This week’s edition of Synth Deals brings you a selection of offers ranging from affordable synth modules to effects units and processors.

Synth Deals

Maybe you’re an experienced musician who’s never dabbled with synthesizers, or a complete beginner. Either way, this is a great opportunity to save on getting your first synth. Let’s take a closer look at the offers available:

Behringer JT-4000 Micro

The JT-4000 Micro takes you back to the 1990s with its recreation of the Roland JP-8000 virtual analogue synth engine. This little module uses a 12-bit DA converter and provides two oscillators per voice as well as a 2-operator FM synthesis engine.

Another interesting factor is its analogue filter, with accessible controls. So, you have the ability to use a range of different waveforms including the famous Supersaw, and shape the sound with ease.

Overall, the JT-4000 Micro is an exciting synth for the price. What’s more, its convenient USB-C connectivity both powers the synth and gives it MIDI capabilities.

• Save 10% on the Behringer JT-4000 Micro now at $44
• More from Behringer

Behringer JT-4000 Micro

Available for $44 at

SOMA Metaconformer

Is your DAWless jamming setup beginning to feel a bit stagnant? Enter the SOMA Metaconformer. This versatile MIDI processor can reconfigure your workflow in some very fun ways.

With its three modes, you can change your MIDI signal path. For instance, the Combiner mode will allow you to control several monosynths simultaneously with a single polyphonic input.

Meanwhile, the Splitter mode allows up to 8 zones per MIDI channel. What’s more, the Translator mode can convert note information into CC messages and there’s also a clock output function which is very useful.

• Get nearly 10% off the SOMA Metaconformer now at $169
• More from SOMA

SOMA Metaconformer

Available for $169 at

Jomox T-Resonator II

The Jomox T-Resonator II is a very tweakable stereo analogue effects box with 8 different delay algorithms for creative sound processing. These include chorus, flanger, waveguide, delay, and reverb effects.

Once you’ve selected the effects program you want to work with, you then have two program-specific parameters with which to tweak the sound. In addition, the dual-filter matrix provides a versatile platform for sound shaping.

Here, you can create feedback loops with colourful or angry resonant peaks which is useful on drums, synths, guitars, and more. Overall, the T-Resonator II presents a different approach to effects processing, and it’s especially suitable for electronic music.

• Save 25% on the Jomox T-Resonator II now at $249
• More from Jomox

Jomox T-Resonator II

Available for $249 at

KORG microKORG XL+

Now a modern classic, the microKORG XL+ is an 8-voice virtual analogue synthesizer with a 16-band vocoder. The microKORG never offered a control per parameter interface, but it did provide an intuitive platform for selecting and tweaking sounds.

The 128 presets are categorized into music genres and types, while the synthesis controls and effects are accessible with the three knobs on the top right of the keyboard.

Although simplistic, the microKORG XL+ is surprisingly versatile and sounds great, with a range of 17 KAOSS effects to add expression and character.

• Get 25% off the microKORG XL+ now at $456
• More from KORG

KORG microKORG XL+

Available for $456 at

ASM Hydrasynth Explorer

The ASM Hydrasynth Explorer is a unique 8-voice digital wave-morphing synthesizer with the ability to shift between oscillator waveshapes. With each of its three oscillators, you can select from the range of 219 waveforms.

From there, you have a dual-filter section, five 5-stage envelopes, five LFOs, and a flexible mod matrix for adding further animation to your sounds.

What’s more, you can add effects such as chorus, rotary cabinet, flanger, phaser, tremolo, EQ, Lo-Fi, compressor, reverb, and delay. Overall, with MIDI I/O, CV outs, USB connectivity, and portable battery operation, the Explorer is a versatile synth.

• Get nearly 15% off the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer now at $519
• More from ASM

ASM Hydrasynth Explorer

Available for $519 at

More about Synth Deals:

• All about Synthesizers
• More Deals

*Note: percentage discounts may vary according to your region and currency conversion rates on the day of purchase. Displayed percentage discounts are guidelines only.

