Free stuff from Steinberg - Sand, software and sound

I’m looking into the new Steinberg Etude (sampled Yamaha C3X) piano VST instrument. As usual, I’m trying to keep costs low and found a few free Steinberg downloads that may help you out.

First, there is the free Steinberg Halion Sonic player. Like Halion Sonic, the player can run stand-alone. I don’t feel like diving into Cubase simply to host a piano VST instrument. The Halion Sonic player can run as a stand-alone VST host that does the business.

Next, you need pianos. 🙂 Steinberg offers three free pianos: Lo-Fi, Taped Vibes, and Sonic Atoms Novel. Each piano has its own character and potential uses. Lo-Fi is a messed up lo-fi upright piano for chillhop, cozy or retro. Taped Vibes follows in a similar vein, but it’s a sampled Wurli 200A. Novel is an upright piano from Sonic Atoms suitable for effected cinematic or straight piano.

While you’re at it, you might as well scan the VST instruments for other free instruments (including synths).

If you need or want conventional instruments, download and install the free Steinberg Dorico SE notation program. Dorico SE comes with a 3GByte library including a General MIDI (GM) sound set. Plus, you get to try Dorico.

One frequently asked forum question is “Are there any free notation programs?” Obviously, the answer is “Yes, Dorico SE”. I spent a few minutes with Dorico SE and it is highly featured for a free application. It makes me want to try the Dorico app for IOS, too.

Wow, that’s a lot of high-quality, free content!