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KeyboardMag.com >> This Month >> Apple Evp88
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(Mac) $999 (Logic Pro 7)
Apple EVP88When editor in chief Ernie Rideout first reviewed EVP88 in September 2001, it was a $99 add-on for Logic 4, there was a VST version (EVP73) for the PC world, and Apple hadn’t yet bought Emagic. Today, it comes only as part of Logic Pro 7 (either the full package, or upgrades from earlier versions or from Logic Express), and works only within Logic. Well, sort of — the same sound engine is the basis for the electric pianos in Apple GarageBand, albeit with a highly simplified interface. When EVP was introduced, there was nothing like it, but as much as the field of similar products has grown, it remains a benchmark for sound quality. EVP is entirely modeling-based; there are no samples to load. The large knob selects the overall model, and four basic parameters control “physical” behavior: Since electric pianos have moving parts, every single one has slightly different decay and release characteristics. Some are “tight,” others are “sloppy,” and EVP has decay and release knobs that simulate that whole range, and then some. Then, you can adjust the level of the “bell” (inharmonic ping of hammer hitting tine), and that of the dampers going thunk against the tines when you release the keys or sustain pedal. I thought the Suitcase and Stage Mk I models were most realistic, exhibiting the best harmonic and dynamic range in response to key velocity, and giving me the “dark with bark” sound I’m familiar with from my own real Rhodes, a Stage Mk II made in 1980. After slight increases to the decay and bell volume, “Suitcase V2” was perfect for a sparkly Dyno sound à la Al Jarreau’s “Morning.” The Wurly models, though, don’t fully achieve the round, almost clarinet-like midrange of a real Wurlitzer 200A, and no matter how I turned the onscreen knobs, I couldn’t quite dial that in. If anything, EVP is closer to the more subdued tone of older Wurlies, such as the 112 and 140. A few bonus models, such as “Attack Piano” and “Funk Piano,” are intentionally unrealistic, representing modified or imaginary electric pianos. In fact, they remind me of some less-loved Yamaha DX7 presets, but they’re by no means the centerpiece. The built-in phaser and chorus are excellent, and will inspire to you to learn even more Steely Dan tunes. Needless to say, integration of EVP88 within Logic is seamless. If you’re a Logic user, don’t worry about whether there’s a better Rhodes emulation available to you than what came in the box — there isn’t. If the Wurly looms large in your sonic desires, consider complementing EVP with a third-party plug-in. INSTRUMENTS PREVIOUSLY REVIEWED PLUG-IN FORMATS PROS CONS BOTTOM LINE |
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