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KORG MICROKORG Details
State-of-the-art analog modeling and multi-band vocoding are finally available
in a compact, portable instrument. With 37 keys and 128 user-rewritable programs,
the microKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder is perfect for the performer, producer, computer
musician or beginner looking for an affordable synthesizer. The new microKORG
delivers the quality sounds and features you expect from Korg at a price that
will astound you.
Powerful Synthesis
The microKORG boasts the same dual-oscillator DSP synthesis engine found in
Korg's critically acclaimed MS2000 and offers a wider selection of waveforms
than any other modeled synth. Oscillator 1 features a total of 71 waveforms.
These include traditional analog waves like saw, pulse, sine, and noise, plus
more unique choices like Vox wave and cross wave. Together they provide a cool
selection that can be modulated to produce an extensive range of timbres. In
addition, 64 exclusive DWGS waveforms from Korg's classic DW-8000 enable the
microKORG to reproduce a broad collection of imitative sounds. Sounds like bells,
electric pianos, guitars, basses, and more that would be difficult reproduce
on an analog synthesizer. You can also apply Ring and Sync modulation from Oscillator
2 to create the kind of complex timbres that are the true sign of an advanced
synthesizer.
Four filter modes are available, offering -12 dB (2-pole) low pass, high pass,
and band pass configurations plus an extra steep -24 dB (4-pole) low pass setting.
All include resonance. Two classic ADSR envelope generators and 2 MIDI-syncable
LFOs provide the power to shape your sounds. Add a Virtual Patch matrix that
lets you create advanced modulation settings — routing the Mod Wheel to
control filter cutoff or pulse width, using an LFO to control panning or amp
level, etc. — and you have performance that is unheard of from a synthesizer
in this price range!
Classic Vocoding
The microKORG includes an 8-band vocoder with many advanced features. You can
capture and "freeze" the formants of your voice, and then play it
across the keyboard, or shift the formant frequency to make your voice sound
male, female, like a child, or just plain wacky! Best of all, the microKORG
comes with its own microphone so you can start having fun right away.
A Full Range of Effects
Three types of modulation effects (chorus/flanger, phaser, ensemble), 3 types
of delay effects (stereo, cross, L/R), and a 2-band equalizer add the finishing
touch to the microKORG. The delays can be synchronized with the arpeggiator
or to an external MIDI clock — a great feature for live performances or
for laying down tracks. All effects can be edited to create your own, unique
sounds.
Great Sounds and Expression
Korg has used all of the microKorg‰s synthesis power in the creation of
128 great-sounding presets. They cover a wide range of the latest musical styles
plus many vintage favorites. Sixteen vocoder Programs are also included. The
Pitch Bend wheel, Modulation wheel, and 5 other knobs provide flexible realtime
control over filter cutoff, attack, release, and other important parameters.
The Edit Mode allows you to fully edit the existing sounds, or to create your
own new ones.
Flexible Arpeggiator
Six types of arpeggio patterns (UP, DOWN, ALT1/2, Random, Trigger) are built
in, with control over tempo, gate time, swing, and up to a 4-octave range. You
can turn individual steps on or off within a pattern, providing the feel and
functionality of a step sequencer.
Audio In
Two external audio input jacks are provided, so you can run other instruments,
CDs, and more through the microKORG's filter and effects, allowing you to process
sounds in truly creative ways.
A Compact MIDI Controller
The microKORG's compact size is perfect for the musician or DJ looking to add
a synth to his or her setup when space is tight. It's also a great choice for
use in a computer-based music setup. The 5 real-time knobs on the front panel
can transmit MIDI messages (control changes), so they can be used as controllers
for software synthesizers. Use the 37-note velocity-sensitive mini-keyboard
for controlling other gear or for recording and editing with your sequencer.
And thanks to battery-power, the microKORG is the ultimate portable controller
when used with a laptop computer!
Clear Control and Classic Looks
There's no complex menu structure — all parameters are located on the
panel for easy access to any function. A large dial and LED illuminated buttons
provide easy program selection even on a dark stage. With its beige-gold body,
wooden side panels and retro-influenced design, the microKORG has a look that's
both vintage and funky.
Bundled Software:
Live Lite 4 Korg Edition -- a lite, yet surprisingly powerful version of the cutting-edge Ableton Live 4 loop-based audio/MIDI sequence software.
SampleTank 2 Korg Edition -- a special version of IK Multimedias standard-setting rompler software SampleTank 2 Free, which comes with over 150 MB of custom sounds.
MDE-X -- the full version of KORG Legacy Collections multi-effect plug-in software 19 great-sounding effects.
KORG MICROKORG Specs
Sound Generation Method:
Analog Modeling Synthesis System
Synthesizer Program:
Multi Timbral:
2 (max, Normal/Dual Mode)
Easy Start Guide
A quick step-by-step tutorial that provides a basic overview and highlights key features of the microKORG. While not a replacement for the Owner's Manual, this is a friendly "hands on" guide that provides a good place to start in getting familiar with this analog modeling syntheiser and vocoder. Easy Start Guide (pdf)
MIDI Implementation
MIDI Implementation for microKORG in PDF format. MK1(pdf)
Everything you hear was done exclusively on a Korg microKORG. Due to the content of each demo, a large file is required and a high-speed Internet connection is recommended.
How To Choose / Useful Information for Pro Keyboards
Click a question to see the answer.
Why a Pro Workstation keyboard vs.a Portable/Electronic/Arranger keyboard vs. a Synthesizer?
