How to Enhance Piano Samples: Techniques for Achieving Realistic Sound Production

Being able to capture the true essence of a piano while recording is a valuable skill for any recording engineer. It involves understanding stereo instrument micing, phase relationships, and the complex nature of an instrument that spans the audible frequency range. However, sampling pianos can be a bit challenging compared to other instruments. This is why there are numerous piano libraries available, each tailored for specific styles, genres, and emotions. In this blog post, we will explore valuable techniques for maximizing the potential of your piano samples, using Kontakt 5 and Native Instruments Alicia’s Keys as demonstration tools. Our focus will be on the jazz standard "Wade in the Water," composed in 1901.

Humanization: Conveying Realistic Performance
Achieving an authentic piano sound starts with meticulous attention to performance details. Avoid over-quantization as it leads to mechanical and lifeless MIDI recordings. To infuse life into your piano programming, consider two methods. First, play the part live and then apply light quantization at around 25-30% strength. Add a touch of swing to give it a subtle groove. Alternatively, quantize strictly to the grid at 100% strength and then introduce humanization. Utilize MIDI Transform window's Humanize preset, adjusting settings such as Note Length and Position to ±Rand 25-35 for more realistic results. Experiment with these approaches and consider manually modifying specific notes to enhance phrases. Remember, a piano player never strikes every note identically. It is the delicate variations in velocity, timing, and length that create the illusion of an authentic performance.

Velocity Curves: Refining Dynamics
Velocity curves are essential in tailoring MIDI information before it reaches the sampler. These curves mimic the characteristics of different keyboard weightings, such as linear, convex, and concave. Linear is the default setting, mapping MIDI velocity directly. Convex curves create a slower ramp-up to higher volume, while concave curves achieve the opposite effect. After recording and quantization, experiment with velocity curves to refine note dynamics. For softer pieces like our jazz standard, applying a convex curve softens upper-range notes, providing a smoother tonal output.

EQ: Enhancing Realism
Virtual pianos often benefit from slight EQ adjustments to sound more realistic in a mix. While there is no single answer to how to EQ a piano, some default adjustments can serve as a starting point. Firstly, apply a narrow peak filter between 150 Hz and 250 Hz, cutting around 2-3 dB to remove muddiness and reduce competition with other instruments in the mix. Additionally, consider boosting mid frequencies between 2 kHz and 4 kHz, with the amount of boost determined by the piano library's amplitude in this range. For Alicia's Keys, a boost of 4 dB-5.5 dB is usually effective. Finally, introduce a high shelf EQ above 8 kHz, either cutting or boosting depending on the library. A boost of 3 dB-5 dB adds a touch of sparkle and brightness. These adjustments maintain the instrument's timbre while adding warmth to the overall tone.

Split-Band EQ: Managing Frequency Range
The piano's wide frequency range can present challenges when EQing within a mix. While recording a live piano allows for separate EQ treatment of the left and right microphones (representing bass and treble), MIDI pianos require a different approach. A beneficial technique is to duplicate piano tracks and split the MIDI data into different instrument ranges. In our project, we created two tracks: 'high piano' and 'low piano.' By allocating the bassline to the 'low piano' track and assigning chords and melody to the 'high piano' track, we can EQ each track independently. This approach prevents one range from overpowering the other, ensuring balanced frequency distribution.

By employing these techniques, you can transform your piano samples into dynamic and authentic performances. Remember to embrace the nuances of humanization, utilize velocity curves to refine dynamics, apply EQ adjustments to enhance realism, and employ split-band EQ for effective frequency management in the mix. With these tools at your disposal, you can elevate your piano recordings and create compelling musical experiences.