# JAX Superior Grand Piano — ECO Sound Module and AudioUnit > Virtual grand piano sound module and AudioUnit for macOS and iOS. (iPhone/iPad app by Jens Guell.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jax-superior-grand-piano/id1629474874 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Jens Guell](https://appshunter.io/developer/1195004865) - Category: Music, Productivity, Music - Price: $12.99 (on sale, was $29.99) - Rating: 4.50/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 14.0 · 253 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2023-02-04 - Data updated: 2026-06-26 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jax-superior-grand-piano/id1629474874/reviews.md ## What is JAX Superior Grand Piano? Please note, that you will get a cross platform relase for all Apple devices with ONE price this way! You can use the apps and the audio units on a macOS (universal) and iOS (universal). The manual of the JAX Concert Grands can be found here: https://midi.digitster.com/JAX%20Concert%20Grand%20Pianos/JAX%20Concert%20Grand%20Pianos.pdf There are demo videos available here (macOS): https://youtu.be/HvIU386NK1o or here (iOS): https://youtu.be/85O7f-Y89d4 The JAX Superior, one of our Concert Grand Piano Collection pianos is a virtual piano (sound module and audio unit) with a set of selected German style piano models. The very special here is optimization for mobile devices, because it is using low resources while it delivers still better sonic qualities than gigabyte heavy sampled pianos, which mostly are not very well suted for mobile devices due to ther enormous usage of disk space and memory. A JAX Concert Grand will merely use around 50 to 100 MB of effective memory with a selected model. For the series we developed some advanced features (i.e. simulation of string and body resonances) and took special care of expressivity without rasterized steps in the velocity of max. 128 possible values. An artefakt you often will hear with sampled pianos is velocity switching, because sampled velocity layers are usually insufficient for supporting the full dynamic range of a real piano. The Superior was the very first release of more to come with this series: For instance our set of American style (Imperior) and Japanese style (Emporeor) Grand Concert Pianos, the Xcelsior (Largest Grands) and the Xperior (Selected Grands), which all have quite differend but well known sound characteristics. There are at least 4 different base models available with each of the releases plus a set of 16 hybrid models, which are fusions of the base models and all are selectable with just a touch for any performance. So all in all, there are 20 different timbres for instant selection availble with each of our Concert Grands (in sum 20 different, unique base timbres and their 16 fusion models ( = 100 !!! ). The JAX Concert Grands mainly were created for performing classical music of all decades and Jazz and also come with its own integrated MIDI player, which is able to perform real MIDI recordings with sample accurate timing precision. Hundereds of such live played performances are included for enjoyment and audition, covering all famous piano componists of the last centuries. Each model has its own selection of MIDI files for random playing. We specifically optimized the user interface for usage on the iPhone and the iPad.The macOS versions are identical to the iOS versions and optimized for the big Mac displays. This build is truly 'universal', meaning, unit is available for: - MacOS (Catalyst) - MacOS (Apple Silicon) - iPadOS (iPads) - iOS (iPhone) This is an app with embedded AudioUnit. Please note, that AudioUnits (AUv3) require a supporting host application to perform. But the main app also allows MIDI live connections for direct playing as a sound module. ## Key features - Virtual grand piano sound module - Optimized for low resource usage - Simulation of string and body resonances - Expressive velocity response - 20 selectable timbres per model - Integrated MIDI player with included performances ## Recent user reviews (2 of 2) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jax-superior-grand-piano/id1629474874/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Terrible performance in AUM *2023-03-07* Hi working with an IPad Pro 12.5 M1 fifth generation. If I supply this piano with any midi feed in AUM, other than from the the internal midi keyboard…it crashes and the cpu use goes up to 100 % . This happens with three different sequencers . The app does not respond to midi panic messages. Please fix it . Many thanks for you response …I’ll take your advice and re try the app with a few midi files 👍🎩 **Developer response:** Now this is really strange, because we actually tested the app with THOUSANDS of MIDI files. This is not a joke but the truth. Even extraordinary large ones with complete classical sonata suites. Please note, that a piano does understand MIDI on MIDI channel 1. You can’t just load multichannel MIDI files or any such junk and expect to work correctly with that. And we are developing on an iPad Pro M1 natively too and by best will, can not reconstruct your issues with the performance. If you would have been contacted us, we probably could have solved your problem. By the way, the MIDI command for MIDI reset (panic) is actually implemented too. ### 1/5 — Needs work *2023-02-08* So, the developer has accused me of purchasing this app with the sole intention of writing a scathing review. I admit, I should have tried the beta version, which I was unaware of. I’m always looking for great sounding piano apps, so I purchased it. I was surprised at how glitchy it was on my iPad pro, there were some intermittent latency issues, several functions seemed not to work, including the screen keyboard, and then it crashed in a rather wild visual “explosion” that alarmed me enough to delete it. I don’t know this developer, and I’ll happily change my rating and review if it’s updated, but this is my experience. I’ve already purchased it, if it ends up being a great app I’ll be thrilled. Looking forward to the updates. **Developer response:** There is a link to try the app before you buy it right in the description. You obviously bought this product for the sole purpose of writing a scathing review here. We've seen this before. So this review will probably have to be deleted. It obviously contains nothing constructive nor comprehensible. ## Frequently asked questions about JAX Superior Grand Piano ### What is JAX Superior Grand Piano? JAX Superior Grand Piano is a virtual piano sound module and AudioUnit for macOS and iOS. It offers a collection of German-style grand piano models with advanced features and optimized performance for mobile devices. ### What devices is JAX Superior Grand Piano compatible with? JAX Superior Grand Piano is a universal app available for macOS (Catalyst and Apple Silicon), iPadOS, and iOS (iPhone). It also supports iPod. ### How much does JAX Superior Grand Piano cost? JAX Superior Grand Piano is a paid application, priced at $12.99. This single purchase provides access to cross-platform releases for all Apple devices. ### Does JAX Superior Grand Piano have ads? No, JAX Superior Grand Piano does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application designed for a seamless user experience without interruptions. ### What kind of piano sounds does JAX Superior Grand Piano offer? JAX Superior Grand Piano features selected German-style piano models. Each model offers 20 different timbres, including base models and hybrid fusions, providing a wide sonic palette. ### Can I use JAX Superior Grand Piano with other music apps? Yes, JAX Superior Grand Piano functions as an AudioUnit (AUv3), which requires a supporting host application to function. This allows it to be integrated into various music production workflows. ### How often is JAX Superior Grand Piano updated? The latest version of JAX Superior Grand Piano is 1.95, last updated on March 10, 2024. Updates typically bring improvements and new features to the application. ### What is the age rating for JAX Superior Grand Piano? JAX Superior Grand Piano has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for users of all ages, with no mature content. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.95 — 2024-03-10 The product was updated for support of latest Apple technologies and frameworks. Minimal iOS target is still 12.0. It also should work on the Vision Pro (in iOS compatibility app mode). ### 1.94 — 2023-05-15 version 1.94 (build 2238) - we re-synthesized all spectral models - optimized synthesis parameter adjustments - fixing samplerate issues with some collections - polyphony performance optimizations - availability of the JAX Xcelsior Concert Grand collection - reduced price for limited time across all collections more information about this release can be found at our support website at https://midi.digitster.com ### 1.92 — 2023-03-25 version 1.92 (build 2188) ( decay, sound & compacting ) - Superior Base Model 1 was changed and moved to Base Model 4 from the Xperior collection Base Model 1 and 2 for Superior where exchanged the new selected Model 1 better expresses the characteristics of a fine tuned German Grand - some ideas for more realism from pianist * Joseph Balson * were implemented into the sound engine all models got more random action and sound fuller with polyphony the general bass response was improved these adjustements apply to all base and fusion models across the collections - we removed unneccessary data and compacted the distribution files again the app now takes (like before) much lower space on disk and distribution by keeping same functionality as before - we slightly optimized the frequency response of all 20 models in the highest frequency ranges overly brghtness was limited it is still possible to make the models bright with the 'brightenss' parameter - we re-adjusted the main volume of the sound generation about -6dB the pianos were reported being much too loud, especially in comparison with others - sound generators were reconfigured to provide more realisim with lower velocities the response was improved (softer attacks) - the decay and sustaining was drastically re-adjusted to become more natural across the range lower tones get longer decays - system dependent contrast corrections on the user interface colors were made Please note, that the re-adjustments above will require to edit all your self-made presets. ### 1.9 — 2023-03-09 version 1.9 (build 2149) ( macOS audio unit fix ) - a problem whith activating the macOS audio units