Alicia's Keys

US Native Instruments announces a new software instrument that recreates Alicia Keys' personal grand piano      03/03/10

Alicia's Keys


Buying Choices
Affilliate Links help support the site
Native Instruments has announced Alicia's Keys which they describe as a new software that recreates Alicia Keys' personal grand piano with outstanding authenticity and playability. Developed in close collaboration with the Grammy-winning artist, NI tell us that the software is used as the primary instrument on her new album and on the current world tour. Here's all the details directly from them...
ALICIA'S KEYS is a unique and highly affordable way for musicians of all experience levels to utilize Alicia's acclaimed signature piano sound in their own music production, live performance, and recreational playing.
Designed as a comprehensive digital recreation of Alicia Key's own custom Yamaha "C3 Neo" grand piano, and based on Native Instruments' industry-leading KONTAKT 4 sampler platform, ALICIA'S KEYS provides a soulful and intimate piano sound that perfectly accommodates R&B, soul and pop styles. The instrument was meticulously recorded in Alicia's personal studio by her engineer Ann Mincieli and renowned sampling expert Thomas Scarbee over the course of two years, using vintage microphones and high-end outboard studio gear that produced an exquisite piano tone with supreme sonic fidelity.
"I love this software so much that I used it on my entire new album. Not once did I record a live piano because there was just no need", says Alicia Keys. "I plan to tour with this sound and use it all around the world. I love how it gives those who may not be able to buy an acoustic piano a true piano experience."
Utilizing 17 GB of high-resolution samples with 12 discrete velocity layers per note, and sophisticated emulation of crucial sonic aspects like key release, sustain pedal functionality and sympathetic resonance, ALICIA'S KEYS sets a benchmark in the digital recreation of acoustic instruments. The convenient user interface of the software gives intuitive control over the sound to further adjust it to the specific musical context and personal playing style, and also includes a studio-quality convolution reverb that provides various authentic room ambiences ranging from a small piano chamber to a large stage or concert hall.
ALICIA'S KEYS can be used on any Windows and Macintosh computer with the included free KONTAKT PLAYER, and can also be loaded into the full-featured professional KONTAKT 4 sampler for additional in-depth sound editing.
A video with Alicia Keys explaining the creation process of the software is available on YouTube:
Pricing and Availability:
ALICIA'S KEYS will be available in April 2010 for a suggested retail price of $119 / 99 EUR. More information and audio demos:


More Videos

BAF 2024: Intuitive Instruments - Exquis - Sounds Only BAF 2024: Intuitive Instruments - Exquis - Sounds Only 

Hands-on demo of the Exquis and its MPE expressivity


Teach Old Lexicons New Tricks Teach Old Lexicons New Tricks 

New PCM 80/81 Editing via the Electra One MIDI Controller


Sonic LAB: Live Mega Synthesis Groove Box Review Sonic LAB: Live Mega Synthesis Groove Box Review 

Sega sound for now


Stylophone Get Busy With New DS-2 Drone Synth Stylophone Get Busy With New DS-2 Drone Synth 

Standalone twin osc, twin filter machine


Hey there, we use Cookies to customize your experience on Sonicstate.com