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.

 

Don

Posted 95 days ago

Hey Neil... Depends on you really. I just finished repairing a M1R for a client (needed new battery, buttons not working, etc.) and for what she spent she could have purchased a used working one, but she reasoned that her M1R has worked perfectly except for the button issues, she has no idea what she would be getting herself into by buying used. Consigning an old malfunctioning keyboard will not net you much in the way of $$ but if it's part of your sound get it fixed and use it or if it just a curiosity get rid of it now and don't spend another penny on it.

Neil Mac

Posted 96 days ago

Hi there, Just got my old but lovely M1 back and it needs repairs. The outputs and headhone socket crackle and are virtually unusable and the programme buttons stick in edit mode meaning i have to switch off to reset. I just wondered if anyone could give advice as to viability of getting it repaired, or consigning it to Keyboard Paradise. Thanks

pedro

Posted 106 days ago

mi m1 le sale la leyenda sistema error ¡ que podra tener¡

Hogge69

Posted 109 days ago

Glory to the Korg M1 ! One of the greatest keyboards ever made.
I use mine with a Roland D50, Yamaha SY-99 and a Korg SG rack.
This rig sounds really fat, and i would'nt change a thing.

chrispc88

Posted 115 days ago

I remember wanting one of these as a kid and having no hope of affording one. Over the years I had forgotten about it, until recently seeing one on stage being played by a friend of mine. I hopped on ebay and bought one that just arrived yesterday. All those old sounds are just as good today as they were 20+ years ago. This is also a great 'playing' synth. The keys feel really good for being non-weighted. Anyway, this is a great board, every keyboard player should own one! :)

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