Korg X3 Synthesizer [eBay]

If you want to get your hands on a piece of Korg kit from the mid-90s, check out this auction for a Korg X3.

The Korg X3 is a synthesizer produced by Korg in 1993. The X3 features 200 Programs, 200 Combinations, 32-voice polyphony, a 32,000 note, 16-track sequencer with 100 patterns and 10 songs and a double-sided, double-density 3.5 inch floppy disk drive for song and other data storage types. Korg also released the X2 (76-key) with 8 Mbyte ROM (6Mbyte X3 + 2Mbyte new Piano) in 1994 along with a rackmount version dubbed the X3R, which also had a floppy disk drive.

Many of its samples come from the T3 Series and 01/W Series Synthesizers. The X3 features 339 samples compressed into 6MB of ROM and Korg beefed this synth up in areas where previous Korg synths had been weak (For example, Organs and Strings).

The X3 lacked several key piano samples that had become popular in the M1 and 01/W series, replacing them with different samples altogether, and (arguably) not as good sounding as before. They eventually brought back some of these classic Korg sounds (like the M1 Piano) in the X5D and future Korg synths.

Korg X3 Synth

Korg Kaossilator 2 bursts into life [NAMM12]

Korg has updated its hugely popular Kaossilator with the arrival of the Kaossilator 2.

Still sporting a vibrant yellow body (whether it comes in pink is another matter) it boasts a range of features including:

• Simple control with finger taps/slides on the integrated X-Y touchpad
• 150 built-in sounds cover every style of dance music
• PCM sound engine serves up realistic drums
• Scale Key and Note Range eliminates “wrong” notes
• Built-in Gate Arpeggiator with adjustable gate time and swing settings
• Loop Recording allows the creation of layered phrases with unlimited overdubs
• Dual Loop Recording banks allow DJ-Style mutes and cross-fades
• Record using the built-in mic; or use the mic input for recording of external input
• microSD/SDHC card slot for saving loops and recorded performances

More details, specs, pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Korg Mini KAOSS PAD 2 hits [NAMM12]

Korg has announced a new addition to its KAOSS family of DJ-friendly audio products with the arrival of the Mini KAOSS PAD 2.

Highlights include:

• Control effects in real time using the intuitive touchpad interface
• MP3 player with microSD card slot for data storage/exchange;
  
  Perform on the Mini Kaoss Pad 2 without needing any other equipment!
• 100 effect programs, ideal for DJ mixes or sound design
• 3 Program Memories provide instant recall of favorite effects
• Powerful Looper, Vinyl Break, and Ducking Comp effects borrowed from the Kaoss Pad Quad
• Internal mic plus external audio inputs
• Support for pitch change and cue point settings allows serious DJ play.
• Record your performances and save then to using the microSD card slot
• 6 preset audio demo loops

We’ll keep you updated with full specifications, pricing and availability as soon as we know it.

Korg updates SV-1 with black and retro look models [NAMM12]

Korg has updated its popular SV-1 vintage stage pianos with two new models.

The SV-1BK Black has an elegant matte black finish, while the limited edition SV-1RV features a bold red body and vintage reverse-colour keys that call to mind the classic combo organs of the 1960s and ‘70s.

Here’s a rundown of the feature set for that limited edition model.

• Two phenomenal grand piano sounds – 1 European, 1 Japanese
• Korg’s finest piano keyboard with Graded Hammer Action; 73 or 88 keys
• Intuitive “LIVE” front panel with single-function knobs
• 8 Easy-to-set car-radio style Favorites buttons
• 36 coveted and in-demand piano & vintage keyboard sounds:
  Grand Pianos: Smooth European; Lively Japanese; Mono Grand (for live); etc.
  • Electric Pianos: Tine styles; Reed Types; Plucked Type; Clavs; etc.
  • Electronic Pianos: Korg SG-1D; Transistor; ‘80s synth; VPM styles; etc.
  • Organs: Tonewheels; USA Tube Console; Italian Combo; VOX
  • Keyboards: String Machine, Tape Strings, Synth Brass; etc.
  • Other: Piano + Layers; Real Strings; Real Choir, etc.
• Valve Reactor 12AX7 tube-driven amp modeling (6 Models)
• 6 Pre-FX; 6 Modulation FX; 6 Reverb Delays; 3-Band EQ
• Stereo inputs / Stereo outputs ( all 1/4″)
• XLR Stereo balanced stage/recording outputs
• Headphone output
• Includes damper pedal & music rack
• Options: assignable footswitch; assignable footpedal;

