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Description

Embark on a sonic journey with the Korg EX-8000, a powerhouse of digital and analog synthesis that brings the iconic Korg sound into your studio in a sleek, rackmount format. This synthesizer isn't just about looks; it's a creative tool that blends 8-note polyphony and 16 distinctive waveforms, making it a versatile choice for producers and musicians looking to push the boundaries of their sound. The Korg EX-8000 stands out as a testament to Korg's innovation in the synthesis landscape, offering not just a wide palette of sounds but also the flexibility to explore them in depth.

Key Features:

  • Digital delay unit with a generous 512ms delay time
  • Auto-bend and arpeggiation for dynamic performance
  • 1024 preset slots for endless sound exploration
  • Expansion board slots for further sound customization

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model EX-8000
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 8 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Korg EX-8000 use?

The Korg EX-8000 utilizes digital waveforms combined with an analog filter, providing a unique hybrid synthesis that offers both digital clarity and analog warmth.

How many voices of polyphony does the Korg EX-8000 have?

The Korg EX-8000 features 8 voices of polyphony, allowing you to play up to 8 notes simultaneously.

Is the Korg EX-8000 compatible with MIDI equipment?

Yes, the Korg EX-8000 has MIDI input, output, and through ports, making it compatible with a wide range of MIDI controllers and other MIDI-enabled equipment.

Does the Korg EX-8000 have onboard effects?

Yes, the Korg EX-8000 includes a digital delay effect, which can add depth and space to your sounds.

Can the Korg EX-8000 be used for live performances?

With its robust build and MIDI capabilities, the Korg EX-8000 is suitable for live performances, offering reliable sound and control options for stage use.

RetroSound

RetroSound

Korg EX-8000 (DW-8000 Rack) DWGS Hybrid Synthesizer

Video thumbnail for Korg EX-8000 (DW-8000 Rack) DWGS Hybrid Synthesizer by RetroSound

Korg EX-8000 (DW-8000 Rack) DWGS Hybrid Synthesizer

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for DW-8P | Controller for the Korg DW-8000/6000 and EX-8000 by Espen Kraft

DW-8P | Controller for the Korg DW-8000/6000 and EX-8000

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Korg EX-8000 + Roland JD-800 by RetroSound

Korg EX-8000 + Roland JD-800

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for The Korg DW-8000 and EX-8000 in 2023: Favourite custom patches tour by Mr Woofer

The Korg DW-8000 and EX-8000 in 2023: Favourite custom patches tour

Mr Woofer

Mr Woofer

Video thumbnail for Manual Wave-Sequencing on the KORG EX-8000 by CGMAGIK

Manual Wave-Sequencing on the KORG EX-8000

CGMAGIK

CGMAGIK

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique single-cycle waveform synthesis

  • DWGS oscillators through SSM filters offer distinctive sound

  • Straightforward programming despite knobless interface

  • Supports velocity and channel pressure for expressiveness

  • Features 5-stage envelopes and "auto bend" for rich soundscapes

  • 8 voice polyphony with 2 digital waveforms per voice

  • Analog filters enhance digital synth sounds

  • Versatile for special effects and great pads

  • Still available at reasonable prices

CONS

  • Knobless interface may deter hands-on tweaking

  • Limited by 1980s technology standards

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg EX-8000.

Software and compatibility

  • The DW-8P can read and translate CC into sysex for easier DAW interfacing, addressing the EX-8000's limitations with real-time sysex options.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner initially bought the DW-8000 for resale but ended up keeping it due to falling in love with its sound during testing.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the warm, smooth delay and mention it uses similar chips and converters as Korg's vintage rackmount delays.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A DW-8000 with a controller can be found for under $1,000 on Reverb, making it an affordable option for those seeking vintage sound with modern control.

    Source
  • Some users find the controller's $420 preorder price high compared to the synth itself, despite its benefits in enhancing usability and sound exploration.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Prologue's ability to overlay two separate patches with a dedicated mixing knob is highlighted for creating rich, ambient pads.

    Source
  • The DW-8P controller for the EX-8000 offers 47 sliders, a navigation interface, and a patch randomizer with categories like bass and pad for enhanced creativity.

    Source
  • The EX-8000 is praised for ease of programming despite its poor presets, with simple parameter input improving sound quality.

    Source
  • The EX-8000's delay creates stereo by inverting the phase of the mono delay in one output, causing the delay to disappear in mono.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The DW-8000 has been compared to the Modwave, with some owners preferring the DW-8000 for its classic synth sound over Modwave's more modern features.

    Source
  • Users note the EX-8000 sounds close to a Prophet VS but lacks the same "big" sound, although proper programming can achieve a similar depth.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users report the keys on the DW-8000 can be brittle, even when new, suggesting potential concerns over durability.

    Source
  • The controller's slim, forward-tilted desktop enclosure features a recessed rear panel for convenient rackmounting.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The random patch generator in the controller is useful for exploring new sounds without altering specific synth sections, thanks to its masking feature.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend replacing the battery and individually editing parameters to resolve issues and restore functionality, especially if experiencing erratic behavior after a battery change.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The controller allows layering up to 5 synth parameters using 2 assignable sliders and an expression pedal, expanding performance possibilities.

    Source
  • Installing a microcontroller to change waveform selections via MIDI sysex can mimic having an additional LFO for more complex sounds.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
quantumdylan

Great filters

I'm a Korg fan boy, so take this with a grain of salt. I previously had the DW-8000, which I absolutely adored. Unfortunately, I had to sell it to make room in my rapidly dwindling studio space, a decision I've regretted for some time.

