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Average Price: $350

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$500

$1501+

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Description

Dive into the sonic depths with the Korg Z1, a synthesizer that's more than its keys. A successor to the acclaimed Korg Prophecy, this instrument expands your musical horizons with its polyphonic prowess and a wide array of waveforms. Perfect for both studio recordings and live performances, the Z1 offers a blend of classic and futuristic sounds, making it a versatile companion for any musician's arsenal. Whether you're crafting dense layers or intricate solos, the Z1's robust engine and intuitive interface ensure your creativity flows uninterrupted.

Key Features:

  • 12-voice polyphony for complex, layered soundscapes
  • A rich selection of 13 waveforms, allowing for a broad sonic palette
  • 61 synth-action keys providing a responsive and expressive playing experience
  • Dual resonant filters and four LFOs for shaping your sound with precision
  • Integrated dual effects units to add depth and texture to your music
  • A comprehensive polyphonic arpeggiator with space for 15 user patterns, perfect for sequencing and experimentation
  • Versatile I/O options including Audio and MIDI, ensuring easy integration into any setup

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model Z1
Finish Silver
Year 1990s
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 12 Voices

FAQs

Is the Korg Z1 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Korg Z1 is well-suited for live performances, offering 61 full-size keys and a versatile sound engine that can handle a wide range of sounds and effects, making it a reliable choice for stage use.

What type of synthesis does the Korg Z1 use?

The Korg Z1 utilizes MOSS (Multi-Oscillator Synthesis System) technology, providing a wide variety of sound creation possibilities, including physical modeling and virtual analog synthesis.

How many voices of polyphony does the Korg Z1 offer?

The Korg Z1 offers 12 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layered sounds and rich textures during performance or recording.

Does the Korg Z1 have MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Korg Z1 is equipped with MIDI Input, Output, and Through, facilitating easy integration with other MIDI-compatible gear and software.

What are the standout features of the Korg Z1's sound engine?

The Korg Z1's sound engine is notable for its ability to produce a wide range of sounds using its MOSS technology, including realistic physical modeling and dynamic virtual analog sounds.

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Korg Z1 | demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb (part 1 of 2)

Video thumbnail for Korg Z1 | demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb (part 1 of 2) by Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Korg Z1 | demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb (part 1 of 2)

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Video thumbnail for KORG Z1  MOSS Synthesizer  (1997) by RetroSound

KORG Z1 MOSS Synthesizer (1997)

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for KORG Z1 MOSS Synthesizer (1997) single sound demo by RetroSound

KORG Z1 MOSS Synthesizer (1997) single sound demo

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Korg Z1 Preset Part. 1 | No Talking | by DKS SYNTH LAB

Korg Z1 Preset Part. 1 | No Talking |

DKS SYNTH LAB

DKS SYNTH LAB

Video thumbnail for Korg Z1 Sounds - by Starshipfive by starshipfive

Korg Z1 Sounds - by Starshipfive

starshipfive

starshipfive

Video thumbnail for Die "Eierlegende Wollmilchsau" - der  KORG Z1 von 1997. by Franz Kreimer Keys

Die "Eierlegende Wollmilchsau" - der KORG Z1 von 1997.

Franz Kreimer Keys

Franz Kreimer Keys

Video thumbnail for Korg Z1 - Custom Sounds Big Journey by LFOstore

Korg Z1 - Custom Sounds Big Journey

LFOstore

LFOstore

Video thumbnail for Korg Z1 saxofón sound by Synth Music Chile

Korg Z1 saxofón sound

Synth Music Chile

Synth Music Chile

Video thumbnail for Korg Z1 - Jam with Dr Mix by Franz Kreimer Keys

Korg Z1 - Jam with Dr Mix

Franz Kreimer Keys

Franz Kreimer Keys

Reviews

PROS

  • Wide spectrum of sounds, from digital mayhem to lush analog

  • Outperforms many analog poly synths in sound range

  • Features like 18 voices, program multi's, and endlessly modulating patches

  • Includes 2 op FM with cross modulation for west coast waveshaping

  • Lauded as the best of its era for flexibility and sound design

  • Excels in soundtrack/scoring work with hands-on editing

  • Polyphonic arpeggiator and XY pad enhance performance and control

  • Favored by artists for creating unique effects and fat pad sounds

CONS

  • Initial learning curve due to the unconventional menu system

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Z1.

