Korg M1

Korg M1 Image

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.

Korg EX-M1R Image

UPGRADES: The EXK-M1 optional ROM expansion kit doubles the PCM waveform memory to 8MB (275 multisampled sounds) for even greater sonic possibilities. The EX-M1R 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.

108 Visitor comments
Scott
May 16, 2011 @ 7:59 pm
My first keyboard ever was an M1. Fantastic, the feel was great for a non-weighted keyboard. Always remember it with fondness.
Analogue Crazy
May 3, 2011 @ 4:18 pm
Just got mine repaired and its like being reunited with an old friend! What a wonderful Synth, massive warm sound and easy to program. I go back a long way with the M1 now, it will always be one of my favourite Synths. And the sequencer is great for writing purposes, it's currently my main writing tool.
steve
March 18, 2011 @ 10:28 am
I find that M1 is now avaible in a affordable softsynth with keyboard and license key: Microkey or K-serie K61P, K25 or K49 keys
or download for free, and use program 10 days for free without licensekey:
http://www.korguser.net/m1le/download/
faethontas
March 12, 2011 @ 4:00 am
For £80 ? the best deal in the world.Don't think about it,just go for it.The feeling of the keys is just perfect and you can use it as a midi keyboard if you dont want to use it as a synth.M1 kicks [beep] for such a price,go for it and buy 2 or 3 in this price,if you can !
joe winn
March 11, 2011 @ 8:57 am
Would i be getting a good deal if i bought an m1 for £80?
 
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  • Demos & Media
  • YouTube Thumbnail
    Video 1
    - Korg M1 Synthesizer - Part One

    YouTube Thumbnail
    Video 2
    - Demos of factory presets from the M1 (MPC-00P) card

    Patch Files - Lots of Midi Sysex patches, original factory patches, custom patches, and more from the Korg M1 Page. They are for Macintosh and Windows/PC.

  • Specifications
  • Polyphony - 16 voices
  • Oscillators - 4MB PCM waveforms (144 multisampled sounds)
  • Effects - Digital multi-effects: reverb, delay, overdrive, EQ, chorus, rotary speaker, and more.
  • Filter - VDF: Variable Digital Lowpass Filter, velocity sensitive (non-resonant)
  • VCA - VDA: Variable Digital Amplifier; 3 independent 4-stage ADSR envelope generators
  • Keyboard - 61 keys with Velocity, Aftertouch, Multi, Layer, Split modes
  • Memory - 100 patches
  • Control - MIDI (8 parts)
  • Date Produced - 1988-94

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