Korg DS-8

The DS-8 is Korg's contender among synths like the Roland D-50 and Yamaha DX7. It is a digital FM synthesizer with 4-operators per voice, 8 voices of polyphony and 8 parts multitimbrality. It's good for percussive, strange effect noises and such because its sound (similar to the DX7) is so unique. It has some digital effects such as chorus, flange, delay and analog-like controls for modulators, envelopes and the LFO. A joystick provides control of modulation and pitch bending. It also has a performance section for quick edits on the fly using (3) real-time sliders to control timbre, EG1 and EG2. A nice alternative to the common DX-7.

56 Visitor comments

Brook

May 9, 2011 @ 2:53 pm

My Korg DS-8 battery died and the factory sounds need to be reinstalled, but I can't find them. Does anyone have them in a sendable form, or is there a site where I can dowload them??

Jonathan

April 28, 2011 @ 8:27 pm

@dan ds-8: I don't know how to message you. I'd like to know more about fixing the DS-8. Reach me at jonboyjams at hotmail dot com.

dan ds-8

March 28, 2011 @ 2:21 am

So far so good it works perfect for me, as a midi controller or as a synth, I totally restored it from scratch ( that includes baterry, factory pre settings)... The keboard has an amazing feel comparing to other synths, even the new ones! If you need any help to restore your Ds-8 send me a message...

Jonboyjams

December 6, 2010 @ 10:15 am

Found this on the side of the road with other stuff. I noticed right away there were no built-in speakers so I turned back for it. No power cord but I rigged it. Doesn't really work. after a certain time or button combination it locks up. Internal battery has heat discoloration. I think I'll just hang it on the wall, powered up, for decor.

Larrybud

December 2, 2010 @ 9:15 pm

I got this for my High School graduation in... ahem.. 1987. STILL have it!