Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $350
Budget/Beginner
$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
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Is the Korg Z1 suitable for live performances?
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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.
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What type of synthesis does the Korg Z1 use?
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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.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Korg Z1 offer?
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The Korg Z1 offers 12 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layered sounds and rich textures during performance or recording.
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Does the Korg Z1 have MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the Korg Z1 is equipped with MIDI Input, Output, and Through, facilitating easy integration with other MIDI-compatible gear and software.
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What are the standout features of the Korg Z1's sound engine?
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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.
Videos
Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)
Korg Z1 | demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb (part 1 of 2)
Reviews
PROS
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Wide spectrum of sounds, from digital mayhem to lush analog
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Outperforms many analog poly synths in sound range
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Features like 18 voices, program multi's, and endlessly modulating patches
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Includes 2 op FM with cross modulation for west coast waveshaping
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Lauded as the best of its era for flexibility and sound design
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Excels in soundtrack/scoring work with hands-on editing
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Polyphonic arpeggiator and XY pad enhance performance and control
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Favored by artists for creating unique effects and fat pad sounds
CONS
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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
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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.
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The Z1's XY pad and 'scene' buttons offer extensive live expression capabilities, enhancing performance dynamics.
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The Z1 is praised for its impressive arpeggiator and deep synthesis engine, making it a standout for creative sound exploration.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners caution that the Z1 is complex to program, requiring a strong understanding of synthesis to fully utilize its capabilities.
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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.
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The Z1 synthesizes a wide array of sounds, from sub bass to strings and even convincing guitar tones, ideal for diverse musical styles.
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Comparisons
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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.
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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.
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Value and pricing
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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.
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User experience
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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.
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Users report the Z1 as an exceptional MIDI controller, with a great keybed and aftertouch, boosting its versatility in studio setups.
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Build quality
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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.
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Setup and maintenance
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings
243
There's only one thing...
...that I can say about this monster: It is, in my opinion, the best digital synth ever.
Artist usage
Add artist
Derek Sherinian is confirmed to use the Korg Z1 synthesizer, as detailed in his Leopard Room Gear List featured on Music Gear Review.
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
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.
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."
At Glastonbury 2002, Faithless performed using a Korg Z1 synthesizer, as seen in the concert footage on YouTube.
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
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 :)
In a Tech Talk segment on Electronic Beats TV, Ian Pooley discusses his Berlin studio setup, including his use of the Korg Z1 synthesizer.
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.
Album Usage
The Korg Z1 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 Z1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.