Korg MicroKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder
With 37 keys and 128 user-rewritable programs the Korg MicroKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder is perfect for the performer, producer, computer musician, or beginner looking for a serious yet affordable synthesizer. It provides powerful synthesis with the same dual-oscillator DSP synthesis engine found in the MS2000, and offers a wider selection of waveforms than most other modeled synths. It also has an 8-band vocoder with many advanced features, a full range of effects, and a flexible arpeggiator. 2 audio inputs let you process other instruments through it. Also serves as a compact MIDI controller. Comes with its own microphone.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $500.00
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User Reviews of the Korg MicroKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder
- Submitted by Steve from Fulton, NY (142 points) on Jul 13, 2007
- Before I got into noise I did a lot of ambient work and I picked this up to add to my sound sources. I had a lot of fun with this thing even though I didn't really use it for the reason I bought it for. You can edit each program and change pitch and add modulation on the fly. If you tweak each sound you can get thousands of possibilities. I haven't used the vocoder really as it doesn't interest me much. When I got into harsh noise the microkorg sort of got pushed to the side. I became bored one day and decided to see what would happen if I used this in one of my pedal chains. It was a glorious day. When you distort this thing you can get amazing walls of noise. I keep a separate distortion pedal in my set up just for the microkorg. Well worth the price if you ask me.
- Good Points: -Affordable for what you get -Variety of sounds -Portable -Easy learning curve
- Bad Points: -Some sounds are very digital sounding -Lack of sounds that would be geared towards noise, though this can be fixed if you run some pedals with it
- Price Paid: US$400.00
- Purchased At: Musicians Friend
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- Submitted by Ed from Bowling Green, OH (82 points) on May 3, 2006
- I'm not usually a big fan of digital stuff (aside from using a few digital pedals for effects looping and circuit bending, and my big beastly Korg synth workstation), but this thing is pretty gnarly. I already had faith in this thing because of how useful my aforementioned synth workstation, and it followed through. The presets are terrible trance and euro sounds(and some fun breakbeat sounds for goofy old-skool hiphop heads), but they're super tweakable. There are some EQ knobs at the top that are pretty useful, but the strength in this thing lies in its sweet filters, which are contained in just two knobs. The learning curve for these can be a tad difficult if you're not a synth expert, but it ain't too bad. This thing is even more powerful when combined with some pedals. Try and find one cheap though, because these are super-expensive most places
- Good Points: super-tweakable potential for really f**ked up sounds lots of filters vocoder is added fun more power than you would think
- Bad Points: fucktarded presets can be a little too digital on occasion expensive as all hell learning curve is a little difficult
- Price Paid: US$350.00
- Purchased At: Guitar Center
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- Submitted by christopher from cebu city (80 points) on Apr 30, 2006
- Got this unit about 18 months ago; and I found it to be very usable for noise..Judging from the presets,this model is clearly marketed towards more contemporary beat-based music..But once you start editing and or programming your own patches, it could be one very capable noisy little monster..More than adequate supply of deep rumbling basses..throaty mids..screaming screeching highs are easily available after not so overly demanding programming. It has to be emphasized that although the MicroKORG has a less than intrusive physical presence, as in weight and size;..under the panel it boasts the same synth engine as the MS 2000..a synth very highly regarded among electronic artists and could claim to be an heir to the legendary MS 20.. As long as you don't expect things that it's not designed to do, and considering its price..(especially second-hand),it could become a very good source of interesting and unique sounds.
- Good Points: -classic analogue synth looks -small and portable -easy programming/editing -can get very loud!!! -MS 2000 synth engine
- Bad Points: -lightweight construction -could get very digital at times,but mostly usable in "noise" context -small keys..(like you care!!)
- Price Paid: US$490.00
- Purchased At: Perfect Pitch SM City Cebu
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- Submitted by K. from Sealy, TX (532 points) on Dec 15, 2005
- Small, portable virtual analog synth based on the Korg MS2000, unfortunately it doesn't have the immediate tweakability of a knob or button dedicated to every function, but once you get the hang of the editing matrix it's a breeze. Also you are able to assign various functions to the five edit knobs on the top right of the unit, so flexible enough for real-time manipulation. Of course it is a digital VA synth and there are plenty who will whine about it not being as good as a real analog, but when used as a sound source and processed with outboard effects it's of little consequence... a good analog filter will probably make a world of difference, and give you a basic set-up that's more versatile than the average old-school analog synth and save on the clutter of a modular monstrosity... really up to individual preference. Dual oscillators with the standard sine, saw, square, etc. waveforms plus 64 digital DGWS waveforms, dual LFO, and the 4 virtual patch options... for example, have osc. 2 modulate the cutoff frequency and adjust the intensity of the effect. Single or dual voice for each patch, although quite complex sounds are capable from just a single layer. I've only played with the vocoder briefly, so really can't comment. Presets are almost all total crap, get in and start editing ASAP. Sounds can range from droney to glitchy to outright harsh, appropriate effects only serve to enhance the experience.
- Good Points: compact and portable, versatility, well-suited for producing dirty, gritty, harsh sounds.
- Bad Points: I've heard some people have had problems with the synth after running it with batteries, so I don't bother, just use the adaptor. plastic housing gives it a "cheap" feel, keys are small... problem for playing actual notes, not for making noise.
- Price Paid: US$340.00
- Purchased At: Geeetard Center
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- Submitted by tapesss from Brooksville, FL (344 points) on Dec 14, 2005
- this thing is obviously geared towards techno/drum&bass, but it does have some potential for noise. several banks of presets scrollable via the big know on the left. some patches are fairly noisy in themselves and will work for you right off the bat, others take a bit of tweaking via the knobs on the top right. the pitch and mod wheels are a plus, and the vocoder is alright, run it through some effects and it gets better. the wood panel sides look nice, and the battery powered option makes it easy to cart around with you. super small, you can fit it in a backpack. at a show i played, it got eggs in it. it cleaned up nicely, but one key was permanently dead, so i guess you can say it can handle some abuse. i sold mine, but every now and then i regret it.
- Good Points: small size, editability is good. some pretty useable sounds for noise. handles abuse nicely.
- Bad Points: geared way too much towards techno-heads. some super cheesy sounds.
- Price Paid: US$350.00
- Purchased At: railroad bazaar
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