The Lambda ES50 is a vintage poly-ensemble type synthesizer with slightly editable Preset orchestral sounds. It is divided into two sections: The Percussion set includes Preset pianos, clavis and harmonics; The Ensemble section has Presets for brass, strings, organ and choruses. Filter and envelope controls affect the different instruments individually. The Lambda has 96 discrete envelopes and VCAs - two for each key - a very unusual design. There are also vibrato and chorus effects.

The Percussion group and Ensemble group each have their own separate outputs which is nice. A joystick is proveded left of the keyboard for simultaneous control of pitch bends and chorus phase speed.

The String sounds are the nicest sounds this synth can create. With three oscillators you can vary and detune them enough to get a nice layered analog string. Piano and Brass sounds are pretty cheesy. The Lambda is cased in a great big wooden case that gives it that authentically vintage status. It's nice to have around, but a good sample of it is all you'll really need these days.

Saxifraga

February 26, 2013 @ 9:25 am

Bought the EXs65 library for my Kronos recently and have to admit: Wow!
Lambda, Sigma and PS-3200 sound wonderful on it. Samples of old analog gear really shine on the Kronos. (If only the UI was not that outdate compared to computers and iPads.) If you have a Kronos you should try it. (This is no advertisement. just my own experience!)

Kenneth

February 9, 2013 @ 9:46 pm

This is my dream synth. I have always wanted one.

lifer

September 25, 2012 @ 6:23 pm

my dad bought one of these brand new in 79. passed it to my brother in the early 90's, but it found its way back into my parent's basement. one night while drinking with the old man, we were talking about it. he was saying he should throw it away, luckily i had my rhodes suitcase there, and suggested testing it before throwing it away. plugged it in and alas, it sang. definitely one of the best pieces of gear that i've ever owned. and i got it for free. the octave toggle is pretty wild. playing on the percussive side and toggling the octave switch rhythmically almost sounds like an arpeggiator

Micke

May 30, 2012 @ 9:21 am

The Korg Lambda ES-50 has been used by Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson, Rick Ocasek, (early) Men Without Hats, Ian Boddy, The Moog cookbook, Les Rockets, Rational Youth and others.

Alllla7

February 4, 2012 @ 5:36 pm

2 stars... have you ever seen this awsome instrument???? ...good sample of it is all you'll really need these days.... this is a bull [beep] . I don´t know anybody who is able to compose really good music just with sample of something what is real... This is one of the best Korg products ever. I think Korg Lambda deserve some defence :-) I don´t mean it in a bad way I just like this instrument :-) Have a nice day anybody who read this

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