Download Toontrack EZkeys for Mac

In the edit

Over 3 GB of multi-sampled piano and a MIDI library played by session pros — that is the core of EZkeys 2. The current version, 2.1.5, keeps the Fazioli F212 grand piano recorded at Riksmixningsverket in Stockholm, with multiple mic positions and ambiences. What changed are the icon style on macOS Tahoe and better multicore CPU performance on Mac.

Writing parts from a pattern library

The included MIDI patterns cover everything from simple pop to complex jazz, all played by professional pianists. You drag a pattern onto the timeline, adjust the chords with the built-in Songwriting Scales, and the part follows. No need to play perfectly yourself.

Shaping the sound with mix presets

Each preset is a mix-ready combination of ambience, EQ and character. The core library ships with a range of styles, so you can go from a close, dry ballad sound to a wide, cinematic room without touching a single fader.

Generating chords and grooves with Bandmate

Drop in an audio or MIDI file, and Bandmate analyses it to suggest chords and complementary grooves. It is not a gimmick — it works well enough to spark an arrangement when you are stuck.

EZkeys 2 runs on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs from 2017 onward

EZkeys 2 runs on any Mac from macOS 10.13 onwards, covering both Intel and Apple Silicon machines. That means a 2017 iMac running High Sierra will load it, and a current M-series MacBook will too. The installer is a standard disk image — mount it, run the installer, and you are done. No separate licence manager or cloud sign-in to wrestle with. The interface is fully resizable and scalable, so it looks right on a 27-inch display or a 13-inch laptop screen. The core library sits at over 3 GB, so give yourself a few minutes for the initial download and installation. Once it is in place, the plugin loads as AU, VST3 or AAX inside your DAW, or runs standalone if you just want to play without opening Logic or Ableton.

Ignoring the MIDI library is the most common beginner mistake

The most common one is ignoring the MIDI library. People load the piano, play a few notes, and wonder why it sounds thin. The real power is in the pattern browser — those MIDI parts were recorded by professional players, and they bring dynamics and phrasing that a quick keyboard take rarely has. Drag one in, change the chords, and suddenly the track sounds like a real performance.

Another mistake is not exploring the presets before tweaking. The core library includes mix-ready presets for different styles and rooms. Beginners often reach for the EQ or reverb plugin on the channel strip before trying what is already inside EZkeys. The mic positions and ambiences are already balanced — audition a few presets first.

Some users also forget that Bandmate works on both audio and MIDI. If you have a drum loop or a guitar recording, drop it in. It does not have to be a piano part. Bandmate analyses the material and suggests chords and grooves that fit, which is useful when you are building a song from scratch.

Yes, you can use EZkeys standalone without a DAW

Can I use it without a DAW? Yes, it runs standalone. You can play the piano, load patterns and arrange ideas without opening Logic, Pro Tools or any other host. That is handy for sketching on a laptop or just practising.

Do I need an internet connection to use it? The core library and all the included content are local. Once you have installed the software and the sound library, everything works offline. The only time you would need a connection is if you download additional MIDI packs later.

Will it work with my existing EZkeys MIDI packs? Yes. MIDI packs require a working installation of EZkeys 1 or EZkeys 2, so version 2.1.5 is fully compatible with them. The patterns you already own will load and play as expected.

Is the interface only in English? Yes, the interface language is English. There are no localised versions at this point.

Works as AU, VST3, or AAX in Logic, Cubase, Ableton, and more

Inside a DAW, EZkeys 2 works as an instrument plugin in AU, VST3 or AAX format. That covers Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Studio One and most other hosts. You can also route MIDI from your DAW into EZkeys and record its audio output back onto a track, which is the standard workflow. The Bandmate feature can analyse audio from other tracks — drag a bass line or a vocal recording into it and see what chords it suggests.

On the macOS side, the updated icons follow the Tahoe style, so the standalone app and project files blend in visually with recent macOS versions. The improved multicore CPU performance means that if you are running multiple instances of EZkeys in a large session, the Mac distributes the load across cores more efficiently. The app also respects standard macOS window management — resize the interface freely, and it scales cleanly without blurry text.

For songwriters, EZkeys pairs naturally with a drum and bass tool like EZdrummer or EZbass. The three share a similar workflow: pick a pattern, adjust it, build an arrangement. They are not officially linked as a suite, but the logic is the same. If you already use one, the learning curve for EZkeys is short.

New this release

• Added support for Transistor Organ EKX.
• Updated standalone and project icons to macOS Tahoe style on Mac.
• Improved performance with multiple CPU cores, especially on Mac.

Mac it needs

• macOS 10.13 or later
• Intel or Apple Silicon Mac
• Interface language: English