Markus 88: Modeled Electric Piano Plugin by Sampleson

Sampleson describes Markus 88 as a spectral-modeled electric piano. Rather than playing back recordings, the plugin rebuilds the harmonic content of the original instrument. The developer says every harmonic was tuned by ear, and that the result is meant to reproduce the feel of a stage electric piano at a small install size.

Because the sound is generated, the plugin avoids the layer switching common in sampled pianos. The velocity curve is smooth, and an adjustable non-linear velocity setting changes how the harmonics respond as you play harder or softer.

Markus 88 includes Bells and Releases controls for shaping the attack and the character of note endings. A preamp, a reverb and a phaser are included, so you can shape the tone without adding separate effect plugins.

The plugin is available as VST2, AU and standalone on Windows and macOS. Version 1.5 redesigned the harmonic spectrum, made bells sound more natural, darkened the low range and improved response at low velocities.