| Content | minilogue xd is KORG’s newest polyphonic analog synthesizer and an absolute powerhouse musical instrument. Now, it’s available as a limited-edition model in an elegant pearl white color.
The pearl white color has a reflective finish, which changes color according to the light around it and the viewing angle. The top panel features a powder-coat to ensure high durability, especially when you’re playing out or on the road touring.
The minilogue xd PW combines stunning sound with a beautiful design that stands out on stage or in-studio |
Korg Microkorg - 37 Keys Analog Modeled Synthesizer-Vocoder
State-of-the-art analog modeling and multi-band vocoding are finally available in a compact, portable instrument. With 37 keys and 128 user-rewritable programs, the microKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder is perfect for the performer, producer, computer musician or beginner looking for an affordable synthesizer. The new microKORG delivers the quality sounds and features you expect from Korg at a price that will astound you.
Powerful synthesis
The microKORG boasts the same dual-oscillator DSP synthesis engine found in Korg?s critically acclaimed MS2000 and offers a wider selection of waveforms than any other modeled synth. Oscillator 1 features a total of 71 waveforms . These include traditional analog waves like saw, pulse, sine and noise, plus more unique choices like Vox wave and cross wave. Together they provide a cool selection that can be modulated to produce an extensive range of timbres. In addition, 64 exclusive DWGS waveforms from Korg?s classic DW-8000 enable the microKORG to reproduce a broad collection of imitative sounds. Sounds like bells, electric pianos, guitars, basses and more that would be difficult reproduce on an analog synthesizer. You can also apply Ring and Sync modulation from Oscillator 2 to create the kind of complex timbres that are the true sign of an advanced synthesizer.
Four filter modes are available, offering -12 dB (2-pole) low pass, high pass and band pass configurations plus an extra steep -24 dB (4-pole) low pass setting. All include resonance. Two classic ADSR envelope generators and two MIDI-syncable LFOs provide the power to shape your sounds. Add a Virtual Patch matrix that lets you create advanced modulation settings ? routing the Mod Wheel to control filter cutoff or pulse width, using an LFO to control panning or amp level, etc. ? and you have performance that is unheard of from a synthesizer in this price range!
Classic vocoding
The microKORG includes an 8-band vocoder with many advanced features. You can capture and ?freeze? the formants of your voice, and then play it across the keyboard, or shift the formant frequency to make your voice sound male, female, like a child or just plain wacky! Best of all, the microKORG comes with its own microphone so you can start having fun right away.
A full range of effects
Three types of modulation effects (chorus/flanger, phaser, ensemble), three types of delay effects (stereo, cross, L/R), and a two-band equalizer add the finishing touch to the microKORG. The delays can be synchronized with the arpeggiator or to an external MIDI clock ? a great feature for live performances or for laying down tracks. All effects can be edited to create your own, unique sounds.
Great sounds and expression
Korg has used all of the microKorg?s synthesis power in the creation of 128 great-sounding presets. They cover a wide range of the latest musical styles plus many vintage favorites. Sixteen vocoder Programs are also included. The Pitch Bend wheel, Modulation wheel and five other knobs provide flexible realtime control over filter cutoff, attack, release and other important parameters. The Edit Mode allows you to fully edit the existing sounds, or to create your own new ones.
Flexible arpeggiator
Six types of arpeggio patterns (UP, DOWN, ALT1/2, Random, Trigger) are built in, with control over tempo, gate time, swing, and up to a 4-octave range. You can turn individual steps on or off within a pattern, providing the feel and functionality of a step sequencer.
Audio in
Two external audio input jacks are provided, so you can run other instruments, CDs and more through the microKORG?s filter and effects, allowing you to process sounds in truly creative ways.
A compact MIDI controller
The microKORG?s compact size is perfect for the musician or DJ looking to add a synth to his or her setup when space is tight. It?s also a great choice for use in a computer-based music setup. The five realtime knobs on the front panel can transmit MIDI messages (control changes), so they can be used as controllers for software synthesizers. Use the 37-note velocity-sensitive mini-keyboard for controlling other gear or for recording and editing with your sequencer. And thanks to battery-power, the microKORG is the ultimate portable controller when used with a laptop computer!
