Korg KingKORG Synthesizer Information, Specifications and Resources

Author: Andy Merrett / Data Driven

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Korg KingKORG

Overview

The Korg KingKORG is a synthesizer released in 2013. It is aimed at musicians wanting to create and modify their own sounds.

The KingKORG has 61 synth/organ style full sized keys with touch sensitivity but no aftertouch. It has 24 notes of polyphony. It has 300 on board sounds including pianos and real world sounds, and a sustain/damper pedal.

The KingKORG uses Korg's Cross-Modulated Timbres (XMT), a synthesis model focusing on evolving spectral content.

It has built-in MIDI capabilities. It has no built-in learning system. It has no built-in speakers which means you will have to connect it to external amplification and speakers in order to hear it. It runs from AC power.

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Disclosure

Check out the latest Korg keyboards on Amazon

As the Korg KingKORG is 13 years old, you may find used models and spare parts on ebay.

Specifications

Form

Number of Keys: 61
Key Weight: Synth
Key Size: Full
Touch Sensitive:
Aftertouch:

Sound

Number of Voices: 300
Polyphony: 24
Sound Generation: XMT (eXpanded Modeling Technology)
Piano Sounds:
Real World Sounds:
Sounds Editable:
Accompaniments:

Extra Features

Recorder/Sequencer:
Tutorials:

Communication

MIDI:
USB:
Tablet Connectivity:

Power

AC Power:
Batteries:

Audio

Speakers:
Audio Out:
Audio In:

Pedals

Sustain Pedal:
Soft Pedal:
Expression Pedal:

Release Info

Year: 2013
RRP: $1549

Description

Synthesizer


Ready for live performance.

KingKORG is the full-fledged analog modeling synthesizer you've been waiting for. It carries on the design philosophy of classic Korg analog synthesizers such as the MS-20 and the Mono/Poly, which gave rise to the Prophecy, the Z1, the MS2000, and the RADIAS. This exciting new instrument delivers the unique characteristics of a dedicated synthesizer, especially the fun of transforming the sound by tweaking an impressive array of knobs. While technologically impressive, KingKORG is approachable even to players who are new to synthesizers. And it particularly shines on stage, not only with its great sound, but also literally with a gorgeous champagne gold finish, befitting its royal name – KingKORG.


Product Highlights:


Powerful oscillators that are both understandable to the beginner and satisfying for the expert

KingKORG features a 3-oscillator x 2-timbre design that allows you to generate thick and rich sounds, plus a newly developed XMT modeling sound engine. XMT (Xpanded Modeling Technology) is proprietary Korg technology that was created in order to produce a broad range of sonic variations while keeping operation simple. In a conventional synthesizer, the sound-creating process requires you to adjust the oscillator settings one by one, making it difficult to see the overall picture. In contrast, KingKORG provides pre-set algorithms that contain combinations of various types and numbers of oscillators, letting you easily and quickly sculpt stage-ready sounds. The wide range of oscillator algorithms includes the choices you’d expect from an analog synthesizer–sawtooth wave, square wave, and noise–in addition to numerous PCM/DWGS algorithms, giving you plenty of scope choices for creating highly personal sounds.


Modeling filters that reproduce the sound of classic instruments

While designing KingKORG, extreme attention was paid to the filter section, which is crucial to a synthesizer's character. A diverse variety of filters is a unique advantage of analog modeling, and KingKORG’s filters add unparalleled flexibility. In addition to a variety of essential analog modeling filter types, you get faithful models of filters that reproduce the analog monophonic synths used for lead and bass in the '70s, the polyphonic synths used in new wave music of the '80s, and the filters of Korg's classic MS-20 analog synth. These filters can also be made to self-oscillate by raising the resonance setting– a unique capability of analog synthesizers.