Pricing and availability for these models to be confirmed.

Korg intros/updates SP-250 portable digital piano

Korg has announced its SP-250 digital piano, plus an SP-250BK model which is finished in jet black.

Here’s the puzzler. We first featured the Korg SP-250 digital piano back in October 2005 — some six years ago.

This seems a bit unusual. Manufacturers tend to revamp their keyboards and give them new model numbers at least every year or so. We presume that Korg’s technology has advanced and this digital piano has been updated along the way.

Anyway, read on to find out the key details of the SP-250 and SP-250BK.

Superb piano sound in a digital stage piano

The robust sound of a concert grand piano has been carefully and lavishly sampled for this digital stage piano. Differences in playing dynamics and position in the stereo field have been faithfully captured, delivering naturally expressive piano sounds that recreate every detail. The SP-250′s piano samples are longer than other pianos in its class. Increased length means the piano sound sustains more naturally, so the piano sounds more real throughout the performance, not just at the attack. Three versions of sound are provided in this wonderful and portable digital stage piano to cover different tastes and genre needs. To round out the piano offerings, the SP-250 also features a vintage electric grand sound, as well as an authentic honky-tonk piano.

Grand piano playing experience

The SP-250 is the first portable digital stage piano from Korg to feature the RH3 real weighted hammer action. This state-of-the-art key mechanism features differing key weights in each register of the keyboard, delivering the same playing experience as a grand piano. The keyboard is exceptionally responsive, even when playing quickly repeated figures, to preserve every expressive nuance of the performer. The Key Touch Control provides three selectable touch curves, delivering the perfect touch sensitivity for every playing style or type of song. Yet, even with such a robust keyboard, the SP-250 weighs less than 42 pounds (19 kg.).

A wide palette of sounds

In addition to its remarkable piano sound, the SP-250 portable digital stage piano includes a rich array of sounds that will extend your performance possibilities. An assortment of classic electric pianos (reed and tine styles), church and jazz organs, string and choir sounds, harpsichord and clav(s) elements and even mallet percussion and guitar sounds, are all available at the touch of a button. Two sounds can be layered together to play simultaneously; and of course, you can adjust the balance to get the perfect blend. To help you audition the sounds, 30 demonstration songs ranging from classics to originals are built in to this digital stage piano, showing off all the sounds in a variety of musical genres.

Dual effects

To further enhance the sound, the SP-250 provides both a Reverb effect, that recreates the spaciousness of a concert hall, and a Chorus effect that adds a colourful depth to the sound. The effects settings have been optimised for each individual sound and the user can choose from three levels – Light, Normal and Deep – to complement his or her performance.

Style and versatility

The chic body design is highlighted by metal and wood-grain accents, with a solid music rack included that mounts in seconds. The control panel is simple and easy-to-use and includes 19 LED indicators providing for instant visual feedback. The SP-250 is perfect for those who appreciate quality in both sound and design.

Full range sound system

The SP-250 contains a custom system, featuring two 10 cm dual-cone speakers matched to a pair of 11-Watt amplifiers that beautifully reproduce the rich sounds of a piano. The bass-reflex speaker system ensures that every bit of the deep resonances distinctive to a great piano will be heard.

