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Description

Introducing the Korg M1, a timeless classic in the world of digital synthesizers. Manufactured between 1988 to 1995, this 61-key synth workstation is celebrated for its pioneering combination of subtractive synthesis with sampled waveforms and acoustic instruments. The M1's versatility stems from an in-built MIDI sequencer and a capacity for 16 voices of polyphony, making it an enduring favorite among musicians around the globe.

Key Features: - 61-key synth music workstation - MIDI sequencer included - Features 16 voices of polyphony - Uses subtractive synthesis on sampled waveforms and acoustic instruments - Manufactured between 1988 to 1995

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model M1 61-Key Synth Music Workstation
Finish Black
Year 1990s
Made In Japan
Categories Keyboard Synths, Workstation Keyboards
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 16 Voices

FAQs

Is the Korg M1 a digital or analog synthesizer?

The Korg M1 is a digital synthesizer, known for its high-quality PCM-based synthesis system and digital multi-effects, which contributed to its unique and influential sound.

How many keys does the Korg M1 have and what is the key action like?

The Korg M1 features 61 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive and dynamic playing experience suitable for a variety of music styles.

What type of polyphony does the Korg M1 offer?

The Korg M1 offers 16-voice polyphony, allowing for complex chordal passages and layered sounds without note dropouts.

Does the Korg M1 have MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Korg M1 is equipped with MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with other MIDI-enabled devices for expanded control and integration.

What standout features does the Korg M1's sound engine offer?

The Korg M1's sound engine is renowned for its realistic acoustic and digital sounds, including iconic presets like the "Universe" and "Piano" patches, which have been widely used in various music genres.

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Korg M1 Synthesizer: Famous Sounds

Video thumbnail for Korg M1 Synthesizer: Famous Sounds by Doctor Mix

Korg M1 Synthesizer: Famous Sounds

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Korg M1 piano and organ | Famous sounds and songs by Woody Piano Shack

Korg M1 piano and organ | Famous sounds and songs

Woody Piano Shack

Woody Piano Shack

Video thumbnail for Korg M1 Demo  I  No Talking by Alphacode Synth Demos & Custom Sound Banks

Korg M1 Demo I No Talking

Alphacode Synth Demos & Custom Sound Banks

Alphacode Synth Demos & Custom Sound Banks

Video thumbnail for Korg M1 Unboxing & Jam by Doctor Mix

Korg M1 Unboxing & Jam

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Korg M1 Famous Songs and Sounds by Nicolas Melis

Korg M1 Famous Songs and Sounds

Nicolas Melis

Nicolas Melis

Video thumbnail for The Korg M1 - Putting it all Together by Johnny Morgan Synth Dreams

The Korg M1 - Putting it all Together

Johnny Morgan Synth Dreams

Johnny Morgan Synth Dreams

Video thumbnail for Korg M1 (Review Full) Test Sounds by Tiago Mallen

Korg M1 (Review Full) Test Sounds

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for Korg M1: The Best Selling Synth of All Time | WHY?! by Alamo Music Sound Lab

Korg M1: The Best Selling Synth of All Time | WHY?!

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique, warm, and fat sound quality

  • Joystick for expressive performance

  • Solid build, portable for gigging or travel

  • Classic, recognizable sounds featured in 80s/90s media

  • Versatile for various music styles and bands

  • Easy sound creation and onboard sequencer

  • Durable with solid resale value

  • Supports expansion with additional sample cards

CONS

  • Sounds can feel a bit dated

  • Lacks USB connectivity; relies on MIDI cables

  • Factory patches, while classic, may limit creativity

  • Internal battery replacement is cumbersome

  • Keys are semi-weighted, not fully weighted

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg M1.

Comparisons

  • The M3R is a budget-friendly alternative, retaining the M1's organ and piano sounds, and supports M1 waveform cards.

    Source
  • The M1 keybed is more durable than the Triton's, despite both using the Yamaha FS keybed model.

    Source
  • Newer Korg models like the Triton offer M1 sounds plus enhanced polyphony and easier programming, making them a more versatile choice for live performances.

    Source
  • Considered more of a ROMpler than a traditional synth, with limited sound design compared to newer models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners appreciate the M1's keybed for its feel, making it superior to modern controllers under $500 for playability.

    Source
  • The M1 is praised for its superior key feel compared to modern MIDI controllers, enhancing stage presence and performance quality.

    Source
  • Popular in house music for its legendary organ sounds, notably used in hits like "Show Me Love."

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The M1's spring-loaded joystick transmits CC#2, offering unique modulation options but can't be left static like a modwheel.

    Source
  • The M1's LCD screen is noted for being cryptic, making it challenging for users accustomed to more intuitive interfaces.

