Korg microKORG Crystal Synthesizer Information, Specifications and Resources

Author: Andy Merrett / Data Driven

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Overview

The Korg microKORG Crystal is a synthesizer released in 2022. It is aimed at musicians wanting to create and modify their own sounds.

The microKORG Crystal has 37 synth/organ style full sized keys with touch sensitivity but no aftertouch. It has two notes of polyphony. It has 128 on board sounds but no acoustic piano sounds. It does have other real world sounds though, and a sustain/damper pedal.

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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Specifications

Form

Number of Keys: 37
Key Weight: Synth
Key Size: Full
Touch Sensitive:
Aftertouch:

Sound

Number of Voices: 128
Polyphony: 2
Sound Generation: Analog Modelling Synthesis System
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: 2022
RRP: $479

Description

A shining homage to two decades of microKORG legacy

The instruments that musicians recognize as “classics” are those that are loved and always in use, regardless of times and trends. The word “classic” symbolizes musical instruments that are revolutionary in their field. There may be imitations of a classic, but the distinct character of the original shines more brilliantly and is only enhanced by time.

Two decades ago, the portable, battery powered microKORG was born with a radical new micro-keybed, a powerful Vocoder and ready-to-use sounds ideal for contemporary genres delivering countless hit performances, and instantly revolutionizing the way musicians played and! This compact sound monster introduced synthesis to a vast number of non keyboard playing musicians and created a way of making music we now take for granted: a small keyboard resting unassumingly atop a larger one onstage, made for use by hobbyists and pros alike and finding itself front and center of studios worldwide from the smallest bedroom to the largest pro recording facility.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of its release, the special edition microKORG Crystal offers a unique and stunningly stylish take on this beloved synth - now a classic in its own right.

20th anniversary model

The microKORG was originally released in 2002 and has remained strong for two decades. Countless tracks and artists have made use of the amazing possibilities of the microKORG magic, so that it continues to be one of the most popular choices for musicians on stage and in the studio.

microKORG Crystal is the ultimate reincarnation of this iconic synth - don’t miss it!

“Skeleton” type semi-translucent chassis, with matching knobs and controls

Previously unchanged, the microKORG Crystal features a new take on the structure of the microKORG, with a semi-translucent chassis that lets you see the electronics and internals. Even the controllers are semi-transparent, including the knobs, dials and wheels. As a commemorative model, the microKORG Crystal is great fun to look at from any angle, and as its name suggests, it “crystalizes” the energy and feelings of the KORG team behind its birth.

A panel with a beautiful sheen

The microKORG Crystal features a stainless mirror-finish front panel that blends perfectly with the semi-translucent knobs and dials, blurring the limits between you and your instrument and providing a cosmetic impact never seen in any other musical instrument.

Aluminum side panels for a sturdy feel

The original microKORG featured wooden side panels that suggested a retro feel, serving as an elegant accent to the analog modeled synth engine. This new special microKORG features sleek aluminum side panels for a clean and depurated look.

Synthesizer / Vocoder

Meet the Synthesizer that Changed Everything!

In the summer of 2002, Korg unleashed the compact and portable microKORG Synthesizer / Vocoder. More than just another synthesizer, the microKORG virtual analog synthesizer opened a new avenue for music-making. Combining mini-keys, battery power, a simple-to-use interface, and phenomenal sound, all at an attractive price, microKORG made the synthesizer available to every musician. Bass players, singers, guitarists, producers, DJs, horn players, all flocked to add the professional sounds of the microKORG synthesizer to their instrument arsenal.

One of the top-selling synthesizers in the world every year since its release, microKORG remains the champion of Korgâ€™s successful microSERIES: the microKORG XL, microSAMPLER, microPIANO, microSTATION, and microARRANGER.

microKORG Highlights:
37 mini-keys with velocity sensing

4-Voice Analog Modeling synth engine

128 completely editable presets

5 Assignable, tweak-able, realtime edit knobs

8-Band Vocoder with gooseneck mic

Unique Formant Hold and Formant Shift Vocoder features

Interactive arpeggiator with selectable steps

External audio processing

3 Effects: Chorus/Flanger, Phaser, and Ensemble

3 Delay Modes plus a 2-Band EQ

High-visibility LED display and indicators

Illuminated buttons

Retro-styling with solid wood endblocks

Pitch Bend & Modulation wheels

Battery-powered portability
With the microKORG analog modeling synthesizer, hardware matters. The built-in vocoder and selectable-step arpeggiator add a new dimension to performing and recording without the need to master new technologies. External sounds can be processed by the microKORGâ€™s filter and more. With dedicated knobs and an index to the sound-editing parameters available on the front panel, microKORG allows each player to go as deep into the sound engine as desired. But for many musicians, just choosing the sounds from the convenient categories provides instant satisfaction.

Classic looks, clear control
With its beige-gold body, wooden side panels and retro-influenced design, the microKORG analog modeling synthesizer has a look that's both vintage and funky. A large dial and LED illuminated buttons provide easy program selection even on a dark stage. There's no complex menu structure - all parameters are listed and accessible from the panel for easy access to any function.

Great sounds and expression
Korg has used all of the microKORGâ€™s synthesizer and vocoder power in the creation of 128 great-sounding presets. They cover a wide range of the latest musical styles plus many vintage favorites. Sixteen vocoder Programs are also included. The Pitch Bend wheel, Modulation wheel and five other knobs provide flexible realtime control over filter cutoff, attack, release and other important parameters. The Edit Mode allows players to fully edit the existing sounds, or to create new ones all their own.

