PIANO Premier "KAWAI Legend"

PREMIER SOUND FACTORY
KAWAI SK-EX Competition Grand

Super Hi-Res Acoustic Piano Library in 96kHz/24bit
for Kontakt & Free Kontakt Player.

Required Kontakt(Player) version6 or higher.

PREMIER Software Instrument Trio
Pf: PIANO Premier KAWAI Legend
Bs: Acoustic Bass Premier G
Dr: Drum Tree®

“Run”
Pf and Song: Helge Lien

This piano is Formula 1!

The top-of-the-line KAWAI grand concert pianos, the “SK-EX,” was born to win in world competitions. It produces a rich, vibrant sound even with the slightest touch. The bass is thick and the high range is warm and brilliant. It’s a top choice for many pianists and has won numerous awards, including the Chopin International Piano Competition.

The SK-EX, named after Shigeru Kawai, is an extraordinary super machine imbued with Japanese craftsmanship spirit. For example, even a single soundboard of the piano is naturally dried for 10 years, and the processing and assembly are performed by SK-EX specialist craftsmen with skilled manual labor.

Miraculous Collaboration


PIANO Premier “KAWAI Legend” has been carefully recorded, with the full cooperation of Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd. We selected the best one from the multiple top SK-EX models that are active in world competitions.

It was a miracle that we were able to keep the best model for the entire 10-day recording period, as it is a highly sought-after ace model that is constantly flying around the world for competitions. We were also fortunate enough to have a dedicated SK-EX concert tuner (MPA tuner) accompany us throughout the entire period, and we pursued the team’s ideals by taking our time to adjust each key several times in a luxurious studio environment.

After recording, we spent over two years pursuing the sound, reproducibility, and responsiveness that are appropriate, including sound improvement and the development of new technologies. In other words, KAWAI Legend is the ultimate digital clone that has been thoroughly managed from materials to quality. It is the culmination of our PIANO Premier series.

Not just high-res 96kHz

The “KAWAI Legend” PIANO Premier package contains only one best piano, and the parameters are very simple because nothing else is necessary. The Premier team has done everything possible to capture the power and charm of SK-EX. By playing just one note, it reproduces a deep and rich story.

Our technology for analog and digital audio, which we have been pursuing for over 20 years, enables you to experience unparalleled sound quality and the essence of PREMIER SOUND FACTORY, “high-quality realism.”

Velocity accuracy For this recording, we achieved very accurate velocity distribution, including expression and texture, throughout all keys using our original key striking device.

We recommend using 96kHz sessions to fully demonstrate our unique sound density and high-concentration sound. Please use stereo tracks with Kontakt. (Of course, it can also be used in sessions of 44.1kHz, 48kHz, etc.)

Entirely Sample Based

The PIANO Premier series does not use any synth modeling, including harmonic resonance, and reproduces all expressions and resonances using only recorded samples.

By pressing the sustain pedal while holding down the keys, harmonic resonance is added. Note On generated while pressing the sustain pedal plays the sample layer actually played by striking the keys while holding down the pedal.

Exceeded the maximum velocity wall! “Velocity+”

(PCT PAT.P)

As is well known, the maximum velocity of the standard MIDI is 127. However, if the sound of a real piano played with full force is assigned to 127, it may frequently occur depending on the keyboard, resulting in a strangely stiff and unnatural piano sound. On the other hand, if “moderate strength” is assigned to 127 in anticipation of this, sometimes needs a stronger touch, especially in classical music.

“KAWAI Legend” of PIANO Premier proudly cleared this problem. Regardless of the keyboard, if it has aftertouch after detecting a keystroke of velocity 127, the Velocity+ (VelocityPlus) realizes a functionality that can be described as practically achieving a maximum velocity of 256 by detecting overflow intensity of 127 levels by aftertouch (within 20 msec) and replacing the sound that started sounding with velocity 127 with an extremely natural limit-breaking sound according to the overflow degree. This product is equipped with three additional limit-breaking velocity layers after exceeding 127. It is also possible to monitor the value of Velocity+ in real-time.

This is a new function with excellent upward and downward compatibility, which means that there is no negative effect even if existing MIDI data is played back with this function, and there is no negative effect even if MIDI data recorded with this function is played back on existing equipment or sound sources that do not have Velocity+. (Velocity+ has the OnOff switch too.)

The ultimate experience for performers and listeners.


