Year/Release Date : 2025
Version : 1.1.4
Developer : KORG
Developer’s website : https://www.korg.com/us/products/software/kc_ep-1/
Format : STANDALONE, VSTi3, AAX Bit
depth : 64bit
Tablet : cured
System requirements : Windows 10+
- 180.4 MB
Description : EP-1: sound engine for electric piano from KORG KRONOS/NAUTILUS
The best vintage electric piano sounds are now available in the KORG collection.
Additional information :
The EP-1 electric piano sound engine first appeared in 2011 in KORG’s flagship KRONOS synthesizer. It utilized newly developed MDS (Multi-Dimensional Synthesis) technology, which enables smooth and dynamic pitch changes in precise response to keystrokes, something that previous sample playback methods could not achieve. In 2017, it was introduced in Korg’s top-of-the-line Grandstage stage piano, and in 2021, a new electric piano model was added to the NAUTILUS workstation. This version of the plugin utilizes the latest EP-1 sound engine and adds new voices, making it the best electric piano sound engine yet.
The EP-1’s incredibly realistic sound and dynamic expression will touch the player’s soul and evoke deep emotional reactions. Experience the EP-1’s cutting-edge sound engine and expand your creative horizons.
The EP-1 superbly reproduces the sounds of seven classic electric pianos with hammer and reed action, as well as vintage effects, with high accuracy. With KORG’s carefully developed Multi-Dimensional Synthesis (MDS) technology, the EP-1 delivers a natural sound in real time that is unachievable with traditional sample playback methods. From pianissimo to fortissimo, the EP-1 delivers smooth and natural dynamic changes without noticeable transitions. It is a true musical “instrument”. By controlling noise elements such as mechanical key-release noise in real time, it delivers unprecedentedly realistic and detailed sound.
What is the MDS sound engine?
Multi-Dimensional Synthesis (MDS) is Korg’s proprietary sound engine system. When developing the EP-1, we first carefully analyzed the timbre changes that occur when the keys of an electric piano are played with varying force, and selected the best electric pianos that provide excellent playability as source instruments. By separating the pitch and noise components, such as hammer strikes and key releases, and re-synthesizing them using a separate control, we were able to recreate all the tonal changes of an electric piano. The result is a sound engine system that responds very naturally to player input, 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 touches are naturally devoid of the noticeable boundaries that are typical of speed changes. Temporal changes such as decay and release also create a natural feeling, unlike the effects created by envelope generators.
Diverse Electric Piano Sounds
Since the 1960s and up to this day, electric piano sounds have been an integral part of many musical styles and genres. The EP-1 produces a wide range of sounds, from classic electric piano tones to aggressive plucked piano sounds amplified by a guitar amp and hammer action piano sounds that emphasize the attack component. With 50 remastered electric piano sounds created using the MDS engine, the EP-1 will add vibrant colors to your sonic palette.
Effects
The EP-1 offers three insert effects and a dedicated reverb slot. There are 31 effect types to choose from, including vintage pedals, guitar amps, tape delays, modern reverse delays, and shimmering reverbs.
MIDI Control
All sounds are accompanied by pitch changes as you turn the modulation wheel, giving your performance a rich palette of nuances. Adjust the modulation matrix with aftertouch or velocity to create expressive nuances. The MIDI mapping function allows instant control of the EP-1 parameters directly from the knobs of a MIDI controller using the intuitive learn function.
