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Description

Meet the Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer, a versatile choice for both budding musicians and seasoned performers. This synthesizer is known for its powerful sound engine, offering a wide range of sonic possibilities. With its 61 semi-weighted keys, the X5D gives you the tactile feel necessary for expressive performances, making it a staple in any keyboardist’s collection.

The X5D is equipped with Korg's renowned AI2 synthesis system, providing a diverse palette of sounds and timbres. From lush pads to cutting leads, this synthesizer accommodates a variety of musical styles and genres. It also features a comprehensive effects section, allowing you to enhance your sound with reverbs, choruses, and more. The easy-to-navigate interface ensures that even beginners can quickly find and modify patches to suit their creative needs.

Designed with portability in mind, the X5D is lightweight and compact, making it perfect for gigs, studio sessions, or practice at home. Its MIDI capabilities allow for seamless integration with other gear, expanding your musical potential. Whether you're crafting intricate compositions or jamming live on stage, the Korg X5D delivers reliability and performance that musicians can count on.

Key Features:

  • 61 semi-weighted keys for expressive play
  • AI2 synthesis system with a wide range of sounds
  • Comprehensive effects section including reverb and chorus
  • Compact and lightweight design for easy transport
  • MIDI connectivity for integration with other instruments and software
  • User-friendly interface for quick access to patches and settings
Synthman Lim

Synthman Lim

Roland FA06 Sound Collection | Yamaha MX49 | Korg X5D

Video thumbnail for Roland FA06 Sound Collection | Yamaha MX49 | Korg X5D by Synthman Lim

Roland FA06 Sound Collection | Yamaha MX49 | Korg X5D

Synthman Lim

Synthman Lim

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent for evolving pads and synth leads

  • Similar sound quality to the classic Korg M1 and O1/w

  • 64 voice polyphony and 16 part multitimbral offers vast sound layering options

  • 100 user programs plus 100 user combinations for sound customization

  • Great for live performances with its light, portable design

  • Decent as a MIDI controller with a good feel

  • Some acoustic patches and special effect sounds stand out

  • Offers a realistic rotary effect for organ sounds

CONS

  • Fiddly menu navigation required for sound editing

  • Lacks resonance control on the filter, limiting certain sound types

  • Acoustic patches, especially guitars, sound dated and cheap

  • Factory sounds are considered mediocre by some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer.

Features and functionality

  • The Korg X5D is valued for its lightweight and compact design, containing a range of M1-adjacent sounds that are still appreciated by musicians.

    Source
  • The X5D includes a separate bank of General MIDI sounds, expanding its versatility beyond the X5 model.

    Source
  • The X5D incorporates delay, reverb, and modulation effects, which enhance its capability for creating ambient sounds despite the programming interface being challenging to use.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • In regions like Chile, the X5D is sought after by Cumbia keyboardists for its unique onboard patches linked to popular tunes.

    Source
  • Due to its lightweight build and affordability, the X5D is favored for live performances, especially where potential damage is a concern.

    Source
  • Korg X5D is popular for metal and classical music, attributed to its versatile AI² sound source capabilities.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The realistic market value for a Korg X5D is generally between $200-$300, rather than the higher prices sometimes seen on eBay.

    Source
  • A fully functional Korg X5D, with operational buttons and keys, can often be found for $100 in the second-hand market.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Korg X5D is compared to models like the Roland D50 and Korg M1, which are favored for their association with classic sounds.

    Source
  • The X5D is preferred over the X5 due to its expanded ROM samples, including those from the renowned Korg M1 and 01 series.

    Source
  • Older Korg and Roland romplers are considered affordable alternatives for those seeking budget-friendly options for a range of sounds.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners note that the programming interface of the X5D is cumbersome, impacting long-term usability in setups.

    Source
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 21 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
maranaspacemarine

An underrated gem.

After hearing a soundbank demo by JayB (a German producer), just had to get one for myself. There's a lot of potential in the sound engine for trance.

