The Imagiro Piano: Because Your Music Deserves a Warm Blanket

Auguste Pemberton, the developer behind the Imagiro Piano and the Autochrome Granular Effect plugin, has released an update (V2.2) for his piano virtual instrument. The Imagiro Piano stands out in the crowded market with its distinctive sound and character, thanks to its unique recording process. By capturing the instrument in various environments—from pristine studios to natural, organic spaces—Pemberton has crafted a piano sound that’s rich, expressive, and full of life. This latest update adds even more versatility and playability, solidifying the Imagiro Piano as an essential tool for musicians and producers alike.

The Character of the Piano

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Imagiro Piano is the way it was recorded. Imagiro uses a blend of traditional and unconventional techniques, including recording pianos in various environments, from pristine studio spaces to more natural, organic settings. This approach has allowed the plugin to capture the nuances of different acoustic spaces, adding depth and dimension to its sound.

Credit to: Imagiro via Twitter (X)

The Soundsets

Besides the Piano 1 sound that comes with the base plugin, the Imagiro Piano offers additional soundsets that expand its creative potential, ranging from authentic piano tones to explorations into uncharted sonic territory.

• Piano 1 - The Original

  • Recorded with two rode M5 microphones and a thick blanket between the strings, piano 1 gives an immersive, intimate sound. perfect for cozy, lo-fi chords.

• Piano 2 - The Monopiano

  • A linen tablecloth dampens the strings with a more balanced and ever-so-slightly brighter tone. one vintage tube microphone and a much more intricate sample mapping creates a soft dignity.

• Celeste - The Angel

  • Made from samples recovered from internet vaults, the celeste is playful but gentle, wholesome but not lacking depth. an imagiro favorite.

• Warped (New) - The Rainmachine

  • After detuning from a humid winter, this piano was re-tuned in software. the subtle chorusing from the detuned strings and the soft attack from a thin blanket on top of them give a homely feel.

Credit to: @7oast_sound via X (formerly Twitter)

The Verdict: It's Emotional

These sounds have become my go-to for many sessions, not just because of the simple interface but also for the creative flexibility they offer in manipulating those soft, lofty tones. The Reverse Mode is especially fun, adding a blur of raw emotion and charm to the original sound. These tones resonate with me in a way that other virtual pianos haven’t. The warm piano tone, with a lot of the processing I’d typically do already built in, allows me to craft subtle melodies or charming chord progressions effortlessly. It fits perfectly within the layers of sequenced ambience I often reach for at the start of a track, and the control over the tone makes it easy to dial in just the right amount of spice.

Imagiro Piano is Available Now for $30 on OSX and Windows (AU and VST3). Demo also available.

Additional Soundsets cost roughly $10 each.

Auguste also releases music under the name Imagiro so maybe give him a spin on Spofity.