Stand and pedal included

The SP-250 portable digital stage piano includes a high-quality damper pedal that is vital for proper piano performance. It provides the ultimate expressive control thanks to half-pedalling, which is a variable damping effect based on how deep you press the pedal, rather than the simple on/off switch found on cheaper instruments. The dedicated stand is both simple and stylish, and fits securely into a recessed area in the bottom of the piano, providing a remarkably solid feel. The stand’s lower crossbar even prevents the pedal from “creeping” forward in performance. Best of all, the SP-250 can be easily removed from the stand for easy moving and carrying during live performances.

Convenient features

Two headphones can be connected simultaneously, providing for student-teacher use or family enjoyment. Thanks to stereo outputs, you can listen to the sounds of the SP-250 through external speakers, a great feature for professional performances, schools and places of worship, and for recording purposes. MIDI In/Out jacks connect the SP-250 portable digital stage piano to a synthesiser or other MIDI-equipped device (computer/sequencer), allowing the SP-250 to be used as both a master keyboard and a 16-part multi-timbral sound module for performance and composition.

The Key Transpose function lets you shift the pitch of the instrument to match the key of a singer, or to play along with your favourite CDs. An onboard Metronome is convenient for practicing. You can add an accent to the first beat (with normal or bell sounds), and adjust its volume. There’s also a dedicated slider for easy adjustment of the tempo.

In addition to equal temperament, the SP-250 provides the two most common Baroque and Classical era tunings (Kirnberger and Werckmeister) for historically-accurate performances.

Korg SP-250 Specifications

Keyboard:
88 notes (A0 – C8), Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 keyboard

Touch Control:
Light, Normal, Heavy

Sound Generation:
Stereo Sampling System

Polyphony:
60 notes (max)

Programs:
30 sounds (5 Pianos, 7 Electric Pianos, Harpsichord, 2 Clavs, Vibraphone, Marimba, Acoustic Guitar, 3 Jazz Organs, 3 Church Organs, 3 Strings, 3 Choirs)
Two Programs can be layered

Effects:
Reverb, Chorus (3 levels each)

Demo:
30 songs (10 songs in 3 banks)

Metronome:
Tempo, Time Signature, Accent and Volume controls

Tuning:
Key Transpose, Fine Tuning, Temperament (Equal, Kirnberger, Werkmeister)

Pedal:
Damper-style (included), half-pedaling supported

Main Amp:
2 x 11 Watt

Audio Outputs
L/R 1/4″ outputs
1/4″ Headphone

Speakers:
2 Dual Cone Speakers (2 x 10 cm) with bass-reflex speaker box

Power Supply:
DC 12V (External AC adapter) 3.5A

Power Consumption:
42W

Dimensions:
50.98” (W) x 14.96” (D) x 5.51” (H)
main unit only, not including stand

Weight:
41.89 lbs. (19 kg) main unit only, not including stand.

Included Items:
Stand, Music stand, Damper pedal, AC adapter

* Sound processed by INFINITY.

Korg intros microARRANGER professional compact arranger workstation

When inspiration strikes when you’re on the move or you don’t want to fire up your studio equipment, you can plump for the likes of Roland’s BOSS BR-80 portable digital recorder or jump straight in with a compact arranger workstation like Korg’s new microARRANGER.

Space needn’t be an issue with the mini-keyed microARRANGER. Features include:

• Compact composing/performing keyboard that acts as your musical arranger
• 61-key Natural Touch mini keyboard; Velocity sensing
• Built-in stereo speaker system
• 4 Stereo Effect Processors with 89 effect programs.
• 304 Styles; each is a complete and interactive musical environment for capturing your inspirations
• Each Style includes Intros, Endings, Fills, and four Variations, all are completely editable
• Styles follow your chords, voice leading, and tempo settings – you are always in control!
• 660 Preset Sound Programs and 128 User Programs provide excellent Korg sounds
• 32 Drumkits; 64 User Drumkits;
• SD/SDHC card slot for data storage, importing Styles, sharing data with a computer DAW, etc.

