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Average Price: $438
Budget/Beginner
$500
$1501+
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Description
Meet the Korg MicroKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder, the perfect blend of quality, flexibility, and portability. Crafted by Korg, this synthesizer is renowned for its robust synthesis capabilities and its vocoder features. It's the secret weapon of artists ranging from Dr. Dre to LCD Soundsystem, and it's ready to take your sound to the next level.
This beast is powered by the same dual-oscillator DSP synthesis engine found in Korg's critically acclaimed MS2000. It offers a wider selection of waveforms than almost any other modeled synthesizer. Its 8-band vocoder allows you to capture and "freeze" the formants of your voice, then play it across the keyboard or shift the formant frequency to make your voice sound any way you wish.
Not only does it offer powerful sound generation, but it's also compact and portable. The MicroKORG's mini-keyboard sports 37 velocity-sensitive keys, MIDI in/out and thru, and can run from its power supply or 6 AA batteries. It's perfect for the musician on the go and fantastic for live shows, thanks to its easy program selection and LED illuminated buttons.
Key Features:
- Analog Modeling Synthesis System
- 4 voices
- 2 Oscillator + Noise Generator
- 8-band vocoder
- 128 programs
- Modulation effects (3 types), Delay (3 types), 2-band Equalizer
- Arpeggiator: 6 types
- 37 Keys (mini-keyboard, velocity sensitive)
- Inputs: AUDIO IN 1, and 2
- Outputs: L/MONO, R and Headphones
- MIDI: IN, OUT and THRU
- Power Supply: DC 9 V (AC adapter), or six AA alkaline batteries
- Accessories: AC adapter (DC 9 V, 600 mA), Condenser Microphone
Owner's manual
Korg MicroKORG User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Keyboard Synthesizer with Vocoder |
| Sound Engine | Analog Modeling |
| Analog/Digital | Digital |
| Number of Keys | 37 |
| Type of Keys | Synth Action, Mini Keys |
| Velocity Sensitive | Yes |
| Other Controllers | Pitchbend, Mod Wheel |
| Polyphony | 4 voices |
| Number of Presets | 128 |
| Oscillators | 2 x VCO |
| Waveforms | Sawtooth, Square, Triangle, Sine, Vox, DWGS, Noise, Audio In |
| LFO | 2 x LFO |
| Filter | 4-pole Lowpass, 2-pole Lowpass/Bandpass/Highpass |
| Envelope Generator | 2 x ADSR |
| Number of Effects | 7 |
| Effects Types | Modulation, Delay, EQ |
| Arpeggiator | Yes |
| Audio Inputs | 1 x TS (Mic/Line), 1 x TS (Line) |
| Audio Outputs | 2 x 1/4" |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/4" |
| MIDI I/O | In/Out/Thru |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (included) / 6 x AA batteries (sold separately) |
| Height | 2.76" |
| Width | 20.63" |
| Depth | 9.13" |
| Weight | 4.85 lbs. |
FAQs
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Is the Korg microKORG suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Korg microKORG is suitable for beginners due to its intuitive interface and wide range of presets. Its compact size and versatile sound engine make it a great entry point into synthesis.
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Can the Korg microKORG be used as a MIDI controller?
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Yes, the Korg microKORG can function as a MIDI controller, allowing you to control other MIDI-compatible devices or software.
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Does the Korg microKORG have a built-in arpeggiator?
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Yes, the Korg microKORG features a built-in arpeggiator, which offers multiple patterns and can be customized for creating dynamic sequences.
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What type of sound engine does the Korg microKORG use?
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The Korg microKORG uses an analog modeling sound engine, providing a wide range of sounds from classic analog to modern digital tones.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Korg microKORG offer?
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The Korg microKORG offers 4 voices of polyphony, allowing you to play up to four notes simultaneously.
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Does the Korg microKORG include a vocoder function?
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Yes, the Korg microKORG includes a vocoder function, allowing you to process your voice and create unique vocal effects.
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What power options are available for the Korg microKORG?
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The Korg microKORG can be powered using a 9V DC power supply (included) or 6 AA batteries, making it versatile for both studio and portable use.
Videos
DV247 Music Store UK TV
Korg Microkorg 10 Year Anniversary Demonstration
Korg Microkorg 10 Year Anniversary Demonstration
DV247 Music Store UK TV
Kraft Music - Korg microKORG Demo with Rich Formidoni
Kraft Music
The microKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder from Korg -- A Closer Look!
