Korg has released a major firmware update for the Opsix Altered FM Synthesizer.
Here’s what’s new in Korg Opsix v.2:
Effect Operator – When using this mode, the oscillator signal and input signal are fed into one of 10 different effects: Peaking EQ, Shelving EQ, Phaser, Short Delay, Comb Filter, Distortion, Drive, Decimator, Waveshaper & Punch.
Other improvements include:
- Noise Pink and Noise Blue have been added to the list of available oscillator waveforms.
- Aftertouch is now selectable as a control source for LFOs, EGs, and the Virtual Patch.(*1)
- Aftertouch can now be recorded and played back via the motion sequencer.(*1)
- Midi clock sync is now more accurate.
New Preset Sounds – In addition, there are 100 new preset programs.
Korg Opsix v2.0 Audio Demos:
Korg Opsix v2.0 firmware is available now as a free download.
No sample import, didnt the sy series have fm with samples? I thought they would add that after adding sample import for the modwave and wavestate.
I would have thought the platform was exactly the same for the 3, perhaps it isn’t and there isnt storage in the opsix.
The SY99 allowed for sample import but the SY77 did not, at least not without a special card and software. I personally never used the sample import, because RCM, the method of using samples and FM, is pretty tricky and hard to use. Not impossible, but I don’t recall getting that many useable sounds out of the process. Still, it would be a nice addition here no doubt.
And the question is … What’s a useable sound? 😉
“Useable” is a term used by musicians and audio professionals to describe sounds that they could ever use in a production. Of course it is subjective, but I tend to take heed of “unusable” more than terms such as “nasty” or “ugly”.
Try to have a little respect for what your fellow synth enthusiasts post. Obviously if someone uses the word “unusable “, then they believe it to be so, and there’s not much else to say. FWIW the universe of sound offered by FM synthesis includes a lot of timbres that I consider unusable, even though I like to consider myself a creative, and at times experimental sysnthesist.
If the Opsix is built using the same Raspberry Pi Compute module as the Wavestate, it might be possible to add sample import and playback. It depends how much memory and storage space is available, I suspect. The smallest Pi Compute has 1GB SDRAM, which might be a bit tight when running an RTOS. The question is whether it’s worth the considerable coding effort.
Small “article” addendum and solid bummer of a reminder:
> *1 Available via External MIDI input. The opsix keyboard does not support aftertouch.
Sure hope Korg releases a desktop version containing all three synths in one compact box. What a waste to not have aftertouch on these!
Yes it continues to be frustrating that Korg, Roland and Yamaha continue to ignore aftertouch on their newer keyboards. Especially when other manufacturers have poly aftertouch. Ah, the good old days.
you are absolutely right. A synth engine like this totally deserves aftertouch on its built-in keyboard. I would rather spend less on a module, or more on a proper keyboard.
Really glad to see Korg continuing to develop this gen of synths. Given how software based they are it will be a shame when they stop getting new features. There’s still a ton of interesting stuff they could add! Big fan of my opsix, looking forward to exploring these new possibilities.
Korg does great sound but shit keyboard for this kind of gear and price. They will not change…
Just give me a module. I don’t need this shitty keyboard.
Soundwise this is better what ive heard before. But i think i prefer a Wavestate SE.
Sounds awesome.. Korg we need a massive keyboard that combines Wavestate, Opsix and Modwave into one with polyphonic aftertouch like the Hydrasynth.
yes and the cynical part thinks they already had this idea but split the products for “marketing” purposes
They build futher on the popularity of the minilogue i gues. I think if i was Korg i would do the same without being customers unfriendly. These 3 octave synths are affordable for many people.
Beside that; there is almost no manufacturer that put everything off their (new) stuff in one instrument.
It’s also in the nature of the music industry to release a new instrument when they invented something new or more advanced technology.
I won’t be my usual cynical self and I’ll say they let young designers go wild with these three synths because they were so cost-effective and that’s how we ended up with these very expansive feature sets..
Now that the workflows have been figured out I would be willing to pay approximately 2-3000 for a keyboard that combined some functionality of all three with upgraded CPU’s/displays, poly aftertouch and more serious build quality.
Hopefully I’m not alone in that.. not really looking to collect three plastic raspberry pis with barely serviceable keybeds. Have to say I really don’t love the direction Korgs build quality has been going the last few years.. tiny displays and crappy plastic knobs.
They’ve got the software.. now they just need to go back to the way they were building things before.
I didnt know about the plastic is fantastic thing. Pricewise it shouldnt be a problem to use more firm materials, because ASM delivers sturdy products below 1000,- euro. So if they can others can as well i gues.
Not sure if you’re being sarcastic, but isn’t that exactly what the OASYS project was? Subsequently the Z1, Kronos, Nautilus all have loads of different engines. This OPSIX seems to be a focused implementation of the MOD-7 engine that’s already in all those keyboards.
I don’t know whether these latest additions to the OPSIX make their way back to the Kronos/Nautilus OS.
And totally agree, poly AT would be great!
Yes, the Kronos covers 90% of the functionality of these trio, albeit not in such an elegant way.
Windows 7 \ 8 \ 10 users continue to be penalized: the RNDIS protocol does not work on these software even if korg officially states that with some versions of windows it works.On my windows 10 pro latest release, the interfacing between the wavestate does not work , modwave, and opsix with windows 10 RNDIS.
Fantastic synth engine, as is the Wavestate.
Really had my heart set on a Wavestate, but was immediately dissuaded by the keys.
I’m a hack that can barely play, and was still appalled by the feel when I tried them in person.
They appear and feel to be the fragile and mushy ‘plastic lever’ style found frequently on mini keys.
Space is a big deal in my little corner, if it had better keys I could justify it as a controller for other boxes.
I’d buy both in desktop if available.
Fantastic update! Now, please add loopable Envelopes and I’d be super happy
The most complete and controllable FM Synth Hardware and Engine of all!
Even puts the superb Elecectron Digitone to 2nd Place.
Rly solved the tricky task to make multi operator FM accessible in an excellent way!
And then it can also be used as an additive (organ), but also as a subtractive synth.
Good Sequencer – Good On boards effects.
.
Great update to a great Synth!
(Ps.: Wavestaste and Modwave are feature rich but complicated imho = not form me.)
It has good hands on control. Plus the new presets sound amazingly good, it really is a great FM synth…
BUT the greatest FM hardware synth is in my opinion the FM-X Engine from the MODX/Montage. Now with smart morph you don’t need to actually program it from search, just choose some patches that have characteristics you desire and a map of 1024 new patches will appear. Actually using it is mind-blowing. Plus the sound itself is much better, I think maybe it is because the DAC in the Yamahas are top-notch.
Meanwhile, WHERE is the 61-key version?