Korg Virtual Analog Modeling Synthesizer

SKU: # 388504   |   Model: # KINGKORG   |    Product Reviews3 Reviews  Write a Review

Virtual Analog Modeling Synthesizer

Additional Photos:

Virtual Analog Modeling Synthesizer
Virtual Analog Modeling Synthesizer
 This product is no longer available.
Ready for live performance.

KingKORG is the full-fledged analog modeling synthesizer you've been waiting for. It carries on the design philosophy of classic Korg analog synthesizers such as the MS-20 and the Mono/Poly, which gave rise to the Prophecy, the Z1, the MS2000, and the RADIAS. This exciting new instrument delivers the unique characteristics of a dedicated synthesizer, especially the fun of transforming the sound by tweaking an impressive array of knobs. While technologically impressive, KingKORG is approachable even to players who are new to synthesizers. And it particularly shines on stage, not only with its great sound, but also literally with a gorgeous champagne gold finish, befitting its royal name KingKORG.

Product Highlights:
- A full-fledged, 61-key analog modeling synthesizer designed for live performance
- Powerful oscillators that are understandable to the beginner, yet satisfying for the expert
- Modeling filters that reproduce the sound of classic instruments
- Three master effect sections (each with six effect types) add the finishing touch to your sound
- Vacuum tube driver circuit adds rich overtones and powerful distortion
- New panel layout designed for intuitive operation
- CV/GATE OUT jack lets you control a Korg monotribe or MS-20
- Support for librarian software that lets you manage programs

Powerful oscillators that are both understandable to the beginner and satisfying for the expert
KingKORG features a 3-oscillator x 2-timbre design that allows you to generate thick and rich sounds, plus a newly developed XMT modeling sound engine. XMT (Xpanded Modeling Technology) is proprietary Korg technology that was created in order to produce a broad range of sonic variations while keeping operation simple. In a conventional synthesizer, the sound-creating process requires you to adjust the oscillator settings one by one, making it difficult to see the overall picture. In contrast, KingKORG provides pre-set algorithms that contain combinations of various types and numbers of oscillators, letting you easily and quickly sculpt stage-ready sounds. The wide range of oscillator algorithms includes the choices youd expect from an analog synthesizersawtooth wave, square wave, and noisein addition to numerous PCM/DWGS algorithms, giving you plenty of scope choices for creating highly personal sounds.

Modeling filters that reproduce the sound of classic instruments
While designing KingKORG, extreme attention was paid to the filter section, which is crucial to a synthesizer's character. A diverse variety of filters is a unique advantage of analog modeling, and KingKORGs filters add unparalleled flexibility. In addition to a variety of essential analog modeling filter types, you get faithful models of filters that reproduce the analog monophonic synths used for lead and bass in the '70s, the polyphonic synths used in new wave music of the '80s, and the filters of Korg's classic MS-20 analog synth. These filters can also be made to self-oscillate by raising the resonance setting a unique capability of analog synthesizers.

Three master effects, each with six effect types, add the finishing touch to your sound
KingKORG provides three master effect sections, each giving you a choice of six effect types: PRE FX, with types such as distortion and amp simulator; MOD FX, with classic effects like phaser, chorus, and tremolo; and REV/DELAY, with ambience effects such as hall reverb and modulation delay. Each effect processor has a dedicated front panel dial that selects the effect type. To choose the ideal effect type, simply turn the dial to hear the result, and use the FX control knobs located below these dials to adjust the effect as desired.

Vacuum tube driver circuit adds rich overtones and powerful distortion
KingKORG provides a full-analog vacuum tube driver circuit as a mastering effect. You can use it to add warm fullness, a powerful overdrive, or anything in between.

Vocoder function
The built-in vocoder uses audio from the onboard mic input to modify the sound, creating an effect as though the synthesizer were talking. The vocoder features Formant Shift to dramatically modify the tonal character, as well as Formant Hold, which allows you to freeze a vowel sound and play it back using the keys. Thanks to the KingKORGs dual-timbre architecture, you can even combine the vocoder with another timbre, either as a complementing sound or a modulation source.

Virtual patch function
On many classic synthesizers (such as the MS-20), the signal flow could be reconfigured using patch cables to physically connect one element to another. KingKORG reproduces this function with an intuitive Virtual Patch system. With six Virtual Patch assignments per timbre, control signals such as EG, LFO, or joystick movement can be virtually connected to sound parameters such as pitch or cutoff, allowing you to modulate a parameter for even greater sound-shaping possibilities.

Step arpeggiator function
The step arpeggiator automatically generates an arpeggiated phrase (broken chord) according to the chord you hold on the keyboard. You can choose from six arpeggio types, and specify the duration, interval, and on/off status of each step to enjoy a wide variety of performance possibilities.

