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Average Price: $353
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Description
Introducing the Korg Radias Synthesizer, an analog modeling rackmount marvel, endowed with an optional 49-key keyboard attachment. This top-of-the-line synth is also equipped with a vocoder, expanding its versatility and allowing musicians to push auditory boundaries. Compact yet powerful, it's the perfect fusion of traditional and modern music gear, designed for the discerning musician who values quality and innovation.
Key Features:
- Analog modeling rackmount synthesizer
- Optional 49-key keyboard attachment
- Vocoder feature included
- Compact and versatile design
- Ideal for both traditional and modern music creation
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | Radias |
| Finish | Gray |
| Year | 2000s |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI |
| Polyphony | 24 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Korg Radias Synthesizer polyphonic?
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Yes, the Korg Radias is a digital synthesizer with 24-voice polyphony, allowing you to play up to 24 notes simultaneously, making it versatile for complex compositions.
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Does the Korg Radias support USB MIDI connectivity?
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The Korg Radias features USB MIDI connectivity, allowing easy integration with your computer and DAW for seamless control and recording.
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What type of synthesis does the Korg Radias use?
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The Korg Radias utilizes digital synthesis, offering a wide range of sound design possibilities with its virtual analog modeling technology.
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Can the Korg Radias be used as a rackmount synthesizer?
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Yes, the Korg Radias is designed to be used as a rackmount synthesizer, providing flexibility in studio setups and live performances.
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What are the MIDI capabilities of the Korg Radias?
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The Korg Radias includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, along with USB MIDI, ensuring comprehensive connectivity with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.
Videos
gattobus
KORG RADIAS Synth Solo
Reviews
PROS
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Unique sound and flexibility unmatched by others
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24-voice VA/FM/Vocoder, synth rompler, and drum machine capabilities
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Deep editing features for personalized sound crafting
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Authentic VA experience with extensive waveform options
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Multi-timbrality allows for complex patch programming
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Solid build quality with a sleek metal casing
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Exceptional sequencer and mod sequencer for sound design
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Features one of the best vocoders available
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Supports extensive sound design with about 30 effects
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Illuminated controls for visibility in low-light conditions
CONS
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Slow learning curve for new users
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Detachable keyboard design may not appeal to everyone
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Mid-2000s presets may feel dated to some users
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Big encoder known to become skippy over time
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Software driver is difficult to find in Korg archives
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Radias Synthesizer.
Features and functionality
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An additional third oscillator can be activated via the Amp section menu, providing extra layering options for sound design.
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The Radias includes three 16-step mod sequencers per part, offering complex parameter sequencing capabilities akin to Korg's modern synthesizers.
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The Korg Radias offers four multi-timbral parts, allowing users to route different timbres to four separate outputs, providing versatile sound creation options.
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The Radias supports up to four sounds on separate MIDI channels per patch, making it suitable for complex sequencing with bass, chords, lead, and drums.
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It includes two filters that can operate in parallel, serial, or individually, with Filter 1 offering a sweep from LP24 to HP12 and Filter 2 having a comb option.
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The Radias allows wavefolding, enabling transformation of a sawtooth wave into a sine wave with 127 variations in between, enhancing sound customization.
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The Radias includes unique formant sequencing capabilities, offering novel sound design options that were innovative at its release.
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Use cases and applications
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The Radias' multi-timbral capabilities are praised for facilitating improvisation and performance, providing ample creative flexibility.
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The Radias's ability to use any drum sample as an oscillator, similar to the Electribe series, is highlighted as a unique feature for creating custom drum kits.
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The formant oscillator combined with the talkmod effect and mod sequencer can produce robotic speech-like sounds, offering creative possibilities.
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The Radias can function as a standalone live rig, covering drums, lead, bass, and pads, without needing additional equipment.
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Setup and maintenance
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It's noted that a common issue is a malfunctioning encoder, which may require soldering a replacement.
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Some users recommend using the computer editor software to set up blank patches, streamlining patch creation for new explorations.
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Connecting the Radias module to its keyboard requires a specific 9-pin mini DIN cable, which can be difficult to find and expensive.
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User experience
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Owners suggest that utilizing the drive and chorus effects can mitigate the perceived thinness of the Radias sound.
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Owners appreciate the built-in 128 effects, noting their variety and quality, though the reverb is considered somewhat dated.
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Owners advise that the Radias is not beginner-friendly; understanding its full potential requires thorough manual reading and the use of the Radias Editor software.
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Software and compatibility
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Users report issues with the Radias editor on newer Mac systems, suggesting compatibility problems with updated operating systems.
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Build quality
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The power brick for the Radias is notably large, which some users find cumbersome.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 13 Ratings
221
Great Vocoder and Drums
This has some very VERY cool sounds. The drums are amazing and one of the best vocoders I've ever heard.
Artist usage
Add artist
The Korg Radias is the final hardware synthesizer mentioned in Owl City's studio equipment list.
In a video titled "Bootsy Collins Tours His Incredible Home Studio 'The Boot Cave'" by Reverb on YouTube, a Korg Radias Synthesizer can be seen in Bootsy Collins’s studio at the 10:17 mark, confirming its use by the artist.
30 seconds into WKNDR Episode 27 in Ferry's studio, this synthesizer module is in the center of the shot.
In a 2010 interview with XLR8R, Luciano lists the Korg Radias Synthesizer as part of his studio setup, highlighting its role in crafting his global sound.
The Radias has been used in the studio and has been used on tour since the Common Dreads era.
"I use the Radias for the string sections like in the breakdown in Return To Energiser"
Kurt Ader, known for his work with KApro, uses the Korg Radias Synthesizer. This is evidenced on his official Facebook page.
Album Usage
The Korg Radias Synthesizer has been featured on the following albums:
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 Radias Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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The RADIAS consists of the rack module and the keyboard. This is the rack module on its own, without the keyboard.
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