Spectrasonics Keyscape is a virtual instrument featuring an extensive set of ‘collector keyboards.’ Everything from iconic pianos to more obscure instruments were sampled to create this expansive collection.
Spectrasonics Keyscape: A Studio Must-Have?
Keyscape was ten years in the making. The team at Spectrasonics first procured each sought-after hardware keyboard. Then, they carefully restored and multi-sampled every instrument for the software recreation. The overall goal was to create a compelling and highly expressive virtual instrument that will inspire people to play.
The attention to detail and care given to each instrument allowed Spectrasonics to develop these sounds to a whole new level of authentic tone. If you’re a keyboardist, you’d probably already be inclined to check out and own a software instrument like this. But it’s equally useful for producers and engineers to have access to these sounds in the studio as well, even if keys aren’t your main instrument.
Tech Specs at a Glance
- Huge library with over 500 “Best-in-class” sounds, 36 Instrument Models, and Hybrid “Duo” Patches
- Detailed multi-sampled sounds with up to 32-way velocity switching, Round Robins, etc.
- Mechanical Noise, Pedal Noise, and Release Noise behavior modeling
- Patches feature authentic circuit modeled amplifiers and effects
- Available as Download (77 GB) or Boxed USB Drives Edition
- Optional “Lite” installation (30 GB) for stage use*
- Full Omnisphere 2 integration
*The Lite install still features highly usable sounds, like the Hohner Clavinet C, LA Custom C7, Rhodes Classic Mark I, and the Wurlitzer 140B. If you’re a performing keyboardist running a laptop rig, Spectrasonics Keyscape runs very smoothly for live patch recall. Plus, it lets you take a massive variety of sounds on the road.
Spectrasonics Keyscape Features
Beyond realistic models of 36 different pianos and keyboards, Keyscape has modern functionality we’ve come to expect from our software.
Custom Controls
The Custom Controls for Patch let users go far beyond the original sound. In what we sometimes sacrifice in terms of feel and playability compared to a physical unit, software adds controls and features not possible in the original hardware.
The intuitive interface includes useful performance controls and high-quality creative effects processing specially crafted for each Patch. Hundreds of included Patches showcase the versatility and ability to dramatically customize these iconic sounds to your music.
Spectrasonics Keyscape is not just an authentic modeler; it has tons of tweakability to take the OG sound to another level.
Analog Character
With many of these ‘collector’ instruments, it’s really the imperfections that make them so interesting. That’s why we love plugins modeled after analog hardware. All those quirks defined how music was made for decades, and it’s the sound we associate with phenomenal sounding records.
Digital audio is what we’d call ‘perfect,’ and perfect is hardly the same as ‘musical.’ So instead of cleaning up all the weirdness and noises these keyboards make, Spectrasonics Keyscape made sure to capture them since they are a huge part of their vibe.
In addition to that, the software team closely modeled the authentic behavior and mojo of vintage amplifiers, classic effects units, and unique subtleties like mechanical noises, pedal noises, and release overtones to bring these sounds to a whole new level of authenticity and dynamic expression.
Hybrid Sounds
Along with the hundreds of patches based on the 36 instrument models, Keyscape includes special hybrid “Duo” sounds which combine two of the instruments to create something entirely new.
Naturally this creates a wholly unique timbre you won’t find anywhere else.
Omnisphere Integration
Keyscape integrates fully as a satellite instrument within the Omnisphere interface if you own it already. Omnisphere itself is one of the most popular and extensive virtual instruments available.
Keyscape will simply appear as a library inside Omnisphere’s browser for users of both plugins. This capability allows Omnisphere 2 users to harness additional functionality like Live Mode, Stack Mode, Multitimbrality, endless FX routings, and the full synthesis power of the STEAM Engine.
- Related: Choosing Software Synthesizers for Your Home Studio
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Conclusion
Spectrasonics Keyscape is a fantastic collection of modeled instruments. The variety it has is enough to inspire and find unique sounds for any style of music, but not so overwhelming that it feels hard to use. The 36 keyboards included feel like just the right amount.
Whether you’re a performing keyboardist or producer/engineer, this virtual instrument would be a welcome addition to any collection.