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Korg microKORG S Synthesizer/Vocoder

BH #KOMICROKORGS • MFR #MICROKORGS
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Korg microKORG S Synthesizer/Vocoder
Key Features
  • 37 Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys
  • 8-Channel Vocoder
  • 4-Voice Polyphony, 2-Part Multi-Timbral
  • 2+1 Sound System
The MicroKORG S from Korg is a synthesizer/vocoder housed in a compact but rugged enclosure and features thirty-seven velocity-sensitive "Natural Touch" mini keys and an integrated high-quality 2+1 sound system. Combining analog modeling with a vocoder provides the user with a wide range of styles and sounds. The microKORG S features an updated sound set with 256 presets and 64 user sets for saving your own creations. What's more, eight favorites can be saved to the quick program selection for quick performance sets.
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Korg microKORG S Overview

From Manufacturer

The MicroKORG S from Korg is a synthesizer/vocoder housed in a compact but rugged enclosure and features thirty-seven velocity-sensitive "Natural Touch" mini keys and an integrated high-quality 2+1 sound system. Combining analog modeling with a vocoder provides the user with a wide range of styles and sounds. The microKORG S features an updated sound set with 256 presets and 64 user sets for saving your own creations. What's more, eight favorites can be saved to the quick program selection for quick performance sets.

The vocoder consists of an 8-band filter bank that simulates the sounds of the past, while also allowing for filter-frequency shifting (Format Shift), or adjusting the level and pan of each band to dramatically change the overall character of a sound. A gooseneck microphone is included. Two master effects utilize the effect engine from the company's Kaoss Pad series, with a total of seventeen types including delay and echo, a ring modulator and grain shifter. Time-based effects can be synchronized to MIDI clock.

What's Notable
Built-in 2+1 speaker system ensures a rich and full sound at any volume
Increased memory and additional factory and user programs
Elegant design retains the spirit of the original
Favorite Select function
All of the functionality of the original microKORG
Analog-Modeling Synthesizer
The analog-modeling system of the microKORG S uses DSP technology to simulate an analog synthesizer. Starting with a variety of different oscillator algorithms (such as the sawtooth and square waves familiar to users of analog synthesizers) you can use the various controls located on the front panel to edit any sound, or to create sounds of your own. All sound parameters are organized into “sections”—by selecting the appropriate section and turning the appropriate knob you can edit sounds quickly, easily and intuitively. You can also modify the sound in real time as you perform
 

  • Number of Timbres: Maximum 2 (when layer is used)
  • Maximum Polyphony: 4 voices
  • Structure: 2 oscillators + noise generator: sawtooth wave, square wave, triangle wave, sine wave, Vox wave, DWGS x 64, Noise, Audio In (eight types)
  • PWM function, OSC Sync function, Ring Mod. function, OSC Sync+Ring Mod. function
  • Multimode filters: -24 dB/oct LPF, -12 dB/oct LPF, -12 dB/oct BPF, -12 dB/oct HPF (four types)
  • Filter EQ, Amp EG, LFO1, LFO2 (LFO: six waveforms, can be synchronized to the arpeggiator or to external MIDI clock)
Vocoder
You can connect a mic to one of the microKORG S's AUDIO IN 1 jacks, and use it as a vocoder – a device that imposes the spectral character of a voice (or other audio signal) on the sound of an oscillator, producing the impression that the oscillator is speaking. The vocoder consists of eight channels (sixteen filters used in pairs). In addition to simulating the sounds of classic vocoder units, you can change the filter frequency and adjust the level and pan of each band to create original vocoder sounds
 

  • Maximum Polyphony: 4 voices
  • Structure: 8-channel vocoder, adjustable level/pan for each channel, Formant Shift function, 1 oscillator + noise generator (eight types)
  • Filter EG, Amp EG, LFO1, LFO2 (LFO: six waveforms, can be synchronized to the arpeggiator or to external MIDI clock)
256 Built-In Programs
The microKORG S contains 256 built-in programs. When shipped, the TRANCE-S.E./HIT banks contain synth programs, and the VOCODER bank contains vocoder programs
External Input Source
The waveform of an external audio source can be input via the Audio In 1 and 2 jacks, and processed in the same way as the internal waveforms
Virtual Patch Function
Modulators and controllers such as filter EG, amp EG, LFO 1/2, keyboard tracking, and wheel can be virtually patched (without using actual patch cables) to parameters such as pitch, cutoff, and amp. This gives you even more creative flexibility
Effects
For even greater possibilities, the microKORG S provides three types of modulation effect, three types of delay, and an equalizer. The delay effect can be synchronized with the arpeggiator or an external MIDI clock, allowing numerous applications in live performance
Step Arpeggiator
The microKORG S's arpeggiator lets you produce an arpeggio simply by holding down a chord. You can choose from six arpeggio types, and adjust the duration and spacing of the arpeggiated notes. You can also specify whether a note will be on or off for each of up to eight steps, letting you create a broad range of modified rhythms and other effects

