IK Multimedia releases Black Pearl B200, the final scheduled addition to IK’s groundbreaking Pianoverse virtual instrument, which combines the world’s finest concert-grade pianos with inspiring cinematic effects. It’s available now, sold separately or as part of Pianoverse MAX. For current MAX owners and subscribers, the Black Pearl B200 is included with the Pianoverse update released today through the IK Product Manager.
The new Black Pearl B200 stands out for its contemporary and authentic tone, rounding out the Pianoverse collection with a unique sound. This piano is the perfect platform for exploring the generative soundscapes and cinematic effects found only in Pianoverse, promising the user a new sonic adventure every time.
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The Perfect Addition
Black Pearl B200 is based on a 7′ Bösendorfer 214VC Vienna Concert grand piano, a model renowned for its balanced and rich sound. Its unique DNA was fully captured using IK’s custom-designed sampling robot, which comprises a highly precise and silent linear motor with an elastic actuator designed to perform exactly like a human finger.
DPA cardioid microphones were used for close miking and DPA Omni microphones for medium-distance with an A-B miking technique to record this spectacular piano at the legendary Fonoprint Studios in Bologna, Italy, within the walls of a 15th-century convent.
The Black Pearl B200’s beautiful tone is equally at home in classical and contemporary genres, expanding and complementing Pianoverse with its captivating voice. Furthermore, Pianoverse’s engine can elevate the piano’s authentic character, making it a superior tool for creative expression.
Beyond Accuracy and Sound
Pianoverse features a comprehensive combination of stage and studio work performance controls. To customize each piano’s sound, it offers adjustable lid position, harp resonance, pedal noise, release triggers, and even the noise of the piano mallets. For live use, all three pedals offer continuous control, including half- and catch-pedaling and soft-pedaling, to deliver an unmatched performance experience.
Must-have Studio Processing
Pianoverse offers two distinct microphone setups for each piano, allowing users to choose between a modern or classical sound, replicating the experience of being in a professional studio. For traditional sound-shaping and mixing, the Pianoverse engine also includes a complete suite of must-have effects tools, including four compressor models, a dedicated master channel with EQ and a VCA-style compressor for final mastering polish.
Generative Spaces to Explore
Pianoverse transports any of its 8 deep-sampled pianos to 30 sonic destinations using a new generative reverberation engine powered by IK’s advanced IR and effects processing technology. These destinations range from traditional Concert Halls and Studio Spaces to less traditional ones like a Warehouse or Vault and otherworldly cinematic environments like an Iceberg, Desert or Mars. Flexible controls are included to shape the sounds and textures further and create never-heard-before cinematic sounds and textures.
Unique Creative Effects
In addition to custom-created spaces, Pianoverse features 12 Creative Effects for sound design, such as the tape modeler Reelab and IK’s acclaimed Convomorph technology. These effects range from cinematic spatial effects to must-have studio effects and can be inserted in 3 simultaneous slots: the first slot is a parallel send effect, while the others can be used for insert effects.
Unique to Pianoverse, users will find 4 modulation sources — 2 envelopes and 2 LFOs — that can be assigned to any effect parameter. This gives the user endless creative possibilities: animate further, move the sound and create extreme effects when desired. Together, these features offer an arsenal of sound-sculpting tools that cannot be found in any other piano instrument.
A Series of 8 Pianos
With the addition of the Black Pearl B200, Pianoverse is now complete and includes 8 world-class pianos, each based on a state-of-the-art instrument: a Bösendorfer 214 Vienna Concert, a Koch & Korselt Upright Grand, a Steinway & Sons Hamburg D-274, a Fazioli F278 Concert Grand, a Yamaha CFIII Concert Grand, a Yamaha U5 Professional Upright, a Bösendorfer 280 Vienna Concert and a Steinway & Sons New York D-274.
Options, Pricing and Availability
Pianoverse Black Pearl B200 is available now, sold separately or as part of Pianoverse MAX from the IK Multimedia online store and from select retailers worldwide. It’s free to current Pianoverse MAX owners and all-access subscribers.
- Black Pearl B200 $/€99.99* – Qualifies as an entry for IK’s Buy-One-Get-One Pianoverse promo running through November 4, 2024.
- Pianoverse MAX $/€299.99 – Includes all 8 available pianos.
- Pianoverse MAX Upgrade $/€199.99 – For registered owners of any Pianoverse piano or current yearly subscribers.
- Pianoverse All-access Subscription $/€149.99 (billed yearly) – Includes the 8 available pianos.
* Pricing excludes taxes
For more information about Pianoverse and the new Black Pearl B200, please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/pianoverse