For me, the best solution is to use Gig Performer — paid, yes, but incredibly intuitive —
to combine two pianos through scripting for deep hybrid modeling + sampling performance.
To use this new Gig Performer preset, you’ll need:
• a Pianoteq 9 Standard or Pro license (installed as VST3) (for SSR / resonances/noises and smart release)
• a good VST3 SAMPLED PIANO LIBRARY (NOIRE, MODERN D, VSL D_274, VSL CONCERT GRAND D 1887) (you have to disable SUSTAIN SAMPLES and SSR via menu or with my VSL script for GIG PERFORMER or LOGIC 11)
• and Gig Performer Pro running on macOS or Windows
This setup even simulates Smart Release behavior for Yamaha P-525 / N1X / SC3 / SH3 pianos,
along with authentic repedaling, sympathetic resonances, and all mechanical noises and half-pedal nuances —
bringing together the best of both worlds: sampling and modeling combined.
I also recommend adding the Waves L4 Ultramaximizer (VST3) on the output stage,
together with a high-quality reverb plugin (VST3) —
this combination delivers a transparent yet powerful piano tone,
maintaining natural dynamics while reaching around –14 LUFS,
ideal for live optimization or streaming platforms such as YouTube, which target –14 LUFS loudness normalization.
⚠️ This configuration does not work in Gig Performer Essentials,
but only in the Gig Performer Pro 5.1.4 version on Windows or macOS.
files for PIANOTEQ 9 + MODERN D or VSL-D274 or VSL -Concert Grand 1887 in GIG PERFORMER PRO :
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0i2wton7fgcf90461k1dt/h?rlkey=ry3iuzwbwvy6bog832f1k8z7p&st=p7qxxzd1&dl=0
Regards,
Olivier W.