Features and functionality

  • The Korg Z1 is noted for its unique modeling engine, excelling in creating modelled brass and woodwind sounds, even after many years since its release.

    Source
  • The Z1's XY pad and 'scene' buttons offer extensive live expression capabilities, enhancing performance dynamics.

    Source
  • The Z1 is praised for its impressive arpeggiator and deep synthesis engine, making it a standout for creative sound exploration.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners caution that the Z1 is complex to program, requiring a strong understanding of synthesis to fully utilize its capabilities.

    Source
  • The Z1 is praised for its ability to create a wide range of sounds, making it a valuable tool for those interested in exploring diverse sonic landscapes.

    Source
  • The Z1 synthesizes a wide array of sounds, from sub bass to strings and even convincing guitar tones, ideal for diverse musical styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Roland JD-Xi is suggested as a more suitable alternative for those needing a compact, multitimbral sequencer that fits well in small spaces like dorm rooms.

    Source
  • Some users mention a preference for the Z1 over the Korg Prophecy, noting a difference in sound quality and experience despite both being part of the same product line.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • At $440, the Z1 is considered a bargain, especially when compared to the $350 price tag of just the Z1 add-on card for the Korg Triton.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the Z1 as one of the best virtual analog (VA) experiences, with a deep, versatile sound that can handle almost any synthesis task except sampling.

    Source
  • Users report the Z1 as an exceptional MIDI controller, with a great keybed and aftertouch, boosting its versatility in studio setups.

    Source

Build quality

  • It's noted that finding a Z1 in good shape is rare, highlighting the importance of checking the condition before purchasing due to its age.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners highlight the need to monitor membrane buttons and the screen for wear, though maintenance is less intensive than a Memorymoog.

    Source
  • Replacing the soldered battery is noted as a potential maintenance task after years of use, requiring technical know-how.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
droneswarm

There's only one thing...

...that I can say about this monster: It is, in my opinion, the best digital synth ever.

d42mkmxoq

complex but exelent !

used lots by artist such as ed rush & optical to make fat pad sounds and strange effects in 90s drum and bass.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Derek Sherinian uses Korg Z1

Derek Sherinian

Keyboardist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified

Derek Sherinian is confirmed to use the Korg Z1 synthesizer, as detailed in his Leopard Room Gear List featured on Music Gear Review.

See how Front 242 uses Korg Z1

Front 242

Music Producer

...
Verified via gearnews.de

Per this May 04, 2021 feature from gearnews.de:

Now a more technological phase begins and there are several interesting mixes with strong use of the TR-909. The nineties are almost at the end and Front by Front has long been recorded. Their sound with the "emulator" as the center was still considered THE appearance. In the phase after that, the emulator disappeared. A Nord Lead is spotted on stage but also a Korg M1 or a Korg Z1

See how Jan Hammer uses Korg Z1

Jan Hammer

Keyboardist

The Mahavishnu Orchestra

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Between the Korg Z1 and the Triton, the sounds are all there for me. I'll occasionally use samplers when working on film and TV music, especially if I need some crazy loops or grooves, but mostly I use my Korg synths.

See how Black Sun Empire uses Korg Z1

Black Sun Empire

Music Producer

Black Sun Empire & Noisia

...
Verified via Photo

In an interview with KMAG Black Sun Empire say "We have two rooms. The main one and the small one are almost the same when it comes to PCs and synths; Cubase5 with RME soundcards, Nord Modular G1 and G2 and some random machines like Waldorf Pulse, Korg Z1 and an Evolver Keyboard."

See how Faithless uses Korg Z1

Faithless

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At Glastonbury 2002, Faithless performed using a Korg Z1 synthesizer, as seen in the concert footage on YouTube.