Your New Composing Assistant

Each time an original melody or tune comes to mind, it may often require substantial expertise, equipment, and time to turn that idea into a complete song in the same way that a professional musician or arranger might do. Korg’s microARRANGER offers an easier way for you to enjoy the satisfaction of composing original music.

Even with modest keyboard skills, you can simply choose a musical Style to match your idea, tap in the tempo, hold down the chords with your left hand and pick out the melody with your the right hand, and listen as your musical idea takes shape! From the keyboard novice to the seasoned professional, the microARRANGER can transform your ideas into a more complete, fully realised, and more impressive song than you might ever imagine.

Compact and Complete

The microARRANGER features 61 Natural Touch mini-keys proportioned for comfortable playing. The stereo speaker system is conveniently contained inside the microARRANGER’s compact body. Lightweight and portable, the overall length is only 87 cm, and the microARRANGER weighs a mere 5 kg. Just turn the power on, and start turning your ideas into reality immediately; there’s no need to connect any other equipment. Whether you use it as a convenient musical notepad or as a full-fledged compositional tool, the microARRANGER is a powerful platform for your creativity in many ways.

Changes, Styles, and Music

Just set the tempo, play a few chords, and the Style Play function will begin to create music. With each Style, the microARRANGER follows your chord changes, voice leading, and the tempo you set to create additional musical parts to enhance your song. This can be something basic like a drum and bass rhythm section, an extra guitar part, all the way up to a stompin’ R & B combo with a full horn section. The choice is always yours. You can develop your song by selecting a Style that’s appropriate for the melody you have in mind, or try selecting various styles and playing around to see what melodies your imagination will come up with. You can also try different Styles with the same melody, to see if a different arrangement may better serve your song. By allowing the microARRANGER to take charge of the accompaniment and arrangement, you’re free to concentrate on your songwriting without losing that initial flash of inspiration. It’s an easy way to complete a rough sketch of your entire song.

Interactive Styles Inspire Your Creativity

The microARRANGER provides 304 Styles from such diverse musical genres as jazz, piano ballads, Latin, pop, and rock. Each one can assist you in producing pro-quality songs. Each Style includes intros, endings, fills, and breaks that can be used to accent a section or change the course of the song. Four variation of each backing Style are provided; each offers a different level of instrumentation or activity, allowing the song to build and alternate between sections. These backing variations can be quickly switched simply by pressing a button on the panel. The microARRANGER’s sophisticated chord scanning function detects not only standard chords such as major and minor, but also complex ones such as 9th or 11th chords – as well as inversions – ensuring that the musical parts generated by the Style will correctly follow the most ambitious chord progressions. You are free to edit these styles, and store up to 48 of them in internal memory. New styles will also be available for free download at korgpa.com. By adding your own favourite Styles allows you to “customise” your microARRANGER for even more enjoyment.

Capturing Your Ideas, Recording Your Songs

The microARRANGER is equipped with powerful tools to capture your musical performances; and with different modes optimised for different uses.

Backing Sequencer

There are two ways to record using the backing sequencer. Realtime Recording captures everything in one pass, as you play. Each part you play, and each part the microARRANGER’s Style engine plays, will be captured on a separate sequencer track. This allows any part to be edited independently at a later time.

With Step Recording, the chords can be entered one at a time, and you can tell the sequencer how long to play each chord, specified in beats and measures. Additional parts, fills, variation changes and other musical information can all be entered in this way. This method is ideal for creating a step-by-step foundation for your song, without needing to rely on advanced keyboard skills.

Song Sequencer

This is a conventional one-track-at-a-time sequencer, like those found in a computer program or a workstation keyboard, with 16 tracks and a capacity of 56,000 notes. Using the Song Sequencer, you can layer additional melodic parts onto a song created using the backing sequencer. This is a convenient way to add the finishing touches required for full-fledged song production.
Sequence data created on the microARRANGER is also compatible with Standard MIDI Files, so you can import it into your DAW or software sequencer. In your PC you can perform further editing or add vocal tracks to bring your song data to its final stage of completion.