Specifications:

SYSTEM
XMT (eXpanded Modeling Technology)

PROGRAM
Number of programs: 300 (Preset: 200)
Number of categories: 8 categories
Number of timbres: Up to 2 Timbres (Layered or Split)
Maximum voice polyphony: Up 24 voices

OSCILLATOR
Structure: 3 Oscillators (Analog, Noise, DWGS, PCM, MIC IN)
Number of Types: 127 types (Analog & Noise: 32 + DWGS: 64 + PCM: 30 + MIC IN)

FILTER
Structure: 1 filter per timbre (LPF, HPF, BPF)
Number of Filter Types: 18 types (LPF: 7 + HPF: 5 + BPF: 6), including modeling filters
Modulation: EG: 2 units, LPF: 2 units, AMP
Virtual Patch: 6 Virtual Patches per timbre

EFFECT
Sections: Program effects x 3 (PRE FX, MOD FX, REV/DELAY) + EQ (2 Band) + TUBE (Stereo)
Types:
- PRE FX: 6 types (DISTORTION, DECIMATOR, RING MOD, GT AMP, EP AMP, TONE)
- MOD FX: 6 types (FLANGER, CHORUS, U-VIBE, TREMOLO, PHASER, ROTARY)
- REV/DELAY: 6 types (HALL, ROOM, PLATE, TAPE ECHO, MOD DELAY, BPM DELAY)

VOCODER
16-Band Vocoder with Formant Shift and Formant Hold

ARPEGGIATOR
Up to 8 steps (The number of steps can be changed)
6 types (UP, DOWN, ALT1, ALT2, RANDOM, TRIGGER)

AUDIO
Input:
Mic In
- Connection: XLR-3-31 Type (Balanced)
- Input Impedance: 6.8 kO
- Maximum level: -12 dBu
Output:
Audio Output
- Connections: 6.3 mm, TS phone jack (Unbalanced) L/MONO, R
- Load Impedance: More than 10 kO
- Maximum level: -12 dBu
Headphone
Connection: 3.5 mm, Stereo min phone jack
Maximum level: 60 mW + 60 mW @33O

DISPLAY
Main Display: 16 characters x 2 lines / OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)
Sub Displays for Oscillator and Filter Sections: 128 x 64 dots / OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)

KEYBOARD

- 61 notes (Semi-Weighted Keyboard)
- *Velocity-sensitive
- *Adjustable Key Response (NORMAL, SHALLOW, DEEP)

CONTROL
Controller: Joystick, Octave Up/Down button, Category/Favorite button
Control input:
- DAMPER pedal (Supports Half Dampering)
- SWITCH/PEDAL
Control Output:
- CV/GATE Out

Q & A


There are currently no questions for this product.

Reviews


18.227.209.89
Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; [email protected])
It has its place 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features  
Quality  
Value  
Overall  
Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Abbotsford, British Columbia
If purchased on sale, makes a good addition to your collection for analog type sounds. No sequencer and pretty basic arp.
Posted by anonymous on Apr 11, 2015
Was this review helpful? Vote helpful Vote not helpful flag this review
Mixed Bag, Buy Something Else 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features  
Quality  
Value  
Overall  
Product Experience   I've tried it
Closest Store   Kamloops, British Columbia
If you are looking for 80's analog type sounds and the ability to add/change effects, this could be your board. Build quality is very nice, looks better in person than photos. There are tons of demos online which show the potential but for me, this synth is a disappointment. I can't imagine paying $1200 and being happy, as it was priced when it came out. Very basic arpeggiator (junk in my opinion). No sequencer and no drums. Kind of gimmicky. Stock sounds are average with a few stand-outs but there are some free patches available through the Korg site & elsewhere if you'd like to dabble. At $799 it's an ok board to add to your existing set-up but overall, there are better ways to spend your hard earned $. I returned mine. For the same price, Krome offers a ton more and very good synth sounds (MS 20, DW8000 + PolySix).
Posted by anonymous on Apr 3, 2015
Was this review helpful? Vote helpful Vote not helpful flag this review
Fun VA poly-synth...thick sounding! 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features  
Quality  
Value  
Overall  
Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Bedford, Nova Scotia
When I first sat down and tried this keyboard, I found the keys a little lighter than I'm used to. But I soon realized that it let's one play quite fast, as well as rhythmically...I'm used to it now, and actually some of my other boards now feel a bit sluggish in comparison. I will be continuing to get the yearly warranty though, until I trust they will stand up. Long story short, I got the synth when it was slightly discounted, and I am very happy with it overall. After-touch would have been nice, but not a deal breaker for me. I can program vibrato to come in after a note has been held for a second, and that does a similar thing. It is a very full sounding synth, partly due to the array of easily tweakable effects on board. Korg must know that when it comes to that vintage analog "sound", half of it comes/came from a good tape echo and reverb! The FX section is actually quite fun to tweak, especially the echoes. The tube "boost" is a neat feature...I have started to just leave it on all the time, turned up just a bit. The warmth it ads is noticeable. Cranked up on the clav and "Moog" bass sounds, it is actually quite entertaining. It does increase the volume though, so one has to compensate there. And if you forget that the boost is on, and go to, say, a piano sound, it can be a bit startling. Learning curve, that's all. Finally, I wasn't sure about the disco-champagne colour scheme at first...but one I got it home and place it in my rig, the look has really started to grow on me. I like the three little LCD screens as well, each serving a distinct purpose, to me that beats one large screen, and I expect to see more manufacturers copy this. Other than that, the joystick takes a little getting used to, but they way it "morphs" one patch into another is very useful, and I am getting quite attached to it a well. This is a great little (VA) polysynth...not meant to be one's ONLY keyboard, I don't think...but it makes a smashing addition to any workstation or digital piano/organ set-up. 9/10, because I got a good deal, and it's put some fun back into programming, like the good ole days of analog except without the heartbreak of unstable oscillators and missing notes). Remember, L&M doesn't haggle - but they price match! That is better IMO.
Posted by John Peer aka baD mR fRosTy on Nov 28, 2014
Was this review helpful? Vote helpful Vote not helpful flag this review

Performance Warranty Banner

Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty

A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.

Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.

How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
  • Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
  • Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
  • No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
  • Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
  • Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
  • Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
  • Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
  • Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
  • Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
 

Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.

Purchasing additional years of coverage

Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.

If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:

  • NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
  • USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
  • GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
  • BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.