See how Thorsten Quaeschning uses Korg Z1

Thorsten Quaeschning

Singer, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Thorstenquaeschning

Equipment & Software used on 'SYNTHWAVES':THORSTEN QUAESCHNING: Software: Steinberg Cubase 8 &8.5Hardware: Manikin Schrittmacher Step-Sequencer x 2Manikin MemotronRoland Jupiter 8 synthesizerRoland JD800 synthesizerDave Smith Prophet 8 synthesizerARP Solina MK2 string synthesizerKorg Wavestation Ex synthesizerWaldorf Microwave synthesizerMoog Voyager monophonic synthesizerModular synthesizerRoland V Synth synthesizerKorg Z1 synthesiserKorg Prophecy synthesiserKorg M1 synthesizerClavia Nordwave synthesizerYamaha TG77 synthesizer moduleRoland System 1 synthesizerRoland JU06 synthesizer moduleKorg MS20 monophonic synthesizerRoland JP08 synthesizer moduleRoland TR-8 Rhythm Performer drum machineOberheim DMX drum machineRoland Promars synthesizerFender Starcaster guitarFender Telecaster guitarFender Stratocaster guitarScrewdriver on wood and contact microphones,Several boxes with contact microphonesA field recording of bees in Thorsten's garden, edited on Cubase and then treated with Melodyne & Halion - and finally used for the lead melody line on 'A Calm But Steady Flow'.(Software synthesizers): Spectrasonics Omnisphere synthesizer, Spectrasonics Keyscape

See how Ed Rush & Optical uses Korg Z1

Ed Rush & Optical

Music Producer

Ed Rush & Optical

...
Verified via Photo

When asked in this reddit thread what kind of equipment Optical uses, he responds:

"I have owned (and still do mostly) as best as I can remember: Mackie 32/8 32 channel - (I have had 3 altogether), 3 x Emu E6400 Ultra (also E6400 orig), Akai S750, S900, S1100, S3000 samplers, Alesis Quadraverb, Focusrite Green Eq x2, Focusrite Green Compressor, Focusrite ISA430 Producer Pack, Lexicon Alex, Lexicon MPX1, Alesis MidiVerb4, TC Electronics Fireworx, TC Electronics Finalizer, Joe Meek VC1, Drawmer MX40, Sherman Filterbank, CryBaby Wah Pedal Boss Pedals - Too many, Novation Basstation, OSCar, Sequential Circuits Pro1, Prophet 5, Wurlitzer, PPG Wave 2.1, Neumann TLM 105*, Fender Strat 1972, Oberheim/Viscount GM1000, Korg Z1, Kawai K1r, Otari Status 16R Mixing Console with Eagle Automation. BSS DPR-402 Compressor. and more I can't recall right ow ;o)."

*The Neumann links to the 103 because the moderator who approved this post believes Optical wrote 105 by mistake. If anyone believes this to be an error please follow up in the comments section so that we can adjust :)

See how Ian Pooley uses Korg Z1

Ian Pooley

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a Tech Talk segment on Electronic Beats TV, Ian Pooley discusses his Berlin studio setup, including his use of the Korg Z1 synthesizer.

See how S.P.Y uses Korg Z1

S.P.Y

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

in this video we can see s.p.y using korg z1...

See how Mark Isham uses Korg Z1

Mark Isham

Composer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Not that Isham has entirely forsaken his 'synthetic' past — far from it, in fact. Even his beloved analogue collection — now expanded to incorporate an Oberheim Xpander, a Roland MKS80 with MPG80 programmer, and a rare Moog Model 12, one of those 'big modular Moogs' he once admired from afar — regularly gets a look in: "I just did an entire film score that used the 2600, MIDI'd via an old Roland MPU101 MIDI‑CV converter" says Isham, with a hint of bravado. Isham's studio also contains an extensive selection of more modern synths. Of his Korg Trinity Plus, Z1, Prophecy, Wavestation A/D and ubiquitous M1, Roland JD800, and newly acquired, knob‑laden Access Virus, the latter is currently proving most agreeable with the composer.

See how Bola uses Korg Z1

Bola

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

Talking about his outboard gear, Bola mentions:

"I’ve also got a Korg Z1, which I’ve had for years. I won’t get rid of it because it’s quite unique and typically Korg. It’s fantastic for pads and textures and you get lots of control.”

See how Clive Nolan uses Korg Z1

Clive Nolan

Singer, Keyboardist

Arena

...
Verified via YouTube

Clive uses a Z1 in this Pendragon video.

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 Z1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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rettervondunkel

rettervondunkel

Gear IQ 770

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