Modartt Pianoteq 9
Modartt · €139–€399
Modartt Pianoteq 9 is a physically modelled piano (~50MB) for Mac/Windows/Linux/iOS—Stage €139, Standard €269, PRO €399—with morphing, mics, and per-note PRO editing.
Still the unmatched physical-modeling piano platform: tiny install, deep playability, upgradeable editions, and v9 refinements—buy Stage to play, Standard to design, PRO to micro-edit.
Am besten für: Composers, producers, and pianists who want a playable grand/EP/historical keyboard library without multi-gig sample installs—and who may want to morph instruments, not only browse presets.
Pros
- Physical modeling: ~50MB class install vs multi-GB sampled pianos
- Continuous dynamic response and realistic resonances/pedaling behavior
- Clear edition ladder: Stage → Standard → PRO (+ Studio bundle)
- Cross-platform: Windows, macOS (Intel + Apple silicon), Linux, iOS (license can cover platforms per Modartt policy)
- Standard/PRO tools: morphing, layering, mic positioning, physical parameters; PRO per-note editing
Cons
- Purists who want a specific sampled concert instrument may still prefer multi-mic sample libraries
- Stage locks out deep physical parameter editing
- Instrument packs are à la carte beyond included choices—budget for favorites
- Modeling character is different from pure sampling—A/B with your reference piano
Überblick
Modartt Pianoteq 9 is the current generation of the industry’s most important physically modelled piano. Instead of shipping multi-gigabyte multi-mic sample libraries, Pianoteq computes hammer, string, soundboard, and resonance behavior in realtime. The result is a ~50MB-class install that still responds continuously from pianissimo to fortissimo, with pedaling and sympathetic resonances that make many sampled instruments feel stepped by comparison.
Version 9 continues the platform on modern OS targets—including Linux and iOS alongside Mac/Windows—with the familiar edition ladder: Stage, Standard, PRO, and the all-in Studio bundle.
Why physical modeling matters for piano
Sampled pianos capture a specific instrument in a specific room with a specific mic tree. That can sound spectacular—and frozen. Modeling lets you:
- Play intermediate dynamics without velocity-layer jumps
- Morph mechanical parameters (hammers, unisons, lid, etc. in deeper editions)
- Keep disk/RAM light for laptops and mobile rigs
- Design hybrid instruments (morph/layer in Standard+)
If you need exactly that Steinfeld on Abbey Road mics from a sample library, buy the sample library. If you need a playable piano that lives in every project without storage drama, Pianoteq is the default recommendation for a reason.
Edition comparison
| Stage €139 | Standard €269 | PRO €399 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instrument packs included | 2 (your choice) | 3 | 4 |
| Play + EQ/velocity/FX | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Deep physical parameters | Limited/no | Yes | Yes |
| Morphing / layering | — | Yes | Yes |
| Mic positioning | — | Yes | Yes |
| Per-note editing | — | — | Yes |
| Highest model control / SR options | — | — | Yes |
| Best for | Players on a budget | Sound designers & composers | Custom instrument builders |
Studio bundle = PRO + all current instrument packs (premium all-in). You can upgrade Stage→Standard→PRO later—Modartt’s ladder is designed for it.
How to use Pianoteq 9
Composition laptop template
- Install Stage or Standard with one grand + one EP pack.
- Save a soft ballad preset and a brighter pop preset.
- Use internal EQ lightly; do major mix EQ in the DAW.
- Freeze when stacking many instances (still light, but not free).
Cinematic custom piano (Standard/PRO)
- Start from a concert grand model.
- Soften hammers / adjust unisons for intimacy.
- Reposition virtual mics for closer or wider perspectives.
- Morph gently toward an upright or historical model for hybrid character.
- PRO: fix problem notes with per-note edits instead of global compromises.
Electric / historical colors
Load EP, historical, or specialty packs for cues that need character beyond a modern grand. Modeling makes “almost a Rhodes but not quite” designs practical.
