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.

Mr Gobz

May 2, 2010 @ 11:20 pm

Ah the M1, bought mine back in 1990, not far under £2000 ! at the time, quality build and the best thing around at the time ( not including analogue synths ) was always disappointed that when I got into making music that the synths had moved into a new era of removing all the knobs and sliders and done away with all thoses cool phat analogue sounds !

However the orchestral type sounds did at least facilitate a couple of albums that I recorded and I still own the M1, having consigned the sounds in it now to the digital dustbin, the quality of the actual keys on the keyboard are very good ( way way better than the Juno-D that I also have )so I still use it to control all those softsynths that I have these days

mike brees

December 18, 2009 @ 8:00 am

I own a M1 after a trade with a Roland EM arranger. I am amazed by its sound generators and i was going to sell it at the beggining but now i am not selling it for any reason. I own several synths but the live feeling of M1 and its sounds is unreplacable

Nige

October 31, 2009 @ 12:03 pm

Haven't used my M1 for a few years, so I dug it out a while back and then thought I'd have a look what was on the net and just found this site. Thought I'd just let people know that my M1 had stopped responding to the DOWN key which was fairly annoying. After looking at some hairy dismantling instructions I thought I'd just try some spray switch cleaner and after a few minutes it's back in full operation!

Now I need to get a midi cable and see if I can get it talking to my mac...

John

October 14, 2009 @ 6:31 pm

The M1 had a small flat cell battery inside to retain voice and program data. If I remember correctly it is a CR2032, which can be purchased at your local Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, etc. Replacement requires opening up the synth and battery removal will more than likely cause you to lose voice data, so make a backup before removing the old battery. I think the original voices can also be downloaded fairly easily here on the web. You will need a midi interface and the proper software to transfer the data. Do a google search. Plenty of step by step instructions listed out there. Good luck.

Marty

October 4, 2009 @ 11:46 pm

I started playing the M1 back in High School (1991), as my HS purchased 4 of them. I bought one of my own after I graduated in 1995, and I've had it ever since. I'll be living under a bridge in a cardboard box before I ever even consider selling it.

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