Korg
MicroKorg XL Synthesizer + Vocoder
OVERVIEW
The original microkorg was a breakthrough for musicians and synth lovers alike when it came out 5 years ago, enabling everyone to experience a great synthesizer and enjoy Korg's renowned sound at an affordable price. It has remained a constant best-seller and is still very popular. Now Korg has packed even more advanced features as well as a cutting edge sound engine with powerful effects and a beefed up vocoder into the microkorg XL, a great step up from the old microkorg without breaking the bank.
FEATURES
SYNTH
The microkorg XL boasts Korg's powerful RADIAS/R3 derived MMT Multi Modeling Technology for a robust range of sounds and advanced analog re-creations. There are 128 quality presets available right out of the box, which are easily accessed via the two large dials on the front of the unit. The first selects the musical genre, while the second defines the instrument category. For the diehard synthesists and sound designers, you can use the three performance edit knobs for fast, effective editing in performance. Two multi-mode filters, a drive/waveshaping circuit for distinctively distorted sounds, and EG and LFO for creating time-varying tonal change, provide plenty of parameters for serious synthesis. Virtual Patching simulates the patching capability of Korg's classic MS series, and the arpeggiator can run six types of patterns, all adding up to a high degree of creative freedom. There's also an external audio input jack, so you can process external audio material from a sampler or other source device. In the full-edit mode you have unlimited access to all of the microKORG XL's synthesis parameters.
EFFECTS
The two master effect processors were perfected on our KAOSS series. These up-to-the-minute effects go far beyond traditional delay and chorus, delivering a total of 17 powerful algorithms, including ring modulation and a grain shifter. In addition, delay effects can be synchronized to MIDI clock for expanded possibilities in a live performance and other "beat-sensitive" situations.
VOCODER
Using a microphone, the microKORG XL's amazing vocoder allows you to add vocal characteristics to any sound, creating everything from "talk-box" filtering, pseudo choirs, talking instruments and vintage Sci-Fi robots. You can also use another instrument - such as a drum machine - to add rhythmic dexterity to your synth tracks. Our unique Formant Hold allows you to freeze the vocal input for continuous vocoder effects. In addition to simulating the classic vocoder sounds of the past, the microKORG XL also allows you to shift the filter frequencies (Formant Shift function) and adjust the level and pan of each of the sixteen bands, greatly altering the tonal character. This allows you to easily create fascinating textures and sounds that go far beyond traditional vocoding. A gooseneck microphone is included, so you can immediately start using these superb vocoder functions.
OUR OPINION
If you've love the microkorg, but want to step up your synth game, the microkorg XL is the next logical step. You get bigger, bolder, more expressive sounds and effects (especially with the advanced MMT technology)to take your production to the next level. The high quality mic (included) makes for more impressive vocoder action and the effects are stunning. Think of it as the best features from the R3 combined with the ease of use of the microkorg. The beauty of this machine is for the amount of features and endless capabilities, it is still very affordable and can be appreciated by beginners and advanced sound designers alike. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt
file under:
samplers + effects
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