Best software for best piano sounds? (digital pianos)

[jonalexher]

Hey everybody! I have a Casio CDP 100, and I play through MIDI with Garageband, I get some nice sounds but I would love to expand to something a bit more professional.

I'm looking for something where I can plug my piano in, start playing, and with my headphones enjoy some really nice quality sounds, since I love to compose and improvise, I'm looking for a software with different virtual instruments like strings, brass, etc, not just piano sounds.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[rangerx]

try sampletank not bad fro the price they do have a free download

https://www.ikmultimedia.com/index.php?Community

[robson]

Best software pianos IMO are modeled ones like Pianoteq for instance.
Others may argue that sampled like ivory is better but not for me, they lack of dynamics.
Regarding other types of sounds here you have a free symphonic orchestra library:
https://sso.mattiaswestlund.net/download.html

p.s.
you can get also many instruments that comes with packages like cakewalk sonar, ableton,
kontakt etc etc

[jonalexher]

thanks to both! I'll look into that

SampleMoog
Moog™ Synth Workstation
• Over 1,900 Moog™ sounds and 4 GB of samples

definitely interested in that! that should cover some of my pink floydish improv desires

[link0126]

The IK Total Workstation is on sale now for 150. You get all 5 Virtual instruments.

[lhorwinkle]

I most highly recommend Galaxy Vintage D, an excellent sample piano library.

I also like the Galaxy Vienna Grand, though many people don't really like the Bosendorfer sound.

I have the older Ivory 1.5 pianos, which are good ... but lack a half-pedal. The newer v2 adds half-pedal, but I've not yet tried it out.

Based on poor sound quality, I'd stay away from Alicias Keys (nasty) and Pianoteq (fake and synthetic).

[rangerx]

I have Galaxy yes sounds good, but I just picked up Ivory 2 Italian grand and must admit it my favorite to date plus Ivory is coming out with a new steinway D

[jonalexher]

Thanks for all the info to everybody!

I'll check out galaxy


One more question, do I need an interface midi if I want better sound? because all I have is a regular midi cable with midi in and midi out, it does have a little blue thing though, is that the interface?

[quantum]

MIDI only caries instructions on what sounds to play, it does not contain any WAV data.  Changing your MIDI interface will not make better sounds, however it may improve the way your MIDI devices interact with each other. 

It appears that you have a USB-MIDI adapter, or something or the sort.  Try out the software first before you start thinking about getting a new MIDI interface. 

[gvfarns]

I agree with the Galaxy Vintage D recommendation.  It's all I use after trying a fair number of options.  And it's reasonably cheap and stand alone.

Your question on MIDI and cabling is not very clear.  But if you have MIDI working, then it's working...this is not where you will look to improve your equipment.