Advanced Korg Sound Engine

The microARRANGER is packed with the high-quality 662 sounds, 33 drum kits and 89 effects you’ve come to expect from Korg. There’s a great selection of the sounds that pro musicians and producers use in the professional workplace – pianos, electric pianos, and organs; thick basses; realistic winds and strings; and tight drums – all instantly available for your immediate use. Also included are numerous high-quality effects, rivalling the quality of dedicated processors. These effects allow the creation of finished productions and audience-ready songs, without the need for any additional equipment.

SD/SDHC card data storage & transfer

Using the microARRANGER’s SD card slot, additional style data can be loaded directly from your PC via SD card; it’s also easy to transfer data to your PC.

Realtime performance

Although the microARRANGER’s mini-keyboard is compact, it has been designed for great playability and a comfortable touch, with box-shaped keys and careful consideration of the proportions of the white and black keys. With a 61-key range, you’ll be able to play using both hands for musically rich performances, or easily provide backing for a guitarist or vocalist — a great way to experience the enjoyment of playing in a band. Another great feature for realtime performance is the panel crossfader that controls the XDS crossfade dual sequencer, letting you control the volume of both sequencers with a single knob for smooth transitions between songs. The compact size allows the microARRANGER to be taken anywhere for your musical enjoyment.

microARRANGER Specifications

(Preliminary version)

Keyboard:
61-key Natural Touch mini-keyboard (velocity sensitive)

System:
OPOS – Objective Portable Operating System: Multitasking System, load while playing

Feature; Upgradeable Operating System; SSD Solid State Disk

Tone generator:
HI synthesis (Hyper Integrated synthesis system)

Voice Polyphony:
62 voices, 62 oscillators. Filters with resonance

Waveform Memory:
32 MB PCM ROM (with Stereo Piano Sound)

Multi Timbre:
Internal = 40 tracks (2 x 16 Tracks in Sequencer, 4 Keyboard Tracks, 4 Pad Tracks)

Effects:
4 stereo digital Multi-Effect systems (89 effect types)

Programs/ Drum Kits:
662 Preset programs (including a Stereo Piano and 256 “GM level 2 programs”)

33 drum kits (including 9 GM level 2 drum kits)

128 user programs + 64 user drum kits

Easy and Full Program Editing.

Styles:
Up to 304 Styles in Solid State Disk (256 preload +48 User)

All reconfigurable; up to 8 accompaniment tracks

All Style Performances are programmable

(Includes 4 Single Touch Settings for each style)

Style Record:
Styles can be created or edited to create new styles

Style elements:
Intro 1/2, Ending 1/2, Fill1/2, Count In/Break, 4 Variations

Each style can memorise Max. 36 Chord Variations

Performances:
160 real-time Performances + up to 304 Styles
Performances

With 4 Single Touch Settings

Song Sequencer:
Play (Song Play)/ Record (Realtime / Step)/ Edit

16 Multi track, Max = 56,000 events (approximately), It corresponds to SMF (Format o and 1)

Backing Sequencer:
Play / Record (Realtime / Step)/ Edit

Song Play:
XDS* Cross fade Dual Sequencer player

2 Sequencers with separate Start/Stop, Pause,

‘< < Rew' and '>> FF’ controls; Balance control

Lyrics are displayed on-screen

Jukebox Function; SMF Direct Player (format 0 and 1)

Realtime Track:
Keyboard Track (Upper 1/2/3, Lower),

PAD Track (4 truck)

Memory:
Internal Flash Memory = 8MB for Operating System, Musical resource.

