As we all know, the traditional pianos we used to have in our homes are gradually being replaced by the modern digital pianos. As technology continues to advance at such a rapid pace, we shouldn’t be shock by the news from IK Multimedia that they are releasing the iGrand Piano application for the iPad. This application will work hand in hand with the iRig Keys MIDI keyboard, which is a 37-note MIDI controller keyboard for iOS devices, also created by them.
This sample-based application provides you with a total of seventeen different world-class sampled pianos to work with. In fact, IK claims that the sound produced by the iGrand Piano is on a par with the best of the Mac and PC software pianos. You can even adjust seven parameters for each instrument such as the volume, ambience, lid (positioning), brightness, transpose, tuning and release. Furthermore, if you wish to record your performances, it can be done as well with the built-in recorder. This onboard recorder includes overdubbing, punch-in, quantize and a large visual metronome with a tap tempo feature. After which, if you decide to share it with your family and friends, you can do so with the export options that are available to convert the files to WAV or m4a audio files. This application cost £13.99/$19.99/€15.99 and is available now on the Apple App Store. If you wish to give it a try first, you can do so via the free version.
The choices of sampled pianos include grands, baby grands, uprights and specialty pianos such as a detuned saloon piano and a vintage gramophone piano. All of which were specially captured via high-definition sampling across multiple velocities. At the same time, they offer true-stereo sound and extremely low latency. If you intend to use the application directly on screen, you have a choice of two keyboard views. Firstly, there is the zoomed out view which displays all 88-keys of the piano. Then, there is the zoomed in view showing a 2-octave keyboard with larger keys, which also slides to cover different ranges. The iGrand Piano application is actually the premiere iPad piano app and it is unparalleled when it comes to sound quality and variety. For more details, you can check it out here.
Regardless whether you choose a traditional piano or a digital piano, you will still need to learn the basics of playing. If you are looking for private classes, do check out Piano Lessons SG for more details!