The beginnings of the Kawai Musical Instruments Company can be traced all the way back to 1927 in Japan. The venerable piano manufacturer spent 50 years creating top quality pianos before releasing their first synthesizer, the monophonic Kawai 100F. This 37 note synth evolved into the 100P and added ‘preset’ selection tabs at the bottom in the late 70’s. In the 80s, when digital synths began to populate the market, Kawai hit their stride with some of the most classic synth entires in modern music. The K3, K5, R100, K1, K4, and XD-5 all hold a special place in the history of synthesis, and it was this legendary collection that inspired UVI’s Kawai Vintage Legacy instrument.

Don’t let the numbering scheme fool you, the K3 came first. This hybrid machine married the worlds of analog and digital in a really unique way. There were 6 digital waveforms to choose from, but the VCA and filter section were both completely analog. When listening to samples of this synth, it sounds *way* ahead of its time. The analog components affecting the digital waveforms give a modern ‘glitchy’ feel that sounds quite a bit like many of today’s modern synths. The K5 followed in the footsteps of the K3, but was completely digital. With a bit more power under the hood, the K5 had 16 part multi-timbral voicing, as well as a digital screen with preset names as opposed to the numbered list of the K3. The K5 was known for making additive synthesis approachable to the average synth player. Kawai Vintage Legacy allows you to get the sound of these vintage instruments but with the convinces of modern preset browsing and categories. You can even use the drive control in the filter section to give a little analog warmth and dirt to your waveforms!

Kawai Vintage Legacy is an instrument that pays a loving tribute to this important slice of synth history. The sounds and soul of the original machines are present, but the presets and convenience of modern libraries allow you to access all of these machines in a snap. This collection has long been a hidden gem used by producers to give distinct character and a unique edge to compositions. With the power of modern computing, you don’t have to be held back by the voice-limitations of the original instruments, either. MIDI assignment is a snap, of course, allowing you to modulate parameters with a variety of controllers from foot pedals to mod wheels. We’ve also added in a powerful arpeggiator to all of the instruments allowing you to use those original sounds in creative ways to get the most out of them! From lo-fi grit to incredibly think sonic textures, you’ll find what you need to take your productions to the next level with Kawai Vintage Legacy.