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If you’ve got keyboard skills, or even if you don’t, workstations provide an amazing set of tools for creating music. To help you navigate this process, we’ve selected some of the best workstation keyboards under $2500.

Workstations became extremely popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when producers like Timbaland and Scott Storch dominated the charts with the sounds from workstations from Yamaha and Korg.

As music moved into the button-bashing phase, the keyboard-driven production style waned in popularity. It’s still, however, a very effective way to get a unique and dynamic feel into the core of your tracks.

Choosing the best workstation keyboards under $2500

With the overall sound engine quality as a priority, we’ve selected keyboards based on sound creation and synthesis capabilities, arrangement and production features, as well as live performance functionality.

Yamaha MODX8+

The MODX8+ is an 88-key GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) synth workstation keyboard with Yamaha’s advanced Motion control synthesis engine.

There are 2 parts to this engine, each with 128 voices:

• The AWM2 (2nd-Gen Advanced Wave Memory) section with 5.67 GB of ROM waveforms and an additional 1.75 GB of flash ROM for user waveforms
• The incredibly powerful 8-operator FM-X synthesis engine with 88 algorithms

In addition, the MODX8+ has built-in effects and EQ for both the individual parts and the master section and a bank of over 2000 performance presets.

• More from Yamaha

Yamaha MODX8+

Customer rating:

(7)

Available for 1,699.00 € at

Roland Fantom-08

With the Fantom-08, you get an extremely versatile instrument with features for both music production and live performance. It’s equipped with an 88-key PHA-4 (Progressive Hammer Action) keyboard, 256-voice polyphony, and five sound engines.

Apart from the impressive sound library and sound-shaping tools, you also get a 32-band vocoder, an 8-voice pad sampler, and the onboard 16-track sequencer with step recording and TR drum programming.

The fun part about the Fantom series is you get a great collection of sound from classic Roland synths. When combined with the rhythm pattern creator, arpeggiator, or chord memory function, this can be seriously fun.

• More from Roland

Roland Fantom-08

Customer rating:

(10)

Available for 1,659.00 € at

AKAI MPC Key 61

The AKAI MPC Key 61 is a complete music production and DAW control platform with recording, sequencing, sampling, and synthesis capabilities. Although the MPC Keys can do it all, it can still become the center of your studio or keyboard rig.

With MIDI I/O, CV/Gate outputs, and an additional set of outputs, you can sequence other instruments, connect your Eurorack synth, or incorporate your outboard gear into your workflow.

As an instrument, the MPC Keys allows you to get started immediately with 25 instrument plug-ins, over 6000 preset sounds, and 100 different multi-effects.

• More from AKAI

AKAI Professional MPC Key 61

Customer rating:

(16)

Available for 1,298.00 € at

Korg Nautilus 88

If you’re looking for a complete keyboard-driven music production system, the Nautilus 88 provides creative tools in almost every aspect.

With up to 200-voice polyphony and 9 sound engines including SGX-2, EP-1, HD-1, AL-1, CX-3, STR-1, MOD-7, MS-20EX and PolysixEX, you’re well equipped to take on most modern music styles.

Apart from the 16-track sequencer, the Nautilus also provides sampling capabilities and a 24-bit 48kHz 16-track audio recorder with 16 different effects processors and 3-band EQ on every channel.

Korg Nautilus 88

Customer rating:

(5)

Available for 2,499.00 € at

• More from KORG

Kurzweil K2700

The K2700 is an incredibly versatile instrument from the expressive 88-key Fatar TP/40L keyboard to the realistic Kurzweil sound engines onboard.

These include the V.A.S.T, 6-operator FM, and VA1 Virtual Analogue synthesis engines, the KB3 ToneReal organ, and K.S.R. (Kurzweil String Resonance) modeling technology.

The K2700 has a 16-track sequencer and also offers a MIDI CC sequencer for automation which is useful, and the comprehensive effects section gives you so much creative power.

