KORG – EP-1 v1.1.3 STANDALONE, VSTi3, AAX x64

EP-1: Sound engine for electric piano from KORG KRONOS/NAUTILUS

EP-1 Highlights

: Electric Piano Sound Engine from KORG KRONOS/NAUTILUS

The best vintage EP sounds are now available in the KORG Collection

The EP-1 electric piano sound engine first appeared in 2011 in KORG’s flagship KRONOS synthesizer. It uses newly developed MDS (Multi-Dimensional Synthesis) technology, which provides smooth and dynamic tone changes that accurately match the keystroke, something previous sample playback methods could not achieve. In 2017, it was introduced in Korg’s top-of-the-line stage piano, the Grandstage, and in 2021, a new electric piano model was added to the NAUTILUS workstation. This version of the plug-in now uses the latest EP-1 sound engine and new voicings, making it the ultimate electric piano sound engine.

The stunningly realistic sound and dynamic performance of the EP-1 will touch the player’s soul and evoke deep emotional responses. Explore the EP-1’s all-new sound engine and expand your creative horizons.

Discover the EP-1

The EP-1 superbly reproduces the sounds of seven classic hammer-and-reed electric pianos, as well as vintage effects, with high fidelity. Featuring KORG’s carefully developed Multi-Dimensional Synthesis (MDS) technology, the EP-1 delivers a natural, real-time sound that is unattainable with traditional sample playback methods. From pianissimo to fortissimo, the EP-1 delivers smooth, natural dynamic changes without noticeable transitions. It is a true musical “instrument.” By controlling noise elements, such as the mechanical noise when a key is released, in real time, it delivers an unprecedentedly realistic and detailed performance.

What is the MDS Sound Engine?

Multi-Dimensional Synthesis (MDS) is a proprietary sound processing system by Korg. When developing the EP-1, we first carefully analyzed the pitch changes that occur when playing an electric piano over a wide range of playing forces, and selected the best electric pianos that provide excellent playability as source instruments. By separating the pitch components and noise components such as hammer strike and key release, and re-synthesizing them under separate control, we were able to recreate all the pitch changes of an electric piano. The result is a sound system that responds very naturally to player controls, providing sound editing, touch sensitivity, and temporal sound changes that cannot be reproduced using conventional sample playback methods.

Smooth tonal transitions from soft to intense sound are naturally free of noticeable boundaries typical of speed changes. Time changes such as decay and release also create a natural feel, different from that created by envelope generators.

Diverse Electric Piano Sounds

Since the 1960s and to this day, electric piano sounds have been an integral part of many musical styles and genres. The EP-1 offers a wide range of sounds: from classic electric piano tones to aggressive plucked piano sounds through a guitar amp and hammer piano sounds that emphasize the attack of the strings. With 50 remastered electric piano sounds using the MDS engine, the EP-1 will add vibrant new colors to your sonic palette.