Press AdminToday Korg announced the new, rather re-imagined, microkorg. They call it the Korg MicroKorg S. It’s weighs n at $499. That’s $100 more than the MicroKorg. This one hits me in a special spot because it was my first synth when they came out years ago. I honestly hated the matrix style editing. Thats likely because it was a horrible way to learn synthesis. But I missed it terribly not long after selling it. So, this announcement is a special one because personally I know how dope this synth is and now its been improved and dressed to impress.
From Korg’s site…
The new microKORG S features a built-in 2+1 speaker system with power that far exceeds its size. Its body sports an elegant white motif, and features new presets that represent the sounds of a new generation. Beneath the microKORG S’s sophisticated exterior hides a sound engine both brutal in strength and universal in application.
Inside that compact body of the microKORG, we’ve included a carefully constructed speaker system consisting of stereo speakers with clear imaging, plus a woofer that emanates a startling amount of low frequency. The chassis uses a new box structure, and the combination of ample box volume and a bass reflex port takes full advantage of the speakers, thereby delivering a rich sense of volume that exceeds the size of the speakers, a clear sense of positioning, and a rich low-frequency range. In addition to the battery-powered operation of the existing model, the inclusion of the built-in speakers allows an easy yet full-fledged performance experience even in an environment where there is no power supply or PA.
Since the speaker box is contained within the chassis of the instrument, the vibrations from the speaker can be felt through your fingertips. This tactile feedback allows you to experience the same subtle and dynamic response as when playing an acoustic instrument or electric piano.
The memory capacity has been increased from the original microKORG. Mainly centered on simple and present sounds that shine on stage, we’ve added 64 powerful preset programs that meet the needs of the changing music scene, including clearly defined and punchy leads, electric pianos that sound great in an ensemble, and powerful and solid basses. In addition, we’ve also newly provided 64 additional slots for user programs, so you can save your own original sounds without overwriting the presets. This encourages a sound design process that’s ideal for this instrument: select a sound that you like, and edit it.
As you can see in the video below, the new MicroKorg S come with 2 new banks of sounds per category. Whereas I believe there used to be banks A and B only, the new MicroKorg S uses bank A for new presets, banks B & C for classic presets and bank D for user savable presets. Also included is a new favorites bank.
First Look from Korg Australia
Features:
- 37-key analog modeling synthesizer
- Built-in 2.1 speaker system delivers top-notch sound
- Expressive velocity-sensitive mini keys
- Powerful dual-oscillator synthesis engine offers a wide selection of waveforms
- 8-band vocoder yields all kinds of crazy vocal effects
- 192 great-sounding presets to get you started
- 4 filter modes, 3 modulation effects, 3 delay effects, and a 2-band EQ
- 2 external audio input jacks pass instruments, pre-recorded music, and more through the filter and effects
- Attractive white panel with light wood ends
For more info head over to Korg’s MicroKorg S product page
BTW… This joint is actually available for pre-order now on Sweetwater.