MicroKORG


The microKORG is a MIDI-capable virtual analog synthesizer/vocoder from Korg featuring DSP analog modelling. The synthesizer is built in such a way that it is essentially a Korg MS-2000 with programmable step arpeggiator, a less advanced vocoder, lack of motion sequencing, lack of an XLR microphone input, and in a smaller case with fewer real-time control knobs.
The microKORG was released in 2002 and is still in production. It is considered one of the most popular music synthesizers in recent history, with estimated 100,000 units sold as of May 2009. In September 2007 Korg released a limited edition of the microKORG with reverse-color keys although the functionality was otherwise unchanged. At NAMM 2008, a successor called the microKORG XL was introduced. Available since early 2009 it uses MMT Multi Modeling Technology from Korg's newer and more powerful Radias/R3 synthesizers.

Synthesis

The microKORG uses DSP technology to emulate the sounds of an analog synthesizer using firmware, and is based around the same engine found in the Korg MS2000. The fundamental unit of sound is, in Korg's terminology, a "timbre". This is generated with a pair of multi-function oscillators. Two timbres can be combined to create a four-oscillator "layer". This can be used to create more complex sounds, although it halves the polyphony from four notes to two. A single timbre can be played in four-voice. Oscillator one can produce one of several fundamental waveforms, including saw, square, triangle, and sine waves. Alternatively, OSC1 can produce a vox wave, white noise, and one of 64 different digital waveforms that were created by harmonic additive synthesis. Some of these 64 waveforms were originally featured in the Korg DW-8000 digital synthesizer of the mid 1980s. The second oscillator is limited to saw, square, and triangle waveforms.
Each waveform on OSC1 has a unique modulation feature, including wave morphing, Pulse-width modulation, and FM. OSC2 can be detuned, synchronized, and/or ring-modulated with OSC1 in order to create more complex sounds. OSC1 can also be replaced with the signal from one of the line-level inputs on the back of the unit, allowing external signals to be processed with the effects and filters of the microKORG, or potentially ring-modulated by OSC2.
The microKORG utilizes filters such as Low Pass, Band Pass, and High Pass.
The microKORG also uses effects such as flange, ensemble, phaser, and digital delay, which can also be applied to external signals. The unit also features two independent LFOs, with six different waveforms, which can be used to create more complex modulations.
When playing a single timbre, the keyboard utilises four-voice polyphony. In layer mode it generally has two-voice polyphony, although one combination of polyphonic/mono layers allows for three-voice polyphony of the second timbre.
The microKORG groups its 128 factory preset sound patches into 8 groups:
A large knob changes the selected sound group. Each group has 16 different patches, selected by the eight lighted buttons on the front with a side A/B button to toggle between sets of eight. All patches are user editable, and do not necessarily have to follow the groupings listed on the face plate.

microKORG XL

The direct successor to the microKORG, the microKORG XL, utilises MMT Analog modelling, and is based on Korg's own R3. The XL features a brand-new LCD display, and two Program Select knobs for easier access.
The microKORG XL groups its 128 factory preset sound patches into 8 groups:
and several sub categories:
Notably, the microKORG XL features 17 different KAOSS derived effects, including phaser, flange, decimation, vibrato, tremolo and retrigger.
The XL also features several included PCM Waveforms, including Piano, Brass Ensemble, nine Electric Piano and Clavinet, seven organ sounds, a full String Orchestra, two variable formant waves and more than 32 digitally generated waveforms
The XL adds two additional Waveform Modulation types: Phase Modulation and Unison The Unison Simulator is similar to the Supersaw waveform on the Roland JP-8000. The included "OSC MOD WAVEFORM" and "OSC2 SYNC" controllers are reminiscent of the Poly-Mod feature in the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5.
The microKORG XL also includes a waveshaper which will morph the current waveform into an approximation of the waveform desired, resulting in a harsh sound. The waveshaper also includes a third oscillator
Additional improvements include:
In 2014, Korg announced the RK-100S keytar, which is essentially a 37-key "keytar" version of the microKORG XL+, with many external differences and only two internal differences. On the inside, it sports the same exact features as the MicroKorg XL+, except it has 200 program storage instead of 128, and allowing for the long ribbon controller to serve as a modulation source. Externally the RK-100S is radically different. It lacks the ability to edit programs from the unit; editing may only be done via a control app available for Mac and PC. MicroKORG XL and XL+ patches may be downloaded into the unit one-by-one or en masse, allowing patch editing to be done on a microKORG XL+.

Notable external differences of the RK-100S

Even though the RK-100S is not marketed as a microKORG, the fact that its synthesis engine is identical makes it ideal for microKORG users wishing to perform live without needing to have a keyboard stand restricting their movement around a stage.

Competing products

The MicroKORG was released during the same period as several similar products:
The microKORG shared several features with the earlier, discontinued Quasimidi Sirius - in particular a built-in vocoder - although the Sirius used distinctively unique analog modeling - sample playback hybrid synthesis.