Korg
MicroKORG Overview/Tutorial
Anonymous Animal 2
20 Reasons We Still Love the microKORG, 20 Years Later
Reverb
KORG microKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder
KORG INC.
Korg microKORG Synthesizer | Gear4music demo
Gear4music Guitars
Korg MicroKorg 37-Mini Key Synthesizer & Vocoder
Reverb
Reviews
PROS
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Dual-oscillator DSP synthesis engine offers a wide range of sounds
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128 great sounding onboard presets cover diverse musical styles
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37 velocity-sensitive keys allow expressive playing
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8-band vocoder with advanced features for unique vocal effects
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Intuitive knob layout makes sound design accessible
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Portable and lightweight, ideal for live performances and travel
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Can process external instruments through its filters and effects
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Solid build quality, despite being mostly plastic
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Can serve as a compact MIDI controller
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Retro design with wooden side panels and beige-gold body adds vintage charm
CONS
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Mini keys feel toy-like and may hinder playability for some
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Preset sounds considered dated by some users
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Editing presets can be convoluted and unintuitive
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Polyphony limited to four notes, restricting layered patch possibilities
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Learning curve for programming and deep sound design
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No USB connectivity for direct integration with modern setups
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Sound character described as "cold" and lacking warmth by some
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Build quality perceived as fragile due to plastic construction
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Factory presets may not meet everyone's taste; extensive editing required
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Interface considered non-intuitive, especially for beginners
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg MicroKORG.
Value and pricing
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Older MicroKORG units could be found for around $200 used, but prices have risen, making alternatives like the Minilogue or MS2000 more appealing now.
Source
Software and compatibility
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Extensive MIDI implementation is highlighted, allowing connection with any computer, though additional MIDI interfaces may be required, affecting overall cost.
Source
Comparisons
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The MicroKORG is compared to the Alesis Micron, with some choosing it for its aesthetic features like fake wood endplates, despite more modern alternatives available now.
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The MicroKORG is often compared to the Minilogue, with users noting the Minilogue offers more hands-on control and true analog synthesis.
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Arturia MiniFreak is appreciated for its flexibility and sound presets, but it may take longer to achieve desired sounds due to its extensive features.
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The MicroKORG 2's sound engine is derived from the Radias/R3, offering smoother, deeper sounds compared to the original's MS2000 engine.
Source
Features and functionality
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The MicroKORG's mod matrix is described as limited, with users desiring more flexibility in the LFO/EG section for enhanced sound design capabilities.
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The MicroKORG offers a DW8000-style wavetable bank, providing a mid-80s sound, though users find its filter overly artifacty and not as pleasing when squelching.
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The MicroKORG has a 4-note polyphony limit, which can be restrictive for complex arrangements.
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MicroKORG 2 offers a looper, though it's described as more of a gimmick; the external looper may be preferred for serious looping.
Source
User experience
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Owners note the vocoder's sensitivity, highlighting the need to use a dynamic mic or be close to the included mic for optimal tone, as it easily overloads or barely registers.
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Some find the menu-diving for patch editing cumbersome, as it requires navigating parameter groups before tweaking with knobs.
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Owners find the screen and row of edit buttons on the MicroKORG 2 improve its usability, making it easier to navigate than the original matrix setup.
Source
Use cases and applications
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MicroKORG is valued for its ability to inspire ideas, with users reporting frequent creation of hooks, riffs, and basslines due to its unique preset design.
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The MicroKORG’s presets are well-suited for early 2000's drum 'n bass but may require resampling for modern complexity.
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The MicroKORG 2 is praised for its portability, being battery-powered, making it ideal for casual couch jamming sessions.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Used MicroKORGs may have loose keys due to their toy-like build; caution is advised when buying second-hand.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 60 Reviews and 453 Ratings
284
A great investment at the price and size
it was exactly what I needed something that I could get rid of all the stock sounds and create my own for production use and its really user friendly plus its in a small package that gets the job done.
5455
See what this can do-video link that'll crack your skull
However, I'd do well to dig deeper. It has loads of possibilities, I'm just not to a place where I've explored it fully. Our regular rig broke down, needed an "organ" type sound on tour & grabbed it as a fix. There is a man who rings every bit of awesome out of this keyboard & it should hopefully be linked to this if I can find it.
Here it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB0wHB3khOg
41029
if you're not afraid to menu dive this thing does a lot, its horseshoes and hand grenades compared to dedicated gear with less versatility but I am not ashamed to admit I've used my MicroKORG on recordings since getting it last year... when I have a lot of my analog synths dedicated already and I am running out of CPU for good sounding softsynths this guy comes in handy if I am not ready to print tracks and repatch my 'better' synths on other MIDI channels
I've never used it to simulate an organ or any other type of electro mechanical key sounds, but now I am curious because of your review. I got the kid out of the house, maybe I can fiddle with her some more today....
