Synthogy Ivory II Grand Pianos is a premium virtual piano collection that features three meticulously sampled world-class instruments: the Bösendorfer 290 Imperial Grand German Steinway D 9' Concert Grand Yamaha C7 Grand Key Technical Note: Kontakt Compatibility It is important to note that
official Synthogy Ivory II products do not use Native Instruments Kontakt . Instead, Synthogy uses its own proprietary Ivory 2.5 engine
, which runs as a standalone application or as a VST, AU, or AAX plugin. Any "Kontakt" version of this library (often labeled with version numbers like 5.03) is typically an unofficial, third-party "rip" or conversion and is not supported by Synthogy. Core Features Ivory II Upright Pianos - Synthogy
Introduction
Synthogy Ivory Grand Pianos II is a high-end virtual piano library developed by Synthogy, a renowned company in the music production industry. This library is designed to provide musicians and producers with a versatile and authentic piano playing experience. Ivory Grand Pianos II is a KONTAKT instrument, which means it requires the Native Instruments KONTAKT player to function. The library features a wide range of stunning piano sounds, meticulously sampled from world-class grand pianos.
Library Overview
The Ivory Grand Pianos II library contains six meticulously recorded grand pianos:
Sampling and Recording
The Ivory Grand Pianos II library boasts an impressive sampling resolution of 24-bit/44.1 kHz, ensuring a high level of detail and accuracy. The pianos were recorded in a professional studio using a variety of microphones, including Neumann, AKG, and Shure models. The sampling process involved capturing multiple dynamic ranges, from pianissimo to fortissimo, as well as a range of articulations, such as sustain, sustain with pedal, and repetitions.
Features and Functions
The library offers a wide range of features and functions to enhance your playing experience:
User Interface
The Ivory Grand Pianos II library features an elegant and intuitive user interface, designed to make it easy to navigate and find the sounds you need. The interface is divided into several sections:
Performance and Compatibility
Ivory Grand Pianos II is a high-performance library, optimized for use with KONTAKT 5.03 and later. The library requires a minimum of 4 GB RAM and a 2.0 GHz processor. It's compatible with both Mac and PC platforms, supporting 32-bit and 64-bit architectures.
Conclusion
The Synthogy Ivory Grand Pianos II KONTAKT 5.03 library is a world-class virtual piano instrument, offering musicians and producers an unparalleled level of authenticity and expressiveness. With its stunning sound quality, versatile features, and intuitive interface, Ivory Grand Pianos II is an essential tool for anyone looking to create high-quality music. While it may require a significant investment, the library's exceptional quality and versatility make it well worth the cost.
Rating
Recommendation
Ivory Grand Pianos II is an excellent choice for:
However, it may not be the best fit for:
Ultimately, the Synthogy Ivory Grand Pianos II KONTAKT 5.03 library is a top-notch virtual piano instrument that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning musicians and producers.
Synthogy Ivory II Grand Pianos is a premier virtual instrument collection featuring three world-class concert grands: the Bösendorfer 290 Imperial Grand, German Steinway D 9' Concert Grand, and the Yamaha C7 Grand. Key Technical Note: Compatibility
It is important to clarify that Ivory II is not a Kontakt library. It runs exclusively on Synthogy’s proprietary Ivory engine.
Official Formats: VST, AU, AAX, and RTAS plugins, or as a standalone application.
Kontakt Versions: Any files claiming to be "Ivory II for Kontakt" are likely unofficial third-party conversions or bootlegs and may lack the advanced features (like Sympathetic Resonance) found in the official engine. Core Features
Extensive Sample Base: Over 77 GB of meticulously recorded samples.
Velocity Layers: Up to 18 discrete velocity layers per piano, providing an incredibly smooth and dynamic playing experience.
Harmonic Resonance Modeling: Proprietary DSP technology that simulates the sympathetic vibration of strings for unmatched realism.
Advanced Controls: Customizable lid positions, stereo perspective, tuning tables, and "shimmer" controls for upper harmonics. System Requirements Ivory II Grand Pianos | Synthogy
Synthogy Ivory Grand Pianos II KONTAKT 5.03 LiBRARY: A Comprehensive Review
Synthogy, a renowned developer of high-quality virtual instrument libraries, has released Ivory Grand Pianos II, a meticulously crafted piano sample library designed for Native Instruments' KONTAKT platform. This library is a successor to the original Ivory Grand Pianos, offering an expanded range of features, improved sound quality, and an even more authentic piano playing experience. Synthogy Ivory Grand Pianos II KONTAKT 5.03 LiBRARY
Key Features
Ivory Grand Pianos II is a comprehensive library that includes three distinct grand piano models:
Each piano model has been meticulously sampled at multiple velocities, with multiple mic placements and articulations, to create an exceptionally detailed and realistic sound.
