Addictive Keys took first place in the article Favorite Piano Plug-in Ranking 2019 [SynthSonic Survey] | SynthSonic, so I bought Addictive Keys Studio Grand while it was on sale.
Here are my initial impressions, along with several presets played through a demo track I created. I hope this helps you choose a piano instrument.
About Addictive Keys Studio Grand
Addictive Keys is a family of piano instruments, and Studio Grand is one of the available titles. I bought it from the plug-in retailer Plugin Boutique.
It may sound less realistic than large piano libraries such as Ivory or Keyscape, but I found many comments saying that Addictive Keys can sit more naturally in a full arrangement and may therefore be easier to use.
That matches my own experience. It is lightweight while still offering a broad expressive range, which makes it a practical piano instrument.
The items shown along the bottom of the interface are presets. Studio Grand includes 30 presets in total, ranging from basic piano tones to more unconventional sounds, so there is plenty to explore.
The editing screen initially looks a little complicated and intimidating, but that also suggests that you can shape the sound in considerable detail.
I purchased only Studio Grand, so the upright piano and other instruments require separate purchases.
Listen to Addictive Keys Studio Grand Presets
I selected several Addictive Keys Studio Grand presets and played them through a demo track I created.
Some are soft, while others are harder and more brilliant. Together, they should demonstrate the range of the instrument.
Studio Grand
Roomy Pop
Ambient
Grand Noir
Mr Bright
Analoque Velocity
Comparison with Other Piano Instruments
I had used two of the instruments listed in the piano plug-in ranking mentioned at the beginning: second-place Ivory and fifth-place Native Instruments The Grandeur.
I had also recently bought AIR Music Technology Mini Grand. My comparison is limited to these instruments, but Addictive Keys did feel like a piano plug-in capable of earning the top spot in a popularity ranking.
Ivory is exceptionally realistic and enjoyable to play. It would be an excellent partner for a solo piano composition. In a band arrangement, however, it can sometimes sound too rich and substantial, so it may not fit every track.
Native Instruments The Grandeur is available to Kontakt users, although I bought it separately. Its parameters are easy to adjust, the sound quality is strong, and the price is not excessively high. Its price and sound quality are close to Addictive Keys, so the choice may ultimately come down to personal preference.
Mini Grand is in a different category. Addictive Keys is clearly more expressive and versatile, but I bought Mini Grand for only ¥500, making it an inexpensive instrument that is useful to keep available. Its distinctive character may suit the right project someday.
If absolute realism is the priority, a library with many sample layers, such as Ivory or Keyscape, may be the better purchase. For a relatively affordable piano that is lightweight, easy to use, and sits well in a mix, however, Addictive Keys is highly recommended.
It is frequently discounted, so check stores such as Plugin Boutique from time to time.
