They’re saying it’s bad because they can’t program it properly. I’ve been using synths since the 80s, and I have a MicroKorg. It’s a lovely little synth.
Paul Manning I completely agree. Anyone who hates this synth, probably hasn't figured out how to use it because that's the challenge. If you know the synth, you can do a lot. I play gigs with it and it is just great.
it is not intuitive- documentation is poorly written. It took me watching a lot of videos online to figure this bloody thing out. Even Elektron gear and Moog is way easier to setup and use. It sounds great and runs on batteries and is cheap but thats it.
I've seen Microkorgs at a lot of gigs. Touring bands. Local bands. Always used up front, generally by someone singing with the MK right there near their mic stand. It always sounded good. Saw nothing wrong with it ~ I just never needed one. Then I needed a vocoder for a Pink Floyd tribute. Picked up an XL+ ... and haven't looked back since. Fantastic keyboard I use in conjunction with my Nord. Those two are all I need for so many kinds of gigs and recording sessions. The Microkorg is brilliant. And yes, I'm a real keyboard player and love using the mini keys
"This is the MicroKorg. It's a fake analog synth made of old toaster parts. There are 9 knobs that are literally glued on, and you have to program it like an etch-a-sketch." "Okay, how does it sound?" "Absolutely fantastic."
@Richard soma Hard disagree, it's worth owning if only to experience a few times. You can always sell it on if it doesn't work for you, but it truly produces beautiful pads/air sounds as it has 4 voice polyphony or double layered twin voices. The range it offers is actually quite amazing for it's price - of course there are some trade offs, but don't you buy a synth for the way it sounds?
The people who hate the Microkorg have unrealistic expectations. They seem to think a small, inexpensive synth should be all analogue, have one knob per function, 88 full sized, weighted keys, aftertouch and sound like a vintage Minimoog. It's actually a really useful little synth and it sounds good. It's not a substitute for a stage piano or a Buchla 100, though.
And that’s exactly why I made this video in the first place: to warn people what the cons might be, but to also show how absurd some of these unrealistic expectations are. I knew I was getting a small inexpensive synth with a good sound because I did my research first, and over the past eight years, I’ve still enjoyed using mine. It seems to me that those who hate it either didn’t care to do their research, or are just trolling to stir the pot. Thanks for your thoughts!
I'm really sorry but you likely just don't know how to use it or when to use it. It's a virtual analogue synthesizer which means it's supposed to replicate the pops and crackles of say something like an MS20 or a Moog. Fortunately, if you know how to sound design (and I'm not talking about randomly spinning knobs after setting up an envelope) you can get some super clean sounds out of it in addition to the dirtier stuff. Also poorly constructed is subjective as I've seen tons of the things still in service all over the place after obviously going through hell. Like the AK (which I'm assuming you've never fired) it is simple to repair and find parts for. The damn synthesizers have been cut up and made into everything from keytars to being hacked into modular setups... that's resilience. The only other synth I can think of that's been in service in the same quantity and are still being played is the DX7. And the DX7 is far too hard to program to have the title of AK of synths. Bottom line, stick with .vsts programs if you want clean sound. People don't buy synthesizers to produce on anymore, they buy them specifically for their character (and to play live imparting that character to their audiences).
you dont know where i come from, i grew up around synthesizers, i know what a true Mini Moog D type sound like, since my father owns two, and he also owns the King of Analog poly synths, the Oberheim Matrix 12. Me myself own several synths: Moog sub 37, a King Korg, Yamaha EX5, A Kawai K5000s, Yamaha SY77, Roland D-50 and a EMU emulator 4. The DX7 is easy to program for me. Korg is the Company that made the Korg PS-3300 (the best sounding synth according to Robert Moog Himself), Korg Wavestation, Kronos, Oasys, Z1, Trident. The Micro korg is a toy in comparison. Its dreadful Construction and its harsh sounding Virtual analog engine from the 90s synth the MS2000 makes this korgs worst synth to date. I love Korg and i expect more from them then this. Construction is NOT subjective by the way, its easily measurable! I own a SY77, built like a tank, my King Korg is considered by most to be fragile, but the micro korg is far worse then fragile! I own several Vsts (arturia Collection) that sound gritty and analogue like, With much more analogue warmth then the Microkorg.
It's irreverent "where you came from." For a $200 used synth the Microkorg is an outstanding synthesizer that outclasses everything else in it's price range and then some... which is my point! Yea, sure, spend thousands on other synths... they will prob sound better and do more. You're arguing for the sake of arguing and bragging. You're exposure to all these mythical synths your talking about has ruined your judgment. For a lot of people who want to play and compose music, they want a cheap multi faceted synth that can be easily repaired, take some abuse, and sound alright.
I got mine in 2012 from a College instructor who just got a Moog he called an "Upgrade" from this machine (I think of them as different beasts) and I talked him down to let me have it for $200 even and I never regretted it and so GLAD I did not let my ex's attempts to talk me out of buying it (and buy a used PS3 so he can have a backup one to take away from me because he knows I would hardly use it, forget fact I never wanted PS3 at all but did want a synth!! This one was the one of my dreams.) If you can wrangle any cash toward one of these in your capable $ range, do not take a second to think about it, GET IT!!
Who hate this thing? For a while I was looking for an affordable synth which resembles the old monologe synths of the 70s. For example I was inspired by the synths used by Vangelis during the 70s. To get that warm analog character I specificly wanted a hardware synth. When I discovered the Microkorg it seemed to be the exact thing I was looking for.
PROS (+) + Good analog sound emulation + Good arpeggiator + Good featurers + Good vintage looking + Very lightweight and portable + Cheap (you can get it for 200€ in perfect and mint condition) CONS (-) - 3 octaves - Small keys - Poor construction - 4 polyphony voices
$200 is way too much to spend on a synth with child-size keys, a toyish looking mic, 4 note polyphony and 3 octaves, I wouldn't pay more than 25 bucks for this outdated thing.....
I like the MicroKorg . I owned the original and the newer S version (because I sold original) . Most people who don’t like the MicroKorg are sound designers and tech types. Musicians on the other hand, who are making music, just want to pick up an instrument and start turning ideas into music, love the MicroKorg. The countless tracks it’s been used on speak for itself.
Well for starters...it has 37 KEYS!!! whereas every single other small synthbox (Korg monolog, Roland Boutique) frustratingly has only 25. Am I the only one who hates 25 keys??
For me, buying a small synthbox with 25 keys is somewhat unimportant, because I can easily route MIDI from the MicroKorg to it in the studio. But I agree with you that 25 keys is irritatingly limiting. If you’re using it solely for playing bass or lead sounds, or in a travel setup, then it’s fine. But I find that for playing chords, the extra octave on the 37 keys is absolutely necessary.
I understand that. Which is why I’m saying that if you plug a MIDI cable from the “MIDI Out” on the MicroKorg, and route it to the “MIDI In” on your 25 key synth, you’re able to play that 25 key synth with your MicroKorg. And the best part? No need for a computer or DAW to make it work. It’s all in the cable. Mind. Blown. ;)
Laura Woodswalker try the minilougue or the yamaha reface serie or even the roland jdxi: all have 3 octave keyboards.. By the way, the reface has the best minikey keybed on the market.
Yup, this is EXTREMELY important. I want to slap every manufacturer who makes 25 key boards. and I agree, MIDI shmidi. I want an instrument, not to have to wire up a some frankenstein wannabe "instrument" out of keys, a synth brain, etc..
"The retro look of it". The thing came out in 2002. It's incredibly outdated hardware. Even its successor, the XL (released in 2008) is about to be 10 years old. For a synth that came out over 15 years ago to still seriously be in production already says something. Anyone who buys a Microkorg at this point is probably an entry level synth player who wants something cheap, portable and servicable, and the Microkorg provides that. That's all it was meant to be even way back in 2002. Of course it's not going to compare to the latest and greatest synths.
It sounded awesomely good when it came out and it is sounding awesomely good today. Time is an illusion (Hermann Hesse, who adapted it from the historical Buddha)
Nicholas Zamir You better slow your roll son. I have an XL and it's a great studio tool. I've used it to record blazing keyboard shred solos on several album tracks. However, the build quality is crap. The XL is flimsy plastic in comparison to the original version. I've used the XL live several times but only as a slave to a larger keyboard. It's basically a high-tech Casio.
I love my korg I have had for about 9 years And I use it for my talk box And pitch wheel is great I wouldnt trade it in Everything I use it for It gets the job done 👍
@@bigbasil1908 Yea you can I never really got into the Vocoder, which I would like too! Having it now about 16years I need to clean it up because some of the keys aren't working because of dust
I recently bought a microkorg s from a friend a couple of weeks ago. Last night I went through the first six soundbanks (I didn't bother with the sound effects and vocoder soundbanks). I wanted to figure out which sounds I wanted to keep and which can be replaced with patches. Out of 144 sounds, I only like or can tolerate 67 of them. So that is 77 sounds that sound really crap to me.