Technical Specifications
Library Organization and Interface
The Ivory Grand Pianos II library features an intuitive and well-organized interface, allowing users to easily navigate and access the various piano models, settings, and effects. The library is divided into several sections:
Sound Quality and Authenticity
The sound quality of Ivory Grand Pianos II is exceptional, with a warm, rich, and detailed tone that accurately captures the nuances of each piano model. The library's attention to detail extends to the subtle sounds of pedal and key interactions, creating an immersive and authentic playing experience.
Conclusion
Synthogy's Ivory Grand Pianos II is a world-class piano sample library that sets a new standard for realism and authenticity. With its meticulously sampled pianos, intuitive interface, and comprehensive feature set, this library is an essential tool for composers, producers, and pianists seeking a high-quality piano sound. Whether you're creating classical, jazz, or popular music, Ivory Grand Pianos II is an indispensable resource that will elevate your music to new heights.
System Requirements
Compatibility
Conclusion and Recommendation
Ivory Grand Pianos II is a must-have library for anyone seeking a high-quality, authentic piano sound. With its exceptional sound quality, intuitive interface, and comprehensive feature set, this library is an essential tool for musicians, producers, and composers. If you're looking to elevate your music to new heights, Synthogy's Ivory Grand Pianos II is an investment worth considering.
Official versions of Synthogy Ivory II Grand Pianos do not natively run in Native Instruments Kontakt. Synthogy uses its own proprietary playback engine and custom DSP software specifically designed for their piano libraries. Key Facts About This Release
Format Discrepancy: Standard Ivory II products are standalone applications or plugins in AU, VST, or AAX formats, and do not use the Kontakt format.
Unofficial Versions: Libraries marketed as "Ivory II for Kontakt" are typically unofficial third-party bootlegs or "remakes". These versions are often significantly smaller in size (e.g., ~5 GB) compared to the official 77 GB+ library and lack the advanced features of the original Synthogy engine, such as Sympathetic Resonance.
Licensing: Authentic Synthogy products require authorization via iLok (Machine Authorization or a physical iLok key) and are managed through the Synthogy Registration Portal. Comparison: Official vs. Unofficial Official Synthogy Ivory II Unofficial Kontakt "Remakes" Engine Proprietary Synthogy Ivory Engine Native Instruments Kontakt Library Size 77 GB+ (extremely detailed) Often < 6 GB (reduced features) Authorization iLok License Manager Unofficial/None Advanced DSP Sympathetic Resonance, Pedal Noise Basic sample playback
For technical support or to verify a legitimate installation, you can use the Ivory Library Tool found in your applications folder. Ivory II Grand Pianos - Synthogy
Synthogy Ivory II Grand Pianos is a premier virtual piano collection that features three world-class instruments: a Bösendorfer 290 Imperial Grand Steinway D 9' Concert Grand Yamaha C7 Grand Important Compatibility Note It is critical to note that the official library does
run on the Native Instruments Kontakt engine. Instead, it uses Synthogy's proprietary custom-built playback and DSP engine. Any version labeled as a "Kontakt Library" is likely an unofficial, reduced-size bootleg that may lack core features like high-velocity layering and advanced resonance modeling. Core Features & Specifications Sample Depth : Includes over
of meticulously recorded samples, with all 88 keys individually sampled at up to 18 discrete velocity layers Resonance Modeling
: Uses Harmonic Resonance Modeling for realistic sympathetic string resonance and dedicated Sustain Resonance DSP for authentic damper pedal response. Performance Controls : Supports half-pedaling
, adjustable lid positions, timbre shifting, and mechanical key noise to enhance realism. Onboard Effects
: Features a professional-grade 3-band parametric EQ, chorus, and a convolution-based "Real Ambience" reverb engine. Hybrid Sounds
: Includes an optional synth pad layer that can be mixed with the acoustic piano for modern pop productions. System Requirements Ivory II Grand Pianos | Synthogy
It is important to clarify that Synthogy Ivory II Grand Pianos
is a standalone virtual instrument with its own dedicated engine; it is not a Kontakt library
. Any version labeled specifically as a "Kontakt Library" is likely an unofficial or modified conversion, as Synthogy develops its own proprietary playback technology rather than using Native Instruments' Kontakt platform. Core Overview of Ivory II Grand Pianos
Ivory II is widely considered the "Platinum Standard" for virtual pianos. It features a unified interface and a powerful DSP engine designed specifically for piano reproduction. Included Pianos
: The "Grand Pianos" collection typically includes three world-class instruments: Bösendorfer 290 Imperial Steinway Model D Concert Grand Yamaha C7 Grand Key Features 18 Velocity Layers Synthogy Ivory II Grand Pianos is a premium
: Provides an extremely wide emotional range from delicate pianissimo to powerful fortissimo. Harmonic Resonance Modeling
: Simulates true sympathetic string vibration when the damper pedal is down. Extensive Samples
: Includes release samples, soft pedal samples, and adjustable pedal noise for increased realism. Technical Performance
: Supports half-pedaling and offers a "Session" page for deep customization of velocity mapping and tuning tables. System Requirements & Specs
Because Ivory II uses high-resolution samples, it has significant storage and hardware demands: Ivory II Grand Pianos | Synthogy
Synthogy's Ivory II Grand Pianos is a standalone virtual instrument and plugin suite that does not natively run on the Kontakt engine. While third-party "Kontakt versions" of this library circulate in online communities, these are typically unauthorized bootlegs with significantly reduced features and sample quality.
