KORG has released Glasper’s Grand & EP (EXs43), a free signature sound collection developed with Grammy Award-winning pianist, producer and bandleader Robert Glasper for the KRONOS music workstation.
The collection captures the touch, tone and performance characteristics of Glasper’s preferred grand-piano and electric-piano sounds. KORG worked with Glasper to choose an acoustic piano that reflected his approach, then sampled the instrument for use in KRONOS.
The project grew from Glasper’s need to carry the response and character of a large acoustic piano into festivals, clubs, rock venues and R&B performances. Glasper and KORG’s engineering and sound-design team spent several days translating those characteristics into the workstation.
Inside Glasper’s Grand & EP
KORG recorded the acoustic piano note by note at soft, medium and loud dynamic levels. The resulting library contains approximately 2 GB of samples for the SGX-2 and EP-1 sound engines.
- Two SGX-2 piano types: Glasper German D and Glasper German D with equal temperament.
- Sixteen programs, including seven grand-piano and nine electric-piano programs.
- Several microphone perspectives, ranging from an intimate close-miked sound to a wide studio-room presentation.
- Electric-piano programs incorporating drive, delay and reverb settings based on effects Glasper uses in performance.
The microphone selection was designed to preserve both the direct sound of the instrument and the acoustic character of the recording room. The electric-piano programs range from clean tones to more saturated textures.
KRONOS System Updater 3.2.3
KORG released KRONOS System Updater 3.2.3 alongside the collection. The free update supports KRONOS, KRONOS X, KRONOS 2 and KRONOS 3 and adds the Tine EP VIII model to the EP-1 sound engine.
Recording at Chaplin Studios
The grand-piano sessions took place in Studio A at Chaplin Recording Studios, formerly Henson Studios. The room has hosted recordings including “We Are the World” and Glasper’s album FYF. An impromptu session with Herbie Hancock recorded there for FYF used two KRONOS workstations.
KORG also filmed Glasper presenting the grand- and electric-piano sounds at the Blue Note Jazz Club. A behind-the-scenes video documents the collaboration.
Availability
Glasper’s Grand & EP and KRONOS System Updater 3.2.3 are available as free downloads for KRONOS users.
For more information, visit korg.com.