• More from Kurzweil

Kurzweil K2700

Customer rating:

(11)

Available for 2,879.00 € at

More about Workstation Keyboards:

• More about keyboards
• All about synths

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Korg’s sample-based workstation the M1 is one of the best-selling synthesizers of all time. Along with Roland’s D-50, it finally put analogue synthesis to bed and heralded in a new age of shiny digital music. But is it still relevant in the 21st century? 

Korg M1

Cast your eyes (and ears) back to the late 1980s. The race to develop a new kind of digital synthesis had been on since 1983 when Yamaha unleashed the DX7 on the world. FM was out though since Yamaha had exclusive rights over the patent. Sample synthesis would end up being the big thing, with Roland finally dropping the popular D-50 in 1987. However, Korg would significantly up the ante the following year with one of the most popular synthesizers of all time: the M1 Music Workstation.

The clue to its popularity was in the name Workstation. Yes, its 16-bit PCM sounds were incredible, and its multi-effects section was a revelation. It also had drum samples – a first for a synth – plus a serviceable sequencer. But by bringing all of this together, Korg had invented an all-in-one machine that could take you from initial sound programming through to finished song. It was a revelation and it flew off the shelves.

Korg M1: Welcome To AI Synthesis

Korg’s M1 was sample-based, although it was not a sampler. Taking what they had learned with their DSS-1, Korg created a sample synthesis system called AI. Standing not for Artificial Intelligence but the (honestly rather awkward) Advanced Integrated, it combined multi-sampled waveforms, computer-generated DWGS waves replicating standard waveforms, sampled attack portions like on the D-50, and others. Korg managed to cram these 16-bit sounds into a measly 4 MB of ROM but users could purchase additional sounds on ROM cards.

The 16-voice, eight-part multitimbral M1 was more than just a basic ROMpler though (that branch of synths didn’t actually exist yet). This was a true synthesizer, just with sampled sounds as the source. It was ones and zeroes through and through. With two digital oscillators, a digital lowpass (though non-resonant) filter and three multipoint digital envelopes, there was a lot you could do to change sounds – although the presets sounded so good, most did not (see below for more).

Korg M1: You Gotta Work

While the M1 undoubtedly sounded good, it was the workstation aspect of it that set it apart from the new wave of digital instruments like the D-50. First of all, it had a proper multi-effects section, with two slots for delay, reverb, chorus, Leslie, distortion, EQ, and more.

It also had a sequencer. It was limited though, with only space for 10 songs and 100 patterns. Reviews of the time bemoaned the lack of floppy drive although you could save to an optional RAM card. However, it was good enough to get by on, and the presence of drums plus multiple outs made it very attractive as an all-in-one production solution.

Korg M1: The Sound Of The ‘80s

The combination of high-quality sounds and workstation features made the M1 exceedingly popular with musicians of all kinds. It could do bread-and-butter patches with a level of realism that was astonishing for the time. Thanks to its multi-samples, there was no chipmunk effect on higher notes; everything sounded as it should. This was especially apparent in Piano 16’, which launched a thousand Italian piano house records (and of course Madonna’s “Vogue“). Organ 2 was another popular preset, especially on house records.

The M1 also did ethereal marvellously well. From patch 00, Universe, with its undulating choir sound and background textures, through to many others, it sounded like a fantasy dream of unicorns and faeries come to life. New age musicians caned it, as did film and television composers, making it the go-to synth for everything from big-budget Hollywood movies to corporate training videos.

To ensure that the M1 had a solid set of sounds, Korg put together a world-class team of sound recorders. As chronicled in Sound on Sound, this group included composers and session musicians, often employing unusual techniques. For example, they sampled the sound of blowing over a large sake bottle. “It made a really low tone that was deeper than most other blown‑bottle samples,” said Jack Hotop, Korg sound programmer, in the article.

Korg M1: Impact and Subsequent Models

While Korg hasn’t confirmed actual sales numbers, general estimates put overall sales of the original M1 at 250,000 units over a seven-year run. For perspective, consider that the original Minimoog Model D moved only around 12,000 units.

