Launched in 2002, of micro korg It grew to become one of many best-selling synthesizers of all time. However lots has modified since then. Over the previous 22 years, Korg has really tried to replace this early twenty first century traditional a number of occasions, however they’ve by no means been in a position to stay as much as the unique. It has the contradictory title MicroKorg XL. Micro Korg S (I simply added the audio system, not a lot else), Micro Korg XL+ (Solely MicroKorg XL with enhancements) All did not usurp the OG. However Korg needs the next: micro korg 2 Develop into the true inheritor to the throne.
The MicroKorg 2 is an enchancment over the unique in virtually each approach, and that is apparent. What’s much less clear is whether or not Korg has a winner on its fingers, or whether or not the MicroKorg 2 is a reckless try and money in on a traditional product. There are loads of nice little synths on the market nowadays, however I am undecided if that is the reply for everybody.
trendy sound
One of many largest adjustments from the unique MicroKorg is the sound engine. The center of MicroKorg 2, like its predecessor, is a digital analog synth (it is digital, however goals to sound analog). However the scope of its sound-shaping talents is even wider. Along with normal waveforms akin to sine and sawtooth waves, MicroKorg 2 has a configurable noise supply with PCM samples that can be utilized so as to add transients to the start of patches, just like traditional sound sources. You may entry the library. 80’s Roland synthesizers and so on. D-50. The MicroKorg 2 additionally options three oscillators (as an alternative of two on the unique) and a repeatedly morphing multimode filter.
MicroKorg 2 can also be a multitimbral synth with twice the variety of voices (8 vs. 4) in comparison with its predecessor. This lets you create advanced layered patches (arpeggios and pads on the identical time, for instance) and wealthy, expansive chords. Add to this an expanded 6-slot MOD matrix with much more sources and locations, and a wider number of results, and you have got an instrument that clearly lives as much as its title.
Picture: Terence O’Brien
What’s actually spectacular is that it is far more highly effective than the unique, whereas on the identical time being a lot simpler to program. The massive knobs and genre-based patch shopping stay, however gone is the complicated system that requires you to seek for parameters in large tables when making an attempt to tweak presets or create sounds from scratch. The MicroKorg 2 would not have separate knobs for every perform, however the 2.8-inch display screen and contextual buttons make it a lot simpler to seek out your approach round it.
Actually, I would go as far as to say that constructing patches in MicroKorg 2 is absolutely enjoyable. That is undoubtedly not what anybody mentioned in regards to the authentic.
navigation shouldn’t be excellent
Nonetheless, genre-based patch navigation feels outdated. What was questionable in 2002 appears downright weird now. The division, with eight banks in 4 classes and eight packages in every financial institution, feels unnecessarily sophisticated. Moreover, of the 256 slots, solely 64 are reserved for person patches, which is a nuisance for individuals who wish to customise it for stay reveals. That mentioned, is it actually a MicroKorg if it would not have an enormous knob with the phrases “Hip-Hop” and “Trance” written round it?
Picture: Terence O’Brien