Modern Pop Piano EKX: Vintage Upright Piano for EZkeys 2
Overview of Modern Pop Piano EKX Expansion
The Modern Pop Piano EKX is an expansion pack for EZkeys 2 that combines a classic vintage upright piano with extensive layers of synths and effects. Centered around a carefully sampled Grotrian-Steinweg piano from the mid-1950s, this expansion offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sound design. It features 80 presets that range from natural acoustic tones to highly processed and experimental textures, making it a versatile tool for various music genres.
Core Instrument and Recording Details
The main instrument is a Grotrian-Steinweg Model 120 piano, recorded in Stockholm’s Riksmixingsverket studio by engineer Linn Fijal. Multiple microphone setups were used, including Neumann U47 FET, Thuresson CM 402, DPA 4011, Shure SM57, Coles 4038, AKG C 24, and even a vintage bakelite ship announcement horn for unique tonal colors. These recordings capture the piano’s warm, earthy, and refined tone, providing a solid acoustic foundation.
Sound Design and Preset Categories
Beyond the raw piano sounds, the recordings were duplicated and processed through analog and digital outboard gear such as compressors, EQs, saturators, tape emulators like the Hologram Microcosm and Eventide H9000. Additionally, analog synths including the UDO Super Gemini, Sequential Prophet, and Roland Juno were recorded and integrated. This extensive sound design results in three preset categories:
- Natural: Acoustic-sounding presets with subtle effects and varied microphone blends.
- Processed: Layered sounds featuring saturated effects and non-natural reverbs.
- Experimental: Outlandish textures combining warped synths and heavily processed effects.
MIDI Content and Compatibility
The expansion includes a unique collection of MIDI files tailored specifically for the instrument. These MIDI files serve as creative starting points and can be further customized using EZkeys 2’s MIDI editing features. Note that this EKX requires EZkeys 2.1.0 or above and approximately 5.5 GB of free disk space for installation.
Applications and Use Cases
Modern Pop Piano EKX is suitable for a wide range of popular music styles, from ambient soundscapes and singer-songwriter tracks to EDM and experimental electronic music. Its combination of natural piano tones and innovative sound layers offers producers a broad sonic palette to inspire creativity and enhance compositions.
Features
- Sampled vintage Grotrian-Steinweg upright piano from the 1950s
- 80 presets across Natural, Processed, and Experimental categories
- Multiple microphone recordings for diverse tonal options
- Extensive use of analog and digital outboard processing
- Inclusion of analog synth layers (UDO Super Gemini, Sequential Prophet, Roland Juno)
- Unique MIDI collection tailored for the instrument
- Compatible with EZkeys 2.1.0 or higher
Price Intro: 89,00 € (incl. VAT) Regular: 89,00 € (incl. VAT)
More info here: Toontrack | Modern Pop Piano EKX