5455
The "Organ" sound was not really that impressive at all but got us thru our last few dates, but I gotta dig deeper for sure. Your mentioning it make the 3rd time in a week I've heard that there is a ton more to this guy while it's mostly collected dust since we got a suitable replacement for the organ. Gonna dig in.
41029
from what I have read, under the hood there's an updated and expanded MS2000 VA engine, and the MS2000 was an underrated and powerful gadget, especially for the time.... it was just overshadowed by the JP8000 that got a lot more hype because of the now unqiquitous supersaw
326
A miniature BEAST of a synth!
I don't even perform live but I can't imagine why anyone performing synth live wouldn't own one of these. They pack so much punch in such a small, portable and reasonably priced box.
467
Compact and user-friendly mini synth package
Everything you could want in a mini synth, but put in a cute package by Korg. Price and user friendly..for once.
467
Like a child, you crawl before you walk. Like synths, you microKorg before you Moog.
1833
Bought used for $100; this thing is a God-send
This is my first synth, but hot damn is it versatile. Absolutely love the synthesis process and how streamlined it is. Great built-in effects too (the delay is amazing for live use). Despite the 4-note polyphony, this is easily one of my favorite piece of gear that I own!
280
Great analogue synth
There's not much I can say about this that everyone doesn't already know, at least in the world of synths. This is a staple of synth music and many bands use this synth.
Artist usage
Add artist
In his documentary "Avicii: True Stories", a Korg MicroKORG can be seen next to him in his studio (at minute 50).
In this image, one can see a MicroKORG on Kevin's right.
Calvin uses a korg microkorg which can be seen in his studio
Flying Lotus tweets "dream to me is a track i made the morning after i bought a microkorg i made this and 'camera day' the same day"
This Korg microKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder is owned by Frank Iero
Play Microkorg In This YouTube video "Brothers And Sisters" at 3:05
In the video "Twenty One Pilots - Comment for Fuji Rock Festival 12" by Warner Music Japan, Josh Dun is seen holding a Korg MicroKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder.
In this instagram photo, we see the Korg MicroKORG as part of Matty's setup. He also uses it in their 2013 iTunes live concert during "The City".
Stu using the microkorg in cyboogie 4:54
Charlie Puth has a Microkorg on the table (which you can see at 0:26) in his MV, "The Way I Am."
Album Usage
The Korg MicroKORG has been featured on the following albums:
Portal
Balu Brigada (2025)
Hippie Sunshine
Kasabian (2025)
Pulsar
L’Impératrice (2024)
Pétalas & Balas
Alaska (2023)
Spectrum (Special Request Mixes)
Erol Alkan (2020)
Insects (Remember When)
Viviankrist (2020)
After The Rain
S.P.Y (2019)
Runaway Dub
S.P.Y (2019)
Spectrum / Silver Echoes (Matrixxman and Machine Woman Remixes)
Erol Alkan (2019)
Voicenotes
Charlie Puth (2018)
Spectrum / Silver Echoes
Erol Alkan (2018)
Pizza Party
Samiyam (2017)
The Demonstration
Drab Majesty (2017)
Dangerous Woman
Ariana Grande (2016)
Mess
Liars (2014)
Glitches in the Break
Black Milk (2014)
No Poison No Paradise
Black Milk (2013)
La Lanza
Babasónicos (2013)
Back On The Planet
Ras G (2013)
Velociraptor!
Kasabian (2011)
Creatures
Motionless In White (2010)
The Great Misdirect
Between the Buried and Me (2009)
L'amour et la violence
Sébastien Tellier (2009)
Hospice
The Antlers (2009)
Lead...On
Deventter (2009)
The Alchemy Index, Vol. 3 & 4: Air & Earth
Thrice (2008)
The way of all flesh
Gojira (2008)
The Alchemy Index, Vols. 1 & 2: Fire & Water
Thrice (2007)
Live Friday The 13th
Maroon 5 (2007)
Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum
Tally Hall (2005)
Oxeneers or The Lion Sleeps When Its Antelope Go Home
These Arms Are Snakes (2004)
Bazooka Tooth
Aesop Rock (2003)
Different Damage
Q and Not U (2001)
God In Three Persons
The Residents (1988)
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 MicroKORG, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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