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Pianoteq

modartt.com

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Spec score 8.1 #7 of 33 in Virtual Instruments

What it is

Pianoteq is a virtual piano and instrument suite that generates sound through physical modelling rather than built-in samples. It creates notes in real time, and the maker describes it as about 50 MB. More than 20 instrument packs cover electric pianos, plucked strings and historical keyboards. The software models sympathetic resonances and exposes physical parameters for adjusting tone. Pianoteq 9 can position and mix up to eight microphones to stereo or multichannel output. Desktop editions run standalone or in VST3, Audio Units and AAX hosts; NKS compatibility is also listed. It is available on iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows. There is no free plan, but the Pianoteq 9.2.5 evaluation version is full-featured with eight silent notes and a restart required every 20 minutes. Stage costs $139, paid once and includes two instrument packs; Standard costs $269, paid once with three packs, while PRO costs $399, paid once with four. The Studio Bundle is $929, paid once and includes PRO plus all current instrument packs.

Spec sheet

Product
Pianoteq is a virtual piano and instrument suite that generates sound through physical modelling.Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
Intended users
The maker describes Stage as an entry product for budget-minded musicians and PRO as suited to creative composers and demanding studio engineers.Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
Integrations
The desktop software supports standalone use and VST3, Audio Units and AAX hosts; the manual also lists NKS compatibility.Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
Support
The maker says contact messages will receive a reply within 24 hours and provides user manuals and a support page.Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
Founded
2006Read 28 Sep 2026 · modartt.com
Activation
Activation is required on first launch, with manual activation available for computers without an internet connection.Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
Audio rate limit
PRO supports an internal sample rate up to 192 kHz, while Stage and Standard support up to 48 kHz.Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
Customization
The software models sympathetic resonances and provides physical parameters to customize the instrument tone.Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
Instrument selection
The product offers more than 20 instrument packs, including electric pianos, plucked strings and historical keyboards.Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
Instrument-pack limits
Stage, Standard and PRO include two, three and four selectable instrument packs respectively; other packs run in demo mode until purchased.Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
iOS
Pianoteq is available for iOS devices as well as Windows, macOS and Linux.Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
Microphones
Pianoteq 9 can mix up to eight microphones to stereo or multichannel output and move them around the instrument.Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
Security and compliance
The maker's legal footer links to a GDPR page, but the pages reviewed do not state a security certification or compliance program.Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
Sound generation
Notes are generated in real time without samples, and the maker describes the software as lightweight at about 50 MB.Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
System requirements
The manual lists 512 MB RAM, a recent CPU, Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, or Linux x86/ARM; Windows users need ASIO-compatible audio drivers for low latency.Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
Trial limits
The Pianoteq 9.2.5 evaluation version is full-featured, but eight notes are silent and it must be restarted every 20 minutes.Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com

Plans and prices

Pianoteq 9 Stage $139, paid once 2 instrument packs · up to 48 kHz · limited preset loading Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
Pianoteq 9 Standard $269, paid once 3 instrument packs · up to 48 kHz · piano model editing, advanced tuning, microphone placement, morphing and layering Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
Pianoteq 9 PRO $399, paid once 4 instrument packs · up to 192 kHz · per-note physical parameter editing · editable overtones Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com
Pianoteq Studio Bundle $929, paid once Pianoteq PRO · all current instrument packs Read 2 Oct 2026 · modartt.com

Every Pianoteq plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Generates notes in real time without built-in samples.
  • More than 20 instrument packs are available.
  • Up to eight microphones can be positioned and mixed.
  • Standalone and VST3, Audio Units and AAX use.
  • Evaluation version includes full features.

Limits

  • The evaluation version silences eight notes.
  • The evaluation version requires restart every 20 minutes.
  • Stage and Standard are limited to 48 kHz.
  • Only selected instrument packs are included by edition.

Who it suits

Pianoteq suits musicians and composers seeking a modeled keyboard instrument, with options from Stage to PRO. The maker describes Stage as an entry product for budget-minded musicians and PRO as suited to creative composers and demanding studio engineers.

Verdict

Pianoteq offers sound generation through physical modelling, with editions that differ in pack counts and editing options. Compare the edition limits and the evaluation restrictions before choosing.

Where Specifiction places it

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