The nineties update to the legendary M1. Launched in 1993, it expanded on what made the M1 such a great machine and featured a range of solid, entirely usable sounds. The Strings and Basses are exceptionally good, although truly analog sounding sweeps and pads are not what this machine was about. The X3 (and subsequent X-series models that came after it) was designed as a middle-weight workstation, with the warmer and more powerful 01/W series taking the reins as Korg's premiere ROMpler workstation of the early nineties.

The X3 is based around 6 MB of 16-bit multi-samples, with basses, guitars, strings, drums, pads and much more. You can even add more PCM sounds to the synth, but additional PCM cards are expensive and/or hard to find.

Detailed editing and a flexible sequencer make this machine more than capable of running a MIDI rig if you are averse to PC based sequencing. If you can live without large touch sensitive screens or resonant filters, then you will find the X3 packs more punch than you may imagine. A rewarding synth to own, even 10 years down the line. What it lacks in instant hands-on tweak-ability and cutting edge sounds, it makes up for in the ultimately usable range of sounds. It has been used by Vangelis.

39 VISITOR COMMENTS

robert bradley

November 21, 2011 @ 8:59 pm

I own a korg n364 its has twice the rom,voicing and a few extras but the same format. To get around the banks are not like most boards like A bank is horns B is strings ect. If you push the hold button, then 1, then value up or yes you'll see as you continue with the up key all patches are acustic ro electric keys. hit 6 then up these are bass patches. 4's are guitars, 9's are drum kits or percussions. once you get to it builting split, layers and even sending patches or receving patches via midi in comb. mode will be easy i love these synth

J03L

November 4, 2011 @ 11:57 am

I've been using my X3 in a live setting for years. I overcame the filter issue by buying an alesis air fx and running the board output through it. This let me do sweeps and all kinds of wicked twisted sounds on the x3. I've had it since 1994 and love it for its capabilities. That said, I've since bought a Triton Extreme and recently the Kronos. I'm afraid the X3 becomes ajust in case board, but it has served well.

Lynn

October 17, 2011 @ 4:28 pm

I have a mint condition Korg X3 with floppy discs, Alesis 100 amp, and 2 Alesis speakers with a soft case for the keyboard. All aspects of it work, as it was stored , and played infrequently. It was too much for me to handle! Anyone interested? Contact me at lkys135@sbcglobal.net Thanks...

Bruce Chapman

October 4, 2011 @ 3:38 pm

Just picked one up for $80 to use as a rehearsal keyboard to save me carting something around. Disc function doesn't work, but blown away by the sounds.Immediately carried home from rehearsal- not the plan - and down loaded the manual. Hoping I can reorganize the banks as the organization of the sounds seems to be quite random. Also hoping to access some of the plug ins on my Mac, as the keyboard is a wonderful keyboard to play- better than any controller I have seen.

Rodolfo Alegria

August 12, 2011 @ 12:04 am

Hello...I have a magnificent Korg X3 I have a friend, electronic engineer who restores it like a new. For those guys who need the original factory settings send me a mail and I will send you the program.......I have the same feelings about this excellent synth.....Regards...RA My e-mail....rodolfoalegria20002yahoo.com

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