Interface:
Display: Backlit custom LCD (Black-and-White)

Lyric Display (English Only)

Controls:
General Controls: Joystick, Dial

Programmable Control: 1 Slider

Real-time Controls: Master Volume, Acc/Seq Real-time Volume Balance

Switches: STS (Single Touch Setting). Style elements, Start/Stop, Transpose (b/#),
Bass Inversion, Memory, Manual Bass, Split Point, Groove Quantize,

Fade In/Out, TAP Tempo, Synchro, Start/Stop, Ensemble,

Chord Scanning (Lower / Upper), Keyboard Mode (Lower, Full Upper),

Tempo Lock, Octave (-/+), Multi PAD: 4 assignable pads + Stop button

Control Inputs:
Damper Pedal, Assignable pedal/switch x 1

Audio Outputs:
Left/mono, Right; Headphone (Mini Stereo Jack)

Audio Inputs:
Mini Stereo Jack

MIDI:
In, Out

Data Storage:
SD/SDHD cards; Multi Media Card (MMC)

Main Amplifier:
2x 5 Watt

Speakers:
10cm x 2 Single cone speakers (Open Air type)

Power Supply:
DC12V(Adapter)

Power Consumption:
9 Watts

Dimensions (w x D x H):
873 x 277 x 91 mm / 34.37″ x 10.91″ x 3.58″ inches (microARRANGER w/o music stand)

Weight:
4.2 Kg / 9.26 lbs (microARRANGER w/o music stand)

Standard Accessories:
Quick Start Guide, Adaptor, Music Stand, Accessory Discs

Options:
EXP-2 Foot Controller, XVP-10 Exp/Volume Pedal,

PS-1 Footswitch, PS-3 Footswitch, DS-1H Damper Pedal

* Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.

Korg intros monotribe Analog Ribbon Station

Korg has introduced the monotribe Analog Ribbon Station, “bringing responsive realtime control to analog groove-making.”

Highlights include:

• The powerful sound of true analog synthesis
• 3-part analog drums, using discrete analog circuitry
• Popular Electribe-style sequencing.
• Active Step and Flux features for realtime dynamic loop manipulation
• Advanced multi-function ribbon keyboard; Chromatic, Continuous, & Wide modes
• Auto-tuning provides stable pitch for accurate chromatic playability
• Selectable oscillator waveform, noise generator, and versatile LFO
• Uses the same VCF (filter) circuit as the classic MS-10/MS-20
• Sync In & Out jacks allows synchronized integration with multiple units
• Battery operation, built-in speaker and compact size deliver on-the-go groove-making

Korg’s description as follows:

True Analog Synthesis

The monotribe’s sound engine uses technology old and new, merging the powerful sound of analog synthesis with the dexterity and playability required in today’s groove making environments. Analog technology is essential for fast and responsive control, and delivers the full sonic spectrum from warm and easy-going to full-throttle rampage.

Three-Part Analog Drums

The monotribe provides a three-part rhythm section powered by discrete analog circuitry; bass drum, snare, and hi-hat. These three sounds were the key elements in a generation of analog beat making, and are still in demand today. Use these powerful drum sounds to generate distinctive beats attainable only from the monotribe.

Electribe-Style Groove Creation

For over a decade, Korg’s Electribe Series has served as the standard tools for dance music and DJ work, and has earned outstanding popularity, even appearing recently as top-selling iPad app. The fantastic step key interface lives on in monotribe, with a dedicated button for each of the eight steps. This allows realtime, hands-on step editing of not only the drum parts, but also for any synth part sequence played on the ribbon keyboard.

Active Step and Flux Mode

Active Step editing lets you remove or re-insert individual steps, creating short loop-like effects or off-beat patterns that weave in and out of complex rhythms. The step buttons provide this Active Step control during playback, and also provide an instant return to the original 8-step sequence if needed. Flux Mode allows the creation of sequenced synth parts that are not rigidly tied to the step grid, providing more musical versatility. The creation and morphing of edgy beats and stuttering rhythms has never been easier.

Multi-Mode Ribbon Keyboard

The ribbon controller keyboard provides three selectable playing modes/ranges. The chromatic mode (KEY) is ideal for playing melodies and bass lines, and stepping smoothly from note to note. Switch to the continuous mode (NARROW) for glides and bends – just as on the monotron. Also available is the wide continuous mode (WIDE) with a six-fold pitch range for dramatic synth zaps and screams. In addition, pressing the Gate Time button will allow the gate time to be sequenced as the ribbon controller keyboard is played.

