Native Instruments has released Akoustik Piano 1.1 R2, a free update for its piano software instrument. The new version offers significant improvements and additional features, further extending its recognized strengths in sonic realism, playability, functionality and ease of use.

In Akoustik Piano 1.1, a new Overtone technology delivers strikingly realistic string resonance for all three grand pianos and the upright piano. To provide even smoother sonic characteristics across the full key range, the sample sets of all four included pianos have been meticulously retuned and re-adjusted in the new version. The update also adds Stretched Tuning, the preferred tuning mode for classical solo piano performances, and adds highly realistic “Repedalling” behaviour to its implementation of the sustain pedal.

Furthermore, Akoustik Piano 1.1 offers an enhanced user interface, an improved Recorder section with MIDI song import, MIDI automation for a wide range of sound parameters including volume and pan, an adjustable “bass boost” function, and an easy-to-use output limiter. The update also increases the number of maximum voices to 150, providing sufficient polyphony headroom for even the most demanding piano arrangements.

With the new version, all four pianos can now be fully used in both KONTAKT 2.1 and KORE. The 1.1 update even includes specific KONTAKT 2 patches for each instrument, containing individual matching Performance Views for use in Native Instruments´ award-winning flagship sampler. The Performance View gives users full control of the Akoustik Piano sound parameters directly within the KONTAKT 2 rack.

The 1.1 update for Windows and Mac is now available as a free download for all registered users of Akoustik Piano on the NI website.

Mac Intel compatibility for Akoustik Piano will be introduced with a separate update, which will be released within the third quarter of 2006.