    Source
  • Lacks resonant filters and uses 2 oscillators, which limits sound design compared to Roland D50 and Yamaha SY55.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The M1 battery is conveniently placed in a holder on the main circuit board, simplifying replacement.

    Source
  • Internal battery replacement is simple; users report needing to change it approximately every decade.

    Source
  • The M1R's clock battery failure can lead to loss of custom patches, highlighting the importance of maintaining battery health for patch preservation.

    Source

Build quality

  • Korg M1's Yamaha FS keybed is praised for its durability and aftertouch, comparable to high-end Yamahas like the DX7.

    Source
  • Membrane buttons can require extra force over time, but MIDI Designer app can substitute for failing buttons.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The M1 plugin includes all expansion cards, offering a comprehensive sound library for home use without the maintenance needs of the hardware.

    Source
  • Owners find the M1 plugin valuable due to additional sounds and percussion kits, offering more versatility than the hardware.

    Source

User experience

  • Known for reliability, with many long-term users still utilizing it as their main keyboard from the early '90s to now.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Korg M1 (Retrozone)

soundonsound.com

The Korg M1 is celebrated as a groundbreaking digital synth workstation, lauded for its innovative Sample + Synthesis technology, robust sound library, and versatile onboard effects. Its 16-bit PCM tones and drum samples set new standards in the industry, while its built-in sequencer was functional, albeit limited by today's standards. Despite the non-resonant filters and some polyphony constraints, the M1's rich, harmonically complex sounds and user-friendly modulation options made it a favorite. Its success story is a testament to its well-rounded feature set and the creative genius of its development team.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 40 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
M

Chceš dělat house? Pak potřebuješ M1

Korg M1 znamená typické house piano a organ, které v 90tých letech proslavili tento nástroj. Nebo to bylo tak, že tento nástroj proslavil žánr house music? Je to opravdu velký, těžký kus nábytku, ale pro ten pocit to rozhodně stojí. Tento nástroj mám v mém nahrávacím studiu Sunteem records.

redvoid

one of the best Romplers of all time, and a solid keyboard for gigging musicians

I played in tons of bands in tons of styles with this thing for many years. Though the sounds are a bit dated, they are also all classics. In the end the factory set, no matter how much you normally hate factory patches are on every record you own from the 80s and 90s, every TV or Movie soundtrack, and every ad for 30+ years. The keyboard still feels better than most dedicated MIDI controllers. I am more of a synthesis first guy these days, so it doesn't get much use, but it still has solid resale value, so anytime I want out, some gigging musician will gladly buy it from me. Only the Roland D50 has this level of desirability in the rompler space.

P

I love it, Vintage and so easy to play (This one is Extended set)

Great synth in music 's story. Sold in all the world at about than 30 billions. Easy to create sounds. one sequencer !!!!!! Old sounds but great sounds of basses and pianos. They were neither on 24 nor 32 bits but, very good and well thought strong machine for to cross time away ..... I always like the touch and after touch of this keyboard (same as the Yamaha DX7), so you can't fill board by playing and playing. Very hard built and you can still find cards for new samples. Thank's to Korg. Indeed

buddycephalus

Good master keyboard

Good keyboard with a lot of classical sounds that are useful

marmeduke

The Original Great For Keys, Pads

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Timothy J. Fairplay uses Korg M1

Timothy J. Fairplay

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Visible under the desk at 6:20 in the FACT "In The Studio" video.

See how Robin S. uses Korg M1

Robin S.

Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

He used the "Organ 2" preset on the Korg M1 to get the famous bass sound for "Show Me Love".

See how Tony "Bruno" Rey uses Korg M1

Tony "Bruno" Rey

Guitarist

Danger Danger

...
Verified via MusicPlayers.com

“Ok, Saraya days (live) I was using the classic ADA MP-1 setup with two Bedrock 4x12 slant cabs/30 Watt Greenbacks in both. Main axe was that Lake Placid Blue ESP strat with a Seymor Duncan in the bridge and a Kramer Sustainer, flip-flop purple/blue. FX were a straight up Lexicon MPX-1 through the FX loop.

When we did the first record, I tracked with that rig (at Bearsville Studios in NY). But we did all the overdubs at Studio-1 in Austin, Texas and Jeff Glicksman, who was producing, brought in this Mashall Plexi that just leveled me. Used it on everything except ‘St. Christophers Medal.’ That track was recorded near 2:00 a.m. and we were drunk, tired and who knows what else, so when the solo came up during basics, instead of staying with the rhythm part, I just went for it. The next day, even though I wasn’t nuts about the tone, I LOVED the solo, so it stayed.

