Korg MicroKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder

Everything you could want in a mini synth, but put in a cute package by Korg. Price and user friendly..for once.

The MicroKORG has 128 Presets, 37 Mini-Keys and a built in vocoder. There is a massive stigma that comes with the microKORG, in that the mini keys are a problem to some people, but I would say to them just get over it. If you don't like it, then just sell it. The Presets are amazing, the waveforms are digital, but thanks to the processing, and the filters, the thing sounds just as good as a moog but for a fraction of the price!!! Big ups to KORG!

This synth is (in my opinion) the best way you can introduce yourself to synthesizers without going out and spending exuberant amounts of money. My one major complaint is that it's not the most user-friendly when it comes to making your own patches. It is very much a preset machine. I'm sure there are some people who are perfectly fine with that, and that definitely lends itself well to a live setting, but I personally would prefer a synthesizer that's more dedicated to making your own patches. However, that does not change the fact that this is a well-built and fantastic sounding synth.

Essentially a less tweakable ms2000 if you really wanna dive into this analog modeller... somewhere between a ROMpler and a 90s modeler with a nice vocoder and a toy keyboard.... the tiny form factor and price tag caused me to break down and buy one on ebay.... I like it but have yet to use it in a recording because the sounds is pretty generic.

DESCRIPTION Analog modeling and multiband vocoding in a compact, portable instrument.

With 37 keys and 128 user-rewritable programs, the Korg MicroKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder is perfect for the musician looking for a serious yet affordable synthesizer. It provides powerful synthesis with the same dual-oscillator DSP synthesis engine found in the MS2000, and offers a wider selection of waveforms than most other modeled synths. It also has an 8-band vocoder with many advanced features, a full range of effects, and a flexible arpeggiator. 2 audio inputs let you process other instruments through it. Also serves as a compact MIDI controller. Comes with its own microphone.

Powerful synthesis

The microKORG boasts the same dual-oscillator DSP synthesis engine found in Korg's critically acclaimed MS2000 and offers a wider selection of waveforms than any other modeled synth. Oscillator 1 features a total of 71 waveforms. These include traditional analog waves like saw, pulse, sine and noise, plus more unique choices like Vox wave and cross wave. Together they provide a cool selection that can be modulated to produce an extensive range of timbres. In addition, 64 exclusive DWGS waveforms from Korg's classic DW-8000 enable the microKORG to reproduce a broad collection of imitative sounds. Sounds like bells, electric pianos, guitars, basses and more that would be difficult reproduce on an analog synthesizer. You can also apply Ring and Sync modulation from Oscillator 2 to create the kind of complex timbres that are the true sign of an advanced synthesizer.

Four filter modes are available, offering -12 dB (2-pole) low pass, high pass and band pass configurations plus an extra steep -24 dB (4-pole) low pass setting. All include resonance. Two classic ADSR envelope generators and two MIDI-syncable LFOs provide the power to shape your sounds. Add a Virtual Patch matrix that lets you create advanced modulation settings-routing the Mod Wheel to control filter cutoff or pulse width, using an LFO to control panning or amp level, etc.-and you have performance that is unheard of from a synthesizer in this price range!

Classic vocoding

The microKORG includes an 8-band vocoder with many advanced features. You can capture and "freeze" the formants of your voice, and then play it across the keyboard, or shift the formant frequency to make your voice sound male, female, like a child or just plain wacky! Best of all, the microKORG comes with its own microphone so you can start having fun right away.

A full range of effects

Three types of modulation effects (chorus/flanger, phaser, ensemble), three types of delay effects (stereo, cross, L/R), and a two-band equalizer add the finishing touch to the microKORG. The delays can be synchronized with the arpeggiator or to an external MIDI clock-a great feature for live performances or for laying down tracks. All effects can be edited to create your own, unique sounds.

Great sounds and expression

Korg has used all of the microKorg's synthesis power in the creation of 128 great-sounding presets. They cover a wide range of the latest musical styles plus many vintage favorites. Sixteen vocoder Programs are also included. The Pitch Bend wheel, Modulation wheel, and five other knobs provide flexible realtime control over filter cutoff, attack, release and other important parameters. The Edit Mode allows you to fully edit the existing sounds, or to create your own new ones.

Flexible arpeggiator

Six types of arpeggio patterns (UP, DOWN, ALT1/2, Random, Trigger) are built in, with control over tempo, gate time, swing, and up to a 4-octave range. You can turn individual steps on or off within a pattern, providing the feel and functionality of a step sequencer.

Audio in

Two external audio input jacks are provided, so you can run other instruments, CDs and more through the microKORG's filter and effects, allowing you to process sounds in truly creative ways.

A compact MIDI controller

The microKORG's compact size is perfect for the musician or DJ looking to add a synth to his or her setup when space is tight. It's also a great choice for use in a computer-based music setup. The five realtime knobs on the front panel can transmit MIDI messages (control changes), so they can be used as controllers for software synthesizers. Use the 37-note velocity-sensitive mini-keyboard for controlling other gear or for recording and editing with your sequencer. And thanks to battery-power, the microKORG is the ultimate portable controller when used with a laptop computer!

Clear control and classic looks

There's no complex menu structure-all parameters are located on the panel for easy access to any function. A large dial and LED illuminated buttons provide easy program selection even on a dark stage. With its beige-gold body, wooden side panels and retro-influenced design, the microKORG has a look that's both vintage and funky.

SPECIFICATIONS 128 user-rewritable programs 37-key mini keyboard Powerful synthesis Classic vocoding A full range of effects Great sounds and expression Flexible arpeggiator (6 types) Clear control and classic looks

Awsome

The year was 2007 and I was in a indie rock group called The A.D. Ate's and 8's. This synth changed how we made music! after the introduction of this synth we quickly change our sound around its dope settings (for the time) and became more of a Electronic Indie Rock group. I owe a lot of cool sounds over the years to this little guy.. 10/10 for nostalgia purposes of course <3

This was given to me by a friend. I certainly do appreciate this classic synth for what it is. It sounds really incredible and there is a lot you can do with it. I personally don't like the over complexity of its synthesis programming. In that sense, it is honestly one of the worst I have ever used. Brand new, this guy goes for like $400-500. For that much money, you can invest in a different synthesizer that sounds way better and is way more practical for modern day use (the Korg Minilouge?)

The MicroKorg was my first foray into the world of hardware synths. I had been making music for a couple years at that point, but by using only VSTs and sample packs in FL studio. I wouldn't say it was a great first choice, because it's user interface for editing patches is rather deep and the minimal two-character screen is difficult to read. It didn't really help me to grasp the fundamentals of subtractive synthesis, and I found myself mostly tweaking presets until they suited my needs well enough. It's hard to be too critical of it, because I had it during a time when there weren't many companies making things like this, so my options were limited. I suppose I must be grateful to Korg for making such a thing, and I don't know what a better option would have been at the time. Nowadays of course we have the Minilogue, which is similar in architecture to the Microkorg; it is similarly priced and much better at teaching synthesizer basics. Though I have never owned a Minilogue, I do recommend it over the Microkorg.

Defiantly the best synth to learn on bar none. It teaches you about cutoff, oscillators, vocoders. I still use it and still have fun with on a regular basis