First released in 1979, the Korg Lambda ES50 was a stunning mix of polished wood, analog circuitry, and lush sound design. More than just a string synth, the Lambda pushed boundaries with true polyphony, real-time tone and envelope controls, and a unique blend of ensemble and percussive sounds — all wrapped in a signature stereo chorus effect that defined its warmth and depth.
Vintage Sound Palette
The Lambda divides its tones into two groups:
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Percussive: Electric Piano, Clav, Piano, and Harmonics (with optional key click)
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Ensemble: Brass, Organ, Chorus (Vox Humana-style), and dual Strings (octave apart)
All sounds can be layered for complex textures. Twin detunable oscillators add extra thickness, and the analog “Chorus Phase” effect provides a swirling stereo richness that became the Lambda’s hallmark.
Authentic Sampling & Modern Enhancements
We’ve sampled the Lambda in meticulous detail — over 740 long-form samples with and without chorus, vibrato, and across extended octaves. But we didn’t stop at authenticity. Our version expands the original’s capabilities:
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Independent volume controls for each tone tab
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Individually switchable Chorus & Vibrato (rather than global sections)
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Detuned versions of previously fixed tones
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ADSR envelopes for the Ensemble section and filter resonance control
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Expanded FX: additional Chorus, Phaser, Reverb, Drive, Rotary speaker, and 11 amp cabs for stage-ready tone
Vintage Compliance Mode
For purists, Vintage Compliance Mode locks the instrument back to its original 1979 limitations — global chorus/vibrato, grouped sliders, and authentic restrictions. One click and you’re back to the real deal.
The Sound
The Lambda sits between classic string machines and full analog polysynths: richer than simple preset boxes, but more immediate than complex polysynths. With its chorus, detuned oscillators, and broad tonal palette, it creates pads, ensembles, and textures that are thick, smooth, and unmistakably vintage.
Lambda – Rhythmic Robot brings this lush late-70s polysynth into the modern DAW, complete with expanded controls for today’s productions — or authentic compliance for vintage purists.
Rhythmic Robot Lambda is developed independently and is not affiliated with KORG Inc. Japan.