From Gear Setup
W

Simple but effective

This keyboard is decent, but don't expect great things from it. Most of the factory sounds are mediocre at best, but there are a few organs, pads and electric pianos that I really dig! I use this one live with my cover band Broken Voice, mainly for the organs. You can use the mod wheel to make the rotary effect and it actually sounds pretty realistic!

johannes_berthold

It's a 90s synth

The acoustic patches of the synth are pretty much of its time. There are far more natural sounds nowadays, especially the guitars sound cheap. On the synth side again you can do great stuff. Creating wonderfully thick cold digital pads ain't a problem and yet the X5D manages to remain a certain warmth.

paddywatermountain

Nice feeling

I used this one as a Midi Controller and it feels really awesome!

alexeiparedes

Meu primeiro synth da Korg

Foi meu primeiro synth da Korg, e depois dele passei a usar quase que na totalidade synths da marca no meu setup.

summedanddot

Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer

Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer a new one for us to try in the future

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Legowelt uses Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer

Legowelt

Music Producer

...
Verified via Legowelt

"Do you want the sound of an airbrushed native american chief on a motorcycle with palm trees and a flying eagle in the background? If you happen to do you need a KORG X5, its all in there and more in this ultimate early 1990s new age dolphin training soundscape synthesizer!"

See how Christian Lorenz uses Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer

Christian Lorenz

Keyboardist

Rammstein

...
Verified via Rammstein World

He used a Korg X5D during the Mutter tour, according to this site.

See how Janne Wirman uses Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer

Janne Wirman

Keyboardist

Children of Bodom

...
Verified via YouTube

This video from backstage.custom-sounds.com features Children of Bodom's keyboardist Janne Wirman's sound tech performing a rundown of his equipment. The first piece he selects is the Korg X5D 61-key Synthesizer.

See how Nobuo Uematsu uses Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer

Nobuo Uematsu

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

Using it during live performance.

See how Paddy McAloon uses Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer

Paddy McAloon

Singer, Guitarist

Prefab Sprout

...
Verified via Soundonsound

On his home studio Topaz mix desk he has a channel dedicated to his Korg X5D keyboard.

See how Mustis uses Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer

Mustis

Keyboardist

Dimmu Borgir

...
Verified via Picuki

Mustis has utilized the Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer in both live performances and studio recordings over an extended period, as evidenced by posts on Instagram tagged with #øyvindjohanmustaparta.

See how Mirai Kawashima uses Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer

Mirai Kawashima

Singer, Bassist

Sigh

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Mirai Kawashima can be seen playing his Korg X5D at Leeds University during 4th edition of Damnation Festival, on November 22nd, 2008.

See how JayB uses Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer

JayB

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen in the video right at the start, it's the upper-right synth.

See how OM New Pallapa uses Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer

OM New Pallapa

Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

OM New Pallapa frequently uses the Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer during live performances, as seen in their 2018 full album concert video on YouTube.

See how Elias Holmlid uses Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer

Elias Holmlid

Singer, Keyboardist

Dragonland

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for Disdain's "Leave This World," Elias Holmlid is visibly using a Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer at 2 minutes and 29 seconds, as confirmed by the video uploaded by Johnnydisdain on YouTube.

See how Secret Stairways uses Korg X5D 61-Key Synthesizer

Secret Stairways

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

The liner notes directly mention him using it for Enchantment of the Ring as his main synth.

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 X5D 61-Key Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Korg TR-Rack Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
MC 1000
MC 1000 MIDI Keyboard Controllers
1
Roland A-33
Roland A-33 Portable & Arranger Keyboards
1
Korg x50
Korg x50 Synthesizers
1
Atari 1040 STE
Atari 1040 STE Computers & Peripherals
1
C-Lab Notator
C-Lab Notator Audio Sequencers
1
Roland JX-3P
Roland JX-3P Synthesizers
1

Community setups

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maranaspacemarine

maranaspacemarine

Gear IQ 257

maranaspacemarine

maranaspacemarine

Gear IQ 257

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