Native Instruments has launched Noire, a new Kontakt instrument that captures the signature grand piano sound of composer and pianist Nils Frahm.
The instrument – which includes both pure and felt preparation versions of a Yamaha CFX 9’ concert grand – was sampled in the rich ambient environment of Saal 3 in Berlin’s Funkhaus recording complex. Noire runs in Kontakt 6 and the free Kontakt 6 Player and is available now at the NI Online Shop for $149.
Noire offers two distinct grand piano sample sets. The pure version presents the clear tone of Nils Frahm’s handpicked and custom-intonated concert grand piano, captured in a recording studio. The felt version is the same piano, in the same room, but with a felt moderator between hammers and strings, which creates a gentle tone with reduced attack. Users can sculpt the sound of both versions by adjusting attack, release, resonance, overtones, velocity curve, temperament, and more.
Noire provides a wide array of creative options so users can make the sound their own. Users can add natural and mechanical noises to enhance realism, dial in sub bass, alter the spectral character of the instrument, and choose from sound design effects to completely transform the instrument’s sound. Noirealso offers EQ, compression, reverb, and delay for fine-tuning the piano’s place in the mix.
It also incorporates an innovative particles engine that automatically generates clouds of pulsating, swirling harmonic elements based on what users play. This engine instantly adds motion to parts and pushes players to explore new possibilities.
To create Noire, Nils Frahm’s personally selected concert grand piano was methodically sampled by Uli Baronowsky and Galaxy Instruments. Using vintage microphones and preamps, the team captured the full dynamic and tonal range of the instrument in Saal 3 of Berlin’s Funkhaus Nalepastrasse recording complex – once the home of East German state radio.
Noire runs in Kontakt 6 and the free Kontakt 6 Player and is available now at the NI Online Shop for $149 / €149/£129.