Hm, I think (ignoring used synths) the MicroKorg (as of Dec 2022) is the cheapest polyphonic synth with velocity sensitive piano keys. The Korg Volca Keys and the Arturia MicroFreak are cheaper, but lack regular piano keys. The Korg Monologue is cheaper, but is a mono synth. The Akai MPK Mini Play3 is cheaper, but I am not sure it counts as a synth when running standalone. You can get a MIDI controller keyboard + synth for a bit cheaper than a MicroKorg.
Have a MicroKorg for 4 years now... admitted there are sounds on it that are bog awful .... but there are some amazing sounds on it...At the time I had a choice ..The mininova or the ugly duckling ... I chose the latter...And I made the right choice Up till then I just had digital synths (all pcm) apart from my little Yamaha Cs01... I've now introduced a monologue .. and the set up sound the business ... So NO the microKorg is not a pile of mince ...It's a brilliant wee synth for the price ... People thats say it is crap have no imagination .... Hence the expression a poor worker always blames his or her tools ^v^
I just ordered a Microkorg.. I feel like it's the SH-101 of the 2000s.Not that it sound or operate like one, but back in the 80s and early 90s, if you wanted a synth and had no money, you got an SH-101 used for buttons. Cheap, plasticky yet somehow reliable, requires some work-arounds but ultimately sounds good, and so ubiquitous that lots of your heroes have used them. I mainly just wanted one for practicing.
I think the filter circuitry on mine is acting up a bit.. sometimes if i leave it on for a while and don't play it, the filter cutoff will go all the way down and stay there no matter what controls i manipulate. i can turn it off and on again and it works fine. i guess that it is just because it is going on 8 years old... also the program selector button 1 doesn't work any more on mine so to access that patch once again i hard reset and it defaults there.. it isn't perfect but i get by.
do you ever use the computer software to edit your sounds? i find it much easier to work with than the matrix controls on the device. it is available free on the korg website in the support section i believe. i definitely would love it have full size keys, but then again it is also nice to have three full octaves in such a compact form so i think that adds to the appeal to a degree.. i dunno, i don't think i would change anything about it. ESPECIALLY the colour!
I saw they do have the microkorg XL now which has larger keys and the keys appear weighted as well. It also doesn’t have that edit knob where you have to look to see all that tiny writing
I do a lot of home recording (mostly ambient guitar) and I bought one of these as I wanted to add a it more depth to what I was doing and I love it. It definitely has flaws but it's actually a really great creative tool, No it's not a Moog (of course it isn't) but I have no regrets about getting it.
Same here. I’ve actually started using the MK more for ambient work, and I find it works really well for that genre. In fact, one of my favorite UA-cam videos of the synth is of someone who programmed a dark Tangerine Dream-like drone. I’ve been trying for years to replicate it. Thanks for your comment!
I liked the sounds I got out of the original, but I didn't really enjoy picking it up. But I thought I would give the MicroKorg S a shot, and I must say that this model fixed that problem for me. Easier to pick up as it has built-in speakers (which are surprisingly good and loud), the color scheme looks a lot better, and the extended soundbank where the whole D section is open to create your own sounds is amazing!
I really need to check the MicroKorg S out. The music store in my hometown has one on display, but I didn’t get to demo it. While the built in speakers and woofer isn’t a big necessity for me (although if it’s as good and loud as you’re saying it is, I might just change my mind on that haha), I did not know about the extended sound bank! Hopefully sometime soon, I’ll take a look at it. Thanks for your input! 👍
You really do. I didn't think speakers were necessary for me either, but after having tried the MicroKorg S - and seeing me sitting with it all the time since - I find it to be more practical than I'd thought. The extended sound bank was another part I didn't really think mattered too much to me, until I had it and found how much more likely I was to make my own patches when I wasn't accidentally overwriting something I'd love to use sometime in the future. It would be really interesting to hear what you think of it when you have demoed it :)
I think that there is a huge amount of fully professional potential that can only be accessed by those who are willing to make a true course study of the manual and to dig much deeper than the presets. .... That Is why I still own mine ... I KNOW that have only explored, MAYBE 10% of it's capabilities. ... The hidden powers are just waiting for me to get serious and to discover and exploit them.
You win the award for the best comment yet. I agree, there’s a HUGE amount of incredible potential, and it’s why I still own mine. There’s some sounds I’ve made lately that I never thought the Korg could pull off. I’ll have to share them ASAP.
You should do your self a favor and get a Minilogue...Cause the key on there feel great and they feel nothing like the microkorg! Korg knocked it outta the park with that synth!
but the minilogue is just mono right? doesnt that make a big difference to the microkorg? I am looking to buy my first synth but think i want more than mono, more voices. I am open to advice!
No, the Minilogue does true four voice polyphony just like the MicroKorg. But there’s also various voice modes and the 16-step sequencer that Korg put into it, which I’ve not seen in other synths within this price range. In the future, I’ll do a proper review of it, but having played with it the past few weeks, this is the best analog synth I’ve ever used for as affordable as it is. I don’t hesitate to recommend it at all. :)
Oh cool! I confused the Monologue and Minilogue. The price difference between the MicroKorg and Minilogue is rather large. But I love the easy lay out of the the lather (less shitty menu selects). Does the Minilogue have any sound processing/vocoder abilities?
Sam Smits It is a bit more of an investment, but the easy layout of the knobs are definitely worth it. The only sound processing ability the Minilogue has is a tape-style delay that can be routed either pre or post filter. So unfortunately, there’s no vocoder or anything else on it.
I’ve not used the JDXI, so I wouldn’t be able to tell you much. The MK’s vocoder has 8 bands, while I read on a forum that the JDXI MIGHT have 12. And it’s a big might because I can’t seem to find any vocoder specs anywhere. If anyone else knows more about the JDXI in this regard, please comment. Having said all that, I’m REALLY impressed with what comes with the JDXI for the price. The auto pitch and auto note features are a neat feature, and while I personally don’t like that the analog part of the synth is solely monophonic, the digital stuff seems outstanding for the price. But again, it depends on what you’re using either for, and which sound you prefer. I’d say if budget is a concern, go with the MK. You’re not going to get the clearest vocoder sound with 8 bands, but it’ll get the effect done. But if you want the most feature-packed synth possible and money isn’t an issue, get the JDXI. As much as I love my Korg, the Roland definitely beats it in terms of features.
The reason why i know about the microkorg is because samiyam who's an interesting musician exclusively uses this and the sp404 on everything he does. His self titled album is almost entirely this one synth with the 404 sampler
It’s powered via the included AC adapter, or by 6 “AA” batteries. Unless newer models have this (which I’m certain they don’t), there’s no USB port on the MicroKorg.
I picked up the 10th Anniversary all-black version a little while ago second hand off of a friend-of-a-friend and I am thoroughly happy with this little synth. It's not the be-all-end-all of machines, but it's powerful enough and easy enough to use that I don't regret picking it up at all. Hours of fun to be had with it.
I've had and still do own quite a few syths, both digital and analogue, one of them being the Korg MS2000R rack module, which for some silly reason i stupidly sold several years ago. I bought the Minilogue last year and that is a serious bit of kit, hands on instant control. I wanted to but another MS2000, the keyboard version this time, rather than the rack module but the prices are quite high...if you can find one in this country. Then someone kindly mentioned that the MicroKorg has pretty much the same engine as the MS2000, so yesterday i bought one.
yeah, i just bought my first and although the osc's aren't the best, you should be able to use this synth to do all kinds of utility...you bought a mini-key synth, and it's not sliders and a visible signal path or big knobs and big keys...most people are just snobbing out on the keyset/interface limitations. it's not an ob-x, or (insert name) but it's a great lil synth. it's on many more recordings than people realise.
I absolutely love my Microkorg. And I don´t care if an instrument looks or feels bad, it is made to sound good and nothing else and that´s what the Microkorg does. Good video though.
Thanks! I love mine too, because it can make some pretty fantastic sounds fairly quickly and easily. At the end of the day, the sound matters the most, which is why I continue to use mine.
This was my first synth, I've had it for 8 years. I hate a lot of things about it but for my live setup I find it an incredibly effective and fun synth to use for risers, sound design and atmospheric transitions between songs. I never found it much good for leads, bass or arps and the filter sounds like shit but for programming weird sound design scuttles and cosmic spores, it's fucking great!
The mini keys that they use nowadays (minilogue, monologue, rk-100s, etc-) are actually quite nice, they are more like full sized keys that are just scaled down. Compared to the microkorg's keys i would say the new ones are a big upgrade from the microkorg.