As Roland did with the D-50, Korg took advantage of the M1’s popularity and pushed out a number of follow-up models. These included the M1R and budget M3R rackmounts. Korg also released the M1EX plus the M1REX rackmount, both with sounds from the T-series, a relatively unpopular M1 successor line. More successful was the 01/W, which built on M1’s AI synthesis. Called AI2, it added more effects plus an unusual digital waveshaping feature.

Korg M1 In The Modern Age

My personal relationship with the M1 has been complicated. At the time it came out, I was obsessed with industrial bands like Skinny Puppy and Throbbing Gristle. The last thing I wanted was realistic acoustic sounds and gentle new age pads. My musical output soon moved to techno which, again, was not very M1-friendly. I’ve since come to love the sound of Korg’s AI though and am the proud owner of an M1R.

The world at large, it seems, still loves it too. The Organ 2 preset is just as hot as ever thanks to the comeback of UK garage. And, for electronic music producers of a certain age, M1 sounds are the perfect blend of plastic and nostalgia.

If you’ve decided that you can’t live another day without an M1, you may be surprised by current used prices (I sure was). Thankfully, there are a number of modern alternatives that are much kinder on the wallet. Korg make a software version, the Korg Collection M1, with all of the data and sounds from the M1, M1EX and all 19 cards. There’s also an iM1 for iOS and iPad.

If you’d rather have hardware, there’s no modern synth recreation (yet – Korg, we really need an M1 Volca) but the Wavestate does have some M1 sounds in it. Korg has also made M1 sounds available for Nautilus owners.

KORG M1 Plugin

Available for $99.99 at

Korg Wavestate MkII

Customer rating:

(1)

Available for 899.00 € at

Korg Nautilus 61

Customer rating:

(13)

Available for 1,799.00 € at

More information

• Read about the history of Korg
• All about Korg
• All about synthesizers

*Note: This article contains promotional links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

The post Classic Gear: Korg M1 – The final nail in the analogue coffin? appeared first on gearnews.com.

This week’s Synth Deals selection is a particularly exciting range of creative instruments for music production and live performance.

Synth Deals

From portable music creation gadgets to fully-fledged workstations, we’ve been blessed with deals on some truly inspiring gear. Let’s take a closer look at the offers currently available:

Yamaha SEQTRAK

Already affectionately referred to as “the budget OP-1”, the Yamaha SEQTRAK brings together a similar set of music production features and looks to the trendsetting Swedish pocket synth.

With the SEQTRAK, you have a range of sound generation methods, including AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2) and FM synthesis engines, as well as the ability to use onboard or imported samples.

All in all, you have a total of 11 tracks, with seven drum channels, two AWM2 tracks, a DX synth, and a sampler. On the go, the battery provides 3-4 hours of use, and the built-in speaker and sampler add to the immediacy of its overall appeal.

• Save 10% on the Yamaha SEQTRAK now at $359
• More from Yamaha

Yamaha SEQTRAK (Black)

Available for $359 at

Yamaha SEQTRAK (Orange)

Available for $359 at

Empress ZOIA

The ZOIA from Empress Effects is a curious-looking contraption, capable of creating custom modular synthesizer instruments and effects chains in a compact pedal format.

With an active user base and support from the manufacturer, the ZOIA’s firmware updates can continue to expand the range of available modules, ready-made effects, and other features.

Its creative potential is vast, and the ZOIA also features up to 48kHz sample rates, with 24-bit AD/DA converters, and a 32-bit internal DSP engine. The sequencer might be a bit clunky, but you can easily link it up to other instruments for this task.

• Get 10% off the Empress ZOIA now at $485
• More from Empress Effects

Empress Zoia

Available for $485 at

KORG Minilogue XD

The KORG Minilogue XD is a versatile 4-voice hybrid synthesizer that combines two analogue oscillators with a digital oscillator per voice. Besides the classic saw, triangle, and square/pulse waveforms, you can layer digital FM, noise, and wavetable shapes.

Overall, the Minilogue XD is particularly enjoyable to use if you want to explore making sounds from scratch. The modulation capabilities aren’t that extensive but with the onboard step sequencer, you can achieve some exciting results.

