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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

Is the Korg Radias Synthesizer polyphonic?

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.

Does the Korg Radias support USB MIDI connectivity?

The Korg Radias features USB MIDI connectivity, allowing easy integration with your computer and DAW for seamless control and recording.

What type of synthesis does the Korg Radias use?

The Korg Radias utilizes digital synthesis, offering a wide range of sound design possibilities with its virtual analog modeling technology.

Can the Korg Radias be used as a rackmount synthesizer?

Yes, the Korg Radias is designed to be used as a rackmount synthesizer, providing flexibility in studio setups and live performances.

What are the MIDI capabilities of the Korg Radias?

The Korg Radias includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, along with USB MIDI, ensuring comprehensive connectivity with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.

gattobus

gattobus

KORG RADIAS Synth Solo

Video thumbnail for KORG RADIAS Synth Solo by gattobus

KORG RADIAS Synth Solo

gattobus

gattobus

Video thumbnail for KORG RADIAS DEMO "Endorphins" by gattobus

KORG RADIAS DEMO "Endorphins"

gattobus

gattobus

Video thumbnail for KORG RADIAS Demo & Review by musictrackjp

KORG RADIAS Demo & Review

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for Korg RADIAS by Tim Shoebridge

Korg RADIAS

Tim Shoebridge

Tim Shoebridge

Video thumbnail for Synth Jam 39: Korg Radias by Marcus Padrini

Synth Jam 39: Korg Radias

Marcus Padrini

Marcus Padrini

Video thumbnail for Korg Radias Demo Part. 1 | No Talking | by DKS SYNTH LAB

Korg Radias Demo Part. 1 | No Talking |

DKS SYNTH LAB

DKS SYNTH LAB

Video thumbnail for THE KORG RADIAS IS SERIOUSLY UNDERRATED by Blush Response

THE KORG RADIAS IS SERIOUSLY UNDERRATED

Blush Response

Blush Response

Video thumbnail for [demo] Sounds of the Korg Radias by Synthesizer Video Service

[demo] Sounds of the Korg Radias

Synthesizer Video Service

Synthesizer Video Service

Video thumbnail for My Experience with the Korg RADIAS: The Good, the Bad and the Vocoder by Ian Dixon

My Experience with the Korg RADIAS: The Good, the Bad and the Vocoder

Ian Dixon

Ian Dixon

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique sound and flexibility unmatched by others

  • 24-voice VA/FM/Vocoder, synth rompler, and drum machine capabilities

  • Deep editing features for personalized sound crafting

  • Authentic VA experience with extensive waveform options

  • Multi-timbrality allows for complex patch programming

  • Solid build quality with a sleek metal casing

  • Exceptional sequencer and mod sequencer for sound design

  • Features one of the best vocoders available

  • Supports extensive sound design with about 30 effects

  • Illuminated controls for visibility in low-light conditions

CONS

  • Slow learning curve for new users

  • Detachable keyboard design may not appeal to everyone

  • Mid-2000s presets may feel dated to some users

  • Big encoder known to become skippy over time

  • 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

  • An additional third oscillator can be activated via the Amp section menu, providing extra layering options for sound design.

    Source
  • The Radias includes three 16-step mod sequencers per part, offering complex parameter sequencing capabilities akin to Korg's modern synthesizers.

    Source
  • The Korg Radias offers four multi-timbral parts, allowing users to route different timbres to four separate outputs, providing versatile sound creation options.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The Radias allows wavefolding, enabling transformation of a sawtooth wave into a sine wave with 127 variations in between, enhancing sound customization.

    Source
  • The Radias includes unique formant sequencing capabilities, offering novel sound design options that were innovative at its release.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Radias' multi-timbral capabilities are praised for facilitating improvisation and performance, providing ample creative flexibility.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The formant oscillator combined with the talkmod effect and mod sequencer can produce robotic speech-like sounds, offering creative possibilities.

    Source
  • The Radias can function as a standalone live rig, covering drums, lead, bass, and pads, without needing additional equipment.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's noted that a common issue is a malfunctioning encoder, which may require soldering a replacement.

