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.

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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.

 

Marty

Posted 48 days ago

I started playing the M1 back in High School (1991), as my HS purchased 4 of them. I bought one of my own after I graduated in 1995, and I've had it ever since. I'll be living under a bridge in a cardboard box before I ever even consider selling it.

Marty

Posted 48 days ago

M1 Basic Piano Sound Programming Page 2:

PROG I01 AFTER TOUCH
P+00 PM00 F+00 FM00 A+00

PROG I01 JOY STICK
P+02 F+00 PM05 MF0 FM05 MF0

EFFECT 1
(10:Stereo Delay ) :ON

EFFECT 1 Stereo Delay
L010 R005 F+48 HD14 L+04 H+03 EFF

EFFECT 2
(02:Ensemble Hall) :ON

EFFECT 2 Ensemble Hall
2.8 D030 E46 HD40 L-03 H+00 81:19

EFFECT PLACEMENT
SERIAL P3 = OFF P4 = OFF

Marty

Posted 48 days ago

M1 Basic Piano Sound Programming Page 1:

PROG I01 OSC BASIC OSC Mode
(SINGLE) POLY Hold:OFF

PROG I01 OSC1 Multisound
000:Piano L79 16' <--- or 8', your call

PROG I01 OSC1 PITCH EG Start Level
S+00 AT00 A+00 DT00 RT00 R+00 L+00 T+00

PROG I01 VDF1
Cutoff = 40 EG Intensity= 47

PROG I01 VDF1 EG
AT00 A+99 DT91 B+01 ST80 S+00 RT99 R+99

PROG I01 VDF1 VEL SENS
EGInt=+90 EGTime=00 AT:0 DT:0 ST:0 RT:0

PROG I01 VDF1 KBD TRK
F#3 F-58 EGTime=00 AT:0 DT:0 ST:0 RT:0

PROG I01 VDA1 EG
AT00 A+90 DT16 B+99 ST93 S+00 RT26

PROG I01 VDA1 VEL SENS
A+74 EGTime=00 AT:0 DT:0 ST:0 RT:0

PROG I01 VDA1 KBD TRK
C-1 A+00 EGTime=00 AT:0 DT:0 ST:0 RT:0

PROG I01 PITCH MG
TRIANGLE F64 D00 I00 BOTH Sync:ON

PROG I01 VDF MG
TRIANGLE F64 D00 I00 BOTH Sync:OFF

JOE

Posted 60 days ago

like this one in many ways. not stood the test of time compared to the roland d50. the d50 is a much more classier choice of a synth that never fails to impress with its organic timeless sound. like the cheesy piano sound on the m1 as it brings back so many memories.

il

Posted 66 days ago

To the guys below. This is such a simple fix you are having panic attacks over nothing. GOOGLE (you know that?) for 'M1 Factory Sounds' or 'M1 default patches' (well there's a hundred things you could google for that would bring you all you need).

Basically you send the file (available everywhere as midi sysx) to your synth from your computer. Your computer obviously must have a midi interface, you can get a cheap usb one for peanuts these days. Owning a synth with no midi interface on your pc to EDIT it or send 'free' banks of new sounds it a bit silly so hopefully you already have a midi interface. It's only been around, and people have only been sending midi 'sound dumps' to synths for the last 25 years *sigh*

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