Gerald Nahrgang tested the new C. Bechstein Digital Grand DAW and awarded it high praise in the 5/2016 issue of Keyboards magazine: “First and foremost, it lands directly at the top of the list, well ahead of all competitors. […] Until now, I wasn’t a big fan of sample libraries. That has just changed, with the release of the Bechstein Digital Grand Library: the samples sound fantastic, and what’s more, they can be played very authentically.” The Keyboards columnist applauds the fact that Bechstein didn’t merely compile another collection of samples, but developed a new recording procedure and used a grand piano with an outstanding sound for the recording sessions.
Nahrgang particularly admired the authenticity of the sound rendered by the C. Bechstein Digital Grand, which far exceeds the level usually attained in DAWs: “I have never heard such an authentic treble range that is even paired with a touch of the same quality. In my view, the touch determines fully one-half of the quality in DAWs. Where is the good in having great sound if I can’t play it the way I want to? With the C. Bechstein Digital Grand, you can hear distinctly just what a piano is made of: wood, felt and metal – just like in reality.”
Markus Galla and Nicolay Ketterer are similarly impressed, as reported in the 1/2017 issue of tools4music available in print starting February 3, 2017: “Bechstein makes a point of retaining the tonal quality of the original grand piano at all times. And that’s a good thing – after all, I’ve purchased a C. Bechstein D 282, not a Steinway or a Bösendorfer.” The authors conclude their article about the C. Bechstein Digital Grand as follows: “Wow! There’s nothing more to say. The download was worth it, and immediately made me forget my previous favorite, the New York Piano by Native Instruments. What comes out of the studio monitor here is simply fantastic.”
