Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $35

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$500

$1501+

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High-end

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Description

The Korg M1EX synthesizer is an exceptional choice for musicians seeking a blend of classic and contemporary sounds. Inspired by the legendary Korg M1, this synthesizer retains the timeless charm of its predecessor while incorporating modern enhancements that make it a versatile tool for any music producer. With its 61 velocity-sensitive keys, the M1EX offers a responsive and expressive playing experience. The instrument is equipped with a vast library of sounds, drawing from the iconic M1 sound engine with additional PCM data, providing a broad spectrum of tones for diverse musical genres.

The M1EX is celebrated for its AI synthesis system, a hallmark of Korg's innovative approach to sound design. This feature allows for a wide array of sonic textures, from lush pads to punchy basses, making it suitable for both studio and live performances. The onboard effects, including reverb, delay, and chorus, enable musicians to sculpt their sound with precision and creativity. Additionally, the M1EX is designed with user-friendly navigation, ensuring that musicians can access and modify sounds with ease. MIDI connectivity expands its functionality, allowing seamless integration with other gear in your setup.

Whether you're crafting ambient soundscapes or high-energy dance tracks, the Korg M1EX is a synthesizer that promises to elevate your music-making journey.

Key Features:

  • 61 velocity-sensitive keys for dynamic performance
  • Iconic M1 sound engine with expanded PCM data
  • AI synthesis system for diverse sound creation
  • Comprehensive onboard effects: reverb, delay, chorus
  • User-friendly interface for easy navigation
  • MIDI connectivity for integration with other devices
2kB of Fun

2kB of Fun

Korg M1 EX 4MB upgrade board installation and T-series factory preset load

Video thumbnail for Korg M1 EX 4MB upgrade board installation and T-series factory preset load by 2kB of Fun

Korg M1 EX 4MB upgrade board installation and T-series factory preset load

2kB of Fun

2kB of Fun

Video thumbnail for KORG M1 EX Factory Presets (MPC-0EX) Part 3/4 by Pepe Music

KORG M1 EX Factory Presets (MPC-0EX) Part 3/4

Pepe Music

Pepe Music

Video thumbnail for Korg M1 EX by Hector Rivas

Korg M1 EX

Hector Rivas

Hector Rivas

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg M1EX.

Features and functionality

  • The M1EX without the card includes the expanded T-series wave ROM but only the original M1 preset banks.

    Source
  • The M1's joystick is spring-loaded, making it unsuitable for tasks requiring a static modulation setting, though it transmits CC#2 (breath controller).

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • If the RAM-backup battery fails, existing presets might be wiped; investigate options to restore desired presets.

    Source
  • The M1's battery is housed in a holder on the mainboard, simplifying battery replacement.

    Source
  • Button functionality can deteriorate, often requiring switch replacements on the mainboard, which involves tedious disassembly.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The M1EX provides the sound-building power of the T-series, though without its double preset memory.

    Source
  • The M1's keybed is considered superior to MIDI controllers under $500, offering greater playability and feel.

    Source

Build quality

  • The keyboard uses the same parts as the DX7II, indicating a stable and durable frame design.

    Source
  • The M1's Yamaha FS keybed is praised for its durability and is shared with high-end Yamahas, enhancing its longevity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • If space is a concern, the Korg Legacy Collection VST offers all M1 sounds in a compact, digital format.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • To use the M1 as a MIDI controller, a MIDI>USB adapter is necessary for computer connectivity.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find the M1's keybed "clunky" and loud, potentially needing lubrication for optimal performance.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Klaus Schulze uses Korg M1EX

Klaus Schulze

Guitarist, Bassist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Muzines

List of equipment used by Klaus Schulze, from the February 1993 issue of Sound on Sound:

4x Akai S1000PB (32MB) 2x Akai S1000KB (32MB) Akai S900 Akai S612 Akai S7000 Moog Modular CIII 2x Moog MiniMoog Studio Electronics MIDIMini Mellotron Yamaha CS80 Yamaha CP70 Yamaha TX81Z Yamaha SY99 Korg M1 Korg M1 EX Korg T1 Korg T3 Korg DVP1 Roland U110 Roland U220 Roland D50 Roland S50 sampler & monitor Roland Planet S & editor Roland Super Jupiter & editor 2 Roland TR505 Roland Octopad Roland JD800 Roland Super JX10 4x Hohner HS2/E sampler 5x Hohner HS1/E sampler Hohner HS1KB sampler Waldorf Microwave GDS computer synth Misc. Crumar keyboards Fairlight CMI Series II SCI Prophet 2000 SCI Prophet 2002 Emu Proteus/2 Emu Proteus/3 World Emu Emulator II Kurzweil K1000 Kawai K4 EMS Synthi A PPG Wave 2.2 Linn 9000 4x Oberheim DPX1 Yamaha RY30 drum machine Sonor timpanies and octo toms Paiste gongs and cymbals Martin 12-string guitar

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 M1EX, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Akai S612
Akai S612 Audio Samplers
1
Studio Electronics Midimini
Studio Electronics Midimini Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Akai S1000KB
Akai S1000KB Audio Samplers
1
Korg T3
Korg T3 Synthesizers
1
Yamaha CS-80
Yamaha CS-80 Synthesizers
1
Moog Modular III-C
Moog Modular III-C Modular Synthesizers
1
E-MU PROTEUS 3 ETHNIC SOUND module
E-MU PROTEUS 3 ETHNIC SOUND module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module
E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Yamaha SY99
Yamaha SY99 Synthesizers
1

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