Three master effects, each with six effect types, add the finishing touch to your sound

KingKORG provides three master effect sections, each giving you a choice of six effect types: PRE FX, with types such as distortion and amp simulator; MOD FX, with classic effects like phaser, chorus, and tremolo; and REV/DELAY, with ambience effects such as hall reverb and modulation delay. Each effect processor has a dedicated front panel dial that selects the effect type. To choose the ideal effect type, simply turn the dial to hear the result, and use the FX control knobs located below these dials to adjust the effect as desired.


Vacuum tube driver circuit adds rich overtones and powerful distortion

KingKORG provides a full-analog vacuum tube driver circuit as a mastering effect. You can use it to add warm fullness, a powerful overdrive, or anything in between.


Vocoder function

The built-in vocoder uses audio from the onboard mic input to modify the sound, creating an effect as though the synthesizer were talking. The vocoder features Formant Shift to dramatically modify the tonal character, as well as Formant Hold, which allows you to “freeze” a vowel sound and play it back using the keys. Thanks to the KingKORG’s dual-timbre architecture, you can even combine the vocoder with another timbre, either as a complementing sound or a modulation source.


Virtual patch function

On many classic synthesizers (such as the MS-20), the signal flow could be reconfigured using patch cables to physically connect one element to another. KingKORG reproduces this function with an intuitive Virtual Patch system. With six Virtual Patch assignments per timbre, control signals such as EG, LFO, or joystick movement can be virtually connected to sound parameters such as pitch or cutoff, allowing you to modulate a parameter for even greater sound-shaping possibilities.


Step arpeggiator function

The step arpeggiator automatically generates an arpeggiated phrase (broken chord) according to the chord you hold on the keyboard. You can choose from six arpeggio types, and specify the duration, interval, and on/off status of each step to enjoy a wide variety of performance possibilities.


Newly designed panel layout allows intuitive operation

The newly designed panel is organized into blocks that let you focus on the controls you need while editing. While reflecting the concept of an analog synthesizer's signal flow, KingKORG's front panel takes full advantage of today's technology. For example, the oscillator section has its own dedicated display that shows the name of the currently selected algorithm. You can turn the dial located beside this display to see descriptive names, and push the dial to jump to the beginning of categories such as ANALOG or DWGS. The control knobs are assigned to the most effective and important parameters for each oscillator, letting you enjoy the unique feature of an analog synthesizer --- turning the knobs to transform the sound. There are also dedicated dials for each of the three master effects, making it easy to try out different effects and hear how they modify the sound. Since a self-luminous organic EL display is used, visibility is excellent even on a dimly lit stage.


61 dynamic, full-size keys, plus Korg’s X/Y Joystick

KingKORG features a generous five octaves of velocity-sensitive keys, whose response can even be adjusted (Normal, Shallow, or Deep) to mimic that of classic instruments. Below the dedicated octave shift buttons, you’ll find a backlit X/Y joystick, ready to control your most important live performance tweaks. Play through some of the preset sounds, and you’ll notice that the joystick is already set up for useful and inspiring modulation.


Favorites function for convenience in live performance

The Favorites function lets you recall frequently-used programs at a single touch. You can assign a total of 40 programs to the eight category favorite buttons for easy recall.


200 built-in preset programs

KingKORG provides a diverse selection of 200 stage-ready preset programs organized into eight categories such as Synth, Lead, and Bass. There's a great selection of the staple sounds you need for live performance, including numerous PCM sounds for piano, electric piano, organ, and clavinet. Thanks to KingKORG’s ability to emulate filters from classic synthesizers, you’ll find familiar and authentic sounds that are perfect for playing your favorite classic and modern songs, along with new and inspiring sounds to broaden your horizons. There's also a user area for you to store 100 of your own sounds.


CV/GATE OUT jack lets you control the monotribe or MS-20

The CV/GATE OUT jack lets you use an analog signal to control a KORG monotribe or MS-20. A dedicated cable for the monotribe is included, allowing you to use the keyboard of KingKORG to play the monotribe.