was identified and solved we re-tested with latest versions of Apples Logic Pro X and GarageBand and fixed (again) unspecific issues with the macOS auvaltool audio unit validation - a potentilal problem for selecting the samplerate at unit initialization was identified and fixed the audio unit should support any samplerate correctly now - the string resonance behaviour macro was re-adjusted again we plan to expose 2 new parameters for this with next updates - external MIDI controllers can now adjust common parameters via MIDI control messages please note, that loaded MIDI files will not set encoded MIDI controllers on the user interface but may change the internal synth engines state. ROADMAP version 2++: ( please note that version 2 features potentially depend on sales performance ) - improve and optimize the base models - expose new parameters for string resonance, hammer noise and possibly others - implement octave micro tuning and classical tuning tables - add MIDI player key inverter (experimental) - add factory library browser for selecting specific MIDI files - display information about (randomly) loaded MIDI files - (possibly) implement a MIDI session recorder - (possibly) implement soft pedal to parameter connectivity - (possibly) optional piano specific convolution reverb and dynamics ### 1.8 — 2023-03-04 version 1.8 (build 2024) ( significant sound upgrade ) "Le Roi est mort, vive le Roi!" - we exchanged the internal wave guides with higher samplerate (doubled) the piano has now clearly more bite and sounds brighter with all base models the app installation file is much bigger but this does NOT affect the memory or CPU usage. key touch noises are more audible now (especially if played fortissimo) bass range is more defined and less muddy we recommend to use a flatter (more linear) velocity curve as default or reducing the 'brightness' parameter, which acts like a velocity offset - the synth engine is now initialized with a default preset on the macOs, if player is not used - a possible crash, selecting a model manually after startup was fixed - a note trigger problem, sometimes skipping notes was solved - loudness of the models was equalized - max. stereo polyphony is 128 - all base models got extra hammer sound, as this was requested by users, however, this auto adjusted and is not applied to the fusion models - fusion models got more velocity variation (optimized anti 'machine gun' feature with repeations) - fusion models got more attenuation and interferences between the strings and sound therefore slightly fuller than the base models, which are more 'dry' and intimate - implemented new string attenuator connected to the volume macro parameter - re-adjusted string resonance tone and damper speed and strength - re-implemented tonal ballance with completely new algorithm - improved algorithm for stereo width adjustment (mono recover) - graphics performance update the graphics update rate was reduced for support of older devices CPU hit was reduced this way generally - velocity animation was optimized for running smoother a maximum of 10 layers (aka 10 fingers) will be displayed now, except you are an Alien - we chanched the appearance of the knobs and incresed contrast for this - we changed the embedded random MIDI file collections, there are more impressionists now and less 'naive' compositions and performances please note, that the original players performance errors are kept (human factor) - the embedded manual (located in the main app and the web) was updated - the time limited beta versions for the following JAX Concert Grand Piano series are now available again: (however, betas are no longer public now) JAX Superior (4 German base models + 16 fusion models) - pre order schedule and public beta versions for the following collections are available: JAX Emporeor (4 Japanese base models + 16 fusion models) JAX Imperior (4 American base models + 16 fusion models) JAX Xcelsior (4 Largest base models + 16 fusion models) JAX Xperior (4 Selected base models + 16 fusion models) Please note, that we will shut any public betas down, as soon the final product gets released. ## Apps similar to JAX Superior Grand Piano | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [In Theory - Interval Keyboard](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/in-theory-interval-keyboard/id1667984658) | 5.0 (3) | $4.99 | Music | | [Drum-80](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drum-80/id6444686683) | 5.0 (4) | $14.99 | Music | ## More apps by Jens Guell - [GM MIDI Player](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gm-midi-player/id1445780869) - [MIDI SWEET : Clock Sync (AU)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-sweet-clock-sync-au/id1454284852) - [JAF Model One](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jaf-model-one/id1472652593) - [JAF Collection](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jaf-collection/id1472896422) - [JAX Stereo Tool (AU)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jax-stereo-tool-au/id1473390302) - [JAX !Make Louder (Audio Unit)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jax-make-louder-audio-unit/id1474614677) All apps by Jens Guell: https://appshunter.io/developer/1195004865 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-26.*