Here, you can create basslines and melodic patterns, and the Motion sequencer allows you to manipulate various parameters in tandem with the patterns you build.

• Save 15% on the KORG Minilogue XD now at $549
• More from KORG

KORG Minilogue XD

Available for $549 at

AKAI MPC Key 61

The AKAI MPC Key 61 is a complete music production system contained within a 61-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch. You can quickly navigate the interface with the 7-inch multitouch screen and the built-in DAW permits audio and MIDI recording.

With 32 GB of internal memory, 4 GB RAM, and a SATA connector for external drives, you can install all the additional MPC content and plug-ins you need for your production workflow.

In addition, there’s a pair of extra audio outputs on the rear panel so you can incorporate hardware processors. Meanwhile, the MPC Key 61 will also function as a controller, so there are many ways to set it up.

• Get 22% off the AKAI MPC Key 61 now at $1,169
• More from AKAI

AKAI MPC Key 61

Available for $1,169 at

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field

The cultish Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field is a portable synthesizer, sampler, vocoder, drum machine, and sequencer with an array of creative features, created with the Teenage design philosophy.

With many different ways to create sounds, the OP-1 Field is a powerful catalyst for ideas, and its old-school tape emulations present an interesting and unbridled platform no matter which approach you take.

On a single charge, you’ll get up to 24 hours of battery life, and with a built-in speaker and microphone you can capture ideas with the freedom and spontaneity of your favourite TikTok influencer.

• Save 10% on the Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field now at $1,799
• More from Teenage Engineering

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field

Available for $1,799 at

More about Synth Deals:

• All about Synthesizers
• More Deals

*Note: percentage discounts may vary according to your region and currency conversion rates on the day of purchase. Displayed percentage discounts are guidelines only.

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From creating minimalistic EBM-style dance music to working with the world’s biggest pop artists, we look into the world of Gesaffelstein.

French producer and DJ, Mike Lévy aka Gesaffelstein was born in Lyon, where he began experimenting with synthesizers in his high school days.

His subsequent collaborations with other prominent electronic artists like The Hacker and Brodinski proved to be fruitful, and in 2013 he released his seminal album Aleph on Parlophone Records and later on Skrillex’s OWSLA label.

The Gesaffelstein Sound

As his uniquely dark and minimalist sound became sought after, Mike looked outside of the EDM genre and has since worked with the likes of Jean-Michel Jarre, The Weeknd, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, A$AP Rocky, Mike Dean, Electric Youth, Haim, Miss Kittin, Daft Punk, and Lil Nas X.

KORG MS-20

As bands like Nizter Ebb and D.A.F. had a huge influence on Mike’s sound and musical vision, it’s not surprising that he’d get hold of a KORG MS-20 for his studio.

This classic semi-modular analogue beast is renowned for the powerful, textured lead sounds we can hear on so many of the early pioneering electronic records from artists like Liaisons Dangereuses.

The MS-20 also has a great-sounding noise oscillator that can be used to design hats, snares, and rises. What’s more, the filter adds extra punch and character to any sound, especially if you shape it with an envelope or LFO.

As a modern alternative, the MS-20 Mini might not have the same rip-roaring sound as the original, but it has the same authentic sound creation process.

• The History of KORG

Korg MS-20 mini

Customer rating:

(168)

Available for 579.00 € at

Arturia MiniBrute

Although it’s not exactly an elegant instrument, the Arturia MiniBrute is certainly effective for creating the raw unadulterated synth sounds we hear on Gesaffelstein tracks.

With its simple controls, the MiniBrute is a way to relive the experience of using analogue monosynths from the 1970s and early 1980s. Like the SH-101, the single oscillator architecture, and lack of patch memory add to the overall appeal.

The limitation of the MiniBrute’s design, in fact, becomes a catalyst in the creative process. In turn, this makes creating screaming leads, basses, sweeps, rises, and percussion more organic and fun.

Luckily, this synth is still available in the form of the MiniBrute 2 and it now offers semi-modular capabilities for even more flexible sound creation.

