Quantum Leap Pianos:
Bechstein D-280
Handcrafted in Germany, the 9' Bechstein D-280 concert grand piano is a work of art with a sweetly singing, richly colored sound without a hint of metallic character. To sample this very special instrument for Quantum Leap Pianos, EastWest brought in legendary recording engineer Ken Scott, who used his unique mic techniques to capture this marvelous piano in all its glory. The results are stunning. You’ll find the Bechstein ideal for everything from classical to jazz to pop.
The C. Bechstein legacy
Built to meet the demands of the virtuoso pianists of the era, Bechstein pianos landed in many concert halls and private residences — including Queen Victoria’s Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. In modern times, in addition to gracing countless hits by artists such as the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Genesis, David Bowie, Yes, and Supertramp, Trident Studios’ century-old Bechstein grand reportedly was the piano played by Paul McCartney on the Beatles’ “Hey Jude” and by Freddie Mercury on Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
About Quantum Leap Pianos
The EastWest Quantum Leap Pianos collection includes highly detailed virtual versions of four great pianos, with features such as three microphone positions (Platinum only), multiple articulations, lid position simulation, 8–12 velocities per note, pedal resonance, and up to 18 dynamic layers. Included in the Quantum Leap Pianos collection are the Bechstein D-280 concert grand, Steinway D concert grand, Bösendorfer 290 concert grand, and Yamaha C7 grand. The EastWest PLAY interface includes impulses from the same hall the producers used to record Symphonic Orchestra and Symphonic Choirs, so the pianos blend beautifully with those collections.
"In summation, these are without question the most gorgeous sounding sampled pianos I've ever heard. If you're looking for the most authentic sounding sampled grand pianos available at this time, and have a system that can handle it, Quantum Leap Pianos is a must-consider."
— RECORDING MAGAZINE
Features:
- Load any piano or mic position individually
- 3 mic positions (Platinum); 1 mic position (Gold)
- 10–18 velocities per note of sustain and sustain with pedal
- 8–12 velocities per note of repetitions and repetitions with pedal
- 5–8 velocities of soft pedal and soft pedal with sustain pedal
- 16-velocity staccato on every piano
- Repetition samples taken from 180 bpm performances for a true repetition sound (not simply an alternate take)
- Software detects true repetitions
- Pedal resonance recorded for every note at multiple velocities, as well as with the soft pedal down
- Proprietary resonance captured on the Bösendorfer
- Release samples with software envelope follower
- 8 articulations on each piano, including sustain, sustain with pedal, repetitions, repetitions with pedal, soft pedal, soft pedal with sustain pedal, staccato, and release trails
- Recorded in optimal piano environment with vintage Neumann microphones and Meitner A/D converters and through a vintage Neve 8078 console
- Stereo swap possible in software
- Mic position mixing in software
- Lid position simulation
- Articulation matrix for quick and straightforward loading
- Powerful streaming engine available with highest polyphony counts
- PLAY interface includes impulses from the same hall used to record Symphonic Orchestra and Symphonic Choirs, allowing for beautiful blend with those collections
- iLok account required, dongle optional