KORG EP-1 v1.0.4 WiN

The electric piano sound engine EP-1 first appeared in 2011 in KORG's flagship workstation synthesizer, KRONOS. It adopted the newly developed MDS (Multi-Dimensional Synthesis) technology which expresses smooth and dynamic tonal changes finely corresponding to key touch, something previous sample playback methods could not achieve. In 2017, it was featured in the top-tier Korg stage piano Grandstage, and in 2021, a new electric piano model was added to the NAUTILUS workstation. This plugin version now features the latest EP-1 sound engine and has received new voicing, making it the definitive Electric Piano sound engine.

The overwhelmingly realistic sound and dynamic expression of EP-1 will stir the player's soul and unleash deep emotional responses. Experience the latest EP-1 sound engine and expand your creative horizons.

EP-1 superbly reproduces the sound of seven classic tine-type, reed-type electric pianos, and vintage effects with high precision. Using KORG's carefully developed Multi-Dimensional Synthesis (MDS) technology, EP-1 delivers natural and real-time expression, unattainable with traditional sample playback methods. From pianissimo to fortissimo, EP-1 provides smooth and natural dynamic changes without noticeable transitions, this is a true musical "instrument." By controlling noise elements, such as mechanical key-off noise with release velocity in real-time, it enables unprecedented realistic and detailed performance.

What is the MDS sound engine?
Multi-Dimensional Synthesis (MDS) is Korg's proprietary sound engine system. In developing EP-1, we first meticulously sampled the tonal changes produced by electric pianos across a wide range of keystroke strengths, and selected from the finest individual electric pianos that offer excellent playability as the source instruments. By separating the pitch components and noise components such as hammer and key release and re-synthesizing them under separate control, we were able to recreate all the tonal changes of electric pianos. As a result, we achieved a sound engine system that reacts extremely naturally to player control, with sound editing performance, touch sensitivity, and temporal changes in sound that could not be expressed with normal sample playback methods.

The smooth tonal changes from soft to intense touch are naturally free of the noticeable boundaries typical of velocity switching. Temporal changes such as decay and release also achieve a natural feeling, different from those produced by envelope generators.

Diverse Electric Piano Sounds
From the '60s to today, electric piano sounds have been an essential part of many musical styles and genres. The EP-1 delivers an extensive array of sounds, from classic electric piano tones to aggressive plucked piano sounds through a guitar amp, and hammer sounds that emphasize the attack components of tines. With 50 reinterpreted electric piano sounds utilizing the MDS engine, the EP-1 will add vibrant new colors to your sonic palette.

Effects
The EP-1 offers three insert effects and a dedicated reverb slot. There are 31 effects types to choose from, including vintage pedals, guitar amps, and tape delay to modern reverse delays and shimmer reverb.

MIDI Control
All sounds come with modulation wheel sound changes, adding rich nuance to your performance. Customize your Mod Matrix with aftertouch or velocity to create rich, nuanced expressions. The MIDI mapping function allows you to instantly control EP-1 parameters directly with your MIDI controller knobs using the intuitive learn function.

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