If you knew how many hits the Neptunes made off this thing you'd realize it's quite the beast. It even has a cameo in the Snoop Dogg Drop it likes it's hot video.
Maybe I didn’t mean to say cheaper, but the other synths I’m thinking of are the Novation Mininova, the Roland JDXI, and the MicroKorg XL+. The Mininova looks nearly identical to the MicroKorg and is at the same price point, but you get up to 18 voices of polyphony and some additional synthesis capabilities like wavetables. There’s also a cool feature called “Vocal Tune” that can pitch-shift your voice or Auto-Tune it. As far as the other two, they’re both $100 more, but also worth considering. The JDXI has a lot of digital waveforms and samples, as well as the Vocoder and Vocal Tune stuff that the Mininova has. Only thing I don’t like is that it’s analog engine is solely monophonic. Lastly, the MicroKorg XL+ is an expansion of the MicroKorg, with PCM samples like pianos, organs, and mellotron-like sounds, as well as 8 voice polyphony and a 16-band vocoder. Although sometimes, you can find it used for the same price as the regular MicroKorg. Those are the ones so far that I would say are comparable!
This is the hardest question for me to answer. So much has changed in the synthesizer world the last two to three years, and it’s all going to depend on what you’re using one for. But since you asked, here’s my suggestions: If you want a well-rounded synth with plenty of features for the budget, either go for any variation of the MicroKorg, the Roland JD-XI, or the Novation Mininova. Those are the top competitive synths that all have similar features, although each has its own character. All are under $500, and all of them are good. Here’s where the fun happens, though: if you’re looking for true analog synthesizers, either go with the Korg Monologue, the Arturia Minibrute, or spend all $500 on the Minilogue (which I’ll tell you, I’m absolutely in love with my Minilogue). Or if you want to take a step into the Eurorack/semi-modular world, get either a Korg MS-20 mini, or a Make Noise 0-Coast. Then of course, you have any of the Roland Boutique gear (D-05, SH-01A, etc), the Yamaha Reface series, or even the Korg Volcas. There are plenty of people making great sounds with them. Hopefully, those give you some ideas, as ALL of them should be $500 or less. Let me know if you have any further questions!
Easiest way I can put it is this: Digital synths generate sound via digital processors. The pros these synths have over analog is that they are often cheap, and can have more features like audio effects, vocoding, extra polyphony, etc. Digital synths did not come on the market until the mid 1980s. Analog synths generate sound solely through electrical circuitry. The quirks of doing so is that the circuits are prone to various factors like temperature and humidity, which could affect the pitch of the oscillators. But these are the kinds of synths that existed prior to the early 1980s, and ones that are highly sought after. All I mean by “true” analog is that there are a lot of people who have tried to emulate analog sounds (I.e. Blade Runner, Giorgio Morodor, etc.) on digital gear the last several years, because analog gear used to be very expensive. Now that the Minilogue is out, producers have an affordable analog synth to make those classic sounds on. But to be honest, all this really means is that there are more options in the $500 and below range today that didn’t exist three years ago.
Great review. Totally agree with the "edit select" part, painful and, at the same time, you can change everything with "just" 7 knobs. You should have add a part with sounds/samples on how the micro korg can sound (like your favorite preset...A63? ;))
Alexandre Nempon Thanks so much! Yep, that edit select is both a blessing and a curse. I could have added in a section for that, but the only reason I didn't is because every video I've done so far shows what the MicroKorg can do. But once I get more gear in the future, I'll definitely show it all off in one video! ;)
I love my fucking microkorg. So versatile, and so many parameters to shape sound--yet so compact. This also means I can't shape sounds as much live and have to integrate it into setup with that in mind, but even with that con and the keys narrower than my fingers...the pros far outweigh the cons. Love this machine.
If you want to use it on an 88 key full size keys instrument, you can so what is the big deal with the mini keys, you don't have to be limited to them.
Microkorg is brilliant if you just spend time on it and learn. Just learn to spend time on it. Just spend your time. And learn. Can I say this any differently, to make that light bulb moment make a connection to an IGG (instant gratification generation)
PS, I had no idea I would ever own one of these but a friend was selling one for a terrific price. I'm sure glad I snagged it. I love how it is so much more flexible & fun then those "analog" synths everyone's so crazy about. And your remark about the 'retro' color scheme made me love it even more, cause I'm from the "retro" era myself1
If the mini keys is a pain in the arse...Get a full size keyboard midi controller. Starting out like that would be brilliant ... and you would look good on stage
Its no problem with the smal keys for me,i just connect a usb/midi keyboard exstra for 88 keys with midi cables and then u can play the same instrument with normal keys :-) And i still have my korg synth after using it sins 2003 and still loving it,have also other great synths and drummashines ,the most importen to me is loving all the different sound the instrument have and not trying to find things be negativ over.Have a lovely day all real music-lovers,peace!!
Very interesting thoughts here! I'm new to synths and only been playing for about a year, and I've always liked the Microkorg. I've never owned one though, and my current ones are a Korg Krome and a Arturia Minibrute SE which I'm both really happy with. But I've been looking from time to time at the Microkorg just because it's cheap price and it sounding a little interesting at points. Sounds that I'm planing to use or want to use in my musical projects. I agree the looks of it and feel can be a bit plastic and cheap in real life, but that doesn't really bother me. The real important thing is how it sounds and performs, how easy it is to work with. Here in Sweden there are not many synths out there that are cheaper and better than this so I can understand why many people have bought it. You can however pick it up for a real cheap price on the second hand market which I'm thinking of doing at some point. I recently saw an offer for used synths where you get the Microkorg XL, plus three different Volca's for 400 dollars. You can't really beat that :P In the end I think it is just like you say here, whether or not it's good or bad it's all up for you to decide if it's something you need or want to add to your sound/music.
Thanks for your thoughts! Your perspective is enlightening to me, as I guess things are different here in the US. I definitely like the sound of the MicroKorg, especially when I program my own patches. In spite of all the design choices and factory patches I could ever nitpick, the sounds the MK is capable of is beyond impressive for the price point, size, and age. I’ve made entire songs using strictly the MK, and it can be a truly powerful instrument, which is why I also make video tutorials for it. So if you’re thinking of getting one, by all means, I encourage you to. Just know that what I stated in the video is usually where the MK gets a lot of flak on forums and websites (even if I agree with one or two of their points). Yet I would say those things don’t make it a terrible synth at all, but rather a unique instrument with a learning curve that takes time to master, as any other instrument does. Once that point is reached, however you get there, the synth becomes so much fun to use. And I literally mean fun. :) Hope this helps you in some way!
I'm glad to hear that you found my perspective enlightening. Like I've said, I've never owned an MK myself but I have played on them in music stores, and I like some of the sounds and I feel that it is a cool machine to use in order to create some interesting soundscapes and Cyberpunk-ish stuff on. Which I really like. I've seen guys tweaking up a nice Vangelis Blade Runner sound on the MK! And I also like the fact that it has pre-settings you can alter yourself, which is a little bit easier for a beginner like me. I however am glad that I went with the 100 % analog Minibrute SE with no pre-settings as it has taught me a lot on how to create sounds. But even I can't create all the stuff I want to that I've heard from people here, but I like experimenting and see what I can find this little beast. I think the MK could be a little hard for beginners to start with, it feels a bit messy.. but I bet once you learn it, it can be a real treat to work with. So for the money I think you get an awesome starting synth that you actually can use for a long time ahead, and that makes it a synth that I would recommend to beginners to start with. Plus Korg is well known, I like their stuff and quality overall :) Maybe one could argue that the Roland Aira System 1 or whatever it's called... would be a better synth for almost the same price, which I can understand. But they don't sound like each other at all, so it really comes down to if you like the MK sound or not. I can safely say that I've heard people creating some very cool stuff with the MK here on UA-cam, so it gets a pass for me :)
Micro XL is a different board, you are in Sweden and you cant find a synth. That is the dumbest thing I have heard. Go check elektron, clavia, and OP~1
I have the Korg MS2000, the MicroKorg was the same but stripped down,...so i think it has a good "Motor", but you cannot control it like the ms2000, and also the little keys,...
THIS. I completely forgot to mention the MicroKorg is basically the MS2000 in a small package, so thanks for mentioning that. I’ve never used an MS2000, but I agree that it has more controls than the MicroKorg. Maybe someday, I’ll pick up a secondhand one. :)
People don’t like it because they don’t understand how to program synths. You can get so many sounds from this thing if you have some synth knowledge. It hasn’t got built in reverb but that’s what pedals are for. The only thing I would say isn’t great is that it’s only 4voice, but still lots of depth to the sound, especially with the delay.
