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.

Matt

July 26, 2009 @ 1:56 pm

I was given an M1 by a school...they were going to chuck it cos it didn't work. I had it repaired - new power supply - and it fires up ok now. However, there don't appear to be any factory preset sounds in either progs or combi, except really basic tones, i.e. no fx preset, envelopes all at zero, all other parameters and settings are at zero also. Is this right? I also have a korg triton and the factory preset sounds on that are incredible all with fx, envelopes etc. Thanks.

Vince

July 15, 2009 @ 11:53 am

I have my M1 since 1992. The keyboard touch is fantastic like the sounds. But what a FLANGER!!! This is the sound of the M1! Even the software edition can't reproduce it... It really passes through zero and has a very distinctive sound...

Man In Motion

July 9, 2009 @ 2:38 am

I recently bought one, and it still sounds great. It's a perfect machine to do 80-90's music style and more. I use the M1 vst synth too, but hardware is more powerfull.
I really love it. To own this synth takes me back through the years........

Kent

May 31, 2009 @ 3:42 pm

I had this baby for many years and used it often as a stand-alone synth. At the end I managed to record complete, complex 6 minute-arrangements which really reached the limits of polyphony, memory, transparency (only two effects for all sequencer tracks), etc. - but it was simply amazing. One of the best keyboards, very good repetition. A lot of very good preset sounds, and with some parameters (eg cut off) it is easy to get nice new sounds very fast.

Allister

May 24, 2009 @ 8:35 pm

I use mine mainly as a controller, as the keyboard action is the best I've come across on a 61 note keyboard.Use the internal sounds when I want something retro, there are thousands of extra patches on the internet for free, some of which are awesome.And it just looks big and cool.

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