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Description
The Korg M1Rex sound module is a versatile addition to any musician's arsenal, embodying the essence of the iconic Korg M1 keyboard in a compact, rack-mounted form. This synthesizer module offers the same legendary sound engine that made the original M1 a staple in studios worldwide. Whether you're a keyboardist looking to expand your sonic palette or a producer in search of classic digital tones, the M1Rex delivers with precision and depth.
Housed in a robust design, the M1Rex brings a rich library of sounds, including the famed "Universe" and "Piano 16'" patches, which have graced countless hit records. Its AI synthesis system allows for extensive programmability, enabling users to craft and tweak sounds to their exact specifications. With 8-part multitimbrality and 16-voice polyphony, this module ensures a seamless integration into complex setups, making it ideal for both live performances and studio sessions.
For those seeking an authentic piece of music history with modern convenience, the Korg M1Rex stands out as a timeless choice. Its intuitive interface and iconic sound set the stage for creativity, ensuring that your music has the character and quality it deserves.
Key Features:
- AI synthesis system for versatile sound creation
- 16-voice polyphony and 8-part multitimbrality
- Preset patches including classic M1 sounds
- Compact rack-mounted design for easy integration
- Extensive sound editing capabilities
Videos
Bill Blair
Korg M1REX - The Expanded ROM Sounds
Korg M1REX - The Expanded ROM Sounds
Bill Blair
Tyrian 2000 played on KORG M1Rex
Anders Enger Jensen
KORG M1REx - Sounds only - no talking
Franz Kreimer Keys
How to change display on a KORG M1Rex
Anders Enger Jensen
Korg M1Rex HQ - No Talk -
Daniele Ippolito
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg M1Rex.
Comparisons
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The M1R includes famous patches like Pole and Universe, which are not default in the EX-M1R, influencing authenticity seekers to prefer the M1R for its original presets.
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The M3R, a cheaper alternative, only has one oscillator, requiring Combis to recreate full M1 sounds, reducing polyphony.
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The N1R is noted for having many M1 waveforms but lacks unique sounds like the "strange windchimes" found in the M1.
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Features and functionality
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The EX-M1R contains all original M1 waveforms plus additional ones, allowing for more sound creation flexibility compared to the standard M1R.
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The M1R EX has an internal expansion board that provides additional sample ROMs, allowing for richer patch creation with more base samples.
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The M1R EX allows selection from a larger range of Multisounds, enhancing the versatility of sound design compared to the original M1.
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The M1R retains the same sound engine as the M1 keyboard, ensuring no loss of sound quality when switching to the rack version.
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Despite being a rack mount, the M1R includes a sequencer, which some owners find surprising and useful for live performances.
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Use cases and applications
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The M1R is favored for its iconic "Choir" patch used in symphonic metal, notably influencing the sound of Bal Sagoth's albums.
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User experience
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Enthusiasts suggest the EX-M1R's additional ROM samples expand its versatility, although some users prefer the M1R for its specific, classic sounds.
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Software and compatibility
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Owners can transfer M1 presets to the EX-M1R via MIDI, leveraging both original and expanded sound libraries effectively.
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Loading regular M1 patches into the M1R EX is possible via SysEx, enabling access to classic sounds like Organ 2.
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M1R can utilize the same data cards as the M1, providing access to a vast library of sounds without needing additional hardware.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings
85
Biggest seller of all time, I think, though very very very dated...
It's not old enough to sound cool from having analog filters, yet not new enough for digital to give you much power. So it's kind of a low period for synths. That said this was the most successful keyboards for several years and on all albums in all genres it seems. I picked it up because I found a rack (takes little space) expanded version (double the sounds) in mint condition. I actually haven't recorded anything with it and don't goof around with it much but I feel it's nice to have on hand just in case.
411
Notes
The instrument is equipped with the following PCM Sound Cards: MSC-2S-MSC02 SYNTH 1 MSC-4S-MSC04 ORCHESTRA1 MSC-6S-MSC06 FRETTED INSTRUMENTS MSC-12S-MSC12 SYNTH 3 and countless of soundbanks in sys-ex format
Artist usage
Add artist
The Body Bags score was composed using Digital Performer software running on a Macintosh Iicx computer. Sampling was done with an Emulator IIIxp and a Forat F16. Other electronic instruments include Hammond B3, Wurlitzer electric piano, MicroMoog, Roland MKS80, D550, Prophet VS, Yamaha DX and TX series, EMU Proteus 1 and 2, Korg M1r and M1rex, and an AKAI 612.
The score was digitally recorded using Alesis ADATs and BRC and John Hardy microphone preamps. Microphones included AKG414, Shure VP88 and SM57. The music was mixed on a custom Speck Electronics model 62 console. Signal processors used include: Behringer MDX 2000, SNR 802, DBX165a, B&B and Troisi cq, Dyna-Mite, Aphex expander gates, Lexicon and Yamaha Reverbs, Zoom, TC and Korg delays. Additional DSP and editing done in Sound Designer/Sound Tools. -John Carpenter
According to SoundOnSound article/interview, Joe Zawinul had a Korg M1R Ex module in his studio rack. It can be seen on the photo of the whole rack units in the Music Room section.
Some Music Room outboard (from left, top to bottom): PreSonus ACP88 dynamics, TC Electronic M*One, Korg A1 and Ensoniq DP4+ effects, Roland VP9000 Variphrase processor; patchbays, M-Audio Tampa preamps (x2), Korg Triton Rack sound module, Emu ESI4000 sampler, Korg M1R Ex and M3R sound modules.
On his own website's equipment section, Kawai lists a "Korg M1REX". He's a big-time M1 user, as he also lists 3 of the non-EX M1Rs, 2 of which can still be seen throughout this 2025 feature he did for Aruturia... meaning we're still likely still hearing new game and film/TV scores from Kawai that utilize the M1 soundest.
Eric Chevalier's gear list circa 2003:
Mixing Consoles: - Sony DMX-R100 - Yamaha 01V Monitors: - Genelec 1031.A - Genelec 1030.A Samplers: - Akai s6000 (x2) - Akai CD3000XL - Roland S760 (x4) - Roland SP 700 Synthesizers: - Roland JD800 - Roland JD990 - Roland MKS80 + PG - Roland MKS70 + PG (x2) - Roland XV3080 - Roland D550 - Roland A80 - E-MU Proteus 2000 - Yamaha TX802 - Kurzweil MicroPiano - Korg M1R EX - Korg Wavestation AD - Korg Triton - Alesis DM5 (drum machine) - Access Virus A - Access Virus C - The theremin - Nord Lead Computer (& Plugins): - PowerMac G4/733 - PowerBook Titanium - Monitors Plasma (x2) - Pro Tools Mix Plus (software) - Logic Audio Platinum (+ eMagic plugins) - Spectrasonics Athmosphere - Spectrasonics Stylus - Mac Five - DD 80 Go + 120 Go + 160 Go LaCie - DD 40 Go Ice - Synchro: "Time Machine" C Lab - Unitor MK2 (x3) Effects: - Lexicon 480L - PCM80 / LPX15 - Yamaha SPX90 / D1500 (x2) - Tube Tech Compressor LCA 2B - EQ Moog - TC Electronics M5000 - TC Electronic Finalizer 96K - DAT Panasonic SV-3800 - DAT Sony PCM R500
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 M1Rex, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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