The authentic Ivory II Grand Pianos uses its own proprietary 32-bit DSP engine, specifically optimized for high-performance piano reproduction with features like Harmonic Resonance Modeling. 🎹 Core Piano Selection
The flagship collection includes three world-class instruments, each with a distinct character:
Bösendorfer 290 Imperial Grand: Known for its 97 keys, providing an extended lower register and a warm, "singing" classical tone.
German Steinway D 9' Concert Grand: Offers a clear, brilliant tone that projects well, making it a staple for concertos and solo performances.
Yamaha C7 Grand: A versatile, balanced sound favored for pop, rock, and jazz due to its ability to sit perfectly in a dense mix. ⚙️ Key Technical Features
Ivory II set a high bar for realism through several advanced technologies available on Synthogy:
Velocity Layers: Features up to 18 discrete layers per note (and up to 24 in the Ivory II Studio Grands expansion) for ultra-smooth transitions.
Harmonic Resonance: Uses modeling rather than samples to reproduce sympathetic string vibration, mimicking how undamped strings ring when other notes are played.
Performance Nuance: Includes dedicated samples for release, soft pedal (Una Corda), and mechanical pedal/key noise.
Sound Sculpting: Provides controls for lid position, stereo perspective (performer vs. audience), and a unique Timbre Shift tool to alter the spectral balance. ⚖️ Pros and Cons
Reviewers from sites like Sound on Sound and Vi-Control highlight the following:
Resource Efficiency: Despite the 77GB+ library size, the custom engine is remarkably lean on CPU compared to modern competitors.
Playability: Exceptional dynamic range from delicate pianissimo to powerful fortissimo.
Flexibility: Includes a Synth Layer for blending piano with ambient pads, useful for modern pop production.
No Kontakt Support: Users looking for a "Kontakt library" will be disappointed by its proprietary format, as noted by the Cantabile Community.
Static Miking: Unlike newer libraries, it typically offers only one factory mix without alternative microphone perspectives.
Authorization: Still utilizes iLok, though it now supports machine-based authorization instead of requiring a physical dongle.
💡 Tip: If you already own Ivory II, the engine is fully backwards compatible. You can load your existing libraries into the newer Ivory 3 interface for an updated workflow without needing to purchase the new piano models. If you'd like, I can help you:
Compare this to Kontakt-native pianos like Noire or The Grandeur Find the best price for an official license
Check the system requirements for your specific computer setup
Here’s a ready-to-use content description for Synthogy Ivory Grand Pianos II KONTAKT 5.03 LiBRARY, suitable for a blog, torrent listing, music production forum, or sample library review.
| Feature | Ivory Grand Pianos II (Kontakt 5.03) | Modern Competitors (Noire, Hammersmith, VSL) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | File Size | 50-60 GB | 100-400 GB | | Microphone Positions | 4 (Player, Close, Room, Hall) | 8-12 | | CPU Efficiency | Excellent (2005-2010 codebase) | Heavy (Requires latest CPUs) | | Character | Neutral, Timeless | Hyper-realistic, Sterile | | Kontakt Version | 5.03 (Stable) | 6+ or 7+ (Requires updates) |
The Verdict: Modern libraries offer more microphones and round-robins, but the Ivory II library has a "mix-ready" sound. You don't need to EQ or compress it heavily. Drop it into a track, and it sits perfectly—a testament to Synthogy’s original production.
The Synthogy Ivory Grand Pianos II KONTAKT 5.03 LiBRARY is not the newest or the shiniest virtual piano on the block. It doesn't have AI-generated articulations or 3D room modeling. What it has is soul.
