New Product: Synchron Bösendorfer 280VC

The Vienna Symphonic Library team has just added the Bösendorfer 280VC to its Synchron Series of sample libraries. 

Bösendorfer market the 280VC as the ultimate concert grand—“VC” stands for Vienna Concert. This relatively new range, which also includes the 170VC, 185VC, and 214VC, launched back in 2014. 

The VC range is the fruit of Bösendorfer’s re-appraisal of every aspect of the piano manufacturing and design process. The company’s mission…  “to bring the grand piano into the 21st century”. The VC range manages to successfully retain the inherent character of a Bösendorfer grand, but with every element analysed and re-imagined using the latest technology and materials.

These Bösendorfer VC pianos have received much praise from across the industry. The 280VC in particular has a very clear distinct sound yet retains the warmth and dynamic range of the traditional Viennese concert grand.

Vienna Symphonic Library

The Vienna Symphonic Library, founded in 2000, is a music software house based in Vienna, Austria (they’re not just using the name!). VSL’s collection of sample-based instruments is massive.

The sample libraries are split into four groups: Synchron Series (which includes Synchron Pianos), VI Series, Big Bang Orchestra Series, and Starter Editions. 

The Vienna Symphonic Library Bösendorfer 280VC is the latest addition to Synchron Pianos. These virtual instruments are recorded with exceptional attention to detail. 

VSL use sample-based technologies (not mathematically modelling) and all recordings are made at Synchron Stage Vienna’s Stage B (739 sq ft). This live room has less ambience than Stage A (used to record some of the other Synchron Pianos). It therefore leads to a more intimate sound. 

A specially engineered noise-free “robot finger” plays every key with a range of precise down-strokes and release movements. The resulting notes are captured using up to seven different microphone configurations. 

Synchron Piano libraries utilise the ”state-of-the-art” Synchron Piano Player software (supplied free of charge with any purchase). 

This software is essentially the sample playback engine, but also offers options for tailoring the sound. Adjustments can be made to the body resonance, sympathetic string vibration and various mechanical noises. The software also provides a host of effects including EQ, compression, reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, rotary speaker, and more. 

The software/samples are dongle protected. To run any Synchron Series product a ViennaKey (or other eLicenser USB protection device) must be installed. 

Pricing

The Synchron Pianos Bösendorfer 280VC “Standard” sample library sells for €285.00 (c. $340), whilst the “Full’ library is priced at €445.00 (c. $535). The latter includes “Surround to Stereo Downmix” and “Surround” samples.

The Synchron Bösendorfer 280VC / Synchron Piano Player does require a hi-spec computer for optimum performance. And the files do take up a lot of memory — 93.1GB (Standard) and 174.4GB (Full). 

The Vienna Symphonic Library website has more information on this new product.