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Average Price: $106

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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

What type of synthesis does the Korg X3 use?

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.

How many keys does the Korg X3 have and what is the key action?

The Korg X3 features 61 full-size keys with a synth action, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles.

What is the polyphony capacity of the Korg X3?

The Korg X3 offers 32-voice polyphony, allowing for complex layering and rich soundscapes.

Does the Korg X3 have MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Korg X3 includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, enabling it to connect seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible equipment.

Can the Korg X3 produce analog-style sounds?

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.

Midiverse - TV

Midiverse - TV

Korg X3 Workstation - Exploring the Presets - MIDIVERSE MONDAYS #4

Video thumbnail for Korg X3 Workstation - Exploring the Presets - MIDIVERSE MONDAYS #4 by Midiverse - TV

Korg X3 Workstation - Exploring the Presets - MIDIVERSE MONDAYS #4

Midiverse - TV

Midiverse - TV

Video thumbnail for KORG X3 - 1993 - TEST SOUNDS - (FACTORY SOUNDS) REVIEW by TIAGO MALLEN #korg by Tiago Mallen

KORG X3 - 1993 - TEST SOUNDS - (FACTORY SOUNDS) REVIEW by TIAGO MALLEN #korg

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for Korg X3 Keyboard Review Demo with worship leader Jared Stepp by pastorjaredstepp

Korg X3 Keyboard Review Demo with worship leader Jared Stepp

pastorjaredstepp

pastorjaredstepp

Video thumbnail for Korg X3 Pads and Atmos Sounds by The Obsolete Studio

Korg X3 Pads and Atmos Sounds

The Obsolete Studio

The Obsolete Studio

Video thumbnail for Vintage KORG X3 - random sound examples by marcoballa

Vintage KORG X3 - random sound examples

marcoballa

marcoballa

Video thumbnail for KORG X3 (FACTORY SOUNDS) by TIAGO MALLEN by Tiago Mallen

KORG X3 (FACTORY SOUNDS) by TIAGO MALLEN

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for Korg X3 | Curing What Ails It by Psionic Audio

Korg X3 | Curing What Ails It

Psionic Audio

Psionic Audio

Video thumbnail for Korg X3 Démo 'Ambient Sounds' by Piano Web

Korg X3 Démo 'Ambient Sounds'

Piano Web

Piano Web

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent for live gigs with easy transport

  • Great Hammond B3 tone replication

  • Offers more voices and better effects than Korg M1

  • Lightweight compared to similar models

  • Good keybed with instant access to classic Korg sounds

  • Can produce thick, full sounds especially when re-sampled through analog gear

  • Display provides sufficient detail for navigation

CONS

  • Original sounds may feel somewhat dated

  • Lacks realtime controllers, leading to menu diving

  • Display not as detailed as the Korg 01/W series

  • 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

  • The Korg X3's internal battery replacement is crucial; failing battery causes preset loss and erratic behavior.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Factory presets can be reloaded via a USB to MIDI interface instead of using the unreliable floppy drive.

    Source
  • Using the "x3_factory_all.syx" file may restore presets but also fills internal memory with demo songs, requiring manual deletion.

    Source
  • Owners report tedious downloading of Sysex files from online databases like SysexDB, which may not directly include all necessary presets.

    Source

User experience

  • White noise issues may indicate power supply problems, not physical dirt, and require technical expertise to resolve.

    Source
  • The process of restoring presets can be complex and may risk wiping existing data if not done carefully.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The X3 does not support external disk drives; sound files must be transferred over MIDI if the internal drive fails.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • MIDIOX is frequently employed by users for transferring Sysex files to the Korg X3, indicating its reliability and popularity for this process.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Korg X3 (MT Sep 93)

muzines.co.uk

The Korg X3 is a solid multitimbral workstation with a strong effects section and quality sound, especially in drum and pad areas. However, its limited two-output setup and cumbersome sequencer navigation may frustrate users seeking flexibility and ease of use. While not groundbreaking, the X3's sound quality and competitive price point warrant attention, though it may not replace your go-to synth for piano sounds. If you're drawn to its unique combinations and sound palette, it's worth considering, but be wary of its user interface challenges.

Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ro5
ro5

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.

elothesource

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.

zakk_hensley

I really like it

It is fun to use, while also being quite easy.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Peter Erchick uses Korg X3

Peter Erchick

Guitarist, Bassist

The Olivia Tremor Control

...
Verified via Photo

We can see it in a photo of his set up here

D

David Kaffinetti

Keyboardist

Rare Bird

...
Verified via YouTube

David Kaffinetti is confirmed to use a Korg X3 synthesizer, as evidenced in a YouTube video by sashimikid, where he performs with the band Mycosphere on the song "Knock Your Socks Off" at Central Perk in El Cerrito, California on August 3rd, 2007.

See how Blackout uses Korg X3

Blackout

Rapper, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In the album cover for Dreamworld, the first solo longplay Blackout put out, it's possible to see a depiction of the X3 behind his profile-view skull in the center. However, Black's works prior to Dreamworld already featured the specific model, which can be heard ever since his earliest (released) works, such as Blackout Mixtape 93-95, all the way ahead on Solo Tapes produced by his associates in Snubnoze Muzik/Playa Posse/BBB Click.

The Korg x3 became extremely notorious and characteristic of Blackout's works, spreading all back to his early dark & syko soundz era up until his later serious and soulful sonority. Features such as the work station's variability and amount of presets fulfilled Black's creativity, allowing him to bundle them and mash them in his very own ways to create his own style.

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.

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1
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1
Korg 01/W
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1
Neumann U47
Neumann U47 Condenser Microphones
1
Korg M1R
Korg M1R Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1

Community setups

Show yours
theweekendwarrior

theweekendwarrior

Gear IQ 552

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