Korg Synth Reviews: The best synthesizers in business

Korg Synthesizers are known for their unique, fat sounds, and still continue to dominate the market for electronic music making equipment. Korg make a wide range of both Korg analog synths as well as Korg digital synthesizers (for professionals as well as hobbyists).

Introduction

Professional musicians looking for the most powerful and versatile synth will appreciate Korg synths, highlighted by brilliant sounds, intuitive expression, and powerful synthesis engines.

Be it for practice or for live performances, you can experience the ease of use and intuitiveness when using the various sound programs and combinations, or when you want to tweak any of the sound parameters and algorithms.

Versatile, innovative, and easy-to-use, Korg synthesizers provide give you access to a whole new world of music (for all genres).

Comparison Chart

• [easyazon_link identifier=”B01M1OX3EL” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Korg KingKorg, 61-Keys[/easyazon_link]: Analog Modeling Synthesizer, 3 oscillators and over 300 programs
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B0000WS0SC” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Korg MicroKorg, 37-Keys[/easyazon_link]: Retro in style, synthesizer/vocoder, impressive features
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00B5SKWBS” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Korg MS-20, 37 Keys[/easyazon_link]: Mini Analog Monophonic Synth, dual filters
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B07NW95WRS” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Korg Minilogue, 37-keys[/easyazon_link]: easy to use (makes it perfect for beginners), 4-voice polyphony, 2 waveshape-able analog oscillators, 100 sounds and 200 program memories.

 

Korg Synths & Workstations

Here are the popular synth keyboard models.

Korg Krome EX (synthesizer Workstation

KORG KROME EX is an improved version of the bestselling classic KROME, and now with new sounds (including some great piano sounds), combis, and more.

Korg has launched the revamped KROME EX. Here’s how the new KROME differs from the earlier model.

• Improved sound set with focus modern electronic genres, more contemporary EDM sounds.
• Completely-new grand piano, upright piano from KORG’s Grandstage, and improved pianos, electric pianos, and drums.
• Extended user bank now with over 1,500 Programs and over 700 Combis.
• It still doesn’t have an audio interface.

KORG KROME EX synthesizer demo / video review

• Korg Krome EX 61 Keys: Buy on zZounds
• Korg Krome EX 73 Keys: Buy on zZounds
• Korg Krome EX 88 Keys: Buy on zZounds

Korg Kronos synthesizer workstation

KRONOS is a versatile synthesizer loaded with features that to satisfy today’s most demanding, accomplished performers and producers. Read more…
Buy on zZounds

Features powerful sound engine, TouchView Interactive Screen, state-of-the-art sound generation techniques, onboard effects, multitrack audio and MIDI recording, assignable control surface, dual joysticks, ribbon controller, and more. A great Keyboard for the gigging musician.

Korg Krome Keyboard Workstation

Bring one board to the gig. Top quality bread-and-butter sounds – acoustic piano, classic EPs, and more, semi-weighted piano action, 16-track sequencer. Overall, a full-featured musical creation engine.
Buy on zZounds

Auto Song Setup feature allows you to sketch entire compositions quickly and easily. Korg’s Cue List feature allows you to get all the different parts in the right place as fast as humanly possible.Read more…

Korg Analog Synths

Korg Prologue (Polyphonic Analogue Synthesizer)

Korg Prologue follows the Minilogue and Monologue synths. It is a polyphonic analogue synth with a full-size keyboard. It features an aluminium front panel, metal knobs and oak side panels.

Available in eight and 16 voice versions. You can choose from 49 and 61 keys. Two analogue VCOs and a multi-timbral oscillator. Noise generator for creating percussive sounds and effects, and more.

 

 

Buying Links

• Korg Prologue 16-Voice, 61-Key
• Korg Prologue 8-Voice, 49-Key

 

Korg Minilogue (Polyphonic Analogue Synthesizer)

Korg minilogue is a a modern analog synth, with good looks, designed to inspire musicians and analog enthusiasts. Key features include 4-voice polyphony, 2 waveshape-able analog oscillators and 100 easy-to-tweak presets. It’s fully programmable and comes with 16-step polyphonic note and motion sequencer, arpeggiator, and delay.

Highlights

• Fully programmable polyphonic analog synth with presets
• Voice Mode allows the user to configure voices: Polyphonic, Duopohonic, Monophonic, Chord, Unison, and more!
• Good looks, features curved aluminum panel, rugged chassis-mounted metal shaft pots, rubber-coated knob and a solid pyinkado wood rear panel!

OLED display features real-time oscilloscope, providing functional and eye-catching visual feedback on the sound being played; also shows information on presets and editable parameters.

