Vintage Synth Explorer

Korg • M1

The M1 was and still is a popular and widely used digital synthesizer and music workstation. The M1 features built-in AI Synthesis for full digital generation and processing using 4MB of PCM sampled and synthesized waveforms which can be shaped using analog-style editing. The M1 is capable of creating acoustic instruments with clarity, nice digital sounds and good buzzy techno sounds. The M1 is sort of like a workstation-version of the Roland D-50.

In addition to its acclaimed sound, it has a somewhat sophisticated 8-track sequencer. It holds 10 songs and 100 patterns and up to 7,700 notes, and offers full quantizing and editing. Full MIDI implementation suites the M1 ideally for studio production and MIDI system use. Up to 8 parts of multitimbrality with the 8 track sequencer makes for a powerful machine. Add to that a host of digital multi-effects and you've got one of the most widely and professionally used Korg synthesizers around.

UPGRADES: The EXK-M1 optional ROM expansion kit doubles the PCM waveform memory to 8MB (275 multisampled sounds) for even greater sonic possibilities. The M1R-EX is the same upgrade but designed for the M1R (rack version). That's right, there's a rack version of the M1 available as the M1R as well. The M1 has been used by 808 State, Banco De Gaia, Ken Ishii, Depeche Mode, Fluke, The Cure, The Orb, The KLF, Plastikman, Bomb The Bass, Gary Numan, Robert Miles, Mike Oldfield, Kitaro, Rick Wakeman, Rod Argent, Joe Zawinul, Patrick Moraz, Pet Shop Boys, Vangelis, the Cranberries, Sin and Jellyfish.

VISITOR COMMENTS

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Posting Rules: Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

 

Nige

Posted 7 days ago

Haven't used my M1 for a few years, so I dug it out a while back and then thought I'd have a look what was on the net and just found this site. Thought I'd just let people know that my M1 had stopped responding to the DOWN key which was fairly annoying. After looking at some hairy dismantling instructions I thought I'd just try some spray switch cleaner (£1.90 off eBay) and after a few minutes it's back in full operation!

Now I need to get a midi cable and see if I can get it talking to my mac...

John

Posted 24 days ago

The M1 had a small flat cell battery inside to retain voice and program data. If I remember correctly it is a CR2032, which can be purchased at your local Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, etc. Replacement requires opening up the synth and battery removal will more than likely cause you to lose voice data, so make a backup before removing the old battery. I think the original voices can also be downloaded fairly easily here on the web. You will need a midi interface and the proper software to transfer the data. Do a google search. Plenty of step by step instructions listed out there. Good luck.

dean

Posted 24 days ago

Does anyone know what it means when it says back up battery is low? And how do you rectify it? Pls get back to me asap.

doug bennett

Posted 30 days ago

Is anyone maintaining these pages? The manual link is bad. I also don't think the sysex files are working correctly. Can someone confirm?

mel

Posted 31 days ago

korg m1 is a very-very good for to built my own style in a music.
ive got a problem to my korg M1 and i know you can help me to find a complete power supply assembly. it was a 110 volts and accidentally plug in into 220volts now its damage. can you supply for me a complete power suplly ang im willing to pay it.plss plss..any info pls email me..thank you very very much and more power to you.

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