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Average Price: $449

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$500

$1501+

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Description

Step into the world of professional music creation with the Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation. Designed for performers and composers alike, this 61-key synthesizer offers a vast array of sounds and capabilities that cater to every musical need. The Korg M50 is equipped with a responsive semi-weighted keyboard, ensuring that each note feels as expressive as possible. With over 600 preset sounds and a powerful EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound engine, this workstation brings a wide sonic palette right to your fingertips.

Whether you're crafting intricate melodies or layering complex orchestrations, the M50's intuitive interface and touch-view screen make navigation a breeze. Its lightweight design means it's just as comfortable on stage as it is in the studio, without compromising on sound quality or performance capabilities. The onboard sequencer, arpeggiator, and impressive effects suite round out a comprehensive package that's ready to take your music to the next level.

Perfect for musicians who demand versatility and quality, the Korg M50 seamlessly integrates into any setup, offering MIDI compatibility and USB connectivity to expand your creative horizons. Dive into a world where your musical ideas come to life with the precision and depth that only Korg can deliver.

Key Features:

  • 61 semi-weighted keys with velocity sensitivity
  • Enhanced Definition Synthesis (EDS) sound engine
  • Over 600 preset sounds
  • Touch-view graphical interface
  • Built-in sequencer and arpeggiator
  • Comprehensive suite of effects
  • Lightweight design for portability
  • MIDI and USB connectivity

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model M50 61-Key Music Workstation Keyboard
Finish Black
Year 2000s
Categories Workstation Keyboards
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 80 Voices

FAQs

What type of keyboard action does the Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation have?

The Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation features a semi-weighted keyboard action, providing a balance between the feel of an acoustic piano and the responsiveness needed for fast synth playing.

Is the Korg M50 61-Key suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Korg M50 61-Key is well-suited for live performances due to its lightweight design, intuitive interface, and a wide range of sounds and effects that can be easily accessed during a show.

How does the Korg M50 61-Key integrate with DAWs?

The Korg M50 61-Key offers MIDI Input/Output and USB MIDI connectivity, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with most DAWs for recording and production purposes.

What is the polyphony of the Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation?

The Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation offers 80-voice polyphony, allowing for complex compositions and layered sounds without note dropouts.

Does the Korg M50 61-Key have built-in sounds?

Yes, the Korg M50 61-Key comes with a comprehensive library of sounds powered by Korg's EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) engine, providing a wide range of tones suitable for various musical genres.

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Kraft Music - Korg M50 Workstation Demo with Rich Formidoni

Video thumbnail for Kraft Music - Korg M50 Workstation Demo with Rich Formidoni by Kraft Music

Kraft Music - Korg M50 Workstation Demo with Rich Formidoni

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for Korg M50 Performance Video [Official US] by daveworx

Korg M50 Performance Video [Official US]

daveworx

daveworx

Video thumbnail for Korg M50 Workstation Demo by Sweetwater

Korg M50 Workstation Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Korg M50 Music Workstation Keyboard Synthesizer Introduction by DV247 Music Store UK TV

Korg M50 Music Workstation Keyboard Synthesizer Introduction

DV247 Music Store UK TV

DV247 Music Store UK TV

Reviews

PROS

  • Sounds amazing with tons of sound options

  • User-friendly interface

  • Capable of creating professional sounding products

  • Hundreds of usable sounds including excellent drum kits and beats

  • Powerful arpeggiator function

  • Effective as a master controller

  • Wide touchscreen display for easy programming

CONS

  • Overall construction feels weak with many plastic parts

  • Some units may freeze occasionally

  • Acoustic sounds not as impressive as synth and pads

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation.

Features and functionality

  • The Korg M50 lacks MIDI Through and aftertouch, limiting its capabilities in some setups.

    Source
  • The M50's main piano patch is praised for its musical character, though it's not a natural sound, making it unique among its peers.

    Source
  • The M50's RPPR functionality and simple layout, especially the chord and arp buttons, are key attractions for new workstation users.

    Source
  • The M50 boasts a wide array of presets, with piano and electric piano sounds particularly praised for their quality.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The M50's editor software is incompatible with 64-bit M1 MacBook Pros, requiring older operating systems or Windows machines for full functionality.

    Source
  • Karma software, enhancing M50 functionality, works on Windows 11 23h2, despite older compatibility concerns.

    Source
  • PCG Tools is highly recommended for patch management, complementing the strong documentation available for the M50.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Krome is considered an upgrade over the M50 due to better PCM sample quality and increased polyphony, though it lacks the full workstation features of the M3.

    Source
  • Despite identical sound engines, the M50 lacks the M3's audio hardware, though this may be less relevant currently.

    Source
  • The Korg M50 is often compared to older models like the Korg Kronos, with the latter offering more advanced capabilities but similar key action.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the M50's quick and easy workflow, which is sometimes preferred over newer models like the Nautilus.

    Source
  • Owners cite robust documentation as a significant advantage, contrasting with other Korg products like the Electribe 2 sampler.

    Source
  • Some players find the semi-weighted keys on the M50 feel like high-quality standard synth keys rather than truly simulating a piano's weighted action.

    Source
  • Owners often prefer the portability and size of the M50's 61 keys, contrasting with bulkier 88-key fully-weighted keyboards.