Powerful synthesis
The microKORG synthesizer uses an advanced dual-oscillator analog modeling sound engine. Oscillator 1 features a total of 71 waveforms including traditional analog waves like saw, pulse, sine and noise, plus more unique choices like Vox wave and cross wave. Together they provide a cool selection that can be modulated to produce an extensive range of timbres. In addition, 64 exclusive DWGS waveforms from Korg's classic DW-8000 enable the microKORG to reproduce a broad collection of imitative sounds. Sounds like bells, electric pianos, guitars, basses and more that would be difficult reproduce on an analog synthesizer can easily be produced with a synthesizer vocoder such as the microKORG. Ring and Sync modulation from Oscillator 2 can be applied to create the kind of complex timbres that are the true sign of an advanced synthesizer.

Four filter modes are available, offering -12 dB (2-pole) low pass, high pass and band pass configurations plus an extra steep -24 dB (4-pole) low pass setting. All modes and settings include resonance. Two classic ADSR envelope generators and two MIDI-syncable LFOs provide robust sound-shaping power. Add a Virtual Patch matrix to create advanced modulation settings - routing the Mod Wheel to control filter cutoff or pulse width, using an LFO to control panning or amp level, etc. - and you have performance that is unheard of from a synthesizer vocoder in this price range!

Classic vocoding
The microKORG includes an 8-band synthesizer vocoder with many advanced features. You can capture and "freeze" the formants of your voice, and then play it across the keyboard, or shift the formant frequency to make your voice sound male, female, like a child or just plain wacky! Best of all, the microKORG comes with its own microphone so you can start having fun right away.

A full range of effects
Three types of modulation effects (chorus/flanger, phaser, ensemble), three types of delay effects (stereo, cross, L/R), and a two-band equalizer add the finishing touches to sound of the microKORG synthesizer / vocoder. The delays can be synchronized with the arpeggiator or to an external MIDI clock - a great feature for live performances or for laying down tracks. All effects can be edited to create your own, unique sounds.

Flexible arpeggiator
Six types of arpeggio patterns (UP, DOWN, ALT1/2, Random, Trigger) are built in, with control over tempo, gate time, swing, and up to a 4-octave range. Using buttons on the microKORGâ€™s front panel, individual steps can be turned on or off within a pattern, providing the feel and functionality of a step sequencer.

Audio in - Creativity out
Two external audio input jacks are provided, so you can run other instruments, CDs and more through the microKORG's filter and effects, allowing you to process sounds in truly creative ways.

A compact MIDI controller
The compact size of the microKORG synthesizer vocoder is perfect for the musician or DJ looking to add a synth to his or her setup when space is tight and it is a great choice for use in a computer-based music setup. The five realtime knobs on the front panel can transmit MIDI messages (control changes), so they can be used as controllers for software synthesizers. Use the 37-note velocity-sensitive mini-keyboard for controlling other gear or for recording and editing with your sequencer. And thanks to battery-power, the microKORG synthesizer vocoder is the ultimate portable controller when used with a laptop computer!

Sound Generation Method:
Analog Modeling Synthesis System

Synthesizer Program:
Multi Timbral:
2 (max, Normal/Dual Mode)

Voices:
4 voices

Sound Source:
2 Oscillator + Noise Generator
Multi Mode Filter (-24dB/oct LPF, -12dB/oct LPF/BPF/HPF)
EG x2, LFO x2, Virtual Patch x4

Vocoder Program:
Voices:
4 voices

Sound Source:
1 Oscillator + Noise Generator
EG x1
LFO x2
8 Channels vocoder
Level and pan of each channel can be edited
Formant Shift function

General Specifications:
Programs:
128 programs

Effects:
Modulation effects (3 types)
Delay (3 types)
Equalizer

Arpeggiator:
6 types

Keyboard:
37 Keys (mini-keyboard, velocity sensitive)

Inputs:
AUDIO IN 1, and 2

Level switch:
LINE/MIC
[AUDIO IN 1, 2 (LINE)]
[AUDIO IN 2 (MIC)]

Outputs:
L/MONO, R and Headphones

MIDI:
IN, OUT and THRU

Display:
3 characters x1 line with 8 segment LED

Power Supply:
DC 9 V (AC adapter), or six AA alkaline batteries (sold separately)

Power Consumption:
6.4 Watt maximum

Dimensions:
20.63"(W) x 9.13"(D) x 2.76"(H) 524mm(W) x 232mm(D) x 70mm(H)

Weight:
4.85 lbs. 2.2 kg

Accessories:
AC adapter (DC 9 V, 600 mA)
Condenser Microphone

FAQ

What year was the Korg microKORG Crystal launched?

This instrument was launched in 2022

What other models did Korg release in 2022?

miniKorg 700FS

What models did other manufacturers release in 2022?

What other synths were released at a similar time?

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More Info

Manufacturer Product Page: https://www.korg.com/us/products/synthesizers/microkorg2/index.php
Article Page: https://pianoandsynth.com/microkorg-celebrates-two-decades-with-crystal-edition-launch/
Purchase Page: https://amzn.to/4hoXIpW

Korg microKORG Crystal Synthesizer Information, Specifications and Resources

Overview

Specifications

Form

Sound

Extra Features

Communication

Power

Audio

Pedals

Release Info

Description

FAQ

Resources

Reviews

Purchase Links

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