Korg EK-50 Entertainer Keyboard

The Korg EK-50 is designed as an “Entertainer” keyboard, which in industry terms means it’s a high-performance Arranger. It bridges the gap between a beginner keyboard and a professional workstation, focusing on realistic backing bands that respond to your playing.

Below is a detailed breakdown of its architecture, performance capabilities, and technical specs.

1. Sound Engine & Performance Controls

The EK-50 uses a Stereo PCM Sound Generator with 64-note polyphony. While 64 notes may seem modest, Korg manages the voice allocation efficiently to prevent noticeable “note stealing” during standard play.

• Diverse Timbres: It features over 702 sounds, ranging from realistic acoustic instruments (pianos, strings, brass) to modern synth textures.

• Keyboard Sets: It comes with over 170 Keyboard Sets. These are pre-made combinations of sounds (up to three layered on the right hand and one split to the left) that are optimized for specific genres.

• Dynamic Expression: The 61 keys are velocity-sensitive with four curves (Soft, Medium, Hard, and Fixed). It also includes a 4-way joystick for real-time pitch bending and modulation.

• Effects: It features four stereo multi-effects processors—two dedicated to the accompaniment (Styles) and two for the sounds you play on the keyboard. There are 34 effect types with 148 variations (reverbs, delays, etc.).

2. The “Entertainer” Accompaniment System

The heart of the EK-50 is its Style engine, which acts as a virtual band.

• Comprehensive Styles: Includes 280+ presets. Each Style contains:

  • 2 Intros & 2 Endings

  • 4 Variations (ranging from a simple drum beat to a full orchestral swell)

  • 2 Fills & a Count-in/Break

• Single Touch Select (STS): A powerful performance feature that automatically changes the keyboard sounds to match the “vibe” of the Style you just selected.

• Music Styles: There are 64 “Music Styles” which are setups pre-configured to sound like famous songs, allowing you to play recognizable hits instantly.

3. Recording & Connectivity

The EK-50 is surprisingly capable as a basic production tool.

• 12-Track Sequencer: You can record your performances directly into the internal memory. It records 8 accompaniment tracks and 4 keyboard parts. You can save up to 999 songs.

• USB Integration: * USB A (To Device): Plug in a flash drive to play back MP3, WAV, or MIDI files, or to save your recorded songs.

  • USB B (To Host): Connects to your computer to act as a MIDI controller for DAWs like Ableton or Logic.

• Audio Inputs: Includes a 3.5mm Audio In jack so you can plug in your phone or tablet and jam along to your own playlist through the keyboard’s speakers.

4. Hardware & Portability

• Speakers: 10W + 10W stereo system with Bass Reflex boxes, providing a much fuller low-end than typical budget keyboards.

• Display: A custom backlit LCD that shows the names of Styles and Sounds in large, legible text.

• Power: Can be powered via the included AC adapter or 8 AA batteries (approx. 7 hours of life), making it fully portable.

• Weight: 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg)—easy enough to carry in a gig bag with one hand.

  Comparison: EK-50 vs. EK-50 L (Limitless)

If you are looking for even more power, Korg offers the EK-50 L variant:

• High-Volume Speakers: Designed to be twice as loud (measured by sound pressure) for small coffee shop gigs.

• New Sounds: Adds 87 modern dance/EDM sounds and 24 extra keyboard sets.

• Finish: Features a durable, “grippy” rubberized black finish compared to the standard plastic.