Korg 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 you’d
expect from an analog synthesizer–sawtooth wave, square wave, and noise–in
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 KingKORG’s
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 KingKORG’s 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.
Features:
Newly designed panel layout allows intuitive operation
The newly designed panel is organized into blocks that let
you focus on the controls you need while editing. While reflecting the concept
of an analog synthesizer's signal flow, KingKORG's front panel takes full
advantage of today's technology. For example, the oscillator section has its
own dedicated display that shows the name of the currently selected algorithm.
You can turn the dial located beside this display to see descriptive names, and
push the dial to jump to the beginning of categories such as ANALOG or DWGS.
The control knobs are assigned to the most effective and important parameters
for each oscillator, letting you enjoy the unique feature of an analog
synthesizer --- turning the knobs to transform the sound. There are also
dedicated dials for each of the three master effects, making it easy to try out
different effects and hear how they modify the sound. Since a self-luminous
organic EL display is used, visibility is excellent even on a dimly lit stage.
61 dynamic, full-size keys, plus Korg’s X/Y Joystick
KingKORG features a generous five octaves of
velocity-sensitive keys, whose response can even be adjusted (Normal, Shallow,
or Deep) to mimic that of classic instruments. Below the dedicated octave shift
buttons, you’ll find a backlit X/Y joystick, ready to control your most
important live performance tweaks. Play through some of the preset sounds, and
you’ll notice that the joystick is already set up for useful and inspiring
modulation.
Favorites function for convenience in live performance
The Favorites function lets you recall frequently-used
programs at a single touch. You can assign a total of 40 programs to the eight
category favorite buttons for easy recall.
200 built-in preset programs
KingKORG provides a diverse selection of 200 stage-ready
preset programs organized into eight categories such as Synth, Lead, and Bass.
There's a great selection of the staple sounds you need for live performance,
including numerous PCM sounds for piano, electric piano, organ, and clavinet.
Thanks to KingKORG’s ability to emulate filters from classic synthesizers,
you’ll find familiar and authentic sounds that are perfect for playing your
favorite classic and modern songs, along with new and inspiring sounds to
broaden your horizons. There's also a user area for you to store 100 of your
own sounds.
CV/GATE OUT jack lets you control the monotribe or MS-20
The CV/GATE OUT jack lets you use an analog signal to
control a KORG monotribe or MS-20. A dedicated cable for the monotribe is
included, allowing you to use the keyboard of KingKORG to play the monotribe.
Support for librarian software that lets you manage programs
You can manage programs on your computer simply by
connecting KingKORG to your computer via a USB cable and using the librarian
software. The librarian software can be downloaded at no charge from the Korg
website or from the website of your local Korg distributor.
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)