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Description
Step into the world of rich analog soundscapes with the Korg Lambda ES50, a classic polyphonic analog synthesizer that has been a staple for musicians since its introduction in the late 1970s. With its ensemble chorus effect and user-friendly interface, this synthesizer allows musicians to create lush, full-bodied sounds that are perfect for both live performances and studio recordings. The Lambda ES50 offers a unique blend of string and brass sounds, thanks to its dual-layer architecture that combines organ and brass synth sections.
The Lambda ES50 features an array of controls that allow for precise sound manipulation, including slider controls for each of its eight polyphonic presets. The inclusion of a dedicated flanger effect adds another layer of depth and character to your sound, making it a versatile tool for a variety of musical styles. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, the Korg Lambda ES50 provides a warm, nostalgic sound that is difficult to replicate with modern digital synthesizers.
Key Features:
- Polyphonic analog synthesizer with eight presets
- Dual-layer architecture for rich, full-bodied sound
- Dedicated ensemble chorus effect for lush soundscapes
- User-friendly slider controls for easy sound manipulation
- Built-in flanger effect for added depth and character
- Classic Korg design with a vintage aesthetic
- Ideal for both live performances and studio use
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | Lambda ES-50 48-Key Polyphonic Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black / Wood |
| Year | 1979 - 1982 |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 48 Keys |
| Polyphony | 48 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Korg Lambda ES50 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Korg Lambda ES50 is suitable for live performances due to its full-size keys and 48-voice polyphony, which allows for complex chord playing and rich sound textures.
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What type of synthesis does the Korg Lambda ES50 use?
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The Korg Lambda ES50 uses analog synthesis, providing warm and classic synth tones characteristic of late 1970s and early 1980s music.
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How many keys does the Korg Lambda ES50 have, and what is their action type?
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The Korg Lambda ES50 features 48 full-size keys with synth action, offering a smooth and responsive playing experience ideal for a variety of playing styles.
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Is the Korg Lambda ES50 a polyphonic synthesizer?
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Yes, the Korg Lambda ES50 is a polyphonic synthesizer with 48 voices, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously for rich, layered sounds.
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What are the standout features of the Korg Lambda ES50's sound engine?
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The Korg Lambda ES50's sound engine is known for its lush analog strings and ensemble sounds, making it ideal for creating rich, orchestral textures in compositions.
Videos
Pepe Music
KORG Lambda (ES-50) String Synthesizer Demo Song
KORG Lambda (ES-50) String Synthesizer Demo Song
Pepe Music
LOPTUS - Korg Lambda ES50 (Synthesizer demos)
Art Lluis Garriga
01-The Korg Lambda Part One: Story and Sounds
AutomaticGainsay
KORG LAMBDA - Synth Review, Sounds & Demo | Analog string synthesizer
synth4ever
04-The Korg Lambda: Mixed
AutomaticGainsay
Korg Lambda ES50
Franck Lhermet
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Lambda ES50.
Features and functionality
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The Korg Lambda offers 9 presets across two sections with independent filters and envelopes, plus unique chorus and phasing effects via detuning and a joystick.
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The Lambda allows real-time adjustment of filters and volume, enhancing performance dynamics.
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The Lambda's ability to detune signals for a richer sound is a standout feature that differentiates it from the more straightforward ARP Omni 2.
Source
Use cases and applications
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True stereo output enables lush, thick pads and gooey strings, ideal for building large, organic soundscapes by stacking presets.
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The Lambda ES50 is featured prominently on the latest Deep Sea Diver record, showcasing its suitability for modern music production.
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Known to have been used by the band Tennis, the Lambda contributes to indie and alternative music textures.
Source
Comparisons
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Owners of both the Lambda and Trident prefer the Lambda for its string sounds, despite the Trident being considered the superior model by some.
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The Lambda is seen as distinct from the Delta, which has a simpler square wave synth and different sound characteristics.
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Owners highlight the Lambda's unique harmonic section and three-signal generator setup, offering sparkly tones that the ARP Omni 2 lacks, making it a distinct choice for certain sounds.