• More about Arturia

Arturia MiniBrute 2 Noir

Customer rating:

(3)

Available for 489.00 € at

Roland MC-202

Similar in many ways to the SH-101, the MC-202 was the first instrument in what later became Roland’s MC groovebox line. It combines most of the 101’s controls and a 303-style CV/gate sequencer for a unique overall user experience.

Like the 101 – which is also in Mike’s studio, it’s a single-oscillator synth, but he has often used the MC-202 in his live rig. With a MIDI/sync converter, you can link it to Ableton Live or another MIDI sequencer making it still relevant in a modern electronic workflow.

The onboard sequencer might be a little clunky for simply creating monophonic synth lines. However, with external control, the process of building sounds is very similar to the 101.

As an alternative, the SH-01a is a versatile option for creating both monophonic and polyphonic sounds in the 101-style. What’s more, it also has a built-in sequencer which suits electronic music production.

• The History of Roland

Roland SH-01A grey

Customer rating:

(52)

Available for 379.00 € at

Image-Line FL Studio

Making minimalistic music makes sense in a minimalistic DAW like FL Studio. Rather than being confronted with a workflow that is focussed only on recorded audio, FL Studio throws you instantly into beatmaking.

When you combine the intuitive pattern sequencer and the drag-and-drop sampling workflow, FL Studio becomes a powerful creative tool. The included plug-ins and softsynths may be rather basic, but if you’re getting synth sounds from hardware this is less of a factor.

FL Studio is also a great DAW system to get into when you’re learning to make music. The not-for-experts approach makes the user comfortable to make mistakes and puts your ideas in the forefront rather than technical know-how.

The Producer Edition of FL Studio provides the best value for money, with a good collection of tools to get you started in every area of the music production process.

• More from Image-Line

Image-Line FL Studio Producer Edition Download

Customer rating:

(320)

Available for 239.00 € at

MFB-Synth II

The MFB-Synth II is another terrific synth that Mike has used in his Ableton Live setup over the years. Its lively analogue sound suits the Gesafellstein sound palette perfectly, and the onboard sequencer is great for programming leads and basslines.

With the Synth II, you get a simple monophonic platform for sound generation with a 3-oscillator engine and a great set of controls for live sound shaping. That being said, the modulation potential is vast, with LFOs that feature a one-shot mode.

What’s more, you can use velocity as a way to control the filter cutoff, amplification level, and pitch. Overall, it gives you a very intuitive and malleable approach to sound creation that suits electronic dance music perfectly.

To produce a similar sound, the compact Roland SE-02 is a great alternative that captures the same ease of use when it comes to making exciting sounds fast.

• More about MFB

Roland SE-02

Customer rating:

(50)

Available for 479.00 € at

This topic was suggested by one of our readers. You can see your favourite artists featured in our Sound-alike series, just let us know who they are in the comments below!

More about Gesaffelstein:

• Official Artist Page
• More Sound-alikes

*Note: This article contains affiliate links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

The post The Dark Prince Of Techno: How to Sound Like Gesaffelstein appeared first on gearnews.com.

The NAMM 2024 show is just around the corner, and we have the latest, breaking news on all the hottest releases. Bookmark this page to keep up with our rolling news coverage of the latest music tech releases, as they happen!

NAMM 2024 will be running from January 25-28 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California.

If you’re unfamiliar with the event, NAMM is a trade conference that has brought together manufacturers, professionals, and equipment dealers in the music, audio, and events sectors for over 100 years.

NAMM 2024 Rolling News Feed

As usual, we’ll be keeping a rolling news feed in the run up to, and for the duration of the NAMM 2024 show. Be sure to bookmark this page to keep up to date on the latest news at a glance!

Just to recap, let’s go check out some of the highlights from last year’s NAMM 2023 show:

• Yamaha DM3 live digital console
• WesAudio ng76 compressor
• Oeksound Soothe Live
• Warm Audio WA-MPX compressor
• Neumann KH 120 II studio monitor
• Hammond XK-4 portable organ
• Endorphin.es Ghost and Golden Master effects pedals
• ICON DAW controllers

What could we see at NAMM 2024?

