OVERVIEW
The microX keyboard combines some of the best that Korg's legendary synths and controllers offer, wrapping it up in a compact and very portable package. The microX comes loaded with hundreds of options (pre-loaded sounds, effects options, and programs) for creating music and also functions as an excellent controller. There are 25 velocity-sensitive keys, 4 control knobs and an X/Y joystick. The features make it an excellent choice for small home studios and on the road production; it also comes in a hard plastic carrying case like a proper piece of hardware.

FEATURES
The microX is built from the same platform as Korg's Triton series, employing the acclaimed HI synthesis system for generating all its internal sounds. The microX features an huge, impressive battery of built in sounds, with many options for controlling them. It comes pre-loaded with over 1000 built in sounds and programs, some of them Korg "classics" and some created specifically for the microX, with a special emphasis on dance sounds and ethnic timbres. In "combination mode" you are able to combine up to 8 different programs – with 384 combinations already pre-loaded. There are also 89 different effects to choose from, with real time modulation and tempo control available for most of them. A powerful dual polyphonic arpeggiators provide even more possibilities, with 250 pre-loaded patterns ranging from realistic phrases to distinctive flourishes. Korg makes it easy to use this wide array of sounds with great navigation, and quick ways of finding + previewing sounds.

As a controller, the microX features everything you need to synch up with your computer. There are four main knobs and a 4-way joystick, all of which are assignable and work with just about every software program (64 external templates are provided for easy use with the most popular software synths and production programs). USB connection (cable included) allows you to connect directly to the computer. They also include Editor software for reworking the microX's sounds from your computer- use as a standalone program or as a plug-in with your existing software.

OUR OPINION
The microX continues Korg's tradition of top of the line keyboards, and improves on their more recent entry's into affordable synths and controllers. The fact that you have a synthesizer and controller in one piece is a great thing in itself, but Korg always takes things a step further and has really provided an impressive, useful tool with the microX. Great look with the hard plastic carrying case as well.

- functions as both a synthesizer and controller
- 25 velocity sensitive, full-sized keys
- high-quality sounds delivered by the HI synthesis system used on the TRITON series
- 640 programs based on a new 64MB ROM, covering a wide range of styles
- combination mode allows you to combine up to eight programs for complex + unique sounds. 384 preloaded combinations are provided
- 89 effects provided, up to 4 can be used simultaneously
- powerful dual polyphonic arpeggiators provide a wide range of possibilities, ranging from realistic phrases to distinctive flourishes
- four-channel audio output allows sophisticated sound-creating and mixing techniques
- multi sets provide easy setup and instant recall of 16-part multi-timbral groupings for use with your external DAW software
- external control setups can be used to control your DAW software, soft synths and other devices
- USB connector allows direct MIDI connection to your computer
- Editor and Editor Plug-in software are included for seamless editing of microX sounds from within your DAW software
- dimensions: 23.86" (W) x 8.90" (D) x 3.15" (H)
- weight: 5.3 pounds
- comes with: carrying case, AC adapter, USB cable, CD-ROM (microX Editor, microX Plug-In Editor, KORG USB-MIDI Driver)

reviewed by the mgmnt