We all know finding a quality product at an affordable price is hard to come by. But Korg is throwing this old standard out the window with the Korg microKORG S. Korg has been known to deliver great products at affordable prices, and the Korg microKORG S might be the best bang for your buck that they offer.
In this article, I’ll be reviewing the Micro Korg S and why it might be your new favorite controller. So if you’re into recording music or are just curious about this product, this post is for you!
What’s a vocoder?
A vocoder is a type of synthesizer that can create an impression of your mouth and voice. Have you ever heard Daft Punk’s music with vocals? They’re using some vocoder technology. It sounds a lot like something a robot might make. Vocoders are usually a costly add-on to a keyboard setup. Thankfully, the microKORG has a killer vocoder built right in.
Using a vocoder is convenient since you may play and sing along in real-time, or you can press the formant hold button and speak any sound to hear every note associated with the vowel you selected. It’s really easy to find a vocoder setting that sounds great, and there are plenty to choose from.
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What does the microKORG sound like?
Although there have been many design iterations, the Micro Korg sound module has stayed the same. Everything you need for funk, soul, EDM, and hip-hop remains. The bass has a wide range that will fill in any holes in your production. And with the ability to tweak any sound with the filters and fully operational oscillators, the possibilities are endless for finding the right sound for you.
The microKORG s has a stereo pair of 3.5cm drivers that produce 0.5 watts each and a 4cm subwoofer that produces 3 watts.
If you want to get your hands on the microKORG, check it out here.
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How well is the microKORG designed
The Korg microKORG S is a testament to a new age (clean feel) look. With its all-white front and wood finish on the sides, the Korg S holds its own in any environment and looks good doing it. All the angles in the design give a new and tight presentation, and the button layout is intuitive. It is a pleasure to use the Korg S, and traveling with it is even easier.
Its 37 keys are nicely laid out and make for a good keyboard. The editing knobs have a nice feel. it also takes aa batteries or a 9 v power supply
What functions does the microKORG have
The Korg S comes with a built-in vocoder and a gooseneck mic. Want that vintage robotic sound? The vocoder on the Korg S has a wonderful sound that will help any neo-retro-sounding track. It has all those presets, and you can create more. The Korg S also accepts line-level signals, has a dynamic microphone input, and is equipped with 48 volts.
The versatility is seen throughout this little powerhouse, and the number of sounds will make this a centerpiece in your workflow. The microphone works great too.
MicroKorg vs microKORG XL vs MS2000
The microKORG XL is one of the updated variants of this synth that have been released. The XL is fantastic; it has modernized sounds. Moreover, you can always modify basic sounds to create anything contemporary.
It was about $500. Within the genre selector, you can choose from a wide variety of subgenres, including “leads,” “bass,” “strings,” and “other.” The edited list has been drastically streamlined to make it more readable. You have the standard MIDI option and the much easier-to-use USB-to-Host option. It appears considerably less complicated overall.
Previously, there was the Korg MS2000, which came out before the microKORG. This is the synth for you if you’re a fan of multi-function instruments. If the first microKORG was too much trouble for you, this one is much more convoluted. However, at 44 keys, it is noticeably larger than the other two contemporary synths.
Finally, each has different dimensions, which should not be overlooked!
If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “Korg MicroKorg S Keyboard Demo Review New 2016 Model” from the Bonners Pianos & Keyboards YouTube channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about recording with this MIDI controller and recorder.
What is the difference between microKORG and microKORG S?
Outside of having different speakers installed, the two devices are otherwise identical. The S has a white surface that makes the legends easier to read and the controls more intuitive, and it also adds new programs (though all the original ones are still there). It also has more slots for User programs, a Favorites function, and more.
Is the microKORG a good synth?
This synth has been a lot of fun to play around with and has many potential uses. Having said that, there is a learning curve, especially for someone like me who has never used a dynamic synth before. You won’t get anything out of it until you take the time to learn how to utilize it properly.
Do you need a speaker for microKORG?
The microKORG synthesizer/vocoder has built-in speakers. Additionally, it provides the same high-caliber sounds and features that have made the microKORG a legend for the past 15 years.
Is the Korg microKORG polyphonic?
The microKORG can only support up to four voices of polyphony, with the exact distribution depending on the voice assignment for each of the two Timbres. Polyphony in the synth is expanded to two notes if both Timbres are mixed in Poly mode.
Conclusion
The Korg S is beautiful in the way it looks and sounds. It has many features and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. The only drawback is the lack of USB MIDI. But, you can’t go wrong with a portable analog sound. I recommend this piece to anyone looking to make music with limited space or to anyone looking to have the portability that creates freedom in your work.
This article covered the sound and design of the microKORG midi controller and recorder. Here are some key takeaways:
Key takeaways
- The microKORG and microKORG s are identical.
- The microKORG can only support up to four voices of polyphony,
- The microKORG has 37 keys.
- The bass’s wide range will fill any holes in your production.
So, are you a fan of this interface? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on audio recording and home production. Thanks for reading, and never stop making music.
The MicroKorg and MicroKorg S have different dimensions which is a critical difference that should not be overlooked.