Clear control and classic looks
There?s no complex menu structure ? all parameters are located on the panel for easy access to any function. A large dial and LED illuminated buttons provide easy program selection even on a dark stage. With its beige-gold body, wooden side panels and retro-influenced design, the microKORG has a look that?s both vintage and funky.
| Sound Generation Method: | | | Analog Modeling Synthesis System
|
Synthesizer Program: | | | Multi Timbral: | | | 2 (max, Normal/Dual Mode)
| | | Voices: | | | 4 voices
| | | Sound Source: | | | 2 Oscillator + Noise Generator,
Multi Mode Filter (-24dB/oct LPF, -12dB/oct LPF/BPF/HPF),
EG x2,
LFO x2,
Virtual Patch x4
|
Vocoder Program: | | | Voices: | | | 4 voices
| | | Sound Source: | | | 1 Oscillator + Noise Generator,
EG x1,
LFO x2,
8 Channels vocoder,
Level and pan of each channel can be edited,
Formant Shift function
|
General Specifications: | | | Programs: | | | 128 programs
| | | Effects: | | | Modulation effects (3 types),
Delay (3 types),
Equalizer
| | | Arpeggiator: | | | 6 types
| | | Keyboard: | | | 37 Keys (mini-keyboard, velocity sensitive)
| | | Inputs: | | | AUDIO IN 1, and 2
| | | Level switch: | | | LINE/MIC,
[AUDIO IN 1, 2 (LINE)],
[AUDIO IN 2 (MIC)]
| | | Outputs: | | | L/MONO, R and
Headphones
| | | MIDI: | | | IN, OUT and THRU
| | | Display: | | | 3 characters x1 line with 8 segment LED
| | | Power Supply: | | | DC 9 V (AC adapter), or
six AA alkaline batteries (sold separately)
| | | Power Consumption: | | | 6.4 Watt maximum
| | | Dimensions: | | | 20.63“(W) x 9.13“(D) x 2.76“(H)
524mm(W) x 232mm(D) x 70mm(H)
| | | Weight: | | | 4.85 lbs.
2.2 kg
| | | Accessories: | | | AC adapter (DC 9 V, 600 mA),
Condenser Microphone
| Specifications subject to change without notice
|
| Info
The ARP Odyssey has been downsized to 86% of the original ARP Odyssey. Carefully selected parts are used in the familiar slider section, providing an operating feel that's even smoother than the original. The keyboard uses a 37-note slim keyboard that features lighter weight and excellent playability. While making the instrument more compact and easier to use, we have also paid attention to ensuring that the mini-keyboard is uncompromisingly "playable." Although the keyboard has 37 keys, the transpose function lets it cover a broad range of seven octaves.
| The Korg microKORG XL Synthesizer and Vocoder lets you generate your own personal sound, packing a cutting-edge sound engine and powerful effects into a compact, vintage-like body.
The Korg microKORG XL features Korgʼs powerful RADIAS/R3 derived MMT Multi Modeling Technology, as well as a powered-up vocoder. The updated ROM includes PCM data for recreating in-demand vintage keyboards such as piano, electric piano, and clav. Externally, the microKORG XL boasts a completely new vintage design with a textured black body and industrial silver panel.
The microKORG XL interface has also been enhanced, making it easier than ever to use. Sound selection is controlled by two large dials; three smaller knobs allow the main parameters to be easily selected. The newly-developed mini-keyboard is firm and responsive for even greater playability. And best of all, itʼs battery-powered so you can take it anywhere and still enjoy serious sound. For beginners, advanced musicians and sound designers, this is a synthesizer that will stimulate your musical creativity.
The Korg microKORG XL main features include:
- Fresh vintage design with a textured black body and industrial silver panel.
- Korg's renowned MMT Multi Modeling Technology, optimized for the microKORG XL.
- Sixteeen band vocoder for voice controlled effects. A gooseneck microphone is included, so you can begin vocoding right away.
- 128 powerful sounds are built-in and ready for immediate use.
- Intuitive sound selection; simply specify the music genre and instrument category.
- Seventeen powerful KAOSS derived effects.
- Newly developed natural touch mini keyboard is compact, yet easy to play.
- Editing software can be downloaded from the Korg website, as well as converted MS2000 and microKORG programs.
- Battery powered for on-the-go enjoyment.
| Waldorf is back in the game. With the Blofeld. This synthesizer offers all the unique qualities that made Waldorf a truly legendary brand.
The engine inside the heavy duty, full metal chassis of the Blofeld delivers the same fat and rich sound that so many Waldorf users worldwide love when they play their Pulse, Q, Q+, Micro Q, Microwave, Microwave II/XT, or even the flagship Wave.
Yes, you've heard it right. The Blofeld is not only capable of producing these warm, organic analog sounds known from the Q synthesizer line, it also sports a wavetable engine like its predecessors with "Wave" in their names.
This unique synthesis system is based upon the revolutionary PPG Wave synthesizers of the early 80s. So when you listen to the Blofeld for the first time, you will instantly recognize those edgy, hard-hitting and bell-like timbres that have been an integral part of so many world hits from the PPG era on, and become increasingly popular once more.