The minilogue and monologue, both have full length keys they are just slightly slimmer they are not mini keys, I didn't realise they weren't full-sized till someone told me lol
Naming bands using microkorg i saw a live video where one of the best progressive rock bands CAMEL uses one on stage This synth conribues to sell and has a new version the microkorg s and had the microkorg xl version before. The mini keys unless you have a fat fingers no problem at the opposite they allowyou to play chords you could not play in full sized keyboards unless you have giant hands. Finally people who claims about keys will never understand that playing an early moog with no pitch bend or a triton with after touch or any mini key such a roland jdxi or a yamaha reface or an arturia to name a few brands that use mini keys or even the new seabord require different aproach and techics as playing piano or organ
I agree with all of this. I enjoy the smaller keys for playing more complex chords, but I know some people who dislike it. Then again, these are space-saving synths we’re talking about haha. And I’ll have to check out CAMEL! They sound like a good band.
The Camel video i mentioned is no more avaiable but i found this one from Camel the band that created 40 years ago the master piece Album “Snow goose “ thatsold millionsof copys and still sells . In thisvideo you can seea microkorg in the top of a Nord stage ua-cam.com/video/CdpbiscUpB8/v-deo.html
2:52 i come from a back ground of playing on Casio synths because of that I’m not a real keyboardist? Just because I didn’t have great equipment doesn’t mean I didn’t devote time and effort in to learning the piano and the keyboard/synth plus who are you to say who’s a real keyboardist.
Just using the audio in as fx/sound design unit is worth it ,Vocoder not the best but a nice (design/Vox fx) tool .. Sound design options are endless especially with the audio in trick .. Bought the Microkorg when it was released in 2002 and have sold and bought it back 6 times over the years because it's ''one of those'' .. Recommended if you don't mind going through settings to tweak parameters
I bought one back in 2006 and I agree with one or two of the aesthetics that you brought up but saying that I love it and still use it over 10 years later Im a big fan of Jarre and delighted that he uses (used) it. Big fan of Gary Numan but sadly its not one of his :(
I never enjoyed the interface, the panel is not very intuitive at all. I could never figure out how to work it. But it undeniably sounds very good. I would never deter someone from getting one, it's a classic in its own right.
This video scared me a little bit tbh 😂😂. But now Main reason being that I’m in the working of buying it. And I’m glad that there are more pros rather than cons. THANKS for the vid man!
It seems that a lot of people hate the microkorg, but for sure a lot of people bought it and still buy it. In my opinion nowadays it is really outdated and there is no good reason to choose it from all the options avaible, but people often simply do what other people do...the fact that excellent musicians use the microkorg does not mean much to me: a good musician coud effectively use anything to make music, and the microkorg is (like it or not) a classic. As a first synth, I would suggest the korg minilougue or even a roland jdxi or yamaha reface (dx or cs, depending if you prefer FM synthesis or traditional subctractive synthesis) better synths also for educational purpouse.
Nah, I think it's just the matter of taste. A great musician doesn't care how it looks like. As long as he has the full control of a gear, masterpiece is upcoming.
The arp is FANTASTIC. I’ve actually been using the MK’s arp to trigger my Minilogue lately, as I was disappointed with the lack of complexity on the Minilogue’s arp. It’s working wonders. 👍
I swear I miss that arp the best arp I have ever used..found deeper but the ease of use and the way it reacts to chords being played makes it amazing..I want a minilogue bad how u enjoying it?
Oh, don’t get me started haha. I don’t want to admit I’m using the Minilogue more these days, but I bought mine last October, and I’ve probably played it every single day. I’m still astonished at how amazing it sounds and feels for the price, and I’ve found it to be an incredibly inspiring instrument overall.
I love both microkorg and the mininova but sound engine wise, I wanted a synthesizer famous for the edm/trances sounds that gave the access virus a run for its money, so I went for the mininova Don't get me wrong, I still rent and play the microkorg
This comment is almost providential, because I just replied to a comment today that the Mininova is comparable to the MicroKorg. And I would agree with you sound engine wise that the Mininova definitely has the modern sound needed for EDM/trance. Thanks for the input!
Personally, I solved the problem of the interface and MiniKeys with the Behringer BCR2000 and a midi keyboard... with this way I have all the controls on hand for the sound-design. obviously it'is an additional investment, but the BCR2000 is very useful for soft vst as well (and other hardware gear with "microControl" ;) )
That's a very interesting solution with the BCR2000! I'm interested in looking into that! I used to use a cheap Casio keyboard and a MIDI cable between the two haha. And since I use Ableton for production, someone made a handy Max for Live patch for editing MK patches, and I'm finding all sorts of interesting sound capabilities that can't be done in the synth itself haha.
take a look on the web, there is some MicroKorg presets for BCR2000 in SySex format. But you can make your own preset, it's easy :) With my BCR i control my DAW, my Vst's and even my Korg M50 (because i don't like the tactil screen ) ... the other solution it's to build a midi controler with an Arduino ua-cam.com/video/E1d9CvJkCnU/v-deo.html
The Arduino is a definite possibility. I've written and built enough Arduino projects the past two years to where I could probably build a MIDI controller with it. Either way, I'll take a look into it! Thanks for sharing your insights on this! :)
No need Computer ;) the computer is only useful to load the SySex preset into the BCR (if you use this way!)the BCR is only connect to MicroKorg via Midi and run it (it's just like you add knobs to the MK ).
Yes and no. It is fun for presets but a royal PITA to program and use. Knowing what I know now, I would not purchase again. Other synths are a pain to program but not nearly as bad. The most confusing synth to setup. It sounds great and is light and runs on batteries but too much headache to setup for creating new patches.
They’re saying it’s bad because they can’t program it properly. I’ve been using synths since the 80s, and I have a MicroKorg. It’s a lovely little synth.
Paul Manning agreed! If you know how to programme it it’s amazing
Paul Manning I completely agree. Anyone who hates this synth, probably hasn't figured out how to use it because that's the challenge. If you know the synth, you can do a lot. I play gigs with it and it is just great.
it is not intuitive- documentation is poorly written. It took me watching a lot of videos online to figure this bloody thing out. Even Elektron gear and Moog is way easier to setup and use. It sounds great and runs on batteries and is cheap but thats it.
Thank you
I've seen Microkorgs at a lot of gigs. Touring bands. Local bands. Always used up front, generally by someone singing with the MK right there near their mic stand.
It always sounded good. Saw nothing wrong with it ~ I just never needed one.
Then I needed a vocoder for a Pink Floyd tribute. Picked up an XL+ ... and haven't looked back since. Fantastic keyboard I use in conjunction with my Nord. Those two are all I need for so many kinds of gigs and recording sessions. The Microkorg is brilliant. And yes, I'm a real keyboard player and love using the mini keys
"This is the MicroKorg. It's a fake analog synth made of old toaster parts. There are 9 knobs that are literally glued on, and you have to program it like an etch-a-sketch."
"Okay, how does it sound?"
"Absolutely fantastic."
hahaha. bless
Brilliant. Bread crumb bit processor (I love my MicroKorg btw)
Genius!!!!!!!
Nailed it... as a MicroKorg owner and lover, I have to say I'd prefer it this way around than the other.
@Richard soma Hard disagree, it's worth owning if only to experience a few times. You can always sell it on if it doesn't work for you, but it truly produces beautiful pads/air sounds as it has 4 voice polyphony or double layered twin voices. The range it offers is actually quite amazing for it's price - of course there are some trade offs, but don't you buy a synth for the way it sounds?
The people who hate the Microkorg have unrealistic expectations. They seem to think a small, inexpensive synth should be all analogue, have one knob per function, 88 full sized, weighted keys, aftertouch and sound like a vintage Minimoog. It's actually a really useful little synth and it sounds good. It's not a substitute for a stage piano or a Buchla 100, though.
And that’s exactly why I made this video in the first place: to warn people what the cons might be, but to also show how absurd some of these unrealistic expectations are. I knew I was getting a small inexpensive synth with a good sound because I did my research first, and over the past eight years, I’ve still enjoyed using mine. It seems to me that those who hate it either didn’t care to do their research, or are just trolling to stir the pot. Thanks for your thoughts!
MicroKorg = AK47 of synthesizers.
Definetly not, this thing is poorly constructed and sounds dreadful.
I'm really sorry but you likely just don't know how to use it or when to use it. It's a virtual analogue synthesizer which means it's supposed to replicate the pops and crackles of say something like an MS20 or a Moog. Fortunately, if you know how to sound design (and I'm not talking about randomly spinning knobs after setting up an envelope) you can get some super clean sounds out of it in addition to the dirtier stuff.
Also poorly constructed is subjective as I've seen tons of the things still in service all over the place after obviously going through hell. Like the AK (which I'm assuming you've never fired) it is simple to repair and find parts for. The damn synthesizers have been cut up and made into everything from keytars to being hacked into modular setups... that's resilience. The only other synth I can think of that's been in service in the same quantity and are still being played is the DX7. And the DX7 is far too hard to program to have the title of AK of synths.
