The latest expansion for Toontrack’s popular EZKeys 2 instrument has arrived, delivering an epic-sounding grand piano captured at Belgium’s Galaxy Studios. As with other offerings in the range, Orchestral Grand EKX comes supplied with a range of mix-ready presets and also includes a new, unique library of MIDI parts.
The instrument chosen to create the expansion is a Steinway D-274 — the particular model in question was handpicked by its owner from the factory in 1992 — and the main hall at Galaxy Studios is the same room that was used to capture the core library for Superior Drummer 3, along with several other Toontrack offerings. It’s a flexible space capable of hosting everything up to full orchestral sessions, and has been carefully designed to offer a natural, controlled ambience. As well as a set of carefully positioned close mics, the team employed eleven additional room mics, providing users with detailed control that will ensure the instrument sits comfortably in a wide range of mix contexts.
A variety of presets provide sounds that range from close and intimate to “massively grand” and are provided in formats from stereo up to 5.0 surround. Each preset is equipped with a bespoke set of macro controls that make quick work of fine-tuning the sound to suit the intended application, and those wishing for more detailed control can use EZKeys 2’s flexible routing system to send signals out to their DAW for further processing and mixing. A new MIDI library is also included, with all of the parts unique to the release and tailored to the instrument.
Compatibility
Orchestral Grand EKX requires a copy of Toontrack’s EZKeys 2.1.0 or later, which is supported on PCs running Windows 7 and above, and Macs running macOS 10.10 or higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available, along with a standalone application.
Pricing & Availability
Orchestral Grand EKX is available now, priced at €89.
