Sound developer K-Sounds has released Epic Grand for the Korg Kronos and Kronos X, featuring detailed stereo samples of a Japanese grand piano.

Epic Grand offers eight sampled dynamic layers plus damper resonance, release resonance, hammer noise samples, and multi-dynamic damper noise samples. All samples are unlooped, lasting up to twenty seconds.

Features:

• Close-miked, unlooped samples up to 20 seconds long.
• Eight sampled dynamic layers.
• True sampled damper resonance with real-time sustain pedal response.
• Release resonance samples.
• Hammer noise samples.
• Damper noise samples triggered by the sustain pedal.
• Big “studio” sound with modest system requirements.
• Wide stereo image.
• Mono-compatible.
• Custom programs and combinations provided.
• Designed to be incredibly playable.

Epic Grand’s damper resonance samples are true recordings of the sympathetic string resonance heard when notes are played with the damper pedal down. This resonance is presented as an independent component of the instrument, allowing it to respond to the sustain pedal in real time. Users can adjust its volume or disable it altogether.

In addition to a variety of programs, five layer / split combinations are provided. Each one blends the piano with multiple instruments that can be independently activated and disabled during a performance. A keyboardist could begin by playing solo piano, add strings, add electric piano, and then return to solo piano – all without causing a break in the sound! Taking this concept further, additional combinations focused on solo piano allow users to independently add or subtract damper resonance, release resonance, hammer noises, and damper noises.

Audio Demos:

Epic Grand is available for US $125 at the K-Sounds site.