We have reconstructed the playback system of all sounds using new technology, including harmonic resonance, release trigger, damper, and half pedal. We pursue the natural resonance and playing feel to the fullest, allowing players to enjoy a very natural piano touch without any conscious effort.


For each key, there are a maximum of 42 layers, including velocity (up to 18 levels for pedal on, up to 18 levels for pedal off, 5 levels for release trigger, and 1 level for harmonic resonance).
All of the below are newly developed.

Max Voice Optimize System 2

We have further improved the pronunciation efficiency system of the highly acclaimed PIANO Premier At First Light.

The maximum number of simultaneous pronunciations is now automatically controlled according to the current situation. When repeatedly pressing the pedal, the simultaneous pronunciation is usually limited to one per keyboard to prevent unnecessary resource consumption. However, when, for example, Velocity30 is played immediately after Velocity111, which could cause the overall sound image to suddenly become unnaturally small, the system recognizes the situation and automatically increases or decreases the number of simultaneous pronunciations in the background.

Half pedal compatible

If you are using a half-mode compatible MIDI damper pedal, the touch of the felt (sustain length) will change depending on the amount of pedal depression. It is also possible to stop the sound without generating damper noise by slowly releasing the pedal.

For a simple pedal with only on/off functions, you can adjust the amount of pedal depression with the modulation wheel.

Re-damper pedal support

By pressing the pedal during the time between releasing the key and the sound disappearing, the sound will be sustained. If the sound has not finished being silenced by the damper felt, pressing the pedal will sustain a low volume sound. This effect is achieved without using any modulation, and is entirely sample-based.

Advanced NKS compatibility

Advanced support for NKS, which enables intuitive workflow and collaboration with KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards, etc.

Remote operation of almost all parameters, including previously difficult remote switching of reverb room (IR samples), has been made possible. This has improved user usability and accessibility.

Harmonic resonance of the genuine SK-EX

We have developed a new Harmonic Resonance playback system for the actual SK-EX, not a simulation. It reproduces the resonance (OVER TONE) when two or more specific keys are pressed, as well as the real resonance when the sustain pedal is pressed in the middle of Note On.

Samples of Note On after pressing the sustain pedal are also recorded for all keys and velocities, with automatic switching enabled by pedal operation.

Whole New Release trigger playback system

The release noise playback system, which has been further updated from PIANO Premier AFL, reproduces the natural behavior of an acoustic piano even more accurately.

Mechanical Noise

You can amplify the noise of the piano keystroke structure to create an effective sound.

Pedal action noise is also played in 3 cycle round robin. Of course, it is also possible to cut out both sounds if desired.

Flexible Velocity and Keymap Editor

It is possible to fine-tune the sensitivity of the piano according to the velocity response of your keyboard.

The pp Softer
it is a knob that further reduces the volume of weak touches.

Setting it to zero will result in the actual dynamic range during recording. Normally, using zero will result in the sound of the SK-EX, but by turning this knob up, weak touches will become even quieter. Some electronic pianos tend to have a larger range set, so some players may feel that turning the knob up makes it easier to add dynamics.

Elegant Convolution Reverb

Equipped with 16 types of impulse responses.

Newly added are two high-quality large hall IR reverbs, three wood studio IR reverbs, that recorded “KAWAI Legend”, and resonant IR reverbs inside the piano.

Specification

PIANO Premier “KAWAI Legend”

Format: KONTAKT Instrument
Sampler: FREE KONTAKT 6 PLAYER (included in free KOMPLETE PLAYERS), or KONTAKT 6 (version 6 or higher)
Category: Grand Piano
Num of Sound: 3333 Samples with no loop
Download Size(Mac/PC): 32GB
Compatible: Mac OSX 10.9 Higher(64bit only) Windows7 Later(64bit only) 4GB RAM, 32GB Disk Space
Driver: Stand Alone, Audio Units VST ASIO Core Audio WASAPI AAX Native(Win: Pro Tools 10 Later、Mac: Pro Tools11 later)
Sampling rate: 96kHz / 24bit
Num of Samples: 3333 Samples with no loop
Instrument Recorded: KAWAI SK-EX(88key)
Layer: 42 layers
Cycle Round Robin Pedal Action Noise 3 layers
Channel: Stereo 2ch

PIANO Premier "KAWAI Legend"

PREMIER SOUND FACTORY
KAWAI SK-EX Competition Grand

Super Hi-Res Acoustic Piano Library in 96kHz/24bit
for Kontakt & Free Kontakt Player.

Required Kontakt(Player) version6 or higher.