Bottom line, stick with .vsts programs if you want clean sound. People don't buy synthesizers to produce on anymore, they buy them specifically for their character (and to play live imparting that character to their audiences).
you dont know where i come from, i grew up around synthesizers, i know what a true Mini Moog D type sound like, since my father owns two, and he also owns the King of Analog poly synths, the Oberheim Matrix 12. Me myself own several synths: Moog sub 37, a King Korg, Yamaha EX5, A Kawai K5000s, Yamaha SY77, Roland D-50 and a EMU emulator 4. The DX7 is easy to program for me. Korg is the Company that made the Korg PS-3300 (the best sounding synth according to Robert Moog Himself), Korg Wavestation, Kronos, Oasys, Z1, Trident. The Micro korg is a toy in comparison. Its dreadful Construction and its harsh sounding Virtual analog engine from the 90s synth the MS2000 makes this korgs worst synth to date. I love Korg and i expect more from them then this.
Construction is NOT subjective by the way, its easily measurable! I own a SY77, built like a tank, my King Korg is considered by most to be fragile, but the micro korg is far worse then fragile! I own several Vsts (arturia Collection) that sound gritty and analogue like, With much more analogue warmth then the Microkorg.
The True Ak47 of synths, is the Formanta Polivoks analog synthesizer, from the USSR.
It's irreverent "where you came from." For a $200 used synth the Microkorg is an outstanding synthesizer that outclasses everything else in it's price range and then some... which is my point! Yea, sure, spend thousands on other synths... they will prob sound better and do more. You're arguing for the sake of arguing and bragging. You're exposure to all these mythical synths your talking about has ruined your judgment. For a lot of people who want to play and compose music, they want a cheap multi faceted synth that can be easily repaired, take some abuse, and sound alright.
This settles it, the MicroKorg is going to be my first synth
I got mine in 2012 from a College instructor who just got a Moog he called an "Upgrade" from this machine (I think of them as different beasts) and I talked him down to let me have it for $200 even and I never regretted it and so GLAD I did not let my ex's attempts to talk me out of buying it (and buy a used PS3 so he can have a backup one to take away from me because he knows I would hardly use it, forget fact I never wanted PS3 at all but did want a synth!! This one was the one of my dreams.)
If you can wrangle any cash toward one of these in your capable $ range, do not take a second to think about it, GET IT!!
RomeroFanboy its only like 200 bux?
RomeroFanboy they're really quite cheap
Did you buy one??
Same! I watched a few videos from YT and there’s one selling at my local pawn shop for 250.
Who hate this thing? For a while I was looking for an affordable synth which resembles the old monologe synths of the 70s. For example I was inspired by the synths used by Vangelis during the 70s. To get that warm analog character I specificly wanted a hardware synth.
When I discovered the Microkorg it seemed to be the exact thing I was looking for.
Vangelis definitely hates it, if he knows it exists.
The lack of musical ideas suck, not the microkorg.
PROS (+)
+ Good analog sound emulation
+ Good arpeggiator
+ Good featurers
+ Good vintage looking
+ Very lightweight and portable
+ Cheap (you can get it for 200€ in perfect and mint condition)
CONS (-)
- 3 octaves
- Small keys
- Poor construction
- 4 polyphony voices
$200 is way too much to spend on a synth with child-size keys, a toyish looking mic, 4 note polyphony and 3 octaves, I wouldn't pay more than 25 bucks for this outdated thing.....
@@jaquesteddyruxpin932 what synth do you recommend for under 200 then?
@@SquidMead Radio Shack MD 1800
Not sure if it's been said but you sound so similar to Ethan from H3 that it's throwing me off haha
Fantastic video though mate
Thanks! Haha yes, I’ve been told that before (not on my channel, but on Reddit). :)
GONE SEXUAAAL
I like the MicroKorg . I owned the original and the newer S version (because I sold original) . Most people who don’t like the MicroKorg are sound designers and tech types. Musicians on the other hand, who are making music, just want to pick up an instrument and start turning ideas into music, love the MicroKorg. The countless tracks it’s been used on speak for itself.
Well for starters...it has 37 KEYS!!! whereas every single other small synthbox (Korg monolog, Roland Boutique) frustratingly has only 25. Am I the only one who hates 25 keys??
For me, buying a small synthbox with 25 keys is somewhat unimportant, because I can easily route MIDI from the MicroKorg to it in the studio. But I agree with you that 25 keys is irritatingly limiting. If you’re using it solely for playing bass or lead sounds, or in a travel setup, then it’s fine. But I find that for playing chords, the extra octave on the 37 keys is absolutely necessary.
MIDI, shmidi. I actually want to play spontaneous RIFFs during a set. not very easy to jam when you're constantly running outta keys ;)
I understand that. Which is why I’m saying that if you plug a MIDI cable from the “MIDI Out” on the MicroKorg, and route it to the “MIDI In” on your 25 key synth, you’re able to play that 25 key synth with your MicroKorg. And the best part? No need for a computer or DAW to make it work. It’s all in the cable. Mind. Blown. ;)
Laura Woodswalker try the minilougue or the yamaha reface serie or even the roland jdxi: all have 3 octave keyboards.. By the way, the reface has the best minikey keybed on the market.
Yup, this is EXTREMELY important. I want to slap every manufacturer who makes 25 key boards. and I agree, MIDI shmidi. I want an instrument, not to have to wire up a some frankenstein wannabe "instrument" out of keys, a synth brain, etc..
"The retro look of it". The thing came out in 2002. It's incredibly outdated hardware. Even its successor, the XL (released in 2008) is about to be 10 years old. For a synth that came out over 15 years ago to still seriously be in production already says something. Anyone who buys a Microkorg at this point is probably an entry level synth player who wants something cheap, portable and servicable, and the Microkorg provides that. That's all it was meant to be even way back in 2002. Of course it's not going to compare to the latest and greatest synths.
And I agree completely with your statements. ;)
So all those synths from the seventies and eighties are crap.
It sounded awesomely good when it came out and it is sounding awesomely good today. Time is an illusion (Hermann Hesse, who adapted it from the historical Buddha)
Nicholas Zamir
You better slow your roll son. I have an XL and it's a great studio tool. I've used it to record blazing keyboard shred solos on several album tracks. However, the build quality is crap. The XL is flimsy plastic in comparison to the original version. I've used the XL live several times but only as a slave to a larger keyboard. It's basically a high-tech Casio.
I love my korg
I have had for about 9 years
And I use it for my talk box
And pitch wheel is great
I wouldnt trade it in
Everything I use it for
It gets the job done 👍
Ah yeah I imagine you can create some great sounds running it through the talk box.
@@bigbasil1908
Yea you can
I never really got into the Vocoder, which I would like too!
Having it now about 16years
I need to clean it up because some of the keys aren't working because of dust
Tiny Keys? It's got the word MICRO in the name. Lmao. Maybe get a different synth.. ?? (Without the word MICRO in name. Lol)
me like :-)
"To a great mind, nothing is little . . . "
-Sherlock Holmes
I recently bought a microkorg s from a friend a couple of weeks ago.
Last night I went through the first six soundbanks (I didn't bother with the sound effects and vocoder soundbanks). I wanted to figure out which sounds I wanted to keep and which can be replaced with patches. Out of 144 sounds, I only like or can tolerate 67 of them. So that is 77 sounds that sound really crap to me.
I love my MicroKorg. Best for playing the Talkbox.
Which synths are cheaper and more feature packed? I’d love to buy one.
Hm, I think (ignoring used synths) the MicroKorg (as of Dec 2022) is the cheapest polyphonic synth with velocity sensitive piano keys. The Korg Volca Keys and the Arturia MicroFreak are cheaper, but lack regular piano keys. The Korg Monologue is cheaper, but is a mono synth. The Akai MPK Mini Play3 is cheaper, but I am not sure it counts as a synth when running standalone. You can get a MIDI controller keyboard + synth for a bit cheaper than a MicroKorg.
Have a MicroKorg for 4 years now... admitted there are sounds on it that are bog awful .... but there are some amazing sounds on it...At the time I had a choice ..The mininova or the ugly duckling ... I chose the latter...And I made the right choice Up till then I just had digital synths (all pcm) apart from my little Yamaha Cs01... I've now introduced a monologue .. and the set up sound the business ... So NO the microKorg is not a pile of mince ...It's a brilliant wee synth for the price ... People thats say it is crap have no imagination .... Hence the expression a poor worker always blames his or her tools ^v^
Honestly sold mine. Got a Mininova and never looked back since.