When we did Blackbird (and thank you for the praise... I still love that record), I needed to raise the bar a bit in terms of layers and tone. So I bought a late ‘70s Les Paul Jr. and started getting used to the way it changed my playing. I ended up writing the entire record on that guitar. I did all the demos on my home studio (Korg M1 and Tascam 8-track) and Sandi wrote most of the lyrics in the studio. Funny thing is, we recorded that record just outside of New Orleans and the studio had great vintage gear. So I ended up using a Tele on a LOT of those songs, the Jr., and a Fender Twin, my ADA, and a Roland Jazz Chorus all running together and coming up on six faders.

Danger Danger was another situation like that. The studio had this old Laney Pro-Tube Lead that sounded dope so I used it on the entire record, with my Lexicon MPX-1 and the Blue ESP.”

An added comment from Rey mentioned that his acoustic guitar parts were done on a Gibson J-200 acoustic, which he still owns today.

From https://musicplayers.com/

See how Gregg Paul Munier uses Korg M1

Gregg Paul Munier

Keyboardist

Saraya

...
Verified via YouTube

Gregg is seen using a Korg M1 along with many other synthesizers in this video

See how Wojtek Olszak uses Korg M1

Wojtek Olszak

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Woobie Doobie

...
Verified via Olszak

The instrument appears on the list of instruments on official artist's website (http://olszak.pl/).

See how Rémi Gazel uses Korg M1

Rémi Gazel

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Raymanpc

Rémi Gazel used the Korg M1 synthesizer in the creation of "Betilla the Fairy's Theme," utilizing the universe preset. This recording took place at Studios de la Seine, as detailed on the Rayman Pirate-Community forum.

See how Dominic Glynn uses Korg M1

Dominic Glynn

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Bluesky Social

Dominic Glynn confirming to use the Korg M1 for the final episode of the classic Doctor Who series for Survival.

"By that point I'd added a Korg M1 synth, but was still using the Akai sampler."

See how Yanou uses Korg M1

Yanou

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In 3:19, Yanou uses multiple synths such as Nord Lead 2 and Korg M1

See how Jane Penny uses Korg M1

Jane Penny

Singer, Keyboardist

TOPS

...
Verified via Photo

Jane Penny has confirmed through an Instagram story posted on March 13, 2024, that she utilizes the Korg M1 among other digital synthesizers and VSTs for her solo work. In her own words: "For solo I used a lot of digital synths & VSTs (JV 1080, M1, triton ... TOPS uses more analog synths cuz we don't use midi (poly 61, JX 8P, Juno 106, Rhodes etc.)." This statement provides clear evidence of her usage of the Korg M1 synthesizer.

See how Jimmy Waldo uses Korg M1

Jimmy Waldo

Keyboardist

Quiet Riot

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 39 minute and 39 seconds mark of the video "Quiet Riot Live In Japan (1989)" on YouTube, you can see Jimmy Waldo using a Korg M1 during a tour with Quiet Riot.

See how Matt Guillory uses Korg M1

Matt Guillory

Singer, Guitarist

Explorers Club

...
Verified via Instagram

As seen and mentioned in Matt's Instagram photo.

See how Chris Hughes uses Korg M1

Chris Hughes

Drummer, Music Producer

Tears for Fears

...
Verified via Muzines

List of equipment at Chris Hughes' studio:

Desktop Apple Mac Quadra x 2 Digidesign SampleCell x 2 Digidesign ProTools Opcode Studio 3 Mac-MIDI interface

Tracking & mixing: Alesis ADAT digital multitrack recorder x 3 Alesis BRC remote controller Mackie 8-buss mixing desk

Sound sources: Roland S770 sampler Roland MKS20 piano module E-mu Procussion Casio CZ101 synth Fairlight CMI series II Korg M1 workstation Korg SG1D piano Korg Wavestation module NED Synclavier Sequential Prophet 5 synth Yamaha DX7 synth Roland CR78 beat box

Signal processing: Alesis Quadraverb Yamaha REV7 reverb

Album Usage

The Korg M1 has been featured on the following albums:

Korg M1 as heard on Gentō by Steve Rothery & Thorsten Quaeschning (2025)

Gentō

Steve Rothery & Thorsten Quaeschning (2025)

Korg M1 as heard on The Unreleased Remastered Demos by Giuffria (2025)

The Unreleased Remastered Demos

Giuffria (2025)

Korg M1 as heard on Fire by Saraya (2025)

Fire

Saraya (2025)

Korg M1 as heard on Death & Sex (CX40 Version) by The Cassandra Complex (2024)

Death & Sex (CX40 Version)

The Cassandra Complex (2024)

Korg M1 as heard on The Plague by The Cassandra Complex (2022)

The Plague

The Cassandra Complex (2022)

Korg M1 as heard on Say Cheese (Remix) by Teddy Riley & KiDi (2020)

Say Cheese (Remix)

Teddy Riley & KiDi (2020)