Support for librarian software that lets you manage programs

You can manage programs on your computer simply by connecting KingKORG to your computer via a USB cable and using the librarian software. The librarian software can be downloaded at no charge from the Korg website or from the website of your local Korg distributor.


Specifications


System

  • XMT (eXpanded Modeling Technology)

Program

Number of programs:

  • 300 (Preset: 200)

Number of categories:

  • 8 categories

Number of timbres:

  • Up to 2 Timbres (Layered or Split)

Maximum voice polyphony:

  • Up 24 voices

Oscillator

Structure:

  • 3 Oscillators (Analog, Noise, DWGS, PCM, MIC IN)

Number of Types:

  • 127 types (Analog & Noise: 32 + DWGS: 64 + PCM: 30 + MIC IN)


Filter

Structure:

  • 1 filter per timbre (LPF, HPF, BPF)

Number of Filter Types:

  • 18 types (LPF: 7 + HPF: 5 + BPF: 6), including modeling filters

Modulation:

  • EG: 2 units, LPF: 2 units, AMP

Virtual Patch:

  • 6 Virtual Patches per timbre


Effect

Sections:

  • Program effects x 3 (PRE FX, MOD FX, REV/DELAY) + EQ (2 Band) + TUBE (Stereo)

Types:

  • PRE FX: 6 types (DISTORTION, DECIMATOR, RING MOD, GT AMP, EP AMP, TONE)
  • MOD FX: 6 types (FLANGER, CHORUS, U-VIBE, TREMOLO, PHASER, ROTARY)
  • REV/DELAY: 6 types (HALL, ROOM, PLATE, TAPE ECHO, MOD DELAY, BPM DELAY)


Vocoder

  • 16-Band Vocoder with Formant Shift and Formant Hold


Arpeggiator

  • Up to 8 steps (The number of steps can be changed)
  • 6 types (UP, DOWN, ALT1, ALT2, RANDOM, TRIGGER)


Audio

Input:

  • Mic In
    • Connection: XLR-3-31 Type (Balanced)
    • Input Impedance: 6.8 kO
    • Maximum level: -12 dBu

Output:

  • Audio Output
    • Connections: 6.3 mm, TS phone jack (Unbalanced) “L/MONO, R”
    • Load Impedance: More than 10 kO
    • Maximum level: -12 dBu
  • Headphone
    • Connection: 3.5 mm, Stereo min phone jack
    • Maximum level: 60 mW + 60 mW @33O

Display

Main Display:

  • 16 characters x 2 lines / OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)


Sub Displays for Oscillator and Filter Sections:

  • 128 x 64 dots / OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)


Keyboard

  • 61 notes (Semi-Weighted Keyboard)
  • *Velocity-sensitive
  • *Adjustable Key Response (NORMAL, SHALLOW, DEEP)


Control

Controller:

  • Joystick, Octave Up/Down button, Category/Favorite button


Control input:

  • DAMPER pedal (Supports Half Dampering)
  • SWITCH/PEDAL


Control Output:

  • CV/GATE Out


Terminals

  • MIDI In, MIDI Out, USB Type B


Power

  • AC Adapter


Dimensions (W x D x H)

  • 40.43 x 12.32 x 3.78 inches / 1,027 × 313 × 96 mm


Weight

  • 15.43 lbs. / 7.0 kg


Power Consumption

  • 10 W


Temperature Requirements

  • 0 – 40°C (avoid condensation)


Included Accessories

  • AC Adapter
  • Owner’s Manual
  • Cable for CV/GATE (For KORG monotribe only)


Optional Accessories

  • XVP-10 Expression/Volume pedal
  • EXP-2 Foot Controller
  • DS-1H Damper Pedal
  • PS-1 or PS-3 Pedal Switch


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

FAQ

What year was the Korg KingKORG launched?

This instrument was launched in 2013

What other models did Korg release in 2013?

What models did other manufacturers release in 2013?

What other synths were released at a similar time?

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Added: 2026-01-26 Updated: 2026-02-11 ID: 350

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