Korg today introduced the microKORG-S, a new version of the classic microKorg minikey synthesizer that adds built-in speakers, a new sound library, increased patch memory and updated styling.
“Musicians who gravitate to microKORG can now choose a version that needs no additional speakers, monitors, or other connections to play,” says Korg’s James Sajeva. “The program memory capacity has also been increased twofold, and we’ve added 64 all-new preset programs.”
microKORG-S offers all of the original microKORG’s functionality, including ‘Big Knob’ genre selector for quickly selecting groups of presets, vocoder with an included microphone, arpeggiator and optional battery operation.
Audio Demos of the new sounds:
Here’s the official video intro:
Pricing and Availability
The microKORG-S will be available in September of 2016 for $499.99. See the Korg site for details.
microKORG-S Specifications:
Sound Generation:
Analog Modeling Synthesis System
Synthesizer Programs:
Multi Timbres: 2 (max, Split/Dual Mode)
Maximum Polyphony: 4 voices
Structure: 2 Oscillator + Noise Generator
Multi Mode Filter (-24dB/oct LPF, -12dB/oct LPF/BPF/HPF)
EG x2
LFO x2
Virtual Patch x4
Vocoder Programs:
Maximum Polyphony: 4 voices
Structure: 1 Oscillator + Noise Generator
EG x1
LFO x 2
8 Channels vocoder
Level and pan of each channel can be edited
Formant Shift function
Programs:
256 programs (192 Presets / 64 Users)
Up to eight favorite programs can be registered
Effects:
Modulation effects: flanger / chorus, phaser, ensemble (3 types)
Delay: stereo, cross, L/R (3 types)
Equalizer
Arpeggiator:
6 types (UP, DOWN, ALT1/2, Random, Trigger), Step Arpeggiator function
Controls:
Real-Time control knob x5, Arpeggiator ON/OFF
Keyboards:
37-keys (mini-keyboard, velocity sensitive)
Inputs:
AUDIO IN 1 CONDENSER (with MIC/LINE switch, +5V, mini phone jack)
AUDIO IN 1 DYNAMIC (with MIC/LINE switch, 1/4” phone jack)
AUDIO IN 2 LINE (1/4” phone jack)
Outputs:
L/MONO, R (1/4” phone jacks)
Headphones:
(1/4” stereo phone jack)
MIDI:
IN, OUT, THRU
Amp Output / Speaker:
3 W / 4 cm x 1, 0.5 W / 3.5 cm x 2
Display:
3 characters x1 line with 8 segment LED
Power Supply:
DC 9V (AC adapter), or six AA alkaline batteries (sold separately)
Battery Life:
Approximately 4 hours or more (when using alkaline batteries)
Dimensions (W x D x H):
524 x 232 x 70 mm / 20.63″ x 9.13″ x 2.76″
Weight:
2.5 kg / 5.51 lbs.
(without batteries and included microphone)
Included Items:
AC adapter (DC 9V), Condenser Microphone
Accessories:
Soft Case: SC-micro-MSG
No teasers? Go Korg. Its like a Korg Christmas minus a few weeks of teaser photos and videos.
please make a new microkontrol with better faders and knobs and pads
The original Korg Microkorg is from 2002, its almost vintage and you can still buy it in the normal music stores…wauww…
Intelligent improvements – and not before time. New livery OK if you favour oatmeal…
A better improvment would have been a USB port and a better editor including a VST integration.
Really…. who needs these crappy on board speakers…?
Has anyone ever used the build-in speakers of the volcas? They are also more than useless.
Just because you don’t like the speaker doesn’t mean I don’t. This is highly mobile and cash be battery powered. I actually like taking my battery powered and speaker synths on trips, making patches and just enjoying synthesizing on the go. Not long ago I grabbed my Casio sampler and messed with it for 2 hours on a car trip. Some things are about fun. Some things are about convenience. I like the speaker and it adds value for my purposes.
Before passing comment you need to hear a product, why are you assuming all products with a speaker are the same as volca?
Totally. In the video [1:06] it says: “high volume 2+1 speaker system built-in”
Definitely doesn’t appear to be the same as the Volcas’ single speaker.
I agree on the usb thing – it really should have a usb and an editor rather than having to go through a interface, I think speakers are kinda cool as an addition but for me for the price bump it ought to have had an exxtra osc or something other than speakers since the origs go for about $200 less
Still a polyphony of 4? My iPhone 3 managed better than that!!
I think this synth is really due a core CPU update. Then it could have more polyphony, more interesting oscillator types, filters, effects, etc.
How about twice the polyphony, based off the Radius, with additional FM and PCM waves, multiple filter types, and effects from the KP3? 😉
It’s called KingKorg
Actually, I was thinking about the microKorgXL.
because MicroKorg is still using Korg MS2000 engine, which had 4-note polyphony when it was released in 2000
4 voice polyphony lol.
Makes me want another one. Really wish they would just shrink it down to a desktop module though. I’d buy that in a heartbeat. Oh and throw a Volca style sequencer on it.
I’d really like to know more about this build-tin speaker technology they’re talking about.
On-board speakers and microphone – what could possibly go wrong?
Feedback on a postcard, please. 😉
ahhhhhh I get it
these guy refuses to die
4-band vocoder, Synthopia? Try 8-band…
If somebody can alert me when and if they release the new presets as downloads so I can use them on my lovely old microkorg, I would be extremely grateful :3
A true legeng microkorg !! i dont know on how many records/performance i used it, its been a 10 years and still solid like a rock.
Nice update on a fine little synth. Seems a shame/odd decision to not have included Volca sync port though.
Anyone have the new Microkorg S sounds available for download, like as a sysex or .prg? I might be able to offer something in return.