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.

 

Man In Motion

Posted 136 days ago

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

Posted 174 days ago

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

Posted 181 days ago

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.

S4410

Posted 193 days ago

Yes,the first workstation.A great arrangement tool with good sounds.I also used it for new age sounds,it was easy to program.Sold it for a Trinity.

Paul

Posted 204 days ago

Great synth, but prefer the N1r. Still use one a lot. Lots of M1 type sounds on my music - you might like it: www.myspace.com/theredshiftmachine

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