• Pros: Inviting layout, Dynamic sound creation capabilities.
• Cons: Keys are small (larger than minikeys, but still small). Value for money

Watch: KORG minilogue Demo

 

• Number of Keys: 37, Slim-key, velocity sensitive
• Polyphony: 4 voices
• Number of Presets: 100 presets, 100 user (200 editable preset locations with 100 preloaded. )
• Sequencer: 16-step polyphonic, 16-step poly note and motion sequencer & tape-style delay (both savable per preset);
• OLED display with oscilloscope for educational and fun visuals of the sound being played.
• Audio Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ (audio in), 1 x 1/8″ (sync in)
• Audio Outputs: 1 x 1/4″ TRS (audio out), 1 x 1/4″ (headphones), 1 x 1/8″ (sync out)
• USB: 1 x Type USB B, MIDI I/O: In/Out
• Power Supply: 9V DC power supply included
• Dimensions – Height: 3.35″ . Width: 19.69″ . Depth: 11.81″. Shipping Dimensions: 25 x 17 x 6 in
• Weight – 6.17 lbs. Shipping Weight: 9 lbs.

 

Great analogue synth for the price currently. Its easy to play, the controls are straightforward and laid out well.

• Buy on zZounds | [easyazon_link identifier=”B01AMNWF6Q” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link] | Buy on Guitarcenter

 

Korg Monologue (25-Key) Analog Synthesizer

The smaller sibling to the Korg Minilogue, two-pole filter, drive circuit, 16-step sequencer, and E-E range. Fully programmable analogue monophonic synth.
Buy on zZounds

Korg Monotron (Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer)

Korg Monotron Analog Pocket Synthesizer: Its battery-powered, palm-sized, but powerful and fun-to-play. The monotron is ease to use (5 knobs and 1 switch).

The Korg Monotron created quite a buzz when it was first launched in 2010. After all, it was the first truly analogue synthesizer from Korg in a very long time. While it may not look very sophisticated, the Monotron is arguably quite musical. Marketed as the “Go-Anywhere Analog,” the Monotron is a battery powered monophonic analog synthesizer, with one voltage-controlled oscillator that produces a saw waveform, one voltage-controlled filter, and one LFO.

Korg Monotron Series

A Monotron is so small that it can easily fit in your pocket, and its the perfect synth to have if you need a synth that you can take anywhere. It comes in a few variants so you should be able to find one that suits your individual style.

A few variations (say siblings) of the Classic Korg Monotron has since been launched:

Here are the main components of Monotron and their uses:

• Voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) to generate a tone
• Low-frequency oscillator (LFO) to create a rhythmic pulse or sweep
• Voltage-controlled filter to alter the cutoff frequency of the oscillator.
• The touch-sensitive ribbon on the Monotron is used to vary the pitch of the sounds
• Five adjustable potentiometers to adjust pitch, LFO rate and interval, and the VCF cutoff and peak.

 

• Monotribe: Monotron with a VCO capable of producing not just a saw wave, but also square and triangle waves. Also includes a 16-step sequencer and analog drum machine.

 

Every Korg Monotron synth comes with a built-in speaker allowing you to tinker with the sounds without having to plug into a speaker system.

Korg Monotron Demo / Video review

 

Korg Monotron Duo (Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer)

Offering two oscillators, the monotron DUO adds an extra dimension, delivering an even more extreme sound. Tune the oscillators in unison for a rich, thick, analog tone. Tune them in intervals for classic soloing sounds and generating new effects. The X-MOD (cross modulation) circuit taken from Korg’s classic Mono/Poly can introduce a mild or razor-sharp edge to the overall sound; everything from a rich vibrato to extreme metallic sounds reminiscent of an FM synth.

Features the Scale function: Use it to select one of four scales: Chromatic, Major, Minor, or Off. Choose the Chromatic scale to play precise pitches as on a piano, or choose Major or Minor to generate musically coherent phrases by simply sliding your finger around on the keyboard.

Features:
VCO1+VCO2 (Sawtooth) with Pitch Control; VCF with Cutoff and Peak Control
X-Mod circuit borrowed from the classic Korg Mono/Poly
Ribbon Keyboard with Scale Select: Major, Minor, Chromatic, Off
Original MS-20 Filter with aux input
Built-in speaker, battery power

• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00684KFFW” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Monotron Duo[/easyazon_link]: Adds a second VCO and X-MOD capabilities to the mix (VCO and LFO) without increasing the size. Four-octave ribbon keyboard. Scale function lets you choose between Chromatic, Major, Minor or Off with a single button.

Korg Monotron Delay (Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer)

Korg’s monotron DELAY is an analog ribbon synthesizer that offers five knobs and a single switch. Its Space Delay produces different echo effects.

