The Sigma is an interesting bi-timbric synthesizer consisting of two sections: a genuine analog "Synthe" and a Preset "Instrument" section. All together, there are 19 presets on it that give a variety of sounds. There are 11 presets for the "Instrument" section which include fuzz guitar, electric bass, clavi, string, flute, double reed, trumpet, hammered percussion, etc. And there are 8 presets for the "Synthe" section that give variable waveforms (square, pulse, sawtooth) in different pitch ranges (from 32' to 4'). Each preset has its own rotary control to vary its sounds. The Sigma is also unique for its ability to combine the synth and instrument sections for a nicer, layered synth sound or effect. While the synth section is nice, the instrumental sounds (tuba, trumpet, strings, guitar, etc.) are pretty darn bad, and only get interesting when mixed with the "Synthe" section sounds.

Cool joysticks add multi-dimensional control. Use one to control pitch, noise and vibrato and use the second joystick to edit the low-pass and hi-pass voltage controlled filters! There is also an "Effect" section which is for Vibrato, Portamento, Sample and Hold, Noise, Key Hold, Multiple Trigger and Ring Modulator (each with it's own rotary control to vary it's sound). Even though it has a switch labelled "Ring Mod," it's actually a cross-mod. It lets you cross modulate between the instrument and Synth sections.

Ultimately, however, a basic design, limited edit-ability and a pure lack of memory and MIDI leave the Sigma far behind on the evolutionary scale (although it does let you play a quarter-tone scale). The Sigma has a metal music stand that slides out the back to hold your sheet music suggesting it may have been aimed at hobbyists, though it has been used by Jean Michel Jarre, Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson. One user describes the Sigma as, "An absolutely terrible keyboard, that is utterly fantastic!"

iblewhiroshima

March 27, 2013 @ 9:47 pm

Excellent for leads, Huge bass: Anyone looking for pure analogue sonic power will be in love with this one, great pitch bender, awesome filters, almost every combination sounds awesome, really INSPIRING to create music! This thing is not shy, it actualy beggs to be in the front of the mix. you can put the two oscillator slightly out of tune and the results will be awesome!
I think that this were strange even for their time; BTW, i have two of these, I'm in Mexico, if you are interested :nosurprises777 at hotm . One of the best analogues ever, surely underrated

tom

February 14, 2013 @ 6:24 pm

A very strange instrument design wise, but with a great cutting analog sound very close to the MS20. Sounds thicker than the sh-1000/2000, and has ringmodulator, high pass and low pass filter, multiple waveforms, and layering with the instrument section. Will rise in price for sure.

Stefan

January 21, 2013 @ 8:10 am

Man this one is a weird little rascal. I mean what were the Korg engineers thinking when they created this thing? But it sounds great! In a Korg nasal kind of way. The Ins section isn’t that bad cause it’s just fixed settings of the Synth section. Every preset has a knob for only one parameter. There are 2 joysticks for pitch/mod and HP/LP-Filter + a Vibrato knob. The Keyboard has aftertouch assignable to Pitch (up/down) or Vibrato. And it has plenty of In and outs on the back for FilterFM, FilterCV, EG...Pure fun!. What do I miss? Control over resonance! Cause the filter is so cool. :)

Volker

January 20, 2013 @ 2:40 pm

An extreme versatile synthesizer, very rare and also very exotic sounds. It sounds very cold and agressive. Some clean (!) demo sounds on the tastronauten website and also some very nice pics (below the banner).

marq lativ

November 17, 2012 @ 7:28 am

Very easy to use, great for detuned solos, need outboard effects, different sounding than a ms 10 or ms 20, editing is very direct and limited, raw oscilator, good filter, pre-programmed resonance, CV Midi possible with Filter and LFO input, i use it very often for doubleing tracks, or synbrass multiple recordings, great beast

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