I just ordered a Microkorg.. I feel like it's the SH-101 of the 2000s.Not that it sound or operate like one, but back in the 80s and early 90s, if you wanted a synth and had no money, you got an SH-101 used for buttons. Cheap, plasticky yet somehow reliable, requires some work-arounds but ultimately sounds good, and so ubiquitous that lots of your heroes have used them. I mainly just wanted one for practicing.
I think the filter circuitry on mine is acting up a bit.. sometimes if i leave it on for a while and don't play it, the filter cutoff will go all the way down and stay there no matter what controls i manipulate. i can turn it off and on again and it works fine. i guess that it is just because it is going on 8 years old... also the program selector button 1 doesn't work any more on mine so to access that patch once again i hard reset and it defaults there.. it isn't perfect but i get by.
What an informative material and really put up together well. You are talented and convincing, keep up the good work, Ian, thanks!
do you ever use the computer software to edit your sounds? i find it much easier to work with than the matrix controls on the device. it is available free on the korg website in the support section i believe.
i definitely would love it have full size keys, but then again it is also nice to have three full octaves in such a compact form so i think that adds to the appeal to a degree.. i dunno, i don't think i would change anything about it. ESPECIALLY the colour!
Have u tried the jdxi? It’s pretty fun
I saw they do have the microkorg XL now which has larger keys and the keys appear weighted as well. It also doesn’t have that edit knob where you have to look to see all that tiny writing
Cool review. Is there series as well as parallel patch setup on that particular micro KORG ? Ta
I do a lot of home recording (mostly ambient guitar) and I bought one of these as I wanted to add a it more depth to what I was doing and I love it. It definitely has flaws but it's actually a really great creative tool, No it's not a Moog (of course it isn't) but I have no regrets about getting it.
Same here. I’ve actually started using the MK more for ambient work, and I find it works really well for that genre. In fact, one of my favorite UA-cam videos of the synth is of someone who programmed a dark Tangerine Dream-like drone. I’ve been trying for years to replicate it. Thanks for your comment!
Cool, I'll check that out. Thanks for posting the video.
No problem! And here’s that video I was referring to: ua-cam.com/video/urNA6jKnD-I/v-deo.html
Brilliant, Thanks a lot.
I recently replaced the keybed in my unit, and I was shocked at how simple it was inside.
I liked the sounds I got out of the original, but I didn't really enjoy picking it up. But I thought I would give the MicroKorg S a shot, and I must say that this model fixed that problem for me.
Easier to pick up as it has built-in speakers (which are surprisingly good and loud), the color scheme looks a lot better, and the extended soundbank where the whole D section is open to create your own sounds is amazing!
I really need to check the MicroKorg S out. The music store in my hometown has one on display, but I didn’t get to demo it. While the built in speakers and woofer isn’t a big necessity for me (although if it’s as good and loud as you’re saying it is, I might just change my mind on that haha), I did not know about the extended sound bank! Hopefully sometime soon, I’ll take a look at it. Thanks for your input! 👍
You really do.
I didn't think speakers were necessary for me either, but after having tried the MicroKorg S - and seeing me sitting with it all the time since - I find it to be more practical than I'd thought.
The extended sound bank was another part I didn't really think mattered too much to me, until I had it and found how much more likely I was to make my own patches when I wasn't accidentally overwriting something I'd love to use sometime in the future.
It would be really interesting to hear what you think of it when you have demoed it :)
Whoa.. the Griswald's station wagon was boss! What are you scoffing at?? I'm so confused.
I’m not scoffing at anything or anyone other than the people who hate on this synth. I love the Griswold Family Truckster personally. 😆
I think that there is a huge amount of fully professional potential that can only be accessed by those who are willing to make a true course study of the manual and to dig much deeper than the presets. .... That Is why I still own mine ... I KNOW that have only explored, MAYBE 10% of it's capabilities. ... The hidden powers are just waiting for me to get serious and to discover and exploit them.
You win the award for the best comment yet. I agree, there’s a HUGE amount of incredible potential, and it’s why I still own mine. There’s some sounds I’ve made lately that I never thought the Korg could pull off. I’ll have to share them ASAP.
YESSS!!!
Yes! You have to learn how to use the instrument to its full potential. If you have not, to shit on it is bogus.
Bought one used for $150 and I love it! Can’t complain it is really fun.
Wow, $150 is quite a steal haha! :)
I just got one for $150 too! Some broken knobs though. No big deal, since Korg made everything easy to get to.
Friend is selling me his for 150 too! Haha
You should do your self a favor and get a Minilogue...Cause the key on there feel great and they feel nothing like the microkorg!
Korg knocked it outta the park with that synth!
Oh man, your comment couldn’t have come at a better time. I JUST bought one a week ago. Needless to say, there’s definitely a video coming on it! ;)
but the minilogue is just mono right? doesnt that make a big difference to the microkorg? I am looking to buy my first synth but think i want more than mono, more voices. I am open to advice!
No, the Minilogue does true four voice polyphony just like the MicroKorg. But there’s also various voice modes and the 16-step sequencer that Korg put into it, which I’ve not seen in other synths within this price range. In the future, I’ll do a proper review of it, but having played with it the past few weeks, this is the best analog synth I’ve ever used for as affordable as it is. I don’t hesitate to recommend it at all. :)
Oh cool! I confused the Monologue and Minilogue. The price difference between the MicroKorg and Minilogue is rather large. But I love the easy lay out of the the lather (less shitty menu selects). Does the Minilogue have any sound processing/vocoder abilities?
Sam Smits It is a bit more of an investment, but the easy layout of the knobs are definitely worth it. The only sound processing ability the Minilogue has is a tape-style delay that can be routed either pre or post filter. So unfortunately, there’s no vocoder or anything else on it.
So my guitar center sells both the microkorg and the Roland jdxi. In terms of the vocoder, what are the differences between the two?
I’ve not used the JDXI, so I wouldn’t be able to tell you much. The MK’s vocoder has 8 bands, while I read on a forum that the JDXI MIGHT have 12. And it’s a big might because I can’t seem to find any vocoder specs anywhere. If anyone else knows more about the JDXI in this regard, please comment.
Having said all that, I’m REALLY impressed with what comes with the JDXI for the price. The auto pitch and auto note features are a neat feature, and while I personally don’t like that the analog part of the synth is solely monophonic, the digital stuff seems outstanding for the price. But again, it depends on what you’re using either for, and which sound you prefer.
I’d say if budget is a concern, go with the MK. You’re not going to get the clearest vocoder sound with 8 bands, but it’ll get the effect done. But if you want the most feature-packed synth possible and money isn’t an issue, get the JDXI. As much as I love my Korg, the Roland definitely beats it in terms of features.
Ian Felpel Thank you! I will probably stick with the MK because I am on a budget but I would definitely try to get my hands on a JDXI in the future
The JDX1, beats it in features, sound Construction, everything!
The reason why i know about the microkorg is because samiyam who's an interesting musician exclusively uses this and the sp404 on everything he does. His self titled album is almost entirely this one synth with the 404 sampler
Is the micro korg a plug in outlet and play? Or do you have to plug it in the computer to be able to use it?
It’s powered via the included AC adapter, or by 6 “AA” batteries. Unless newer models have this (which I’m certain they don’t), there’s no USB port on the MicroKorg.
Ian Felpel Ah thank you so much!
I picked up the 10th Anniversary all-black version a little while ago second hand off of a friend-of-a-friend and I am thoroughly happy with this little synth. It's not the be-all-end-all of machines, but it's powerful enough and easy enough to use that I don't regret picking it up at all. Hours of fun to be had with it.
Lord forgive me, for I absolutely love this synth.
I've had and still do own quite a few syths, both digital and analogue, one of them being the Korg MS2000R rack module, which for some silly reason i stupidly sold several years ago.
I bought the Minilogue last year and that is a serious bit of kit, hands on instant control.
I wanted to but another MS2000, the keyboard version this time, rather than the rack module but the prices are quite high...if you can find one in this country.
Then someone kindly mentioned that the MicroKorg has pretty much the same engine as the MS2000, so yesterday i bought one.
yeah, i just bought my first and although the osc's aren't the best, you should be able to use this synth to do all kinds of utility...you bought a mini-key synth, and it's not sliders and a visible signal path or big knobs and big keys...most people are just snobbing out on the keyset/interface limitations. it's not an ob-x, or (insert name) but it's a great lil synth. it's on many more recordings than people realise.
I absolutely love my Microkorg. And I don´t care if an instrument looks or feels bad, it is made to sound good and nothing else and that´s what the Microkorg does. Good video though.
Thanks! I love mine too, because it can make some pretty fantastic sounds fairly quickly and easily. At the end of the day, the sound matters the most, which is why I continue to use mine.
