as your input device in the EZkeys settings.
Q: Can I use EZkeys Cinematic Grand with other instruments and sounds?
A: Yes, you can use EZkeys Cinematic Grand with other instruments and sounds. You can either use it as a standalone instrument, or as a plugin in your DAW. You can also use it with other EZkeys products, such as EZkeys Grand Piano, EZkeys Electric Grand or EZkeys Mellotoon.
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