Mixing tips
- High-pass the piano in the mix if it fights the bass
- Compress gently—modeling already has natural dynamics
- Reverb: short room for intimacy, longer hall for score (Seventh Heaven / LX480 class if you have them)
- Don’t over-EQ air; modeling highs can get brittle if you hype them twice
Pianoteq vs Keyscape / Addictive Keys / LABS
| Library | Strength |
|---|---|
| Pianoteq | Size, playability, tweakability, modeling realism |
| Keyscape | Production-ready multi-samples, iconic keyboard collection |
| Addictive Keys | Fast session pianos, easy workflow |
| Spitfire LABS | Free textures/instruments, not a full modeled grand platform |
Who should buy which edition
- Students / songwriters: Stage + two packs you will actually play
- Composers who design sounds: Standard
- Pros building custom film pianos: PRO
- Collectors: Studio only if you will use most packs—otherwise à la carte is cheaper
Honest limitations
Modeling is a sound, not a magic clone of every famous sampled piano. Stage frustrates tinkerers. Pack costs add up. And no virtual piano replaces a great performance—MIDI timing and velocity still matter.
Verdict
Pianoteq 9 remains the reference physically modelled piano ecosystem: tiny, expressive, upgradeable, and cross-platform. Score 9.0 for the platform (value peaks at Standard for most producers).
Confirm edition prices, included packs, and upgrade paths on the official Modartt overview. Try the demo with your own playing—playability is the product.
Spezifikationen
- Type
- Physically modelled piano / keyboard instrument platform
- Install size
- ~50 MB class (instruments modelled, not multi-GB multisamples)
- Editions
- Stage (€139), Standard (€269), PRO (€399); Studio bundle (PRO + all packs, higher list)
- Included packs
- Stage: 2 packs; Standard: 3 packs; PRO: 4 packs (choose from catalog)
- Stage features
- Playable instruments, EQ, velocity curve, effects; limited deep model editing
- Standard adds
- Physical parameters (hammers, unisons, etc.), morphing/layering, microphone positioning
- PRO adds
- Per-note editing, higher sample-rate options, maximum model control
- Formats
- Standalone + VST3/AU/AAX/NKS
- OS
- Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS
- Upgrade path
- Stage→Standard→PRO upgrades available; version upgrades from older Pianoteq often inexpensive
- Free content
- Historical instruments and bells included in product messaging
Zuletzt geprüft 2026-07-16
FAQ
How much does Pianoteq 9 cost?
Modartt lists Stage at €139, Standard at €269, and PRO at €399. The Studio bundle (PRO + all instrument packs) is a higher all-in price. Sales and upgrade pricing from older versions change the street cost—confirm on modartt.com.
Stage vs Standard vs PRO — which should I buy?
Stage if you mainly need great playable pianos on a budget without deep model surgery. Standard if you want physical parameter control, morphing/layering, and mic positioning. PRO if you need per-note editing and maximum model control for soundtrack/custom instrument work.
Why is Pianoteq so small on disk?
It is physically modelled, not a multi-mic sample library. The engine computes the piano behavior in realtime, so the install stays around tens of megabytes instead of tens of gigabytes.
Does Pianoteq replace Keyscape or other sampled pianos?
Not always. Keyscape and other sampled instruments win for specific recorded characters and production-ready multi-samples. Pianoteq wins for playability, size, tweakability, and continuous dynamics. Many producers keep both classes.
Can I run Pianoteq on Linux or iOS?
Yes—Modartt supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS. Licensing details (one license across platforms) are defined by Modartt’s current policy; confirm at purchase.
What is new or special about version 9?
Pianoteq 9 is the current generation engine/platform with refined modeling, updated instrument offerings (including newer packs such as harp-class instruments in the broader catalog), and modern platform support. Check Modartt’s ‘What’s New’ page for the exact v9 feature list at your purchase time.
Do I need to buy more instrument packs?
Each edition includes a limited number of packs you choose. Additional grands, uprights, EPs, historical keys, and specialty instruments are sold separately. Plan which two–four packs you actually play before buying everything.
What formats does Pianoteq 9 support?
Standalone plus VST3, AU, AAX, and NKS (host-dependent). Confirm the installer matrix for your OS on Modartt’s site.
Direkte Konkurrenten
Modartt Pianoteq 9 vs — head-to-head specs, price, and Dubspot Score.