Auto-Tuning Analog

Analog synthesizers of yesteryear were prone to drift in pitch. But no more! The monotribe’s auto-tuning circuitry provides stable chromatic playability, and will not go out of tune. This auto-tuning technology also means no warm-up time, no servicing for pitch calibration, no sensitivity to temperature changes – just the great sound of analog VCO.

Classic Analog Components – VCO, LFO, VCA

The VCO offers a choice between sawtooth, triangle and square wave. White noise can mixed in to the oscillator signal in any amount. The Octave selector covers a broad range, from deep bass to piercing lead-lines. Three EG (Envelope Generator) presets provide the VCA with impressive versatility and dexterity. The LFO can be patched to the VCO and/or the VCF, creating impressive dynamic effects. The Range switch allows the LFO to deliver stirring cyclic changes over tens of seconds (SLOW) or superfast (FAST) audio-range FM ringing. Switching the LFO Mode to the 1-shot setting allows the LFO behave as a second envelope generator – a truly powerful addition!

Vintage MS-10/MS-20 Filter

The monotribe features the same VCF circuit found on Korg’s classic MS-10 and MS-20 analog semi-patchable synthesizers. Distinctively analog, this sharp and powerful filter adds dramatic change to the sound, imparting the uniquely memorable character of Korg’s early analog synthesizers. Using the audio input, any audio source can be enhanced by passing through the filter section. Process an instrument, a voice, or a complete mix form CD or MP3 and create larger than life filter effects!

Sync Jacks: A Return to Modular

The monotribe provides both Sync In and Sync Out jacks, empowering multiple monotribe units to play and work together for a synchronized performance. Not just other monotribes, either. Audio line level pulses can trigger the Sync Input so the monotribe can be synchronized to a DAW system, for example. In addition, the polarity of the pulse waveform can be changed for both the input and output, so you can enjoy synchronized performance with a variety of equipment equipped with Sync connections.

On-The-Go Groove Making

Light, compact, and portable, monotribe is great on the go. Equipped with a built-in speaker and powered by six AA batteries, it is completely self-contained and ready to deliver hours of enjoyment wherever you take it.

Full Specifications

Operating Temperature:
0 – +40°C (non-condensing conditions)

Keyboard:
Ribbon keyboard

Sound Generator:
Analog synthesis
VCO: Waveshape (Saw, Triangle, Square); Octave Range (64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2); Noise Generator (Amount); Key Range (Wide, Narrow, Key)

VCF: 12 dB/Oct Low Pass Filter; Cutoff (Frequency); Peak (Resonance)

VCA: Gain knob: EG Select (Decay, Gate, Attack)

LFO: Rate (Speed); Intensity (Depth); Target Switch (VCO, VCF, VCO+VCF); Mode Switch (Fast, Slow, 1-Shot); Shape (Saw, Triangle, Square)

Drums:
3 parts, discrete analog

Sequencer:
8 steps

CONNECTORS:
Audio In: 3.5mm / ?” stereo mini-phone jack
Output: 6.3mm / ¼” stereo phone jack (unbalanced)
Headphones: 3.5mm / ?” stereo mini-phone jack
Sync In Jack: 3.5mm / ?” stereo mini-phone jack
Maximum input level: 20V
Sync Out Jack: 3.5mm / ?” stereo mini-phone jack
Output level: 5V

Power Supply:
AA/LR6 alkaline battery (x6)
AA nickel-metal hydride battery (x6)
Optional AC adapter (DC: 9V)

Battery Life:
Approximately 14 hours
(when using alkaline batteries)

Dimensions (W x D x H):
207 x 145 x 70mm/8.15 x 5.71 x 2.76 inches

Weight:
735g / 1.62 lbs. (without batteries)

Included items:
AA alkaline batteries for verifying operation;
Owner’s Manual

Korg intros WAVEDRUM Mini

At this year’s Winter NAMM Korg showed off its WAVEDRUM Oriental, a cracking limited edition drum pad eaturing a wide range of Arabic percussion sounds.

