Korg's Delta is an analog semi-poly synth/string machine, basically a slimmed down version of the Korg Trident. Though limited in the range of sounds compared with other synths of the same genre, the sheer quality of the sound from this little beastie really does make it something of a marvel. It can be found used for cheap and is worth it for the retro synth strings and fat bass synth tones.

The synth is split into two sections, Strings and Synth, for which there are separate audio outputs along with a combined output for headphones or mixing. Each section has its own controls. The String section has two pitch sliders (16' and 8') along with two tone controls (Bass and Treble) and variable Attack and Release controls to modify the sound. The Synth section has four pitch sliders (16', 8', 4' and 2'). There is also a white noise generator along with a very effective 24dB/oct low pass filter (high pass and band pass options are included too) and full ADSR controls. The synth has no memory storage or MIDI, however it does has voltage control and gate ins and outs.

The string sounds are very basic but with its separate outputs and when mixed together with the polysynth you do get that classic 'layered' sound which is useful enough on this synth; and it's fully polyphonic, so you wont be running out of notes! There is a handy joystick to the left of the 49-note keyboard for pitch bending and modulation capabilities. The construction is solid and heavy partly due to the implementation of a wooden base but also because it was designed for heavy usage on the road. Added bonuses: noise modulation, stereo out (strings/synth split), and the ability to combine synth and strings or turn off oscillators in the mixer section. It has been used by the Human League, Bitch Cassidy, Flock of Seagulls, Ladytron, Zensor and Broadcast.

Synth P

February 25, 2013 @ 2:05 pm

Got this synth off gumtree for £450. I totally recommend anyone who's thinking about getting ahold of one to go for it!! The filter is absolutely beautiful and has a really distinct character. A few people said they thought it sounded like the MS20 filter - there's definitely similarities but the Delta has a distinct quality to it that makes it stand out from the crowd in my opinion. The bass is rich and full and the oscillators tone is buzzy and full of character. Most of all, it FEELS good. Have used it in the studio and live. Totally ripping with a distortion pedal... Great strings too.

Ryan

February 9, 2013 @ 1:20 pm

This synth is its own little beast. With the adjusted filter you can certainly get sounds out of it that you simply can't reproduce on anything else. It was an odd first synth for me to figure out how analog works, but it's been well worth it. I would say don't worry about using it for sequencing, just enjoy playing with it - unless you're capable enough to mod it. Lastly, the neat thing is that there's really nothing to "compare" it to. It's kind of its own thing!

Jason Basson

December 21, 2012 @ 1:03 pm

I bought a Delta for 350 Euros, and I love it! To give you an idea: I was able to play the opening of "Vienna"(Ultravox) on the Delta! The same sound and drumsound! The Delta can also produce fat sound effects! And I like the joystick.It will certainly play a role in my future tracks.Although there are musicmakers who are/were not happy with the Delta, I would warmly recommand this nice synth to every musicmaker. Greetz

Numanoid

November 11, 2012 @ 11:12 am

SynthMagic has just released a Delta library for the Kontakt sampler.

The GUI is gorgeous and very tweakable: http://www.synthmagic.co.uk/delta.htm

diamondbeats

November 1, 2012 @ 12:00 pm

Will become a classic. Filter sounds like an ms20 and the osc's are a sort of square wave.Fuzzy buzzy and warm electric!:that is the sound.
You hardly see them for sale any more, that in itself tells a story.
Keeper..Nuff said.

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