Pro keyboards have a multitude of other features like audio recording,
editing the sound to the most elemental part of the sound, a 16+ track sequencer
with detailed editing, a lot of synth sounds, they will run 4 to 18 simultaneous
higher quality effects like reverb, … and have no arranging or styles other than possibly
arpeggiators or drum patterns, . . A fully orchestrated sound/song can be accomplished
with a pro keyboard but it assumes you want to create each part or instrument sound in
a song much more closely (from scratch) than a portable ++
Portable/arranger type keyboards are more for fast songwriting,
for backing tracks when you play or for one person band with drum patterns,
bass, and other sounds with the accompaniment having different song style genres
(blues, swing, rock,...) with different patterns for the verse, chorus,...
of the song. The song styles and performances are very educational as well for
learning genres that you may be unfamiliar with. You can have many instruments
follow what your left hand plays in real time and chord recognition for
fast performing,
portables have more meat and potato sounds and fewer synthesizer sounds
Synthesizers- typically do not have workstation features
like sequencing, recording audio, having all types of sounds, . . .
but rather focus on doing a few or sounds extremely well which usually
are not acoustic or real world instruments but 'other worldly' sounds
with many ways to manipulate the sound.
What affects the price you will pay and what should you look for?
The level of realism and selection of the sounds-
each keyboard typically does some sounds better than others so decide
which main sounds are important to you and play each model (or listen to sound files)
you are interested in to find the one that sounds best to you. Does it have all the
sounds you are looking for to make a completed song?
Ease of use- hardware knobs, buttons,... amount and location and logically placed
Display size- touchscreen, color, icon based, easy to read, backlighting not too dark,...
Sequencer- depth of editing features, ease of use as you could spend most of your time here, linear recording only or pattern based recording as well, ...
Quality and number of effects- reverb, EQ per part, compressors, master FX, number of part insert FX, master/global FX, does it have enough DSP to finish a 16 track song without needing external processing
Audio recording/sampling -2 to 8 tracks or more- how easy is it to actually record and playback, does it have enough recording memory/time- re: roughly 10 meg a stereo minute, how is the recording backed up,..
Drums- does it have ‘easy to chain’ patterns or is the arpegiator easy to use, does it have pads on top of keyboard or none at all,...
The number of simultaneous notes the keyboard will play (polyphony)- important if you write denser arrangements or use instruments that use a lot of polyphony (piano,...)
Control computer software via hardware sliders, knobs,...
Computer control the keyboard with editor/librarian- as VST plug-in,
standalone, 100% editing, the visuals on a big
computer screen can shorten the learning curve (much more intuitive)
Operating system- is it intuitive or obtuse, ...
Maximum RAM memory- will determine possibly how much recording time is available
or how much room you will have for adding external samples/sounds
Connectors- # of audio outputs, balanced or unbalanced input,
data storage- memory card, jump drive, USB to computer connection
Please notice that almost every keyboard on our site has a sound file
you can play on your computer to hear for yourself.
What about speakers?
For home or studio use we prefer powered studio monitors
for the best audio quality without spending a lot and keep
the sound in stereo (versus a mono keyboard amp) which is much better with full orchestrations,...
All have headphone jacks if you prefer not to be heard.
For stage, keyboard amplifiers come in all sizes depending on the size of the venue
What accessories should I consider?
Stand- stabds come in many shapes and styles- X style, Z style, ...
Bench- consider a more sturdy 4 leg bench if you do not need portability,
X style if you do -- the wider the better.
Headphones- full size will be more comfortable and quieter
and may offer better quality audio
Pedals- most come with a sustain pedal, some have jacks for more control
- volume, expression, etc.
Bag or case- we recommend the manufacturer bags and cases first,
then Gator Cases and bags. Do you need wheels? Will only you be carrying it? Will it be on planes? (should have ATA rating)
Jump drive/Storage card for audio, midi ...
Computer interface if no USB connection- need multi-port midi,
how many channels of audio ...
Dust cover
Glossary
What is a Style?
combination of sounds like drums, bass and keys with rhythms and chord progressions
in a certain genre (rock, big band, jazz,…) which create backing tracks that you can play a lead part over
What are Song Sections?
these are divisions of a song that portable arranger keyboards identify as an intro, verses, choruses,
bridge, fills, outro,… with performed by musicians that reflect the mood/feeling of each of those sections that enable
faster song arranging
What is MIDI?
an
interface to connect a keyboard to the computer like USB port for printers. It
sends note and other data from the keyboard to the computer or vice versa.
Basically says play this note at this time at this volume level- it is not an
actual audio recording. It also makes it possible for one keyboard to play
another keyboard.
What is polyphony?
the number of
simultaneous notes that can be played, though if it’s a stereo sample/recording
each note can use 2 notes at once. Its important for anyone who plays a lot of
notes at the same time and holds down the sustain pedal. The earliest notes
played will cut out when the limit is exceeded. This can happen with pianos
with 32 note polyphony especially.
What is a sequencer?
a
recorder with 1 to 16 tracks usually so that multiple instruments can be played
back for fully orchestrated songs and can have elaborate editing capability.
Typically digital pianos have only 1 or 2 tracks for playing back a piano
performance and archiving another. These can be downloaded to the computer with
a midi interface
What is sampling/samples?
a short audio
recording of a note. For more realistic sound, digital pianos can be recorded
at different velocities so that when you strike a note harder, the timbre
changes for better realism
What are effects?
to modify and
enhance the sounds in the keyboard including non- piano sounds. e.g. - reverb
will put the piano in a small room or up to a large concert hall.
Don’t see the answer to your question?
Call us toll-free at 1 877 778 7845 and speak to our piano experts
3900 Fiscal Ct, Suite 200
West Palm Beach
Florida 33404
USA
Telephone:1-877-778-7845 Toll Free
or 561-842-7451 Fax: 561-840-9032E-mail Us! Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am -7 pm EST, Sat 10 am -5 pm EST
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