Now it has revealed the WAVEDRUM Mini, featuring the classic WAVEDRUM technology but in a smaller, more portable form.

Not only does it has a built-in speaker and run off batteries but it features a sensor clip allowing any object to be transformed in an instrument.

Effectively this means you can use a second surface to trigger a second sound on the Wavedrum. Attach the sensor clip to another object or surface and it instantly becomes another trigger point. That’s very cool.

Feature Highlights

• Portable percussion synthesizer built on Korg’s renowned Wavedrum technology
• Play two sounds at once for a rich musical experience:
  • Play one sound from the dynamic pad
  • Play a second sound from any surface or object using the sensor clip
• 100 Ready-to-play sounds ranging from acoustic tones to synthetic sounds
• 100 Rhythm patterns serve as a rhythmic guide or provide jam-along-fun
• 10 Preset audio effects; select any effect and enhance any sound
• On-board Looper allows unlimited overdub layering for complex, multi-sound patterns
• Share your sounds using the built-in speaker, or practice using headphones
• Battery operation lets you play with confidence on the street, outdoors or anywhere
• AC Adapter and mounting strap are included

Full Specifications

Sounds: 100
Combination Effects: 10
Input: Sensor Clip input
Outputs: Phones (Stereo mini), Output (1/4″)
Speaker: 10 x 5cm; 1.3 Watt
Sampling frequency: 48 kHz
A/D, D/A conversion: 24-bit
Display: 7-segment LED
Power Supply: AA nickel metal hydride batteries (x6); AC adapter
Battery Life: 4 hours *when using nickel metal hydride batteries (1900mAh)
Dimensions (W x D x H): 8.50 x 8.50 x 2.63 inches / 216 x 216 x 67mm
Weight: 2.20 lbs. / 1.0kg (batteries included)
Accessories: AC Adapter, Sensor clip, Strap

*Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.

Korg Chairman, Tsutomu Katoh, loses cancer battle

Korg has announced that its founder and chairman, Tsutomu Katoh, passed away in Japan on Tuesday morning, after a long battle with cancer.

President Seiki Kato noted in a statement, “Since he founded Korg Inc. in 1963, Mr. Katoh has led our company with great talent, vision and leadership. He was loved and respected by all the employees and Korg family members, and he made a huge contribution to the lives of countless musicians around the world.”

Korg USA President Joseph Castronovo stated, “Chairman Katoh was a true visionary and a personal friend, and he will be missed by everyone at Korg and indeed, the entire music industry. Over the past twenty years, I have witnessed firsthand the ways in which Korg has flourished under his and his family’s guidance and leadership. His passion and professional goals were one and the same: to provide innovative tools for musicians to help them grow their craft. And those goals remained the same throughout his life and career. He will be deeply missed.”

A funeral service will be held March 24 in Japan.

Korg Wavedrum Oriental dynamic percussion synthesiser revealed [NAMM11]

Korg has announced its limited edition Wavedrum Oriental, a percussion synthesiser featuring a wide range of Arabic percussion sounds.

Exotic sounds to Western ears, Arabic percussion is indispensable to belly dancing, world music and other popular genres. Many acoustic percussion instruments can produce a whole range of sounds simply by the way their rims and skins are hit, and the Wavedrum Oriental aims to replicate this with a direct physical method of performance.

All the sounds faithfully simulate the distinctive ways in which the tone is affected by subtle nuances in playing technique and the position of the strike on these acoustic instruments – the Darbuka with its thin single skin, the Riq with its single skin and jingles, and the dual-skinned Bendir.

There are 150 preset sound programs plus 150 user programs.

An optional percussion stand is also available.

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