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Average Price: $424
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Description
Discover the Korg Opsix, a musical marvel that's not just a synthesizer, but a musical universe waiting to be explored. With its groundbreaking Altered FM architecture, this digital synth offers a sound spectrum far wider than any single synthesis type. Unleash the power of its six-operator FM synthesis, providing fluid sound navigation from digital to analog with ease and precision.
The Korg Opsix stands out with its intuitive Operator Mixer, a user-friendly feature that invites hands-on exploration and sound-shaping. With six faders and knobs that light up red for a sound and blue for a modulator, you have the power to dramatically shift sound characteristics at your fingertips.
The synth also boasts a high-definition OLED display, seamlessly syncing with the six data entry knobs on the right. This feature provides a clear, focused direction to your workflow, making the creation of fresh sounds super easy and most importantly, fun!
Tap into various analog-style filters, including the radical Korg MS-20 low-pass/high-pass filter and the smooth Korg PolySix low-pass filter. These filters add a vintage feel to your sound, while also offering a wide range of sound modulation options.
Key Features:
- True six-operator FM synthesis: Offers a wide range of dynamic possibilities.
- Altered FM architecture: Breaks the boundaries of traditional FM synthesis.
- Operator Mixer: Provides easy access for dramatic shifts in sound characteristics.
- High-definition OLED display: Seamlessly syncs with the six data entry knobs for a clear, focused direction to your workflow.
- Variety of analog-style filters: Includes the radical Korg MS-20 low-pass/high-pass filter and the powerful yet smooth Korg PolySix low-pass filter.
- Three blocks of 30 types of high-definition effects: Enhance your sounds even further.
- Polyphonic Motion Sequencing: Features a flexible and powerful step sequencer.
- Monster Modulation Matrix: Offers six operator modes, 40 preset algorithms, and a wide variety of routing possibilities.
- Randomize feature: Allows for unexpected sonic discoveries.
- Free bundle of music software: Includes “Ozone Elements” from Izotope, “Skoove” to improve your keyboard playing skills, and software synths from KORG and other brands.
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | Opsix 37-Key Altered FM Synthesizer |
| Finish | Blue / Black |
| Year | 2020 - 2024 |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI |
| Number of Keys | 37 Keys |
| Polyphony | 32 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Korg Opsix suitable for beginners in synthesis?
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Yes, the Korg Opsix is designed to be user-friendly with an intuitive interface, making it accessible for beginners while offering deep features for advanced users.
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What type of synthesis does the Korg Opsix use?
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The Korg Opsix utilizes altered FM synthesis, combining classic FM synthesis with a variety of other synthesis techniques for versatile sound creation.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Korg Opsix support?
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The Korg Opsix supports up to 32 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex and layered soundscapes.
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Does the Korg Opsix integrate easily with DAWs?
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Yes, the Korg Opsix features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI, providing seamless integration with most DAWs.
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What are the standout features of the Korg Opsix's sound engine?
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The Korg Opsix's sound engine is notable for its operator mixer section, which allows unique sound design possibilities by blending FM synthesis with subtractive, wave shaping, and more.
Videos
loopop
Korg OPSIX Review, tutorial and 10 patch ideas // 250 presets played // FM synthesis explained
Reviews
PROS
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Granular control with knobs and sliders for all operators and algorithms
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Ability to import and use old DX7 patches
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Versatile sound engine with 21 oscillator waveforms, 11 filter types, and 30 effects
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Intuitive interface for FM synthesis, making sound design accessible and fun
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Deep modulation routing with a virtual patch matrix
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Can stack effects for complex soundscapes
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32-voice polyphony with diverse sound creation capabilities
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Compatible with both hardware and software versions
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Multiple operator types for a variety of sound shaping options
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Affordable yet innovative FM synth with extensive features
CONS
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Reliability issues with reports of defective screens
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Limited to three octaves, which may not suit all users
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UI still involves some menu diving, despite improvements
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Lack of dedicated knobs for specific parameters limits tactile control
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No multitimbral functionality for more complex arrangements
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Tiny LCD screen, making navigation less intuitive
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Disappointing hardware quality, perceived as flimsy by some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Opsix.
Mods and upgrades
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Owners often consider converting the Opsix into a module due to its large size, with DIY chop module modifications being a popular option.
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Tall Dog Electronics offers a conversion kit to transform the Opsix into a module, retaining the Pitch and Mod Wheels for improved space efficiency.
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It's suggested to convert the Opsix into a module to address its bulkiness, especially if keys aren't essential for the user.
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User experience
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Despite the cheap hardware, the Opsix is a favorite for sound design enthusiasts, offering a vast array of FM-derived sounds akin to a digital modular synth.
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Users find the Opsix's effects, such as the guitar amp effect, particularly useful for achieving authentic organ and piano tones in live settings.
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Features and functionality
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The Opsix operator mixer is highlighted for simplifying FM synthesis, enabling complex filtering and modular-like sound design with its flexible algorithm routing.
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The Opsix has a filter and amplifier with envelope generators, offering a subtractive approach to FM synthesis, simplifying harmonic control.
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The Opsix supports FM, subtractive synthesis, and physical modeling, with a unique auto patch builder for dynamic tone changes, enhancing sound creation flexibility.
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The Opsix allows free operator routing through user algorithms, simplifying FM sound design by removing the need to commit to a fixed algorithm upfront.
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The Opsix's sequencer, while not as complex as the Modwave/Wavestate, is noted for its powerful offset feature that creates unique strummed chord effects.
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Use cases and applications
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The Opsix is praised for its deep bass sounds, making it ideal for those seeking aggressive FM leads and textures, although its digital tone may not suit all music styles.
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The Opsix is praised for its ability to create diverse sounds, from aggrotech-industrial-metal beats to mellow organ tones.
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The Opsix excels in subtractive synthesis with a configurable signal path, acting as a sort of 'synth designer' for users.
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Comparisons
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The Opsix SE version features a much better keybed with aftertouch and increased polyphony (80 voices vs. 64) compared to the MkII, appealing to users prioritizing build quality.
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Compared to the Hydrasynth, the Opsix offers more flexibility with 6 operators versus the Hydra's 3 oscillators, allowing for a broader range of additive organ sounds.
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Build quality
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The Opsix is noted for its cheap shell and lightweight feel, with some owners reporting it feels too light for its size, impacting perceived durability.
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Some users note the keybed feels plasticky, akin to standard MIDI controllers, lacking premium feel but not necessarily being poorly constructed.
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While the Opsix keys are full-sized, they lack aftertouch, which some players may find limiting for expressive performances.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
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The Korg Opsix is listed on Studio 13 website. Damon Albarn played the Korg Opsix for the album Monkey Brain by Baby Dave (Isaac Holman) which he co-produced. https://ibb.co/5cQ12Gp
In a Facebook post from June 8, 2022, The Chemical Brothers are seen using the Korg Opsix during their rehearsal for the 2022 live tour.
In the video titled "Wisp - Live at Camp Flog Gnaw 2024 (Full Set)" by Wisp Music on YouTube, Wisp is seen playing the Korg Opsix synthesizer.
In this photo of Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe in his studio, the smaller synthesizer positioned on top in front of the mixer is identified as a Korg Opsix. This identification is confirmed by the layout of its knobs and sliders, as well as its distinctive waveform drawings.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg Opsix, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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