PECS
Key Features
- Faithful emulation of the KORG PE-2000 Poly-Ensemble S string machine from 1976, modeled from original schematics
- Eight original presets across Pipe Organ, Chorus, Brass, and Strings categories with two variations each
- Tweak Mode unlocks adjustable parameters beyond the original hardware's fixed presets for deeper sound design
- Built-in phaser and chorus effects for adding shimmer, width, and vintage movement to patches
- Shift-click multi-sound selection mirrors the PE-2000's ability to layer multiple voices simultaneously
- Native C++ code delivers high performance with extremely low CPU consumption across all formats
- Resizable user interface with full MIDI Learn support for mapping every parameter to hardware controllers
Description
PECS by Full Bucket Music is a software emulation of the KORG PE-2000 Poly-Ensemble S, a preset-based orchestral string machine released in 1976. The PE-2000 is a rare and sought-after instrument whose hardware units sell for upwards of $2,000 when they surface.
The plugin faithfully recreates eight original presets across four core sound categories: Pipe Organ, Chorus, Brass, and Strings, each with two variations. Like the original hardware, you can hold Shift and select multiple sounds simultaneously to layer tones.
Where PECS goes beyond the hardware is its Tweak Mode, which opens up adjustable instrument parameters that were fixed on the original PE-2000. This makes it significantly more versatile while retaining the authentic vintage character.
A built-in phaser and chorus add shimmer and movement, and the Bass and Treble controls shape the tone from warm pads to stabbing percussive textures. Users on KVR rate it 5/5 and praise its ability to nail everything from Korg PE-2000 tones to Crumar and ARP string machine sounds.
PECS runs on Windows and macOS in VST2, VST3, CLAP, AU, and AAX formats, with native C++ code ensuring minimal CPU usage. The resizable interface and full MIDI CC support make it straightforward to integrate into any production workflow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What vintage instrument does PECS emulate?
PECS emulates the KORG PE-2000 Poly-Ensemble S, a 3-oscillator preset-based string machine released in 1976. The developer modeled it from the original circuit schematics using SPICE simulation, making it one of the very few software recreations of this rare instrument.
Can PECS produce sounds beyond the original PE-2000 presets?
Yes. While PECS faithfully recreates the eight original hardware presets, its Tweak Mode opens up adjustable parameters that were fixed on the PE-2000. This lets you shape tones well beyond what the original keyboard could produce, from subtle variations to entirely new textures.
How does PECS compare to other string machine plugins like GForce VSM or UVI String Machines?
PECS focuses specifically on the KORG PE-2000 sound with deep parameter editing, while VSM IV covers 46 different string machines and UVI String Machines 2 samples 62 models. PECS excels at authentic PE-2000 tones with minimal CPU usage, making it ideal if that particular character is what you need.
Does PECS support Apple Silicon Macs natively?
Yes. The macOS version is a Universal Binary 2 build, which means it runs natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) processors without Rosetta translation. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are included.
