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.

g-love

September 2, 2012 @ 3:10 am

You all failed to mention Angela Winbush as a notable user.

paradox148

August 28, 2012 @ 10:39 pm

It was my first professional grade synthesizer, and still my most beloved one. For years I have beaten my head for having traded it in for a dude.

Until now!!!!

Korg had resurrected the M1 in a virtual form: the Legacy Edition! You can buy it for a song and it also actually come for free as part of a bundle(plus many other goodies!) with any Korg controller keyboard purchase. Now I am in 7th Heaven!!

George

August 18, 2012 @ 8:33 am

I know this has been fairly out-shined nowadays with modern technology but in it's day this was the benchmark as far as I'm concerned. I have the rack version the M1R and I love it! :)

daniel villagra

August 4, 2012 @ 11:09 pm

hola yo tengo un korg m1 que lo enciendo y queda tildado colgado pero al desconectar la ficha de las teclas recien enciende normal que podra ser el problema??? fachaaguiar@hotmail.com

Ben Z

July 27, 2012 @ 10:38 pm

I know this webpage is about the M1, but I swear by my Korg M01! Nothing beats the speed I churn out the jams on it. It has a similar workflow to hardware workstations like Yamaha's QY-series and RS7000. I paid $80- for a Japanese copy on eBay in the States. The DS-10+ has a more "acid" sound to it.

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