Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $75

Budget/Beginner

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Korg A3 is a versatile effects processor that has become a staple in studio recording setups and live performances alike. Known for its multi-effect capabilities, the A3 is renowned for its ability to enhance sound with precision and clarity. Whether you're aiming to add depth to your guitar riffs, enrich vocal tracks, or experiment with new sonic landscapes, this processor provides a wide array of options to explore.

What sets the Korg A3 apart is its programmable interface, which allows musicians to tailor effects presets to their unique preferences. This flexibility makes it an invaluable tool for both novice and experienced musicians who desire a personalized touch in their sound processing. The unit features a user-friendly LED display and a sturdy, intuitive control panel, ensuring seamless navigation through its vast effects library.

A true powerhouse in the realm of signal processing, the Korg A3 offers a comprehensive range of effects such as reverb, delay, chorus, and more, all of which can be finely adjusted to suit any musical style. Its robust construction makes it reliable for both studio use and the rigors of touring, ensuring it stands up to the demands of any musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Multi-effect capabilities for versatile sound processing
  • Programmable interface for customized effects presets
  • User-friendly LED display and control panel
  • Comprehensive effects library including reverb, delay, and chorus
  • Sturdy construction suitable for studio and live performance use
shnobel

shnobel

Korg A3

Video thumbnail for Korg A3 by shnobel

Korg A3

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for Boss GX-700 vs Korg A3 by shnobel

Boss GX-700 vs Korg A3

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for KORG A3 - "Mysterious Ways" & Beyond by Leon Todd

KORG A3 - "Mysterious Ways" & Beyond

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Video thumbnail for Mysterious Ways: Axe-FX III vs Korg A3 by Pablo Mella

Mysterious Ways: Axe-FX III vs Korg A3

Pablo Mella

Pablo Mella

Video thumbnail for Numb - Korg A3 by U2 END OF THE WORLD

Numb - Korg A3

U2 END OF THE WORLD

U2 END OF THE WORLD

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile, works with various instruments

  • Easy to use with intuitive controls and settings guide

  • Offers expansive reverb and delay settings

  • Stereo output enhances effect depth

  • Compact and lightweight for easy handling

  • Allows downloading and using internet patches

  • Unique patches available, like the "Mysterious Ways" guitar patch

CONS

  • Plastic housing feels less durable

  • Requires careful placement to avoid damage

  • May need additional cooling for prolonged use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg A3.

Features and functionality

  • Factory reset can be done without a card by using online instructions to load the settings card used by The Edge.

    Source
  • The Korg A3 has around 40 guitar-oriented presets, but additional iconic sounds require the SPC-01 guitar card or MIDI loading.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Preset 76 FunkWah is identified for "Mysterious Ways," and preset 62 JetFlng is linked with "Numb."

    Source
  • Specific presets are tied to U2 songs: 43 SLASH!! for "Zoo Station" and 27 Tie Dyed for "Zooropa."

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users share custom sysex files for replicating U2's ZooTV-era presets, including tweaks from YouTube and forums.

    Source
  • SPC-01 sysex files can be loaded via a USB-MIDI cable, bypassing the need for the hard-to-find physical card.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users have edited presets to group ZooTV-era sounds together for convenience.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the vintage appeal of the A3, despite its steep learning curve and rarity of parts.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices for the Korg A3 range from $200 to $700, with fluctuations in availability often noted by buyers.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Korg A3 (MT Jul 89)

muzines.co.uk

The Korg A3 impresses with its innovative use of ROM cards for loading new effects, offering a fresh approach to multi-effects processing. Its standout feature is the blend of rotary and push-button controls, simplifying navigation and editing. The sound quality is on par with the Yamaha SPX1000, delivering spacious stereo effects despite a mono input. However, the A3's MIDI implementation is lacking, and its EQ limitations and noise issues in complex chains might deter some users. At its price point, it offers more effects than competitors like the Quadraverb, but not significantly better sound quality.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 12 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
marksamplertownsend

For the one use, it's great.

Like many others, I got this to play U2's Mysterious Ways.

Without the expansion card it was a bit of a let down, but I managed to find a sysex dump of it online. It took some effort but I managed to make 2025 MIDI software talk to 1988. This was a bit of a pain, and the plastic housing makes me wonder about the durability of this unit, but hey it's made it this far.

If anyone needs help with the SYSEX dump for the exact preset 76, let me know.

shok
shok

1464

90s Effects - Mysterious Ways

The exact guitar patch for Mysterious Ways is right here.

I wound up with two (one free) during my hunt for the patch for a song in a soundtrack I was composing in 2020/21.

You will be able to hear it later this year and if I remember, I will share a clip once it is released with sound samples.

