Autograph Grand
Key Features
- Yamaha C6 grand piano sampled at the legendary Woodshed Recording Studios in Malibu, played by artists from Lady Gaga to Metallica
- Pedal up and pedal down controls for switching between resonant sustained tones and focused dry articulations
- Faithfully captured release triggers that reproduce natural key-off decay behavior
- Rich bass and tenor registers with a warm, woody midrange character and clear treble response
- Mod wheel dynamics system providing continuous control over volume and tonal intensity
- Runs inside the dedicated Spitfire Audio plugin with support for AU, VST2, VST3, and AAX formats
- Approximately 870 MB library size with a single, carefully curated preset optimized for musical immediacy
Description
Autograph Grand captures the sound of a Yamaha C6 grand piano recorded at Woodshed Recording Studios in Malibu. This particular instrument has been played by hundreds of artists including Lady Gaga, Paul Simon, Ariana Grande, Barbra Streisand, Metallica, RZA, and KoRn, giving it a storied character that Spitfire Audio has preserved in meticulous detail.
Part of the LABS collection, Autograph Grand delivers two distinct tonal profiles through pedal up and down controls. The pedal-down setting reveals the full resonance of the C6's body, with rich overtones in the bass and tenor registers, while the pedal-up mode offers a drier, more focused tone suited to rhythmic playing and tighter arrangements.
The lower register carries impressive depth and warmth, with a woody quality through the midrange that transitions into a bright but never harsh treble. Release triggers have been faithfully captured, adding realistic decay behavior that responds naturally as you lift keys.
Dynamics are controlled via the mod wheel rather than keyboard velocity, which is an unconventional design choice. This approach gives precise continuous control over volume and tonal color but requires adaptation if you are accustomed to velocity-sensitive piano playing.
Autograph Grand runs inside the dedicated Spitfire Audio plugin, which is also a no-cost download. The library weighs approximately 870 MB and loads in AU, VST2, VST3, and AAX formats across both macOS and Windows.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't Autograph Grand respond to keyboard velocity?
Autograph Grand uses the mod wheel (CC1) for dynamic control instead of keyboard velocity. This is a deliberate design choice by Spitfire Audio that provides smooth, continuous control over volume and tonal character. If you need velocity response, setting CC11 to zero will allow some velocity-based dynamic layers, though with more limited range.
Does Autograph Grand require any additional software to run?
Yes, it requires the dedicated Spitfire Audio plugin, which is a separate no-cost download from Spitfire Audio's website. You install the plugin first, then download the Autograph Grand library through it. The plugin handles all sample loading and streaming.
How does Autograph Grand compare to other LABS pianos like Soft Piano?
Autograph Grand delivers a more traditional concert grand character with full-bodied resonance and clarity, especially in the lower registers. Soft Piano has a more intimate, muted quality designed for ambient textures. Autograph Grand is better suited when you need the piano to carry a mix on its own.
What recording studio was the piano captured in?
The Yamaha C6 was recorded at Woodshed Recording Studios in Malibu, California. This is a prestigious studio whose piano has been played by hundreds of recording artists across genres, from pop and classical to rock and hip-hop. The recordings capture the natural acoustics of the studio space.
