Korg King Korg Virtual Analog Modelling Synthesizer

Details

Korg King Korg Virtual Analog Modelling Synthesizer

The KingKORG from Korg is the 61-key analog modeling synthesizer that bears the design philosophy of classic Korg analog synthesizers such as the MS-20 and the Mono/Poly, instruments which in turn inspired many of the company's subsequent creations.The velocity-sensitive keys can have their response adjusted (normal, shallow, or deep) to mimic the response of classic instruments.

The three-oscillator/two-timbre design, plus an XMT modeling sound engine allows the synthesizer to generate rich sounds while keeping both the oscillators and sound engine operations simple. In a conventional synthesizer, sound-creation requires adjusting oscillator settings one by one, whereas the KingKORG provides pre-set algorithms that contain combinations of various types and numbers of oscillators, allowing for easy and quick sound sculpting.

The oscillators are understandable to the beginner while at the same time satisfying for the expert. Algorithms include sawtooth and square wave, noise, in addition to numerous PCM/DWGS algorithms. The instrument also delivers a variety of filters, including those that reproduce the sounds of analog monophonic synthesizers used for lead and bass sounds in the 70's, the polyphonic synthesizers of 80's new wave music, and the filters of the classic MS-20 analog synthesizer. The filters can also be made to self-oscillate.

Three master effects, each with six effect types, can be applied to any sounds. The Pre FX section includes distortion and an amp simulator, while many classic effects like phasing, chorusing, and tremolo are found in the Mod FX section. The Rev/Delay section delivers ambience effects such as hall reverb and modulation delay. Each effect processor has a dedicated front panel dial for selecting the type. Finally, a fully analog vacuum tube driver circuit can be used as a mastering effect to add warmth, overdrive distortion, or anything in between.

A microphone input provides the audio source for the built-in vocoder. The vocoder features Formant Shift that dramatically modifies the tonal character of the modulated sound, as well as Formant Hold, which allows for "freezing" a vowel sound and playing it back from the keyboard. A step arpeggiator provides a choice of six arpeggio types, with the ability to specify the duration, interval, and on/off status of each step. A virtual patch function continues the classic synthesizer mold, allowing for connecting various functions using the six Virtual Patch assignments per timbre.

61-key analog modeling synthesizer designed for live performance

200 preset programs with 100 locations available for custom sounds

Oscillators that are understandable to the beginner yet complex enough for the advanced user

Modeling filters that reproduce the sound of classic instruments

Three master effect sections, each with six effect types

Vacuum tube driver circuit adds overtones and distortion

Built-in vocoder uses audio from the onboard microphone input to modulate the carrier

Virtual patch function that mimics the physical patching of older synthesizers

Step arpeggiator

Panel layout designed for intuitive operation

"Favorites" function for convenience in live performance

CV/Gate Out jack for controlling a Korg monotribe or MS-20

Support for librarian software that allows for managing programs

Specifications

Synthesis Method : XMT (eXpanded Modeling Technology)

Keyboard :

61 semi-weighted, velocity sensitive keys

Adjustable key response (Normal, Shallow, Deep)

Polyphony : Up to 24 voices

Programs :

8 x Categories
Up to 2 timbres (layered or split) per program

Presets : 200

User Memory : 100

Oscillators :

Structure : 3 x Oscillators (Analog, Noise, DWGS, PCM, Mic In)

Number of Types : 127 (Analog and Noise, 32 DWGS, 64 PCM, 30 Mic In)

Filters :

Structure : 1 x Filter per timbre (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass)

Filter Types : 7 x LPF, 5 x HPF, 6 x BPF, including modeling filters

Modulation : 2 x EG units, 2 x LPF units, 1 x Amp

Virtual Patch : 6 x Virtual patches per timbre

Effects :

Sections : 3 x Program effects (Pre FX, Mod FX, Rev/Delay) + EQ (2-band) + Tube (stereo)
Types :

6 x Pre FX (Distortion, Decimator, Ring Mod, GT Amp, EP Amp, Tone)

6 x Mod FX (Flanger, Chorus, U-Vibe, Tremolo, Phaser, Rotary)

6 x Rev/Delay (Hall, Room, Plate, Tape Echo, Mod Delay, BPM Delay)

Vocoder : 16-band with formant shift and formant hold

Arpeggiator :

Up to 8 steps (number of steps can be changed)

6 types (Up, Down, Alt1, Alt2, Random, Trigger)

Controllers

Controllers : Joystick, Octave Up/Down button, Category/Favorite button

Control Input : Damper pedal (supports half damping), Switch/Pedal

Control Output : CV/Gate Out

Inputs :

Mic In Connector : 1 x XLR (balanced)

Input Impedance : 6.8k?

Maximum level : -12 dBu

Outputs :

Connector : 2 x 1/4" TS phone "L/MONO, R" (unbalanced)

Load Impedance : >10k?

Maximum Level : -12 dBu

Headphones :

Connector : 1 x 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo mini phone

Maximum Level : 60 mW + 60 mW @ 33?

Other Connectors :

2 x 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O

1 x USB Type B

Display :

Main Display : 16 character x 2 line OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)

Sub Display for Oscillator and Filter Sections : 128 x 64 dot OLED

Operating Temperature : 32 to 104F (0 to 40C)

Power Requirements :

Via included external power supply

10W consumption

Dimensions (WxDxH) : 40.4 x 12.3 x 3.8" (1027 x 313 x 96 mm)

Weight : 15.4 lb (7 kg)