Plugin comparison
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which sampler to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
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Contenders
AAS Lounge Lizard EP-4 by Applied Acoustics Systems. Physical-modeling electric pianos (Rhodes/Wurlitzer territory): playable EPs without multi-gig sample libraries.
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.
Score verdict
On the Dubspot Score, Modartt Pianoteq 9 comes out ahead (9.0). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
| Signal | AAS Lounge Lizard EP-4 | Modartt Pianoteq 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | €139 to €399 |
| Dubspot Score | 8.5 | 9.0 |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | VST3, AU, AAX, NKS, Standalone |
| Type | Physically modeled electric piano | Physically modelled piano / keyboard instrument platform |
| Version | EP-4 | — |
| Developer | Applied Acoustics Systems | — |
| 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 |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.