From budget to high-end audio, we’ve had some exciting new gear releases recently like the new Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen range, the Focal Trio6 monitors, and the Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer.

That being said, NAMM 2024 promises to be one of the biggest shows in recent years. So in the meantime, we’re theorizing as to what we could see on the showroom floor.

Will the big synth brands like Roland and KORG have something in store for us? Or will Waldorf steal the show with an insane monster synth we didn’t know we needed?

What are your theories and which products are you hoping to see launched? Please let us know in the comments below!

More about NAMM 2024:

• Attend NAMM 2024
• Become an exhibitor

Video:

*Note: This article contains promotional links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! We will receive a small commission if you buy something through these links. We appreciate your support!

The post NAMM 2024: The latest news on the hottest releases. Catch it all here! appeared first on gearnews.com.

Another one! Like DJ Khaled, KORG has wowed us again with yet another fabulous release. We check out the new KORG MW 0804 and 1204 mixers.

In an unexpected but welcome turn of events, the synth manufacturer KORG is introducing a new series of mixers designed specifically for musicians and content creators.

KORG MW 0804 and 1204 mixers

At first glance, the new MW series mixers remind one of the Zero 4 and Zero 8 mixers released back in 2007. Back then, the Zero series mixers provided a DAW control, a firewire interface, and recording capabilities.

While the new MW series is similar, it takes a far more straightforward approach to the design and layout. Both the MW 0804 and 1204 provide onboard recording, but they aren’t audio interfaces, making them distinctly analogue compared to most current creator gadgets.

However, one exciting feature is that there are four bankable pads for triggering and looping samples during your stream, podcast, or music performance. The MW mixers will likely fall under the Soundlink series, a unique Greg Mackie and Peter Watts collaboration.

While the smaller 0804 has two mono XLR combo input channels, it also provides 3 stereo TRS input channels. Apart from the effects return track, there are two stereo subgroups. This makes for conveniently flexible routing options, especially for a mixer this size.

To keep it compact, the 0804 uses knobs instead of channel faders, while the larger 1204 is equipped with this feature. Also, both consoles have a range of onboard processing effects and a spectrum analyzer.

Although they have an analogue feel, these MW seem to be geared towards electronic musicians and digital content creators. What’s more, further features may be revealed in future firmware updates.

Pricing and availability:

The MW 0804 and MW 1204 mixers will be available soon from your favourite retailer. Pricing info is currently unavailable, so watch this space for updates!

More about the KORG MW 0804 and 1204 mixers:

• Official KORG Page
• More KORG News
• NAMM 2024

*Note: This article contains affiliate links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

The post Feast your eyes on the new KORG MW 0804 and 1204 mixers appeared first on gearnews.com.

The KORG microKORG2 is the new edition of the world’s most popular virtual analogue synthesizer, loved for decades across many music genres.

For years, users have enjoyed the simplicity of its design and amazing sound. From how quick and easy it is to dial in the sounds you’re after to the incredible character of its built-in vocoder, it’s no surprise that even the microKORG plug-in became a hit.

Update 24/01/2024: The new KORG microKORG2 features

From the jump, the microKORG is still bi-timbral, but now provides 8-voice polyphony which is shared over the two layers.

Sound generation is also expanded, with three oscillators per voice and a range of sound sources. Apart from virtual analogue waveforms with waveshaping, there are DWGS digital waveforms and 32 one-shot samples.

Meanwhile, the noise generator is now expanded with its own filter and a unique decimator effect. Another all-new feature is the multimode filter.

Korg microKORG 2 No customer rating available yet

Available for 599.00 € at

This has the power to continuously morph between filter types, which can produce some interesting results. Also, there are some new modulation options.

Here, the LFOs have a one-shot mode and the modulation matrix now has six slots to work with.

KORG microKORG2 (Article dated 18/01/2024)

With such a big following, it makes sense to keep the new design as close to the original as possible. However, the new microKORG has a completely new virtual analogue sound engine with a range of new sound programs.

