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28 EVP88
This chapter covers Logic’s EVP88 virtual e-piano.
The sounds of various Fender Rhodes pianos are among the most popular keyboard
instrument sounds used in the second half of the twentieth century. The various
Rhodes models have been popularized in a wide range of musical styles, ranging from
pop and rock, electric jazz, jazz rock, soul, and in countless ballads, plus recent house
and hip hop genres. Nearly as popular was the Wurlitzer piano, which enjoyed most of
its success in the seventies. The Rhodes, Hammond organ and subtractive analog
synthesizers were considered the “fundamental” instruments in the keyboard rigs of
rock musicians between 1965 and 1985, and they appeared to be incomparable and
unbeatable … until now.
The EVP88—Concept and Functions
The EVP88’s piano synthesis engine simulates the sound of different Rhodes and
Wurlitzer pianos, as well as the sound of the Hohner Electra piano. The piano synthesis
engine is designed solely for the simulation of electric pianos, and does not make use
of any sampling technology. As such, we can proudly claim that the EVP88 is most
definitely not a digital piano! The EVP88 does not feature acoustic piano or grand piano
sounds. Its only purpose is the ultra-realistic simulation of electric pianos. The dynamics
and scaling of the sounds over the entire 88-key range is silky smooth and do not
suffer from the abrupt changes in sound that typify sampled instruments. There are no
audible loops, and we promise that you’ll never hear any lowpass filters closing while
the sound of a note is decaying.
The EVP88’s engine also simulates the physical movement of the various electric piano
reeds, tines, and tone bars in the electric and magnetic fields of the pickups found in
the original instruments. It synthesizes the ringing, smacking, and bell-like transients of
the attack phase, as well as the hammer action and damper noises. The sound
generator reacts smoothly, musically, and precisely to the 127 steps of velocity
sensitivity as defined in the MIDI specification.