The VST and AU versions include updated, high-performance algorithms that have been improving with each new virtual instrument released by Adam Monroe Music. With this library, we feel like we have done just that.

The goal in any sample library that is also a VSTi ( virtual instrument) or AU (Audio Unit) is to attempt to match the performance of the Kontakt Player. The VST and Audio Unit versions are another beast entirely, and the programming falls entirely on Adam Monroe Music. The Kontakt version of Adam Monroe's Honky Tonk Piano is cross-platform, and is maintained by Native Instruments, all the programming and effects being done through them. If you need to make demos or recordings of ragtime music, or just need a generally purcussive piano, this virtual instrument is ready to become the newest member of your VST, AU, or Kontakt arsenal. This piano plugin can be a great addition to your collection, as it fills a nice niche in the world of sampled upright pianos. Although we've cleaned up the notes quite a bit since the VST's initial release, we feel that too much cleaning-up starts to destroy the sound and feel of the plugin. This is not a pristine, clean plugin, and the notes can be quite hard hitting! We feel this adds to the percussive nature of honky-tonk style piano playing. The end result is an EXTREMELY PURCUSSIVE and LOUD piano library that will cut through your mix.

Noise was removed and the piano was eq'd and compressed - yes, this is a heavily processed plugin. Once the notes were recorded, the laborious task of processing them began. Unlike most piano libraries that just record one or the other, the piano was sampled with both sustain pedal open and closed, increasing the library's size, but allowing for more expression well playing. We attempted to sample this piano deeply (10 velocity layers, 2 note round robin) but in the end, round robin was only partially captured, well the velocity goals were met. An AKG D112 was used initially in order to capture the lower frequencies, but the TLM 102 did a fine enough job on its own. The piano was sampled close-miced with lid open in mono, but each note was carefully panned to creat a stereo effect. The piano had undoubtedly seem some action, and although it could be tuned (one note at a time) the tone of the piano was a bit on the 'honky' side. Adam Monroe Music Honky Tonk Piano v2.4 The Sampling ProcessĪdam Monroe's Honky Tonk Piano was sampled from a vintage Chickering upright piano - exact age unknown - primarily through a Neumann TLM 102 microphone.

Piano v2 plugin