Boz Digital Labs Ningbo Upright 2021 Pro — Free Download
A sampled upright piano instrument with a distinctive, intimate tone, captured in a living room with five microphone positions.
Character and Craftsmanship
The Ningbo Upright 2021 Pro delivers the unmistakable sound of a fine upright piano. Built by a respected Chinese manufacturer, this 48-inch Hailun model combines the cozy, muffled resonance of a home upright with the clarity and punch of a modern instrument. All-new strings and hammers ensure a consistent, solid tone across the keyboard, from vibrant lows to crisp, percussive highs.
The piano was meticulously prepared by a technician before sampling, then recorded in a small living room to capture its natural, intimate character. This carefully chosen environment preserves the boxy, personal quality that makes uprights so beloved, while still offering the presence and purity needed for contemporary production.
Sampling and Sound Design
The instrument was sampled using five stereo microphone positions, strategically placed to capture the full acoustic richness of the piano in its space. This multi-position approach lets you shape the sound from close and detailed to ambient and roomy, offering flexibility for various musical contexts. The result is a deeply playable virtual piano that responds with the dynamic nuances of a real instrument.
Whether you need a soft, intimate bed for a ballad or a more assertive tone for a pop track, the Ningbo Upright provides a believable and expressive foundation. The sampling captures the piano’s inherent character, giving producers and composers access to a sound that is both familiar and distinctive.
Workflow and Integration
The Ningbo Upright is available as a standalone application as well as a plugin in AAX Native, VST2, and VST3 formats for Windows, and AU, VST2, and VST3 for macOS, supporting both Apple Silicon and Intel processors. It requires Windows 7 or later or macOS 10.13 or higher. No serial activation is needed—simply download and install to start playing.
This straightforward setup means you can quickly load the instrument in your preferred DAW and begin composing. The intuitive controls and flexible microphone mixing allow for real-time adjustments, making it easy to dial in the perfect tone for your project. Whether sketching ideas or finalizing a mix, the Ningbo Upright integrates smoothly into your workflow.
Practical Applications
The Ningbo Upright is well-suited for songwriters, producers, and composers seeking an authentic upright piano sound without the limitations of a grand. Its intimate character works beautifully in folk, indie, jazz, and pop productions, where a warm, personal touch is desired. The compact design of the source instrument also makes it a natural choice for virtual sessions that evoke home or studio spaces.
Use it as a solo instrument for intimate performances, or layer it with other sounds to add texture and depth. The five microphone positions offer creative mixing options, from close and direct to spacious and reflective. For anyone needing a reliable, characterful upright piano, this instrument provides a versatile and inspiring tool.
Key features
- Distinctive upright piano tone with muffled, boxy resonance
- New strings and hammers for clean, percussive highs and powerful lows
- Five stereo microphone positions for flexible sound shaping
- Sampled in a small living room for intimate acoustic character
- Standalone and plugin formats for major DAWs on Windows and macOS
- No serial activation required for installation
Best for
Producers and composers seeking an intimate, homey upright piano sound with modern clarity. Ideal for pop, folk, jazz, and indie productions where a personal, warm character is needed, and for anyone wanting a versatile virtual piano that blends classic upright tone with contemporary presence.