This was my first synth, I've had it for 8 years. I hate a lot of things about it but for my live setup I find it an incredibly effective and fun synth to use for risers, sound design and atmospheric transitions between songs. I never found it much good for leads, bass or arps and the filter sounds like shit but for programming weird sound design scuttles and cosmic spores, it's fucking great!
The mini keys that they use nowadays (minilogue, monologue, rk-100s, etc-) are actually quite nice, they are more like full sized keys that are just scaled down. Compared to the microkorg's keys i would say the new ones are a big upgrade from the microkorg.
If you knew how many hits the Neptunes made off this thing you'd realize it's quite the beast. It even has a cameo in the Snoop Dogg Drop it likes it's hot video.
Indeed! It’s definitely a classic synth. :)
you say there are other synths that are way cheaper and more feature packed,
so if not this synth, which one at the same price? thanks!
Maybe I didn’t mean to say cheaper, but the other synths I’m thinking of are the Novation Mininova, the Roland JDXI, and the MicroKorg XL+. The Mininova looks nearly identical to the MicroKorg and is at the same price point, but you get up to 18 voices of polyphony and some additional synthesis capabilities like wavetables. There’s also a cool feature called “Vocal Tune” that can pitch-shift your voice or Auto-Tune it.
As far as the other two, they’re both $100 more, but also worth considering. The JDXI has a lot of digital waveforms and samples, as well as the Vocoder and Vocal Tune stuff that the Mininova has. Only thing I don’t like is that it’s analog engine is solely monophonic. Lastly, the MicroKorg XL+ is an expansion of the MicroKorg, with PCM samples like pianos, organs, and mellotron-like sounds, as well as 8 voice polyphony and a 16-band vocoder. Although sometimes, you can find it used for the same price as the regular MicroKorg. Those are the ones so far that I would say are comparable!
What are some good, yet affordable (below $500) synthesizers that you can recommend?
This is the hardest question for me to answer. So much has changed in the synthesizer world the last two to three years, and it’s all going to depend on what you’re using one for. But since you asked, here’s my suggestions:
If you want a well-rounded synth with plenty of features for the budget, either go for any variation of the MicroKorg, the Roland JD-XI, or the Novation Mininova. Those are the top competitive synths that all have similar features, although each has its own character. All are under $500, and all of them are good.
Here’s where the fun happens, though: if you’re looking for true analog synthesizers, either go with the Korg Monologue, the Arturia Minibrute, or spend all $500 on the Minilogue (which I’ll tell you, I’m absolutely in love with my Minilogue). Or if you want to take a step into the Eurorack/semi-modular world, get either a Korg MS-20 mini, or a Make Noise 0-Coast.
Then of course, you have any of the Roland Boutique gear (D-05, SH-01A, etc), the Yamaha Reface series, or even the Korg Volcas. There are plenty of people making great sounds with them.
Hopefully, those give you some ideas, as ALL of them should be $500 or less. Let me know if you have any further questions!
Ian Felpel What exactly is a "true" analogue synth?
Easiest way I can put it is this:
Digital synths generate sound via digital processors. The pros these synths have over analog is that they are often cheap, and can have more features like audio effects, vocoding, extra polyphony, etc. Digital synths did not come on the market until the mid 1980s.
Analog synths generate sound solely through electrical circuitry. The quirks of doing so is that the circuits are prone to various factors like temperature and humidity, which could affect the pitch of the oscillators. But these are the kinds of synths that existed prior to the early 1980s, and ones that are highly sought after.
All I mean by “true” analog is that there are a lot of people who have tried to emulate analog sounds (I.e. Blade Runner, Giorgio Morodor, etc.) on digital gear the last several years, because analog gear used to be very expensive. Now that the Minilogue is out, producers have an affordable analog synth to make those classic sounds on.
But to be honest, all this really means is that there are more options in the $500 and below range today that didn’t exist three years ago.
Great review. Totally agree with the "edit select" part, painful and, at the same time, you can change everything with "just" 7 knobs.
You should have add a part with sounds/samples on how the micro korg can sound (like your favorite preset...A63? ;))
Alexandre Nempon Thanks so much! Yep, that edit select is both a blessing and a curse. I could have added in a section for that, but the only reason I didn't is because every video I've done so far shows what the MicroKorg can do. But once I get more gear in the future, I'll definitely show it all off in one video! ;)
I love my fucking microkorg. So versatile, and so many parameters to shape sound--yet so compact. This also means I can't shape sounds as much live and have to integrate it into setup with that in mind, but even with that con and the keys narrower than my fingers...the pros far outweigh the cons. Love this machine.
I agree. No matter the cons (or even any complaint like the color scheme), the pros far outweigh it. 😊
Thomman is a Germany based company, leading in most EU countries (maybe not as much so in the UK where there are a few great national competitors)
If you want to use it on an 88 key full size keys instrument, you can so what is the big deal with the mini keys, you don't have to be limited to them.
How good is the MicroKORG for bass sounds? Looks like it good what do you people think of it?
what synth can you buy for the same price ?
The backround music is cool. Who is it?
Very fair review, thanks a ton man.
I feel like this video has the perfect amount of personal bias & makes it easy to get the pros and cons. Thank you!
Hmm, gee I dunno...
Microkorg is brilliant if you just spend time on it and learn. Just learn to spend time on it. Just spend your time. And learn. Can I say this any differently, to make that light bulb moment make a connection to an IGG (instant gratification generation)
PS, I had no idea I would ever own one of these but a friend was selling one for a terrific price. I'm sure glad I snagged it. I love how it is so much more flexible & fun then those "analog" synths everyone's so crazy about. And your remark about the 'retro' color scheme made me love it even more, cause I'm from the "retro" era myself1
Thomann is actually a German site, not from the UK!
Can I buy it from you?
If the mini keys is a pain in the arse...Get a full size keyboard midi controller. Starting out like that would be brilliant ... and you would look good on stage
It's plastic - and fantastic :) so fun to play and play with! :)
Its no problem with the smal keys for me,i just connect a usb/midi keyboard exstra for 88 keys with midi cables and then u can play the same instrument with normal keys :-) And i still have my korg synth after using it sins 2003 and still loving it,have also other great synths and drummashines ,the most importen to me is loving all the different sound the instrument have and not trying to find things be negativ over.Have a lovely day all real music-lovers,peace!!
Very interesting thoughts here!
I'm new to synths and only been playing for about a year, and I've always liked the Microkorg.
I've never owned one though, and my current ones are a Korg Krome and a Arturia Minibrute SE which I'm both really happy with.
But I've been looking from time to time at the Microkorg just because it's cheap price and it sounding a little interesting at points.
Sounds that I'm planing to use or want to use in my musical projects.
I agree the looks of it and feel can be a bit plastic and cheap in real life, but that doesn't really bother me.
The real important thing is how it sounds and performs, how easy it is to work with.
Here in Sweden there are not many synths out there that are cheaper and better than this so I can understand why many people have bought it. You can however pick it up for a real cheap price on the second hand market which I'm thinking of doing at some point.
I recently saw an offer for used synths where you get the Microkorg XL, plus three different Volca's for 400 dollars. You can't really beat that :P
In the end I think it is just like you say here, whether or not it's good or bad it's all up for you to decide if it's something you need or want to add to your sound/music.
Thanks for your thoughts! Your perspective is enlightening to me, as I guess things are different here in the US. I definitely like the sound of the MicroKorg, especially when I program my own patches. In spite of all the design choices and factory patches I could ever nitpick, the sounds the MK is capable of is beyond impressive for the price point, size, and age. I’ve made entire songs using strictly the MK, and it can be a truly powerful instrument, which is why I also make video tutorials for it.
So if you’re thinking of getting one, by all means, I encourage you to. Just know that what I stated in the video is usually where the MK gets a lot of flak on forums and websites (even if I agree with one or two of their points). Yet I would say those things don’t make it a terrible synth at all, but rather a unique instrument with a learning curve that takes time to master, as any other instrument does. Once that point is reached, however you get there, the synth becomes so much fun to use. And I literally mean fun. :) Hope this helps you in some way!
I'm glad to hear that you found my perspective enlightening.
Like I've said, I've never owned an MK myself but I have played on them in music stores, and I like some of the sounds and I feel that it is a cool machine to use in order to create some interesting soundscapes and Cyberpunk-ish stuff on.
Which I really like. I've seen guys tweaking up a nice Vangelis Blade Runner sound on the MK!
And I also like the fact that it has pre-settings you can alter yourself, which is a little bit easier for a beginner like me.
I however am glad that I went with the 100 % analog Minibrute SE with no pre-settings as it has taught me a lot on how to create sounds. But even I can't create all the stuff I want to that I've heard from people here, but I like experimenting and see what I can find this little beast.
I think the MK could be a little hard for beginners to start with, it feels a bit messy.. but I bet once you learn it, it can be a real treat to work with.