The 90s certainly explored sounds even if some are not quite "musical" at first.

mviscrazy

My baby

this unit it great especially since you can download patches from the internet and use them it great

franklyandrade

Good rack effect processor

A good piece of gear. I like mine. Better use it with cooler on the back.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Johnny Marr uses Korg A3

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Bp

“The The live amplification is a racked set up based around two Boogie Quad preamps, a Boogie 295 poweramp, and a tc 2290. The tc's effects loop takes in a Yamaha GEP50, Roland GP8 and Korg A3 guitar processors, an Eventide H300 Harmoniser and a tc spatial expander. Speakers are two Marshall 2x12" cabs loaded with EVs, and the whole set-up is doubled for live work in case of breakdowns.”

See how The Edge uses Korg A3

The Edge

Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via Photo

In this article, Music Radar interviews Edge's guitar tech Dallas Schoo and details his touring rig for 2009's "360° Tour." It lists the Korg A3 among his effects.

See how Brian Eno uses Korg A3

Brian Eno

Singer, Keyboardist

David Bowie (band)

...
Verified via Photo

In this article in the December 1995 issue of Future Music magazine, the A3 is named in the "Kit List" as being one of Eno's effects.

See how Neil Halstead uses Korg A3

Neil Halstead

Singer, Guitarist

Slowdive

...
Verified via Photo

The Korg A3 can be seen in Neil Halstead's guitar rig.

See how Albert Lee uses Korg A3

Albert Lee

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

"Eventually I switched from the Echoplex to a Lexicon PCM 42, but these days I use a Korg A3—it’s my favorite effects unit. In fact, I’ve got five of them."

See how Andrew Eldritch uses Korg A3

Andrew Eldritch

Singer, Drummer

The Sisters of Mercy

...
Verified via The-sisters-of-mercy

"I use the Korg A2 and Korg A3 multiple effects units on almost everything - for livening up synths, for general raunch and increasingly as my main guitar/bass pre-amp. I've decided that these Korgs have the world's best (or at least: most useful) distortion. I've tried loads of guitar pre-amps (I've got a Marshall JMP-1, a Rocktron mAXE and an ART SGX2000 which isn't bad), but the Korgs take the biscuit. Of course, they don't make 'em any more. The A2 and the A3 are more or less the same. The A3 has a direct out which is handy; the A2 has a stereo input and a few more algorithms. Both units are attached to the Doktor when it's his turn to play the bass."

See how John Mitchell uses Korg A3

John Mitchell

Singer, Guitarist

It Bites

...
Verified via YouTube

The Korg A3 is spotted at :19s into this YouTube video. It's part of John's rack case with a Marshall JMP-1 preamp.

See how Tony James uses Korg A3

Tony James

Guitarist, Bassist

The Sisters of Mercy

...
Verified via Myheartland

Sisters of Mercy gear list, circa 1991:

Tim Bricheno Squire Strat, 2x Squire Tele, Gibson 'Chet Atkins', 2xJC120, 2x4x12 Marshall cabs, 1x50w Marshall amp, Ibanez Tube Screamer, 2xBoss DD-3, Boss MZ-2

Andreas Bruhn 2xKramer Focus 1000 (with DiMarzio PAFs), Mesa Boogie Strategy 400, Mesa Boogie Quad pre-amp, 2xMarshall stero cabs, Quadraverb FX, Rat distortion, Morley wah-wah, Boss CS-3

Tony James WAL Custom bass, WAL MIDI Custom bass, 2xAMPEG SVT amps, 2xAMPEG 8x10 cabs, Korg A3FX

Sequencing Compac 386 portable PC, running Voyetra software, 2xAkai S1000, with external hard drives

See how Alan Pasqua uses Korg A3

Alan Pasqua

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Santana

...
Verified via Photo

In the January 1990 issue of "Keyboard Magazine," the right-side column on page 37 mentions that Alan Pasqua used a Korg A3 multi-effects unit rack as part of his rig with the band Giant. The article was authored by Alan di Perna.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg A3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Yamaha SPX90
Yamaha SPX90 Effects Processors
3
Korg M1
Korg M1 Synthesizers
1
Rickenbacker 360 Electric Guitar
Rickenbacker 360 Electric Guitar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Korg M1R
Korg M1R Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Yamaha SPX-1000
Yamaha SPX-1000 Effects Processors
1
Korg A2
Korg A2 Effects Processors
1
Neumann U87
Neumann U87 Condenser Microphones
1

1 alternative for Korg A3, curated by the Equipboard community.

Alesis Quadraverb GT

$224.06

similar sound

Multi-effects solution for your creative needs!

Great for all of your sounds.

More Korg Effects Processors

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups