Vertikal: Native Instruments captures Nils Frahm’s monumental piano

A 4.5-metre upright piano, two distinct Pure and Felt characters and the Particles 2.0 engine: an instrument designed for emotion and experimentation.

An instrument unlike any other

Vertikal was born from a collaboration between Native Instruments and the sonic world of Nils Frahm. The library captures an extraordinary 4.5-metre upright piano recorded at Berlin's Funkhaus. Its appeal is not just its size: the location, resonance and approach to playing are central to the concept.

Pure and Felt: two ways to tell a scene's story

Vertikal offers two main instruments, Pure and Felt. One highlights the scale and resonance of the instrument; the other seeks something closer and more intimate, almost tactile. Such contrasts are fascinating in music for picture, where a single note can convey a character's fragility.

Particles 2.0 and working with sonic material

The Particles 2.0 generative engine adds evolving layers and sound-design opportunities. Its many snapshots offer starting points, but the artistic value comes from shaping your own musical movement and deciding how much room to give the textures.

Particles can produce evolving notes and textures in response to performance, varying timing, pitch, dynamics and stereo placement. Rhythm mode builds tempo-synchronised patterns, while Play mode lets you trigger the sources directly. Four effect slots and a Motion system complement this approach. Controlling the processes is essential if the melodic line is not to disappear under layers of ambience.

Why this resonates with us at Studio 2.0

We are passionate about experimenting with piano sounds. Since installing a real piano in the studio's recording booth, we can also capture acoustic resonances, mechanical noises and more unusual playing techniques directly. Vertikal makes us want to compare those approaches: sophisticated sampling versus real acoustic recording.

What Vertikal actually contains

Native Instruments lists two separate Kontakt instruments, Pure and Felt, recorded in Saal 3 at Funkhaus. Pure emphasises the piano's precision and resonance, while Felt aims for a duller, softer and more intimate attack. The product is designed for free Kontakt Player (or a compatible Kontakt version), with over 150 snapshots, more than 100 Particles presets and a download of approximately 29 GB. Rather than just another piano, it offers material for composing in its own right.

A test we look forward to

We are keen to hear how nuances, resonances and processing perform in a complete composition. We have not tested it yet: our enthusiasm at this stage is based on the concept and official demonstrations. The instrument runs with a compatible Kontakt Player installation, subject to the manufacturer's system requirements.

We would like to compare the acoustic piano in our booth with Pure and Felt: response at low velocities, consistent resonances, pedal behaviour and the scope for layering. An exceptional virtual instrument should support musical intention without forcing the composer to arrange around its limitations. Our final judgement will therefore wait for a real session.

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