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Average Price: $450

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$1501+

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Description

The Korg TR 61 is a versatile synthesizer designed for musicians who seek a reliable and dynamic performance tool. This 61-key instrument combines a comprehensive sound engine with user-friendly features, making it a perfect companion for both stage performances and studio sessions. The EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound engine ensures high-quality, expressive sounds across various genres. Musicians will appreciate the wide array of presets and customizable options that allow for personalized sound creation.

This synthesizer is designed with flexibility and ease of use in mind. Its intuitive interface allows you to quickly navigate through patches and settings, ensuring that you spend more time playing and less time programming. The built-in arpeggiator adds rhythmic complexity to your performances, while the dual polyphonic arpeggiators let you unleash intricate patterns with ease. Onboard effects, such as reverb and delay, further enhance your sound palette, providing depth and character.

Whether you're a touring artist or a studio enthusiast, the Korg TR 61 offers connectivity options that integrate smoothly into any setup. MIDI capabilities, along with a host of inputs and outputs, ensure compatibility with a wide range of musical gear. Its robust build ensures durability, making it a reliable choice for demanding environments.

Key Features:

  • 61-key synthesizer with velocity-sensitive keys
  • EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound engine
  • Over 512 programs and 384 combinations for diverse sound possibilities
  • Built-in dual polyphonic arpeggiators
  • Onboard effects including reverb and delay
  • Intuitive interface for easy navigation
  • MIDI compatibility for seamless integration
  • Comprehensive connectivity options including USB and audio outputs

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model TR61 61-Key Music Workstation Keyboard
Finish Black
Year 2000s
Made In Japan
Categories Workstation Keyboards
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 62 Voices

FAQs

Is the Korg TR 61 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Korg TR 61 is designed for live performances with its 61 full-size keys and synth action, providing a responsive playing experience. Its 62-voice polyphony allows for complex layering and sound depth during live shows.

What kind of sounds can I create with the Korg TR 61?

The Korg TR 61 offers a wide range of sounds, including realistic acoustic instruments, classic synth tones, and custom patches. Its digital sound engine is versatile, making it suitable for genres from electronic to orchestral.

Does the Korg TR 61 have MIDI capabilities?

Yes, the Korg TR 61 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded control and sound possibilities.

Is the Korg TR 61 easy to use for beginners?

The Korg TR 61 is user-friendly with a straightforward interface, making it accessible for beginners. However, its advanced features also cater to more experienced musicians seeking deeper sound customization.

Can the Korg TR 61 be used as a MIDI controller with a DAW?

Yes, the Korg TR 61 can function as a MIDI controller, allowing you to control virtual instruments and software within your DAW, enhancing your music production workflow.

もりや @ no talking synth demos.

もりや @ no talking synth demos.

KORG TR61 Demo COMBI A

Video thumbnail for KORG TR61 Demo COMBI A by もりや @ no talking synth demos.

KORG TR61 Demo COMBI A

もりや @ no talking synth demos.

もりや @ no talking synth demos.

Video thumbnail for Korg TR61 by Alex Amorim

Korg TR61

Alex Amorim

Alex Amorim

Video thumbnail for korg tr61 start by mrstanlez

korg tr61 start

mrstanlez

mrstanlez

Reviews

PROS

  • Timeless sound quality, excelling in lush pads and realistic instrument patches

  • Combi mode allows for creative layering and arpeggiation with drum patterns

  • Powerful sequencing capabilities with 16 tracks and 200,000 notes

  • USB connection for easy audio interfacing

  • Lightweight design compared to predecessors

  • Built-in SD-card reader for expanded storage

  • Front panel controls for direct access to filters and envelopes

CONS

  • Pushbuttons may wear out and are difficult to replace

  • Smaller, non-touch LCD screen limits user interface experience

  • Lacks the depth and "spirit" of older TRINITY models

  • External power supply required

  • Keybed quality not as high as TRINITY

  • Built-in sequencer challenging to use due to small display

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg TR 61.

Setup and maintenance

  • The Korg TR 61 had a replaced joystick with a wooden stick, impacting mod wheel and pitch bend functionality.

