Ivy Audio Piano In 162 Best -
The "162" in the name refers to the specific Steinway Model B instrument sampled. The library was created by composer and developer Simon Leng, intended to provide a high-fidelity sound without the bloat of massive commercial libraries.
Verdict: Not beginner-friendly due to Kontakt requirement, but a hidden gem for those who have it.
“Forget paid pianos — the Ivy Audio Piano in 162 is still one of the best free Kontakt libraries out there. Warm, dynamic, and surprisingly deep. Here’s why producers call it ‘Piano in 162 best’ 🎹🧵 #FreeVST #PianoIn162 #KontaktLibrary”
Piano in 162 is widely considered one of the best free piano libraries available, specifically for its high-quality sampling of a Steinway Model B ivy audio piano in 162 best
grand piano. It is praised for its authentic, clean sound and a high level of detail rarely found in freeware. Headliner Magazine Key Features Dynamic Range : Features five dynamic levels two round robins
for every note, allowing for a realistic, expressive performance that responds naturally to different touch intensities. Microphone Positions : Includes two separate perspectives—
. You can mix these to achieve everything from an intimate, dry sound to a lush, cinematic room tone. Complete Sampling : All 88 keys were sampled, including separate sustain pedal on/off samples to capture realistic sympathetic resonance. Format Versatility : While primarily a Kontakt instrument The "162" in the name refers to the
(requires full version of Kontakt 4+), it is also available in SFZ format , which can be played using the free Plogue Sforzando Performance Notes
Piano in 162 is a highly regarded free sample library based on a Steinway Model B grand piano
. It is widely celebrated for offering professional-grade detail—such as multiple dynamic levels and microphone positions—at no cost. Key Technical Features Sample Depth : Includes five dynamic levels two round robins per note, totaling over 3,000 individual samples. Dual Microphone Positions : Features two distinct signals that can be mixed: “Forget paid pianos — the Ivy Audio Piano
: Captures the immediate proximity and intimacy of the instrument.
: Captures the natural room sound for a more cinematic, spacious feel. Pedal Realism : Includes separate samples for sustain pedal on and off , allowing for realistic sympathetic resonance. High-Fidelity Audio : Recorded at to ensure a clean, authentic tone without distortion. Compatibility and Specifications Free Kontakt Library | Piano In 162
If you have just downloaded the Ivy Audio Piano in 162 Best, here are three production techniques to make it shine immediately.
Most piano libraries map roughly 8 to 12 velocity layers. The original Ivy Audio Piano in 162 had roughly 18. The "162 Best" version re-edited these layers to eliminate any "machine gunning" (the audible repetition of the same sample). Every note from C1 to C8 transitions from a whisper-soft pianissimo to a aggressive, string-slapping fortissimo with no audible jumps.