    Source

Build quality

  • Concerns exist about the availability of parts for the M50, despite its generally reliable build similar to the longstanding M1.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Korg M50

soundonsound.com

The Korg M50 impresses as a budget-friendly alternative to the M3, offering a strong synthesis engine and excellent effects. Its standout features include a powerful drum track and arpeggiator, along with a touchscreen for intuitive navigation. While the lightweight plastic build and lack of sampling options are downsides, the M50's robust sound and streamlined functionality make it a compelling choice for musicians seeking affordability without sacrificing quality. The MIDI-only sequencer may be a limitation compared to rivals like Roland's Juno G, but the M50's overall performance and sound quality position it as a must-try workstation.

positive

Korg M50 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Korg M50 is a budget-friendly powerhouse that excels in portability and sound quality. Its standout features include excellent DAW connectivity and a touch screen, which are rare at this price point. While it impresses with top-notch synth sounds and a flexible sound engine borrowed from the Korg M3, it lacks some premium features like Karma capabilities and a bank of sliders. However, its lightweight design and robust build make it ideal for musicians on the go. Overall, the M50 is a solid choice for those seeking a versatile and affordable workstation.

positive

Review: Korg M50 — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

The Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation is a budget-friendly gateway to the OASYS sound, offering excellent sound quality and a responsive keyboard. While it lacks some premium features of its predecessor, the M3, such as user waveform support and the KARMA engine, it retains the essential sound engine and touchscreen interface. Its lightweight design is a boon for gigging musicians, although its aesthetics might seem outdated. Overall, the M50 is a practical choice for those seeking Korg's renowned sound without breaking the bank.

positive
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ronaldcaramit

Very good keyboard

It is a very good keyboard. But the overall construction is weak, with many plastic pieces.

H

I like it

Great sounds and feel but mine freezes every now and then

D

Great entry workstation

Heavy sounds, wide touchscreen display allows you to program patches very easily, acoustic sounds aren't as good as synth and pads.

jakesaunders27

Cool

Great keyboard, use it as my master controller, lots of nice sounds in it too.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how FKJ uses Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation

FKJ

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

FKJ uses his Korg M50 to lay down some funky improvisational key lines.

See how Don Diablo uses Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation

Don Diablo

Music Producer, DJ

Dragonette

...
Verified via Photo

the korg stands on his left, in his studio

See how The Flashbulb (Benn Jordan) uses Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation

The Flashbulb (Benn Jordan)

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

The Flashbulb (Benn Jordan) is seen using the Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation in a photo shared on his official Facebook page.

See how Ed Wynne uses Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation

Ed Wynne

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Ozric Tentacles

...
Verified via Ozrics

This is mentioned in the gear list on the Ozrics website. Go to 'Band Info' and click Ed's name.

See how Tommy Giles Rogers, Jr. uses Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation

Tommy Giles Rogers, Jr.

Singer, Keyboardist

Between the Buried and Me

...
Verified via YouTube

Tommy creates a song using his Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation in this video.

See how Isaiah Ikey Owens uses Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation

Isaiah Ikey Owens

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Mars Volta

...
Verified via Photo

Featured in this March 2009 article by Korg.

I know you’ve been using your new M50 quite a bit lately. Any favorite features, functions, sounds?

Every time I get a new Korg keyboard, I come up with a whole new way to look at sound design. I love the tape delay setting. You can stack so many sounds and effects; plus the string, horn, and organ patches are amazing. The organ patches are almost as good as my CX3 [Korg’s tonewheel/drawbar modeling organ]. I’ve been using it in Free Moral Agents, but I’m going to be traveling with it this summer for sure.

Have you had the chance to use it on any recordings yet?

I’ve been doing a lot of recording with the M50. I’ve been using it to layer acoustic horns, strings, and woodwinds. Also, Free Moral Agents have been doing a series of live recordings, and I’ve used it on a lot of the mixtape stuff I’ve been doing with different emcees.

You have a bunch of Korg gear now- what are your live setups like for Mars Volta and Free Moral Agents?

In addition to the M50, I’ve got a couple of microKORGs [synthesizer/vocoder], a microX [TRITON-powered synthesizer], my old TR TRITON-engine workstation, my CX3 (which I use with TMV) and my TRITON [Workstation/Synthesizer]. I like to rotate the synths in and out over the course of the tour to keep things from getting too stale. I rely on the TR for my clav sound.

See how CJ Kao uses Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation

CJ Kao

Keyboardist

Chthonic

...
Verified via Photo

CJ Kao used the Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation during the European Tour from 2013 to 2014, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.

See how Eloy Fritsch uses Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation

Eloy Fritsch

Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Used by Eloy Fritsch.

See how Neal Doughty uses Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation

Neal Doughty

Keyboardist

REO Speedwagon

...
Verified via Photo

A picture of Doughty's setup in 2011. There are two M50s at the right.

See how Jackrudes uses Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation

Jackrudes

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Instagram

In a 2016 Instagram post, Jackrudes features the Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation as part of their studio setup.

See how Thomas Giles uses Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation

Thomas Giles

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Tommy creates a song using his Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation in this video.

See how Mark Stanway uses Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation

Mark Stanway

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Grand Slam

...
Verified via YouTube

Mark Stanway is seen using a Korg M50 61-Key Music Workstation with Magnum at the 56-second mark in the YouTube video titled "Magnum - Live At High Voltage 2010" by Ivan NWOBHM.

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 M50 61-Key Music Workstation, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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Roland D-50 Synthesizers
1
Roland S-760
Roland S-760 Audio Samplers
1
Korg Prophecy
Korg Prophecy Synthesizers
1

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