    Source
  • Some users recommend using the computer editor software to set up blank patches, streamlining patch creation for new explorations.

    Source
  • Connecting the Radias module to its keyboard requires a specific 9-pin mini DIN cable, which can be difficult to find and expensive.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners suggest that utilizing the drive and chorus effects can mitigate the perceived thinness of the Radias sound.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the built-in 128 effects, noting their variety and quality, though the reverb is considered somewhat dated.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users report issues with the Radias editor on newer Mac systems, suggesting compatibility problems with updated operating systems.

    Source

Build quality

  • The power brick for the Radias is notably large, which some users find cumbersome.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners note that the Radias sounds thinner than the Access Virus, indicating a closer sonic relationship to the Korg MS2000.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Korg Radias

soundonsound.com

The Korg Radias Synthesizer impresses with its robust synthesis capabilities, combining analogue modelling with PCM samples, FM, and formant synthesis, all within a sleek design. Its sound engine is powerful, offering superb filters and a versatile vocoder. The Radias's interactive features, like step sequencers and arpeggiator, enhance live performances, while its effects and factory sounds are top-notch. However, the interface is cluttered, with small knobs that could hinder usability, and the keyboard lacks aftertouch. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Radias stands out as a dynamic and versatile synth that can slot into various musical setups, offering a lot for its price.

positive

Korg Radias review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Korg Radias Synthesizer is a stylish update to the MS2000 series, boasting an impressive design and a rich array of sounds. Its standout features include fantastic effects and a robust sound engine, making it a great choice for dance music producers. However, it's essentially an evolution rather than a revolution, building on the MS2000B's foundation. While it offers improved polyphony and sharper sounds, its polyphony still isn't ample, and the onboard effects are significantly enhanced. For those seeking bold sounds and flexible synthesis tools, the Radias is a must-try, though considering the MS2000B might also be wise.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
stefano_venom_sartori

.

It's very sick...great synth

emlynlucas

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
See how Owl City uses Korg Radias Synthesizer

Owl City

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Ayoungmusic

The Korg Radias is the final hardware synthesizer mentioned in Owl City's studio equipment list.

See how Jordan Rudess uses Korg Radias Synthesizer

Jordan Rudess

Keyboardist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

Jordan gives a tour of his Studio A and shows the Korg Radias at around 0:28.

See how Bootsy Collins uses Korg Radias Synthesizer

Bootsy Collins

Singer, Bassist

Funkadelic

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Ferry Corsten uses Korg Radias Synthesizer

Ferry Corsten

Music Producer, DJ

S.O.A.

...
Verified via YouTube

30 seconds into WKNDR Episode 27 in Ferry's studio, this synthesizer module is in the center of the shot.

See how Luciano uses Korg Radias Synthesizer

Luciano

Music Producer

Monne Automne

...
Verified via XLR8R

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.

See how Roughton Reynolds uses Korg Radias Synthesizer

Roughton Reynolds

Singer, Keyboardist

Enter Shikari

...
Verified via Dolphinmusic

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"

See how Kurt Ader KApro uses Korg Radias Synthesizer

Kurt Ader KApro

...
Verified via Facebook

Kurt Ader, known for his work with KApro, uses the Korg Radias Synthesizer. This is evidenced on his official Facebook page.

See how Bola uses Korg Radias Synthesizer

Bola

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

Talking about his outboard gear, Bola mentions:

"Under that, I have a Korg Radias, which is a really wacky synth [laughs].

Can also be seen in the article photos.

See how Seismal D uses Korg Radias Synthesizer

Seismal D

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Seismal D is shown using the Korg Radias Synthesizer in a photo posted on their Instagram, where they are planning new music with Frankyeffe.

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

Show yours
thedarklands

thedarklands

Gear IQ 154

marc_martinez

marc_martinez

Gear IQ 793

2 alternative and related items for Korg Radias Synthesizer, curated by the Equipboard community.

Korg Radias Rack

$353.43

cheaper alternative

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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