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The Lambda provides a unique clarity missing in the Omni 2, which is more traditional in its string and horn sounds, appealing to those seeking classic vibes.
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User experience
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The Lambda's rarity on the second-hand market is noted, with many units only available for local pickup and often in poor condition.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Owners report potential issues with oscillator reliability, as percussive presets may play quieter, indicating maintenance or repairs might be needed.
Source
Critic Reviews
3.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
363
stranger than other stringers
The Lambda is interesting because it gives you detune functionality which does not affect the oscillators as in conventional analog synths, but the chorus circuit that is used to fatten up the sound of the raw oscillators. This can also be controlled by the joystick, which can yield some trippy results. Pair that with a nice analog delay and you've got...... something. This is a preset machine of course, but all the presets are nice and they can all be combined and mixed together at various levels to achieve that 70s orchestral sound. I love the big chunk of wood on the top, it's the perfect place to set a small keyboard or some effects boxes.
Artist usage
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One from 1979 was used on "1984", as specified in its June 2020 Reverb.com listing.
Used on '1984'
In this photo of Ruban's keyboard setup, a Korg Lambda synth can be seen below the Minikorg.
These days Ocasek busies himself while at home with a TEAC 88 8-track tape machine connected to a Sound Workshop 1280 B board in turn hooked up with two Orban 622B equalizers (the board is also equipped with its own parametric equalizers. For keyboards he swears by his Prophets and Roland Jupiter 8. using a Korg Lambda for orchestral coloring and often calling in an assortment of little Casiotones for reinforcement. He probably has more drum machines than anything else-both the old Linn LM-1 Drum Computer and the new LinnDrum. a Korg KR 55, five Roland units (including a TR808. CR8000 and a Dr. Rhythm), some old Univox rhythm gizmos and a drum machine yanked out of a Hammond organ "that has the Liverpool beat." the kind of insect clicking you hear in organ shops in suburban shopping malls.
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Watching A Building On Fire Drum Programming [Roland CR78], Synthesizer [Yamaha CS80], Electronics [Treatments: Mutron BiPhase, MXR Phaser, Yamaha Rev1] – Benge Vocals [Digitech Vocalist, Philips Stereo Mic, EMT Plate], Synthesizer [Synthesizers: Crumar Multiman, Korg Lambda, ARP Odyssey] – John Foxx Vocals, Synthesizer [Korg M520] – Mira Aroya*
"2. Korg Lambda String Synth This synth is remarkable for adding huge beds of drone under any excruciatingly sad and melodramatic music you may write. Obviously works great for me."
In the description of his cover of Depeche Mode's "Everything Counts" Colin Marston lists the gear he used: "Korg Lambda, ARP Omni, ARP Odyssey, ARP 2600m, Roland JU-06A". This information is provided by Colin Marston himself on his YouTube channel.
The Lambda is pictured and referenced as part of his studio gear.
"That Korg Lambda, which is a beautiful and underrated synthesizer, made in 1980. We used it a ton. It's the first sound you hear on the record and it's hidden all over the place. I'm not quite sure what they were thinking when they made this keyboard. It's very unassuming, it looks like a little electronic organ. It has a big wooden surface so that you can put something else on top of it. They must have been trying to make a synthesizer that didn't look intimidating. It has all of these organ switches on it that say "brass," "voice," "organ" and things like that. It's a beautiful synth that makes really musical sounds. I loved it."
Ronny Tegner uses the Korg Lambda ES50, as confirmed by a statement on Pagan's Mind's website: "I got my first keyboard (Korg Lambda) when I was 12 years old, and began in a great Hard rock band called 'Decibel'."
This 2016 interview with Nathan features some of his guitars and effects, used mainly in studio.
Nathan Larson: 'Also used the Spatial Delivery with an old Korg Lambda string machine (in addition to a Fulltone Tape Echo and a Digitech Whammy pedal) to make a freaky string pad.'
Album Usage
The Korg Lambda ES50 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg Lambda ES50, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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