This free plugin version of the Kawai K1 keyboard now runs on PC, Mac and Linux

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Find out why 1988’s ‘poor man’s D-50’ was such a success

Even in its hardware form, 1988's Kawai K1 - often viewed as decidedly low-budget alternative to Roland’s all-conquering D-50 - was more ROMpler than full-on synth, being a collection of multisampled instruments with relatively few hands-on editing options. So, it stands to reason that a software plugin version should be pretty authentic.

Nils Schneider’s K1v is precisely that; released to a warm reception earlier this year, this is now available not only for PC, but also Mac and Linux

K1v promises to accurately emulate the K1’s 8-bit synthesis engine and parameters, and includes 768 presets (that’s the factory bank and all the ROM cards). You can import and export SysEx presets and banks to/from the original keyboard, and you can also use the K1v as a software editor for said hardware.

You can download K1v for free from the Nils Schneider website; be sure to support the developer by donating if you like it. It's available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions for Windows, Linux and macOS, and in VST2.4/AU formats  

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Ben Rogerson
Ben Rogerson
Deputy Editor

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.