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Average Price: $125
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Description
Step into the world of vintage synthesis with the Korg DSS-1, a classic digital sampling synthesizer that has stood the test of time. Originally released in the mid-1980s, this instrument marries digital sampling capabilities with analog synthesis, offering a unique sonic palette that has captivated musicians for decades. With its 61 velocity-sensitive keys and a powerful 12-bit sampling engine, the DSS-1 allows for intricate sound creation and manipulation, making it a favorite among sound designers and electronic music producers.
The DSS-1's dual digital oscillators and analog filters provide rich, textured sounds that can be sculpted to your creative vision. Its sampling capabilities are complemented by a suite of onboard effects, including chorus, modulation, and digital delay, allowing for further sound enhancement and experimentation. The instrument's intuitive interface includes a large backlit display and straightforward controls, making it accessible for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the world of synthesis.
Key Features:
- 61 velocity-sensitive keys
- 12-bit sampling engine for authentic vintage sounds
- Dual digital oscillators and analog filters
- Onboard effects: chorus, modulation, and digital delay
- Large backlit display for easy navigation
- Comprehensive sound shaping and modulation options
- Built-in disk drive for storing and loading samples
- Classic 1980s design with modern usability
- Ideal for sound designers and electronic music producers
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | DSS-1 61-Key Digital Sampling Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1980s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Samplers |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
FAQs
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What are the standout features of the Korg DSS-1's sound engine?
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The Korg DSS-1 combines digital sampling with analog filters, offering a unique hybrid sound. It features 12-bit sampling, 8-voice polyphony, and flexible waveform editing, providing a vintage digital-analog experience ideal for creative sound design.
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Is the Korg DSS-1 suitable for live performances?
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While the Korg DSS-1 is capable of live performance, its large size and weight may make it less practical for frequent gigging. However, its rich sound and real-time control features can be highly beneficial for stage use.
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Can the Korg DSS-1 be integrated with modern MIDI setups?
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Yes, the Korg DSS-1 includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing it to be integrated into modern MIDI setups. This makes it compatible with various MIDI controllers and DAWs for expanded control and sequencing options.
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How does the Korg DSS-1's sampling capability compare to modern samplers?
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The Korg DSS-1 features 12-bit sampling, which provides a distinct, vintage character compared to modern high-resolution samplers. While it lacks the extensive memory and features of contemporary samplers, it offers unique sonic textures appealing to those seeking retro digital sounds.
Videos
JackOasys
Korg DSS1: 36 sounds demo
Korg DSS1: 36 sounds demo
JackOasys
Korg DSS-1 , Sampling Synthesizer demo ..
CLASSIC VINTAGE
Korg DSS-1 synthesizer/sampler review and programming guide
Yateveo
KORG DSS-1 | Greatest Sampler of the 80's? (Scum Night)
Vulture Culture
Minilogue Vs DSS1 (A Side by Side Comparison)
TheRainSword
Reviews
PROS
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Unique hybrid synthesizer with impressive sampling capabilities
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Features "in-your-face" sound with DW-8000's analogue filters
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Allows hard-sync between oscillators with sampled sources
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Includes dual warm digital delay units from Korg SDD-1000 series
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Vast sound library foundational to Korg M1 and T3 series
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Upgradeable with more RAM, USB capabilities for modern use
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Versatile, appealing to a wide range of musicians
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Rich, warm sounds with depth, especially notable in analog filters
CONS
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Large, heavy, and unwieldy form factor
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Relies on outdated technology; slow, with floppy disk usage without upgrades
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Proprietary power cable can be inconvenient
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Default floppy disk system prone to failure, requires specific flippy floppies
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg DSS-1.
Build quality
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Owners note the DSS-1's size is comparable to a small table, making it challenging to find a suitable case or transport it easily.
Source
Features and functionality
User experience
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Despite its potential, the DSS-1's workflow is described as cumbersome, with some owners abandoning sampling efforts midway due to complexity.
Source -
The DSS-1 programming structure is linear, with straightforward navigation using the "next" button, and parameters are easily accessible by typing their number.
Source
Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
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Some owners view the DSS-1 as an investment, noting that its resale value can exceed the purchase price, especially if acquired for under $150.
Source
Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
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An HxC SD Floppy Emulator is suggested for faster, more secure sample storage and loading, reducing reliance on outdated floppy disks.
Source
Comparisons
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The synthesized waveforms in the DSS-1 sound library mimic those from the Korg DW6000 and DW8000 series, highlighting its capability to replicate classic Korg sounds.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 7 Ratings
332
amazing keyboard and sampler
sounds amazing. especially when you sample things into it such as drums. gives you that real gritty 80s bit rate sound. deafult floppys sound pretty good too and all the sounds are useable. downside to it is that the thing weighs like 50 pounds
154
Korg DSS-1 with the Virostek mod
I am blown away by the Korg DSS-1, The two main synths that I would go to were the Korg M3 and the Roland Jupiter 80, I thought the Jupiter 80 sounded rich, that was until I plugged the DSS-1 in and started to play it, very warm, rich sounds with a lot of depth.. I think the DSS-1 will be the go to synth from now on.
The Virostek mod adds more memory, faster CPU, and USB
40991
if you can deal with its bizzare patch loading its really one of ht e best sounding digital samplers with analog filters, right int here with the prophet 2000
121
Big, bulky, sexy
Another big ole synth with some great character. This was my first proper (mostly) analog synthesizer, and I've still got it.
Though outdated in terms of sampling capabilities, the DSS-1 still holds a special spot in my heart for its filters and huge sonic possibilities. With the dual digital echo, the wonderful keyboard, the 2 sample "oscillators" per voice, the smooth filter, everything fits together to bring you a great synth. I used this on god knows how many Blade Runner intro covers when I still only had a little noise maker synth, the DSS-1 and a tape 4-track.
Be warned, the floppy disk systems are prone to failure, and only take single density flippy floppies, not the standard 1.44mb HD ones. You'll need a SD 720kb burner for this thing.
That being said, there's a huge repository of disk images and knowledge online. Also, you can transfer samples and patch info over MIDI via sysex, fyi.
Artist usage
Add artist
In June 2020, a Korg DSS-1 synthesizer, owned and used by Rick Wakeman of Yes in 1986, was listed on Reverb.com.
Steve Winwood mentions the Korg DSS-1 in a Korg advertisement, highlighting its flexibility and responsiveness, which he values for quickly accessing sounds and creating new patches while on tour.
"Zawinul did not stop at the Wurlitzer and Fender Rhodes electric pianos he used in the 1960s. By the late 1960s he was extending his sonic palette with effects like phase shifters, Echoplexes, wah-wahs and ring modulators, and when synthesizers came on the market he was among the first to buy one (the EMS Putney). The list of synthesizers he has used since then — among them the ARP 2600, Rhodes Chroma, Oberheim Four-voice and Eight-voice, ARP Quadra, Sequential Prophet 5 and Prophet T8, Korg Trident, Oberheim Xpander, Korg VC10 vocoder, Emu Emulator, Casio CZ101, Korg DW8000, DSS1, DSM1 and M1 — reads like a synth museum's treasure list."
Kevin Moore can be seen using a Korg DSS-1 in the promo video clip of Take The Time as well as the "Images and Words: Live in Tokyo" DVD.
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 DSS-1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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