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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
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What type of synthesis does the Korg EX-8000 use?
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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.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Korg EX-8000 have?
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The Korg EX-8000 features 8 voices of polyphony, allowing you to play up to 8 notes simultaneously.
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Is the Korg EX-8000 compatible with MIDI equipment?
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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.
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Does the Korg EX-8000 have onboard effects?
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Yes, the Korg EX-8000 includes a digital delay effect, which can add depth and space to your sounds.
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Can the Korg EX-8000 be used for live performances?
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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.
Videos
RetroSound
Korg EX-8000 (DW-8000 Rack) DWGS Hybrid Synthesizer
Reviews
PROS
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Unique single-cycle waveform synthesis
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DWGS oscillators through SSM filters offer distinctive sound
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Straightforward programming despite knobless interface
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Supports velocity and channel pressure for expressiveness
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Features 5-stage envelopes and "auto bend" for rich soundscapes
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8 voice polyphony with 2 digital waveforms per voice
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Analog filters enhance digital synth sounds
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Versatile for special effects and great pads
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Still available at reasonable prices
CONS
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Knobless interface may deter hands-on tweaking
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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
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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.
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User experience
Value and pricing
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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.
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Some users find the controller's $420 preorder price high compared to the synth itself, despite its benefits in enhancing usability and sound exploration.
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Features and functionality
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The Prologue's ability to overlay two separate patches with a dedicated mixing knob is highlighted for creating rich, ambient pads.
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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.
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The EX-8000 is praised for ease of programming despite its poor presets, with simple parameter input improving sound quality.
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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.
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Comparisons
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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.
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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.
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Build quality
Use cases and applications
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The random patch generator in the controller is useful for exploring new sounds without altering specific synth sections, thanks to its masking feature.
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Setup and maintenance
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Owners recommend replacing the battery and individually editing parameters to resolve issues and restore functionality, especially if experiencing erratic behavior after a battery change.
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Mods and upgrades
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 9 Ratings
121
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!
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Artist usage
Add artist
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?"
The insert from the Casiopea Perfect Live II record lists Minoru Mukaiya's gear used during the concert, listing the EX-8000.
Christopher Franke lists the Korg EX-8000 on his official website's equipment page, indicating its use in his musical projects.
"Korg MS-20 synth, SQ-10 sequencer, EX-8000 module" is included in the list of equipment at Stuart Price's studio.
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
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 EX-8000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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