You can easily create melodies, add dazzling sound effects or add some analog sounds to your performance.

Features:
Wide-range ribbon controller keyboard
Space Delay with Rate and Intensity controls offers analog-style echoes
Pitch LFO with selectable Waveshape and Intensity and shape controls
VCF with Cutoff Control
Original Analog (VCF) Filter taken from the classic MS-10 & MS-20
Aux input jack (apply filter and delay to any audio source)
Built-in speaker, battery power, Headphone jack

• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00684KFAM” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Monotron Delay[/easyazon_link]: Adds a (digital) “Space Delay” to the analog oscillator, filter, and LFO. Great Sound effects. Four-octave ribbon keyboard

Korg MS 20 Mini (Monophonic Synthesizer)

The Korg MS-20 mini is a newer and smaller version of the popular MS20, its a 37-key monophonic analog synthesizer, delivers authentic analog synth sounds with a versatile, intuitive patch cord interface.

• Pros – Thick & robust sound, Powerful analog filter, Versatile/flexible Patching Options.
• Cons – Only 37 keys
  Who Is It For?: Performing, Studio use, Anybody who likes/uses analog sounds

 

Korg’s MS-20 monophonic synthesizer was first introduced in 1978, and users loved the synth for its: Thick, robust sound, Fat basses, Warm strings and pads, Gripping lead tones, Powerful analog filter, Versatile patching options.

Buy Korg MS-20 on zZounds

 

Key features/specs:

• Simple structure with 2 VCO, 2 VCA, 2 VCF, 2 EG, and 1 LFO
• Self-oscillating high-pass/low-pass filters with distinctive distortion
• External signal processor (ESP) lets you use the pitch or volume of an external audio source to control this synth
• Flexible patching system uses 1/8″ mini plugs instead of 1/4″ plugs
• Equipped with a MIDI IN jack and a USB-MIDI connector
• Dimensions: 23 x 14 x 12 in, Weight: 14 lbs
• User Manual

 

The MS-20 is a proven product and if you’re a fan of analog synths in general, then you should definitely check out the Korg MS-20 mini.

Buying Options

• Buy Korg MS-20 mini on zZounds

Analog Modeling Synthesizers

Korg Microkorg (Synthesizer Vocoder)

An advanced synthesizer, the Korg MicroKorg lets you generate your own personal sound, packs a cutting-edge sound engine and powerful effects into a compact, vintage-like body. State-of-the-art analog modeling and multi-band vocoding are finally available in a compact, portable instrument.

It’s perfect for the performer, producer, computer musician, or beginner looking for an affordable synthesizer. Its great for keyboard players, and also for bassists who need a synth bass-sound, and for vocalists who want to add some sonic extras to their vocals, or for that matter for anybody who wants amazing bass sounds, and.or wants to go retro.

With the Korg MicroKorg, you get a huge library of analog-style synth sounds, an on-board vocoder, 8-step arpeggiator, and more, in a tiny, 5-pound MicroKORG. In fact, once you learn how to manipulate the controls, you have almost endless sound options at your disposal.

• PROS: Incredible lead instrument, awesome vocoder, retro looks, plenty of online tutorials
• CONS: Tiny keys, 4 note polyphony

 

Key Features:

 

microKORG Video Demo

Buy Korg MicroKorg Analog Synth on zZounds

 

This compact, battery powered, analog modeling synthesizer comes with an outrageous built-in Vocoder, includes a cool gooseneck microphone, comes with 128 Killer sounds, arpeggiator, effects, delays, pitch & mod wheels, and more.

Where to Buy?

1. Buy Korg MicroKorg Analog Synth on zZounds
2. Buy Korg MicroKorg on Amazon.co.uk (UK)
3. Buy Korg MicroKorg on Amazon.de (Germany)

 

Korg Beat Production Gear

Korg Electribe Music Production Station

Korg’s electribe is a synthesizer-based production machine that features several analog oscillators and a wide variety of filters. You can do most of the operations by simply using the top panel knobs.

It features hundreds of drum/synth sounds, you can add per-part effects, Pattern chaining, you can sequence with 16 pads and it has a Kaoss-style X/Y touchpad.

Korg has also created 400+ brand-new bonus patterns (200+ each for the sampler and synth). These new patterns, along with the V2.0 Operating System, can be downloaded for free (from korg.com) by all Electribe owners.

Electribe 2 will now be available in classic Metallic Blue, and the Electribe Sampler in Metallic Red.