Navigation and editing your sounds is also easier with the 2.8-inch IPS LCD display, giving you a visual overview of the various sections as you play and create.

KORG is also keeping up with the times, as there is now a versatile vocal processing section that features a harmonizer and hard-tune functionality, as well as a loop recorder.

This opens the scope of what you can do with this amazing little synth considerably. You now have more ways to incorporate it into your live performances and its use in the studio is also expanded.

The classic one-knob genre selector interface is maintained, but now there are five controller knobs for parameter editing. What’s more, the sounds are divided into three new categories for easy access: Classic, Modern, and Future.

Not only does the vocal processor offer more power with effects like delay and reverb, but the onboard effects section is also expanded. Here, there are nine new modulation and dynamics processing effects with six reverb and delay algorithms.

The effects are divided into three independently controlled sections with wet/dry mix and bypass controls. In addition, a two-band EQ lets you tune your effects and match them more accurately to your original sound.

Overall, the new microKORG promises to be an exciting synth for beginners and pros alike, making current owners feel more confident than ever that they have a classic in their collections.

Pricing and availability:

The new microKORG is now available for order from Thomann. The black and white special editions will be available soon at $699 MSRP.

Korg microKORG 2 No customer rating available yet

Available for 599.00 € at

More about the KORG microKORG2:

• Official product page
• More from KORG

*Note: This article contains affiliate links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

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Nope, KORG is not done. The company has just announced the KORG PS-3300 FS, a full-scale reissue of the rare late 1970s analogue beast.

If you’ve been watching the news over the past week or so, you’ll have noticed that KORG has been one busy beehive of activity. Suffice it to say, the Japanese synth giant has singlehandedly dispelled the myth that “there are never any synth releases during NAMM.“

KORG PS-3300 FS

Between 1977 and 1981, only 50 PS-3300 units were ever built, so to have this analogue dream machine in your studio has been wishful thinking until now.

With the PS-3300 FS, KORG will add it to the list of revived legends, alongside:

• KORG MS-20 Mini
• ARP Odyssey
• miniKORG 700FS
• ARP 2600 M

Korg MS-20 mini

Customer rating:

(167)

Available for 579.00 € at

ARP Odyssey DIY Kit

Customer rating:

(1)

Available for 1,649.00 € at

ARP 2600 M

Customer rating:

(3)

Available for 1,399.00 € at

Chief Engineer, Yoshihito Yamada, said that:

“Bringing these legendary devices back to life is not only a process of reproducing circuits and sounds but also learning and internalizing the philosophy behind the development of synthesizers. Through this project I was able to relive the history of KORG and an important moment in the evolutionary history of our synthesizers. This was an extremely valuable experience that created an opportunity to pass on KORG’s philosophy and technology to future generations.”

Working on the project as an advisor was Fumio Mieda, the PS-3300’s original designer. So we can certainly believe KORG when terms like “collector’s masterpiece” are thrown around.

The idea is to make this legendary synth accessible to a new generation of music producers and synth heads all over the world. As proved with the other synths in the FS series, KORG pays attention to detail to allow the user to relive the experience of playing this rare vintage synth.

The PS-3300 FS Specs are as follows:

• 49-voice polyphony
• 49-key keybed
• Semi-modular architecture with three PSU-3301 synth units, a mixer, and PSU-3302 utility section
• Three oscillators, as well as multiple filters, envelopes, amplifiers per note
• Modernized 3-band resonator section
• Panel storage feature, giving you 256 patches stored in 16 banks
• USB, MIDI, and dedicated library editor app

Pricing and availability:

The PS-3300 FS will be on show at NAMM 2024 this week in the form of a non-functional prototype model. You can find the KORG USA booth in Hall C 7003. Pricing info will follow soon, so watch this space.

More about the KORG PS-3300 FS:

• Official Press Release
• More from KORG

*Note: This article contains affiliate links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

The post KORG PS-3300 FS: Is It Vintage Enough For You? appeared first on gearnews.com.