Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $7
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$500
$1501+
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Description
The nineties update to the legendary M1. Launched in 1993, it expanded on what made the M1 such a great machine and featured a range of solid, entirely usable sounds. The Strings and Basses are exceptionally good, although truly analog sounding sweeps and pads are not what this machine was about. The X3 (and subsequent X-series models that came after it) was designed as a middle-weight workstation, with the warmer and more powerful 01/W series taking the reins as Korg's premiere ROMpler workstation of the early nineties.
The X3 is 61 key AI2 Synthesis workstation instrument with 6 MB ROM samples with room for expansion via rom and ram cards. It features 200 programs, 200 combinations, and, a 10-song, 16-track multitrack MIDI sequencer. 2 multi-effects processors are also provided for adding effects. It also has the X/Y joystick and a backlit LCD screen
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | X3 |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2000s |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| 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 | 32 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Korg X3 use?
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The Korg X3 uses digital synthesis, providing a wide range of sounds with its digital multi-effect processors that can produce effects like reverb, delay, and chorus.
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How many keys does the Korg X3 have and what is the key action?
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The Korg X3 features 61 full-size keys with a synth action, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles.
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What is the polyphony capacity of the Korg X3?
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The Korg X3 offers 32-voice polyphony, allowing for complex layering and rich soundscapes.
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Does the Korg X3 have MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the Korg X3 includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, enabling it to connect seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible equipment.
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Can the Korg X3 produce analog-style sounds?
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While the Korg X3 excels in digital sounds, it is not specifically designed for analog-style sweeps and pads. It is better suited for digital textures and effects.
Videos
Midiverse - TV
Korg X3 Workstation - Exploring the Presets - MIDIVERSE MONDAYS #4
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent for live gigs with easy transport
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Great Hammond B3 tone replication
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Offers more voices and better effects than Korg M1
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Lightweight compared to similar models
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Good keybed with instant access to classic Korg sounds
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Can produce thick, full sounds especially when re-sampled through analog gear
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Display provides sufficient detail for navigation
CONS
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Original sounds may feel somewhat dated
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Lacks realtime controllers, leading to menu diving
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Display not as detailed as the Korg 01/W series
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There are more versatile synthesizers available today
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg X3.
Setup and maintenance
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The Korg X3's internal battery replacement is crucial; failing battery causes preset loss and erratic behavior.
Source
Software and compatibility
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Factory presets can be reloaded via a USB to MIDI interface instead of using the unreliable floppy drive.
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Using the "x3_factory_all.syx" file may restore presets but also fills internal memory with demo songs, requiring manual deletion.
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Owners report tedious downloading of Sysex files from online databases like SysexDB, which may not directly include all necessary presets.
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User experience
Features and functionality
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The X3 does not support external disk drives; sound files must be transferred over MIDI if the internal drive fails.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 7 Ratings
3582
Cheap access to some classic M1/T1 sounds but requires menu diving...
The Korg X3 is cheap to pick up nowadays and gives you a good keybed with instant access to some classic (but somewhat dated) Korg sounds from the M1/T1 era . It does not have a lot of realtime controllers (knobs etc...) so will require some menu diving (luckily it does have an LCD to help you out with that. In that price/sound range you might as well look into an 01/W or Wavestation or the excellent Korg Legacy (VSTs) which have the M1 and Wavestation with all the extra sound cards.
355
This is a 90s Beast
I love this keyboard it has so much it can do I run it through some analog gear and through a Tone port UX8 Rack and into my DAW for re-sampling the sound are so thick and full I am very pleased with this 61 key Music work station.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this photo from 08 or 07, Hayley is seen playing the Korg X3 in a performance.
In the official music video for "Deadnight Warrior" by Children of Bodom, Janne Wirman is observed using the Korg X3 synthesizer at the 1:17 mark. This particular synth was utilized during the recording of their debut album, "Something Wild," before Wirman transitioned to using the Korg X5D.
In this video Caleb states he used a korg x3 to record keys and synth for attack attack
the synthesizer underneath the MicroKorg is an X3 like PDM stated after being asked if it was an M1
"The M1R gets used for its Bottle Bell patch, but I have to say that I'm a bit disappointed by Studio Electronics' MIDIMini analogue synth, as the tuning drifts quite badly. However, I also have their SE1 analogue synth which is great for bass. Surprisingly, the little Peavey Spectrum Bass also has some great bass sounds that I use — patches three and four. My Vintage Keys is only used occasionally, mainly for the Wurlitzer piano, while the Korg X3 is left set to patch 10, a kind of Rhodes sound. The JV1080 also has a lovely electric piano sound on it, but I'm a bit disappointed with the Technics WSA1R as it doesn't have many really usable sounds. I've just bough a Yamaha CS2X for a bit of fun, for sequencing and so on, and the Trinity I still like."
At he beginning of the video you can see schmotz use a Korg X3 as one of his keyboards
Tilo Wolff used the Korg X3 during Lacrimosa's 1997 live performances, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.
Sverd uses a Korg X3 workstation, one can be seen and heard in most - if not all Arcturus live footage and recordings.
"A picture of my music studio from 2001. Roland JV1080, Kurzweil K2000, Korg X3, Korg Wavestation, Yamaha Promix01, Sony DTC-790 DAT Recorder and more :) #studio #homestudio"
Anne Nurmi of Lacrimosa used the Korg X3 synthesizer during the band's live performances in the 1990s, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.
Andrea De Paoli, a keyboardist known for his work with the band Labyrinth, confirmed in an article on Audiofader that he used the Korg X3 synthesizer both in the studio and on stage starting in 1997. He stated, "I started playing keyboards with Labyrinth in 1997. At the time, both in the studio and on stage, I used a Korg X3 and an 01W for mainly acoustic sounds." This disclosure provides direct evidence of his usage of the Korg X3 during his early years with the band.
Album Usage
The Korg X3 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 X3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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