The X5D is an entry level keyboard from Korg. It basically offers Korg's acclaimed Ai2 sound engine (from the 01/w series) packed into a small, lightweight, affordable package! Being an entry-level keyboard, the usual luxuries such as aftertouch and an internal power supply have been omitted, and it lacks an arpeggiator or a sequencer, however it more than makes up for this in sound.

In addition to its General MIDI sound set, the X5D comes loaded with two banks of preset sounds that can be loaded alternately, however you can overwrite the preset sounds and store up to one hundred program sounds and one hundred combination sounds of your own. The preset sounds vary widely, from complex pads and SFX sounds, to pianos, organs and orchestral instruments. Some of these sound dated in this day and age, the piano sound is a little on the thin side to say the least, but the string, pad and organ sounds can still hold their own against much newer keyboards! Korg have even included some classic voices from their iconic M1 workstation. The famous 'Universe' and 'M1 Piano' sounds are present in the X5D.

Editing the sounds can at first be a bit like performing keyhole surgery. The tiny two-line screen means that a lot of the words are abbreviated, and a lot of scrolling and menu diving is required to edit the sounds. However, it is a relatively short learning curve. Once you have created some program sounds, you can combine up to eight of them in combi mode. This allows you to create really thick sounds and textures, but is also useful for creating keyboard splits and velocity switched setups.

The X5D is available in module form as the X5DR.

A Whiteman

December 24, 2011 @ 5:53 pm

On the Korg Spec sheet it states the X5D has 64 Oscillators in single mode, how do this compare to the '2' on the X5?

It's a great keyboard, a little light to touch but not a bad play. I have added an Evolution Midi Controller which allows cutoff and Attack control via a 'knob'

I have created several tracks with this one keyboard alone! Using an Atari ST with Cubase as sequencer!

search 'nativ' and 'push records'

Programming sounds is quite intuitive even if the feedback on the tiny screen isn't great! It certainly has earned it's keep in my studio! :)

Cheers

mj marapao

November 7, 2011 @ 1:05 am

The Korg X5D is still the remarkable and wonderful synth in the world for the reason that its sound of this workstation has still a high quality that still being find and used by a musicians !!

Primo

September 9, 2011 @ 2:11 pm

I want to buy korg x-5 x5d n364
aymstudios@hotmail.com

Ruud

June 28, 2011 @ 7:13 am

I also really love my X5D from the presets combi no 90 Abyss is my favorite.
I bought it when I couldn't afford an M1 (got it eventualy)

wakkokb

April 5, 2011 @ 12:07 pm

great strings nice pads and easy carry
i loved to program was too easy and can make a great sounds specially cristals and pads, the pianos were not bad
i used for several years to live presentations
very recomended if you work every weekend and are worry about your keys
is cheap, great and i miss it :(

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