With 8 voice polyphony, each with 2 digital sampled waveforms, a VCF and amp, plus separate envelopes for filter and amp, you've got a recipe for quite the impressive synth.

Still can be found for a very nice price. Just keep looking!

cfeijao

Módulo do DW8000

Módulo do Korg DW8000. Gosto demais do som que apesar de ser de um synth digital, os filtros são analógicos. É uma ótima opção de sintetizador crosswave

federicovaona

Beautiful analog synth

Versatile and analog sound, I use it for special efx and great pads.

harness

DW-8000 in 2u form

hybrid poly with vintage sound

Artist usage

Add artist
See how DJ Premier uses Korg EX-8000

DJ Premier

Music Producer, DJ

Gang Starr

...
Verified via Gearslutz

DJ Premier is associated with the Korg EX-8000 synthesizer, as listed in the equipment details from D&D Studios. This information is discussed in the Gearslutz forum thread titled "909 in Premier's studio?"

See how Minoru Mukaiya uses Korg EX-8000

Minoru Mukaiya

Keyboardist

Casiopea

...
Verified via Photo

The insert from the Casiopea Perfect Live II record lists Minoru Mukaiya's gear used during the concert, listing the EX-8000.

See how Black Marble uses Korg EX-8000

Black Marble

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

Appears on the 4th slot down in the lower rack.

See how Christopher Franke uses Korg EX-8000

Christopher Franke

Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Christopherfranke

Christopher Franke lists the Korg EX-8000 on his official website's equipment page, indicating its use in his musical projects.

See how Stuart Price uses Korg EX-8000

Stuart Price

Music Producer

The Killers

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"Korg MS-20 synth, SQ-10 sequencer, EX-8000 module" is included in the list of equipment at Stuart Price's studio.

See how Eric Persing uses Korg EX-8000

Eric Persing

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Oldschooldaw

Spectrasonics Studio List The equipment list for the Spectrasonics studio reads like a gear-head's dream. Favourites amongst Eric's sizeable synthesizer collection include the Access Virus, the Prophet VS, his collection of Waldorf synthesizers, and a 1976 Yamaha CS80. "It's my favourite axe to play, because of the awesome polyphonic aftertouch and that sensuous ribbon," explains Eric.

For effects processing Eric is a fan of the Roland SRV330 reverb, an item that "gets missed by most people, mainly because it doesn't say Lexicon on the front panel." For distortion tricks Eric often uses a rare Boss GL100 guitar preamp: "It's basically the history of Boss pedals in one rack space."

Mixing, until recently, was done on some "very odd, custom-made analogue mixers made by a guy named Mo West," reveals Eric. He recently purchased a Roland VM 7000-series mixer, however, taking him one step closer to an all-digital setup.

SAMPLERS • Roland S760 and S770 • Kurzweill K2000 • Bitheadz Unity DS1 (running on an Apple Macintosh G4)

SYNTHESIZERS/DRUM BOXES • Access Virus • Clavia Nord Lead • Doepfer modular synth • Emu modular synth • Moog Minimoog (modified by Studio Electronics) • Oberheim SEMs • Polyfusion modular synth • Roland JP8000 prototypes & production units • Roland JP8080 • Roland JD800/990 • Roland Jupiter 8 • Roland JV1080 and 2080 • Roland MKS50 Alpha Juno • Roland MKS80 Super Jupiter • Roland System 700 and 100m modular synths • Roland MC303 • Roland MC505 • Roland TB303 • Roland TR808 • Roland TR909 • Korg EX8000 • Korg M1R • Korg Mono/Poly • Sequential Circuits Prophet VS • Waldorf Wave, Microwave, Microwave XT • Yamaha CS80

SOFTWARE • Alchemy • Arboretum HyperEngine • Arboretum Hyperprism plug-in pack • Arboretum Ionizer • Arboretum Raygun noise-reduction plug-in • Antares Infinity • BIAS Peak audio editor • BIAS SFX machine effects • Emagic Logic Audio Platinum • Emagic Sound Diver synth editor/librarian • Fireball • GRM Tools plug-in pack • Metasynth • Opcode Vinyl, Vocode & Filter plug-ins • Propellerheadz Rebirth soft synth • Prosoniq SonicWorx Artist effects • Steinberg Magneto tape-saturation emulator • Steinberg ReCycle sample editor • Thonk soft synth • RAIFF • Region Munger • Transfer Station • Samplifier sample transfer software • Saturator • Sound Morph • Sound Hack audio editor • Unisyn synth editor • Waveboy Voder

SIGNAL PROCESSORS • AMS RMX reverb • API 5502 equaliser • Boss GL100 guitar driver • Boss SE70 multi-effects • Dimension beam controller • Euphonics mixing console • Eventide DSP4000 & H3500 harmonizers • GML stereo parametric EQ • Innovonics compressors • Langevin passive equalisers • Lexicon PCM70/80/480 reverbs • MXR Distortion Plus • Quest custom mixers • Roland Dimension D & C processors • Roland RSP550 multi-effects • Roland RSS10 3-dimensional effects • Roland SDE330 delay • Roland SDX330 chorus • Roland SRV330 reverb • Roland SVC330 vocoder • TC Electronics Fireworx multi-effects • Summit tube mic preamps

See how Aleks Syntek uses Korg EX-8000

Aleks Syntek

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

3:05 aleks synteks uses the korg ex 8000 as one of its synthesizers

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg EX-8000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Access Virus TI Desktop
Access Virus TI Desktop Tabletop Synthesizers
3
Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
2
Apple Logic Pro
Apple Logic Pro DAW Software
2
Roland XV-5080
Roland XV-5080 Sound Modules
2
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
Roland JV-880 Synthesizer
Roland JV-880 Synthesizer Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2

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