Buying Links

• Buy Korg Electribe on zZounds

Watch: 20 advanced Electribe 2 tips, hacks and undocumented features

Korg Volca Synths

The Korg Volca series of analog synthesizers (suited for EDM production) includes the Volca Keys (Analogue Loop Synth), the Volca Bass (Analogue Bass Machine) and the Volca Beats (Analogue Rhythm Machine). Read more here…

More Keyboards

Tabletop Synthesizers

Tabletop (desktop) synthesizers are smaller in size and come without a keyboard. You have to plug in a MIDI keyboard in order to use the sounds. Read more on Tabletop Synthesizers.

ARP Synths

At one time ARP was known for crafting analog synthesizers. Decades later, Korg reissued the company’s classic Odyssey synth.

Korg ARP Odyssey Analog Synthesizer Keyboard
Korg’s Arp Odyssey is reborn, with original analog sounds, plus a new DRIVE switch and USB and MIDI ports, ready to be savored by Synth Nerds. For those who are not aware, the synth was manufactured from 1972-1981, and now Korg relaunched the classic synth again (with help from Odyssey designer David Friend). The newer version is slimmer, nerds love it, and they (vintage stuff) always fetch more in the ‘used’ market.

 

• Filters of all three generations are provided
• Portamento behaviors of both Rev1 and Rev2/3 are provided
• Rev1 and Rev2 designs also revived as limited-edition models
• DRIVE switch (new function) is provided
• The keyboard includes MIDI and headphone output.

 

• Buy on zZounds

Korg Music Production Apps

KORG iMS-20 – Music Production App for iPad

KORG iMS-20 is a complete music production app for iPad. Its an analog synth studio; a complete recreation of the Korg MS-20 synth – an analog sequencer, a drum machine, and even Korg’s Kaoss Pad technology. It also lets you easily share your songs online via the SoundCloud.

Korg Expansion Boards

Take your passion for music to the next level with the expansion boards, keyboard hardware and synthesizer boards designed by the music makers at Korg that provides access to a whole lot of additional sounds and capabilities. Read more on expansion boards here.

---

 

Korg Synths – Buying Guide

Korg loves to create products that use cutting edge technology and are known for their high-end synthesizers. Korg (as a company) started of making (improving) rhythm machines but soon were making synthesizers that were way ahead of its competition. Musicians still keep coming back to Korg for its world-class synths that offer stunning sounds, effects and intuitive operation.

Korg was a wide range of synthesizers that will appeal to both seasoned professionals as well as the weekend hobbyist.

Korg Synths are known for their distinctive sounds, besides being built for easy and intuitive operation, making their Synthesizer suitable for both stage as well as studio use. These are ideal for creating Fast and Thumping Music. You can really feel the power, be it during practice sessions or during live performances.

Want to get the most out of your Korg synth? Go through the several creativity-inspiring tutorial videos available on YouTube.

Key Features:

• Powerful engine, think & rich sounds, powerful filters, ESP, Powerful effect section (with multiple processors on some models), Superb Arpeggiators and Modulation Effects, Vocoder & mic input (on some models), Flexible Patching System
• Korg analog Synths include rich and varied collection of analog-type sounds and effects that are ideal for creating dance, trance or hip-hop music.
• Modern Connections (old MIDI, USB MIDI). Connect the Korg to your computer for more possibilities.

Most of these korg synths let you create extremely sophisticated sounds in various ways. You can then program these or use them in real-time to give your sounds a high degree of expressiveness.

 

 

Some korg synths provide you software which gives you the option of editing sounds on the computer instead on your korg synth. Just connect your korg synthesizer to your computer and use the included software to conveniently edit the sounds, using your computer. You can create new sounds or edit existing ones and save it on your computer or on your korg synth and use them real-time.

 

Final Thoughts
When it comes to high-end keyboards – synthesizers & workstations, Korg is right up there. Over the years, it has produced some amazing synthesizers and arrangers, and continues to churn out top-class products. Korg has synths for the intermediate keyboardist as well as for pro musicians. Korg synthesizers come with a powerful synth engine, have great sounds and effects, and easy-to-use sequencing tools that you can use to loop beats and build songs.

Useful Links

• Top Korg Synthesizers, Reviews
• Top Korg Digital Pianos
• Top Korg Arranger Keyboards
• Checkout ALL Korg Keyboards
• Yamaha vs Korg vs Roland Synthesizer Keyboards
• Yamaha vs Korg vs Roland: Arranger Keyboards
• Yamaha vs Roland vs Korg Digital Piano Keyboard – Which one is Better?
• Korg microStation
• Korg X-50 vs Yamaha MM6 vs Roland JUNO-G 61-Key Synthesizer Keyboard – Pros and Cons
• More on Korg Keyboards

 

Have any views on these Korg analogue synths, please share it below.