So for the money I think you get an awesome starting synth that you actually can use for a long time ahead, and that makes it a synth that I would recommend to beginners to start with. Plus Korg is well known, I like their stuff and quality overall :)
Maybe one could argue that the Roland Aira System 1 or whatever it's called... would be a better synth for almost the same price, which I can understand. But they don't sound like each other at all, so it really comes down to if you like the MK sound or not.
I can safely say that I've heard people creating some very cool stuff with the MK here on UA-cam, so it gets a pass for me :)
Micro XL is a different board, you are in Sweden and you cant find a synth. That is the dumbest thing I have heard. Go check elektron, clavia, and OP~1
They literally still used the MicroKorg today. Bands like Local Natives use it in live settings.
the microkorg is amazing . there is no reason not to have one .
I use a Korg Kontrol 49, no complaints here.
This video is the personification of “...they had us in the first half, not gonna lie”
I have the Korg MS2000, the MicroKorg was the same but stripped down,...so i think it has a good "Motor", but you cannot control it like the ms2000, and also the little keys,...
THIS. I completely forgot to mention the MicroKorg is basically the MS2000 in a small package, so thanks for mentioning that. I’ve never used an MS2000, but I agree that it has more controls than the MicroKorg. Maybe someday, I’ll pick up a secondhand one. :)
People don’t like it because they don’t understand how to program synths. You can get so many sounds from this thing if you have some synth knowledge. It hasn’t got built in reverb but that’s what pedals are for. The only thing I would say isn’t great is that it’s only 4voice, but still lots of depth to the sound, especially with the delay.
The minilogue and monologue, both have full length keys they are just slightly slimmer they are not mini keys, I didn't realise they weren't full-sized till someone told me lol
Naming bands using microkorg i saw a live video where one of the best progressive rock bands CAMEL uses one on stage
This synth conribues to sell and has a new version the microkorg s and had the microkorg xl version before. The mini keys unless you have a fat fingers no problem at the opposite they allowyou to play chords you could not play in full sized keyboards unless you have giant hands. Finally people who claims about keys will never understand that playing an early moog with no pitch bend or a triton with after touch or any mini key such a roland jdxi or a yamaha reface or an arturia to name a few brands that use mini keys or even the new seabord require different aproach and techics as playing piano or organ
I agree with all of this. I enjoy the smaller keys for playing more complex chords, but I know some people who dislike it. Then again, these are space-saving synths we’re talking about haha. And I’ll have to check out CAMEL! They sound like a good band.
The Camel video i mentioned is no more avaiable but i found this one from Camel the band that created 40 years ago the master piece Album “Snow goose “ thatsold millionsof copys and still sells . In thisvideo you can seea microkorg in the top of a Nord stage ua-cam.com/video/CdpbiscUpB8/v-deo.html
Rui Magro Hi, do you know the release date of the Microkorg S?
Giacomo C. I believe the MicroKorg S has been out for a few months? Online, it’s available at Sweetwater, zZounds, and other stores.
2:52 i come from a back ground of playing on Casio synths because of that I’m not a real keyboardist? Just because I didn’t have great equipment doesn’t mean I didn’t devote time and effort in to learning the piano and the keyboard/synth plus who are you to say who’s a real keyboardist.
How about N0 I think he means someone who plays on real keyboards (as in actual pianos with weighted keys)
I don't think he is against you. I think Asher Brownlie is right
Just using the audio in as fx/sound design unit is worth it ,Vocoder not the best but a nice (design/Vox fx) tool .. Sound design options are endless especially with the audio in trick .. Bought the Microkorg when it was released in 2002 and have sold and bought it back 6 times over the years because it's ''one of those'' .. Recommended if you don't mind going through settings to tweak parameters
I bought one back in 2006 and I agree with one or two of the aesthetics that you brought up but saying that I love it and still use it over 10 years later Im a big fan of Jarre and delighted that he uses (used) it. Big fan of Gary Numan but sadly its not one of his :(
I never enjoyed the interface, the panel is not very intuitive at all. I could never figure out how to work it. But it undeniably sounds very good. I would never deter someone from getting one, it's a classic in its own right.
I own a Moog, still use my Microkorg as well :) I give it a big thumbs up :)
This video scared me a little bit tbh 😂😂. But now Main reason being that I’m in the working of buying it. And I’m glad that there are more pros rather than cons.
THANKS for the vid man!
Ask Del the funky homosapien what he thinks of it
It seems that a lot of people hate the microkorg, but for sure a lot of people bought it and still buy it.
In my opinion nowadays it is really outdated and there is no good reason to choose it from all the options avaible, but people often simply do what other people do...the fact that excellent musicians use the microkorg does not mean much to me: a good musician coud effectively use anything to make music, and the microkorg is (like it or not) a classic.
As a first synth, I would suggest the korg minilougue or even a roland jdxi or yamaha reface (dx or cs, depending if you prefer FM synthesis or traditional subctractive synthesis) better synths also for educational purpouse.
Nah, I think it's just the matter of taste. A great musician doesn't care how it looks like. As long as he has the full control of a gear, masterpiece is upcoming.
pretty sure this is barry from gamegrumps' brother
How could it be the worst...it's been around for 20 years. Keys are fine. There are many micro keyboards.
Casio has smaller.
I love microkorg on Azymuth
Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think anyone actually dislikes the microkorg. It has a pretty solid fanbase.
Yeah, agree, the keys are bad....so I have changed them with a 4-octave normal size keyboard put with the Microkorg circuitry into a new case...
Linkin Park used it as well. I'm totally buying one.. People who trash talk it are ignorant
i swear of all the synths i got rid off this is the only one i miss...the arp was amazing
The arp is FANTASTIC. I’ve actually been using the MK’s arp to trigger my Minilogue lately, as I was disappointed with the lack of complexity on the Minilogue’s arp. It’s working wonders. 👍
I swear I miss that arp the best arp I have ever used..found deeper but the ease of use and the way it reacts to chords being played makes it amazing..I want a minilogue bad how u enjoying it?
Oh, don’t get me started haha. I don’t want to admit I’m using the Minilogue more these days, but I bought mine last October, and I’ve probably played it every single day. I’m still astonished at how amazing it sounds and feels for the price, and I’ve found it to be an incredibly inspiring instrument overall.
And i have it
It's a great synth, nuff said ✌️
This is Sparta!
One of the best selling synths of all time; i'm thinking there must be a pretty good reason for that.
I love both microkorg and the mininova but sound engine wise, I wanted a synthesizer famous for the edm/trances sounds that gave the access virus a run for its money, so I went for the mininova
Don't get me wrong, I still rent and play the microkorg
This comment is almost providential, because I just replied to a comment today that the Mininova is comparable to the MicroKorg. And I would agree with you sound engine wise that the Mininova definitely has the modern sound needed for EDM/trance. Thanks for the input!
Personally, I solved the problem of the interface and MiniKeys with the Behringer BCR2000 and a midi keyboard... with this way I have all the controls on hand for the sound-design. obviously it'is an additional investment, but the BCR2000 is very useful for soft vst as well (and other hardware gear with "microControl" ;) )
That's a very interesting solution with the BCR2000! I'm interested in looking into that! I used to use a cheap Casio keyboard and a MIDI cable between the two haha. And since I use Ableton for production, someone made a handy Max for Live patch for editing MK patches, and I'm finding all sorts of interesting sound capabilities that can't be done in the synth itself haha.
take a look on the web, there is some MicroKorg presets for BCR2000 in SySex format. But you can make your own preset, it's easy :) With my BCR i control my DAW, my Vst's and even my Korg M50 (because i don't like the tactil screen ) ... the other solution it's to build a midi controler with an Arduino
ua-cam.com/video/E1d9CvJkCnU/v-deo.html
The Arduino is a definite possibility. I've written and built enough Arduino projects the past two years to where I could probably build a MIDI controller with it. Either way, I'll take a look into it! Thanks for sharing your insights on this! :)
Do you _need_ a computer to operate the Microkorg with the BCR2000? Because I like to jam DAW-less.
No need Computer ;) the computer is only useful to load the SySex preset into the BCR (if you use this way!)the BCR is only connect to MicroKorg via Midi and run it (it's just like you add knobs to the MK ).
Yes and no. It is fun for presets but a royal PITA to program and use. Knowing what I know now, I would not purchase again. Other synths are a pain to program but not nearly as bad. The most confusing synth to setup. It sounds great and is light and runs on batteries but too much headache to setup for creating new patches.
My first korg was the micro korg s and i got it for 285$
so far far away from terrible. this korg will be iconic in some years. remember my words.
Last year was the Microkorg’s 15th anniversary. It’s ALREADY iconic, and in my opinion, it will always be a classic years down the road. 👍
Thomann is a german site
it does acid sounds real well!