It is the library that scored independent films, hit records, and YouTube tutorials for over a decade. If you find a legitimate copy of version 5.03 for Kontakt, cherish it. In a disposable software market, this is a heirloom. Concert Grand : A pristine, large concert grand
Open Kontakt 5. Load the German Steinway. Play a C major chord softly. Listen to the bloom of the resonance. That sound is why we still care about samples.
Rating: 9.5/10 Lost half a point only because the UI is showing its age—but the sound is eternal.
The email had no subject line, just a sprawling string of text: "Synthogy Ivory Grand Pianos II KONTAKT 5.03 LiBRARY – 77.4 GB – RAR 3% – no password."
Leo stared at the link beneath it. The sender was an address he didn't recognize, something like [gh0st.pno@......] – truncated, probably fake. He should have deleted it. He almost did.
But it was three in the morning, he hadn't slept in thirty hours, and the only piano sound he had for his final mix was a limp, honky-tonk General MIDI standby that made his skin crawl. A student film. No budget. No deadline extensions. And this... this was the Holy Grail.
He clicked.
The download took fourteen hours. When the final RAR segment assembled itself into a folder called "IVORY II - GRAND PIANOS," his heart did something strange—a small, tight flutter. He dragged it into Kontakt 5.03. The library browser blinked, refreshed, and there it was: nine concert grands. German Steinway D. Bösendorfer 290 Imperial. Yamaha C7. Each one rendered in 20-velocity layers, up to 10 samples per note. No loops. No stretching. Pure, forensic beauty.
Leo loaded the Steinway. He pressed middle C on his MIDI keyboard.
And the sound that came out was not a sample.
It was remembered. The hammer felt hitting three strings. The bloom of the fundamental overtaking the attack. The wooden resonance of the duplex scale, the air inside the rim, the floor beneath the lid. It was the ghost of a piano that had never been in his room, but which now occupied the air like a summoned presence.
He played a C major chord. Then a soft left-hand octave. Then the opening bars of Clair de Lune, just to feel the decay—how the note didn't just stop, but breathed, like an exhalation.
He didn't notice at first. But around the fifth minute of playing, the sustain pedal began to feel... different. Warmer. Not mechanical. As if the virtual dampers were covered in real felt, worn by decades of use. He looked at the Kontakt interface. The "Lid Position" slider had moved on its own. From 100% to 67%.
He nudged it back. It crept down again. 62%.
Leo saved his project, closed Kontakt, and reopened it. The lid position was still 62%. And a new text field had appeared below the tuning meters, one he had never seen in any screenshot of Ivory II. It was a single line, grayed out, but legible:
"Last played: 1957-04-12. The pianist was drunk. He did not apologize."
Leo's hands left the keys. The fan on his computer revved, then quieted. In the silence, he could have sworn he heard—not from the speakers, but from somewhere slightly behind his left shoulder—the very faint sound of a man humming a Gershwin tune, off-key, as if waiting for someone to join in.
He deleted the library at 5:47 AM. Wiped the RARs. Emptied the trash. Then he opened his DAW, loaded the GM piano again, and finished the student film mix with flat, lifeless, blissfully silent MIDI notes that did not remember, did not breathe, and never, ever answered back.
Synthogy Ivory Grand Pianos II KONTAKT 5.03 Library: A Comprehensive Review
The Synthogy Ivory Grand Pianos II KONTAKT 5.03 Library is a high-end virtual piano instrument that offers an unparalleled level of realism and expressiveness. This library is a popular choice among musicians, producers, and composers who demand the highest quality piano sounds for their music productions.
Overview
The Synthogy Ivory Grand Pianos II KONTAKT 5.03 Library features a collection of meticulously sampled grand pianos, including the Concert Grand, Studio Grand, and Baby Grand. These pianos are recorded in a variety of settings, from intimate studios to large concert halls, to capture the nuances of each instrument.
Key Features
Instrument Selection
The Synthogy Ivory Grand Pianos II KONTAKT 5.03 Library includes the following instruments:
Effects and Processing
The library offers a range of effects and processing options, including:
System Requirements
The Synthogy Ivory Grand Pianos II KONTAKT 5.03 Library requires:
Conclusion
The Synthogy Ivory Grand Pianos II KONTAKT 5.03 Library is a world-class virtual piano instrument that offers an unparalleled level of realism and expressiveness. With its high-quality samples, advanced sampling technology, and comprehensive feature set, this library is an essential tool for musicians, producers, and composers who demand the best. Whether you're working on a classical production, a pop song, or a film score, the Synthogy Ivory Grand Pianos II KONTAKT 5.03 Library is sure to deliver.
The core of Ivory Grand Pianos II is its meticulously sampled trio of pianos. Each instrument has its own distinct personality, allowing users to choose the perfect timbre for any genre of music.