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 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.

Celtic Cyber Orchestra Project

March 13, 2012 @ 7:30 pm

Found myself a fully operational M1 at a 'pawn like shop' here in Belgium. Stood against the wall with dust on it. Shopowner told me he never sold it to anyone and it has no value anymore to him. So I asked him if I could get it...and he GAVE it to me for FREE...went home, plugged it and...wow, still working. Had to change the battery after a short while but hey...now I got me a dream machine ! EVen found the machines' original software on the net...

Mr. Hoffman

March 7, 2012 @ 10:48 pm

Even though the Korg M1 out sold The Roland D-50, the D-50 sound was much more variable...And the organ and brass sounds produced by the D-5o were and still are spot on..Not to underscore the M1, the M1 did have the on board sequencer, also the M1 did usher in the digital Synth. Clav. sound which is still popular in modern music..I would like to have one for sure..Instead I have the old tried and true Roland D-10 & the zany Roland JX-3p....

thesynthmagnet

February 20, 2012 @ 11:35 pm

@brag boogie: Good point. I mentioned a $450 price on the one I was looking at. Maybe I would have taken it for $100. I then thought "it's just another synth architecture to learn for a device that has terrible editing and very ordinary sounds that do not stack up to a VST". Do I still sound like someone angling for a cheap price on a crappy synth? I'm calling it as I hear it...and if you dig deeper on the comments you will find I'm not the only one. Other people who rate it favorably describe the keyboard as a fine controller, not as a good synth engine. I'm just here to bring the sanity.

Brage Boogie

February 20, 2012 @ 4:01 pm

@TheSynthMagnet: I see your point and I might agree. But then again, by logical extension, you might have written your piece because your looking for a cheap m1, just like the people raving about this and other synths MIGHT have done so to boost the second hand prices of theirs...

TheSynthMagnet

February 20, 2012 @ 1:09 am

A post stated the M1 is superior to a Nord/Virus. I played a second hand M1 and it was woeful. The asking price? $450. People need to wake up to themselves if they think this synth is classic. Maybe it was great in its day, but today its a VERY ordinary synth. The editing is a nightmare. The synth engine is weak and easily bested by VSTs. Making a VST sound like an M1? Boost the bass, cut the treble and highs and voila! instant M1. These forums have become a joke - people selling their crappy synths on Ebay come here to write glowing reviews. Just stop it you are ruining a great resource.

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