    Source
  • When troubleshooting MIDI connection, verify the MIDI cable's functionality and consider alternative connection methods, such as using an audio interface with MIDI I/O.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users suggest potential DIY repair for non-working pitch bend, indicating it may be fixable with basic troubleshooting skills.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A Korg TR 61 was acquired for an exceptionally low $35, showcasing the potential for finding great deals on used marketplaces.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite modifications, the Korg TR 61's mod function was operational, while the pitch bend was not, offering partial functionality.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • MIDI-to-USB cables often fail with the Korg TR-61; a dedicated MIDI interface is recommended for reliable connection to FL Studio.

    Source
  • Ensure the Korg TR-61 is set to output on MIDI channel 0 or 1 for proper recognition in DAWs.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Korg TR 61 can load Korg, AKAI, AIFF, and WAVE format samples, but sample formatting issues like 48 vs 44.1 kHz can prevent loading.

    Source
  • The TR 61 may have a memory limit similar to the Triton Le, potentially maxing out at 96MB, which could impact sample usage.

    Source
  • The EXB-SMPL expansion is necessary for using an external SCSI device or hard disk with the Korg TR 61.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The TR 61 is an evolution of the Triton Le, itself a simplified version of the Triton, offering a lineage insight into its capabilities.

    Source
  • For those seeking modern sample functionality in one gigging device, a Roland Juno DS is considered a viable alternative to the Korg TR 61.

    Source
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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alexander_kovacs

More modern than Trinity but not much better

I was very addicted to my KORG TRINITY. When the new TRITON appeared, it was simply too expensive for me to replace TRINITY so for very long time TRITON was on my wish list, but than Korg stopped its production and many years passed by... I got a TR-61 as a second hand machine, which is basically a modernized TRITON-LE - (hopefully) the same TRITON soundbank with a simplified user interface and smaller LCD (non-touch). What I like on the TR after my TRINITY: built in SD-CARD reader. Less weight. More front panel controls for direct access to filters / envelope / and custom programmable knobs. More soundbanks. Trinity-like sounds but with a less SPIRIT in my opinion. What I disslike: the small LCD (go for TRITON EXTREME if you can afford), no ribbon controller, external power supply, the keybed is not as good as it was on TRINITY. For me the arpeggios were useless, also the built in sequencer is a pain to use with such a small display, but its a trade-off for better price. I still like to use it on stage next to my ROLAND FA06 as KORG has its own sound character, which makes it stand off from Rolands and Yamahas. If you like the KORG sound - go for it.

nicola_philipp

Works, but there's better ones

I use the Korg TR 61 as stage piano, what it obviously isn't made for. It was my first synth I ever bought and it has nice e-piano sounds and organs. I never used it as a workstation, what it is meant for in first place. Soon I'm going to change to a more specific stage piano.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matoma uses Korg TR 61

Matoma

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2.14 you can see he uses this keyboard for making his lead melody

See how Tuomas Holopainen uses Korg TR 61

Tuomas Holopainen

Keyboardist

Nightwish

...
Verified via The Escapist

Tuomas tells on his webpage that he is using Korg TR.

See how Gerald Casale uses Korg TR 61

Gerald Casale

Singer, Bassist

Devo

...
Verified via Photo

Jerry used a Korg TR-61 for synth bass from 2007 to late 2012. The TR-61 replaced both Jerry's and his brother Bob Casale's aging Roland D-50s, which they had been using since 1988.

See how Martijn Westerholt uses Korg TR 61

Martijn Westerholt

Keyboardist, Composer

Within Temptation

...
Verified via YouTube

In Delain's official music video for "Get The Devil Out Of Me," Martijn Westerholt is seen using a Korg TR 61 at the 1:00 minute mark, as documented by CNR Music on YouTube.

See how Richard West uses Korg TR 61

Richard West

Keyboardist

Threshold

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 30-minute and 49-second mark of the YouTube video titled "THRESHOLD LIVE - Rock Hard Festival," Richard West is visibly using a Korg TR 61 synthesizer during the performance with Threshold. The video was uploaded by Henrique .Farias and features a full concert recorded on May 19, 2013, at the Rockpalast.

See how Mats Olausson uses Korg TR 61

Mats Olausson

Singer, Keyboardist

Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided photo, Mats Olausson can be seen using a Korg TR-61 keyboard, positioned beneath the Korg Trinity workstation on a two-tier keyboard stand.

See how Shawn Charvette uses Korg TR 61

Shawn Charvette

Keyboardist

Midnite City

...
Verified via Photo

Shawn Charvette is confirmed to use a Korg TR 61 synthesizer, as shown in the photo available on Equipboard.

Album Usage

The Korg TR 61 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 TR 61, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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