A wonderful early digital synthesizer. With eight notes of polyphony, two oscillators per voice, a noise source, two multi-stage envelopes, a resonant filter and auto-bend, the DSS-1 has much in common with Korg's previous flagship DW-8000. But it went much further, boasting twin digital delays, oscillator sync, an improved unison mode, a lush analog VCF switchable between 12 and 24dB, and more. Whereas the DW-8000 got its raw material from 16 stored digital waves, the DSS1's oscillators take their source from sampling, additive synthesis, or even hand-drawn waveforms!

It actually had a warm sound and was great for creating pads and textures, as well as deep basses and drones. The synthesis method is based on altering various waveform samples via 2 data sliders. It can sample and then treat the samples as its waveforms - that includes all filtering and envelopes.

The DSM-1 (1987) was the expanded rackmount version.

It was used by Jean Michel Jarre, Joe Zawinul, Michael Cretu of Enigma, Mark Jenkins, Hiro Kawahara, Paul Nagle, Shriekback, and Steve Winwood.

Robbie Hague

April 11, 2012 @ 6:52 am

I bought the DSS1 brand new back in 1987, very expensive but excellent value. Fantastic for gigging with my then band Slaughterhouse 5. I sampled the lead guitarist and played back live it sounded great. Unfortunately I skipped it when I moved house 7 years ago as the floppy drive died and I couldn't then source a replacement. How I regret that decision!! Keep looking to buy one as nostalgia kicks in and I realise just what an incredible machine it was. Trouble is, other people probably also realise this! Great site btw.

ronnyG

March 31, 2012 @ 1:11 pm

picked one up off eBay last year for 300 euros (but had to pay a fortune shipping the beast!) and havent looked back.

This really is a beast in all senses of the word. I've sampled basic analog waveforms from an old analog synth and come up with some huge vintage Oberheim poly sounds. The filter is MASSIVE!

Bob

March 14, 2012 @ 10:52 pm

I have had 3 DSS_1 and still use one in the band I am in infact all the keyboards I use are KORGS. These are in my opinion the finest instruments ever made. Will use KORG till the end.

el principito

February 25, 2012 @ 2:23 pm

Just bought one of these from a local thrift shop for no joke $80! It came fully equipped with at least 40 sound and sample discs. How lucky is that?

kev slaney

January 29, 2012 @ 6:51 pm

The DSS1 is a truly magical synth in the right hands and with a few decent analogue waveform samples. It can creat massive and etheral analogue strings and pads. Not one for the squelchy bass brigade! But if you like writing music, you'll love it.

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