Publisher: Vienna Symphonic Library
Format: Synchron Player
Description: The Well-Prepared Piano
The Studio FX Piano goes far beyond the playing techniques of a traditional Prepared Piano. Painstakingly captured in the pristine, controlled environment of Stage B at Vienna Synchron Stage, this unique collection redefines what a piano can be – and sound like. Expanding significantly on the “prepared piano” concept popularized by avant-garde composer John Cage in the 1940s, we transformed our Yamaha CFX into a groundbreaking instrument of sonic exploration. By manipulating its strings with objects such as screws, bolts, rubber, felt wedges, chains and paper, or utilizing an EBow for infinite sustain, it now produces a myriad of adventurous tones far removed from its classical origins. The controlled ambience allows you to shape your custom FX sounds any way you want, while the optional convolution reverb derived from Vienna MIR Pro 3D adds space and even more creative versatility. A wide array of dedicated FX patches and mixer presets takes this sonic adventure to entirely new dimensions, inviting you to push the boundaries of tonal and atonal composition as well as of sound design.
Prepper’s Delight
When it comes to high-performance music, preparation is key – and in this collection, that concept takes on a whole new, literal meaning. Our very own piano tuner and specialist Max Kubizek conducted extensive research to unlock the unique sound possibilities he and Synchron Stage chief conductor Gottfried Rabl envisioned for this exceptional product, which is vastly more expansive and versatile than the previously released prepared piano in our Studio Special Keyboards collection. The results give you incredible freedom for experimentation.
During the recording sessions, no boundaries were set: the bass strings were slapped by hand or plucked with a guitar pick, the piano body was struck with a mallet, metal screws and bolts created sharp metallic overtones, while rubber and felt dampened the vibrating strings to produce muted, drum-like beats. These unconventional techniques and non-traditional approaches generated complex and unexpected sound layers, ranging from mystical drones to sharp, percussive hits that are as inspiring as they are unique.
Beyond Recognition
Behind every keystroke lies a realm of sonic exploration – from the weird and eerie to the innovative and avant-garde. Is it a piano or a percussion instrument? A key instrument or some sort of alien noise generator? Sometimes, it’s hard to tell – and that’s precisely the appeal of this unique instrument. The possibilities are as vast as the materials used to manipulate and transform its sound.
Expanding on the classic “Cage Template”, special FX mixer presets enable instant sound shaping, empowering you to break free from convention. Perfect for film scores, contemporary compositions, and experimental music, the FX piano’s cross-genre versatility is unmistakable. Custom articulations broaden its expressive range, making it indispensable for those seeking the unconventional and unpredictable.
Pure Experimentation
The relatively dry Stage B is perfect for capturing prepared and FX piano sounds that feel as direct and pure as if you were sitting right in front of the instrument while the sound-altering materials are applied. With both algorithmic and convolution reverb options, this prepared piano adapts seamlessly to any musical setting and can be placed in any acoustic environment you desire – ranging from tight, intimate studio spaces to richly reverberant surroundings. Whether you’re crafting cinematic soundscapes or experimental avant-garde compositions, this instrument equips you to explore the world of previously unheard piano tones.
Features :
• Prepared & FX piano sounds
• Unconventional sound design, transforming piano tones into unique percussive and resonant textures
• Percussive hits, mystical drones, organic plucks, heavenly pads
• Versatile performance styles like glissandos, string scrapes, mallet strikes, EBow
• Special FX presets in the categories percussive, pads, spacious, delays, evolving
• Additional FX mixer presets
Installation :
• Synchron Player is required for use.
• Soundbank files with the .SYVOLUME extension can be located in any directory, but for ease of use, it is recommended to place all soundbanks in a single directory divided into subdirectories (Synchron Player supports nesting).
• Soundbanks have keys with the .R2RVSLSYN extension.
- Copy the .R2RVSLSYN key files to the %ProgramData%\VSL\Vienna Synchron Player\R2R\ directory.
- Launch VSLEMU CacheBuilder (included with Synchron Player) and click OK in the window that appears.
- If you use a single directory for your soundbanks, divided into subdirectories, the soundbanks will immediately appear in the list of available ones when you launch Synchron Player. If the soundbanks are located in a new directory, click the gear icon at the top of the Synchron Player interface and add this directory by clicking the + sign, then restart the program. The soundbanks will appear in the list of available ones.
