The first fairly simple synthesizer for me

I simply use the factory presets, which already gives me 80 basic sounds... I use it a lot for bass riffs, filtered pads or microtonal melodies thanks to the tone knobs.

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Korg MicroKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder

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

The greatest starter synth

I had the blessing of having a microkorg as my first synth and it taught me tons about synthesis and sound design. Its engine sound very well, if a bit on the "cold" side of synthesis. Very complete in its architecture. Drawbacks are the build quality and can be difficult to learn at the beginning. It should be treated with care because almost everything in the UI is very plastic. Overall a great tool for producers, synthesists and any musician that wants to expand their sound library

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first child

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.

Legend

I think I heard that this finally passed the DX-7 ( I never liked that synth, I actually gave it away to my buddy back in '87 ). Any ways, the microKORG is awesome ( even without the vocoder ) and it's fun to use and tactile big knobs are fun to play live and fiddle with the parameters. It even has a computer editing program that you can use to save changes. This is the best selling synth ever, and it's actually STILL in production you can buy it NEW today ( 2022 ) from Sweetwater, Musician's Friend or Reverb. I think that says a lot. It has really good sounds.

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The swiss army knife of synthesizers

Pros - Almost any synth sound can be emulated with these thing, especially monophonic - Easy to use, super flexible for programming, it can be patched - Extremely lightweight, portable, gig friendly - Bonus: great vocoder, can be used as a midi controller

Cons - The keys feel terrible. This is the biggest 'con' of the Microkorg. Compared to other minikey instruments ive played (like the casio cz101), these are really bad. So bad that its difficult to play with it. - The sound is good, but always a little lacking. Through a good preamp the digital truth is revealed. Reamping can help. - Needs a lot of work on programming to create good sounds, 95% of the factory presets are ugly

Ive been playing mine for 12 years now, and i still like it. Its an essential part of my bands live sound and ive used it on most of my recordings. I consider it a friend :)

Great introduction to synthesis!

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.

Little Synth, BIG sound.

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!

A legend in its own right.

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

Sounds Great, Not Practical

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?)