Korg M1 as heard on Delicate Sound of Thunder (2019 Remix) [Live] by Pink Floyd (2020)

Delicate Sound of Thunder (2019 Remix) [Live]

Pink Floyd (2020)

Korg M1 as heard on Hardware (Wetware 2019 Remaster) by The Cassandra Complex (2019)

Hardware (Wetware 2019 Remaster)

The Cassandra Complex (2019)

Korg M1 as heard on Software (Wetware 2019 Remaster) by The Cassandra Complex (2019)

Software (Wetware 2019 Remaster)

The Cassandra Complex (2019)

Korg M1 as heard on Only Diamonds Cut Diamonds by Vegyn (2019)

Only Diamonds Cut Diamonds

Vegyn (2019)

Korg M1 as heard on Synthwaves by Ulrich Schnauss & Thorsten Quaeschning (2017)

Synthwaves

Ulrich Schnauss & Thorsten Quaeschning (2017)

Korg M1 as heard on Doctor Who: Survival (Original Television Soundtrack) by Dominic Glynn (2017)

Doctor Who: Survival (Original Television Soundtrack)

Dominic Glynn (2017)

Korg M1 as heard on This Is What You Came For by Calvin Harris & Rihanna (2016)

This Is What You Came For

Calvin Harris & Rihanna (2016)

Korg M1 as heard on Front By Front by Front 242 (2014)

Front By Front

Front 242 (2014)

Korg M1 as heard on The Flying Opera (Around The World In Twenty Days) [Live] by Avantasia (2011)

The Flying Opera (Around The World In Twenty Days) [Live]

Avantasia (2011)

Korg M1 as heard on Heaven by Yanou & DJ Sammy (2002)

Heaven

Yanou & DJ Sammy (2002)

Korg M1 as heard on 1996 by Royal Hunt (1996)

1996

Royal Hunt (1996)

Korg M1 as heard on Show Me Love by Laidback Luke & Steve Angello & Robin Stone & Robin S. (1993)

Show Me Love

Laidback Luke & Steve Angello & Robin Stone & Robin S. (1993)

Korg M1 as heard on Sex & Death by The Cassandra Complex (1993)

Sex & Death

The Cassandra Complex (1993)

Korg M1 as heard on Land of Broken Hearts by Royal Hunt (1992)

Land of Broken Hearts

Royal Hunt (1992)

Korg M1 as heard on Tubular Bells II by Mike Oldfield (1992)

Tubular Bells II

Mike Oldfield (1992)

Korg M1 as heard on Beyond the Wall of Sleep by The Cassandra Complex (1992)

Beyond the Wall of Sleep

The Cassandra Complex (1992)

Korg M1 as heard on Screamadelica by Primal Scream (1991)

Screamadelica

Primal Scream (1991)

Korg M1 as heard on Innuendo by Queen (1991)

Innuendo

Queen (1991)

Korg M1 as heard on Sugar Tax by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1991)

Sugar Tax

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1991)

Korg M1 as heard on The War Against Sleep by The Cassandra Complex (1991)

The War Against Sleep

The Cassandra Complex (1991)

Korg M1 as heard on Filosofía Barata y Zapatos de Goma by Charly García (1990)

Filosofía Barata y Zapatos de Goma

Charly García (1990)

Korg M1 as heard on Cyberpunx by The Cassandra Complex (1990)

Cyberpunx

The Cassandra Complex (1990)

Korg M1 as heard on Vogue by Madonna & Madonna (1990)

Vogue

Madonna & Madonna (1990)

Korg M1 as heard on Como Conseguir Chicas by Charly García (1989)

Como Conseguir Chicas

Charly García (1989)

Korg M1 as heard on Danger Danger by Danger Danger (1989)

Danger Danger

Danger Danger (1989)

Korg M1 as heard on Delicate Sound of Thunder (Live) by Pink Floyd (1988)

Delicate Sound of Thunder (Live)

Pink Floyd (1988)

Korg M1 as heard on Silk + Steel by Giuffria (1986)

Silk + Steel

Giuffria (1986)

Korg M1 as heard on Giuffria by Giuffria (1984)

Giuffria

Giuffria (1984)

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 M1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland D-50
Roland D-50 Synthesizers
12
Akai S1000
Akai S1000 Audio Samplers
8
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
8
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
7
Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
6
Roland JD-800
Roland JD-800 Synthesizers
6
Atari 1040 ST
Atari 1040 ST Computers & Peripherals
5
Yamaha TX81Z
Yamaha TX81Z Sound Modules
5

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1 alternative for Korg M1, curated by the Equipboard community.

Korg M1 Software Synthesizer

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

This is Korg's official software emulation of the M1. This plugin comes bundled with nearly every ROM expansion card ever available for M1, giving you a vast library of '90s sounds right out of the gate.

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