Korg microKORG S Specs

Sound Generation
Analog modeling synthesis system
Multitimbral
2 (max, Split/Dual Mode)
Structure
2 x Oscillators + Noise Generator: Sawtooth wave, square wave, triangle wave, sine wave, Vox wave, DWGS x 64, Noise, Audio In (8 types)
PWM function, OSC Sync function, Ring Mod. function, OSC Sync + Ring Mod. function
Multimode filters: -24 dB/oct LPF, -12 dB/oct LPF, -12 dB/oct BPF, -12 dB/oct HPF (4 types)
Filter EG, Amp EG, LFO1, LFO2 (LFO: six waveforms, synchronizable to arpeggiator or external MIDI clock)
Vocoder
Maximum polyphony: 4 voices
Structure: 8-channel vocoder, adjustable level and pan for each channel, Formant Shift function 1 oscillator + noise generator (8 types)
Filter EG, Amp EG, LFO1, LFO2, (LFO: six waveforms, 
synchronizable to arpeggiator or external MIDI clock)
Programs
256 programs (192 Presets / 64 Users)
Up to eight favorite programs can be registered
Effects
Modulation effects: flanger / chorus, phaser, ensemble (3 types)
Delay: stereo, cross, L/R (3 types)
Equalizer
Arpeggiator
6 types (UP, DOWN, ALT1/2, Random, Trigger), Step Arpeggiator function
Controls
5 x Real-time control knobs
Arpeggiator On/Off
Keyboard
37 keys (mini keyboard, velocity-sensitive)
Inputs
Audio In 1 Condenser jack (with MIC/LINE switch)
Connector +5 V mini-phone jack
Audio In 1 (Line)
Input impedance: 39 kOhms
Maximum input level: -3.5 dBu (Volume 1: Max)
Audio In 1 (Mic)
Input Impedance: 22 kOhms
Maximum Input Level: -33 dBu (Volume 1: Max)

Audio In 1 Dynamic Jack (with MIC/LINE switch)
Connector 1/4" phone jack (unbalanced)
Audio In 1 (Line)
Input Impedance: 39 kOhms
Maximum Input Level: -3.5 dBu (Volume 1: Max)
Input Impedance: 600 Ohms
Audio In 1 (Mic)
Input Impedance: 22 kOhms
Maximum Input Level -33 dBu (Volume 1: Max)
Input impedance: 600 Ohm

Audio In 2 Line Jack
Connector 1/4" phone jack (unbalanced)
Input Impedance: 39 kOhms
Maximum Input Level -3.5 dBu (Volume 2: Max)
Input Impedance: 600 Ohms
Outputs
L/Mono, R Jacks
Output Impedance: 1.1 kOhms (Mono: 550 Ohms)
Maximum Output Level: +0.0 dBu or more
Load impedance: 100 kOhms

Headphones Jack
Output Impedance: 10 Ohms
Maximum Output Level: 35 mW
Load Impedance: 33 Ohms
Speaker Amplifier
Amp Output / Speaker:
1 x 3 W / 1.6" / 4.0 cm
2 x 0.5 W / 1.4" / 3.5 cm
Display
3 characters x 1 line with 8-segment LED
Power Supply
9 VDC (AC adapter)
6 x AA alkaline batteries (sold separately)
Battery Life
Approximately 4 hours or more (when using alkaline batteries)
Dimensions
20.6 x 9.1 x 2.8" / 524.0 x 231.9 x 70.1 mm
Weight
5.5 lb / 2.5 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
8.75 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
26 x 12 x 5.3"

Korg microKORG S Reviews

Out of this World Improvements, Amazing Synthesizer!

By Andrew
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-10-27

I've had this synthesizer for a little less than a year now, but have owned the original Microkorg since 2010 or so. Man! This thing is pumped with all the improvements you wish you had in the original Minikorg! The Speaker ultimately made this synth a must have for me, and it's really solidified my opinion on how great it is! I no longer have to unpack my amp, or configure a chain of signal routing just to get a sound from my Microkorg. This thing allows me to turn it on, and jam out in the open air. No headphones, or amps required. The New sound bank is cool, but not really anything to ditch your old Korg for. What's impactful is the D-bank of empty patches, that you can sculpt and save for. Now I'm no longer deleting factory presets when I create a cool sound. The vocoder is nice, and upgraded with 8 new Vocoder patches. The one we all want (A Dry Input) has now been installed, as well as a few robot voices, and sound that aren't so cheap. The color is kinda bland, but a few sticks never hurt anybody. The LED colors have been modified as well, in a better way. If you've never owned a Microkorg and have always thought about buying one, I HIGHLY recommend you get this! It's a GREAT started toy into synthesis, and when you really get into the bare bones of sculpting waveforms in the menus, you'll find you can do so much with this synth.

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