In fact it is amazing to realize that nowadays this complex technology fits into such a slim and elegant device. And for a price no-one would have imagined a couple of years ago.
Oscillators
Each of the three oscillators offers authentic circuit-models of analog waveforms: Pulse with variable pulse-width, sawtooth, triangle and, as found in relatively few analog synthesizers these days, sine wave.
Furthermore, oscillators 1 and 2 feature the two wavetables that were introduced by the Waldorf Q and appeared shortly thereafter in the Micro Q series.
Not only that, the Blofeld includes all ROM Wavetables from the mighty flagship Waldorf Wave as well as Microwave II/XT. Plus, lo and behold, the desperately requested "Upper Wavetable" from the good old PPG Wave! But, for the first time in the history of Waldorf and PPG, each of these two oscillators can have its own wavetable.
What's more, you have control over the brilliance of these wavetables, which is especially important for waves with lots of harmonics in the bass end. You decide if you prefer pure and perfect harmonics or the same edgy timbre you know and love from the earlier Waldorf and PPG synthesizers.
Brilliance also affects the sawtooth and pulse oscillator models. From warm and soft (for those typical L.A. string pads) to the hard shapes you need for punchy and biting bass sounds. But note, Brilliance is not a simple filter applied after the oscillators, the model itself is modified.
Each of the three oscillators can be frequency-modulated by any of the other oscillators, the noise generator or one of the LFOs. With low FM amounts, you can add a little dirt to the oscillator sound, with higher amounts you get typical FM effects.
On top of all that, oscillator 2 can be hard-synced to oscillator 3.
Ring Modulation and Noise Generator
Oscillators 1 and 2 can be ring-modulated to create bell-like or metallic sounds, eerie sound effects as well as pumping basses and leads.
The noise generator delivers white noise that can be filtered low or high pass, depending on the Noise Colour setting.
The three oscillators, the ring modulator and the noise generator can be freely mixed into filter 1 and filter 2. This allows fine control over the harmonic content of each of the tone generators.
Filters
The Blofeld has two multimode filters per voice that can be routed in series or in parallel. Each Filter has its own Pan parameter for easy creation of stereo sounds.
The selection of filter types includes low pass, band pass, high pass and notch (band reject), each with 12dB/oct or 24dB/oct slope. The filter models are based on several famous Waldorf filter algorithms found in all our products. They offer resonance up to self-oscillation as well as frequency modulation (filter FM).
Furthermore, the Blofeld features the same comb filter types (with positive and negative feedback) that we first introduced in the Waldorf Q. These can be used to thicken bass and pad sounds or to create percussive, string or flute sounds reminiscent of physical modelling.
Overdrive, Saturation, Distortion, Shaping
You name it. The Blofeld offers a freely controllable "Drive" behind each filter with more than a dozen curves. These include such standards as the drive from the Q and Micro Q, low/medium/hard saturation, tube saturation, two types of electric pickups, a rectifier, digital overflow as well as esoteric stuff such as "binary distortion“, a sinusoidal waveshaper and even a distortion controlled by oscillator 1. And because the Blofeld has two filters that can be routed in series, you can control the timbre of the drive output of Filter 1 by dampening or emphasizing certain frequencies with filter 2.
Effects
The Blofeld has two effect slots with various types. In Multimode, the first effect slot is available per Part, while the second one is used for all 16 Parts (i.e. global) with controllable mix levels. Part 1 determines the settings of the second effect.
The first effect slot offers such modulation effects as chorus, flanger as well as a combined type called "Triple FX“. The latter gives you several effects at once, but with a reduced parameter set.
The second effect slot offers all the same types as the first, but with the addition of delay, clocked delay and reverb.
Envelopes
Four envelopes with different types and trigger modes affect any sound parameters you choose.
Each envelope can be either polyphonic or single trigger. This is especially interesting with the monophonic voice allocation, as the filter envelope can be set to be triggered only by the first note(s) while the Amp Envelope is triggered anew (i.e. on each note). Think "organ percussion register“, for instance.
The Envelope types include the standard ADSR as well as an enhanced ADSR-variant (with controllable attack level and two decay and sustain stages), two different loop envelopes and a "one shot" Envelope.
The Loop types can be used to act as additional LFOs, while the One Shot is perfectly suited for percussion sounds (which typically ignore the note release).
LFOs
Each of the three LFOs offers sine, triangle, square and sawtooth waveforms, plus sample & hold and random.
LFOs can be synchronized to MIDI clock, they can be polyphonic or monophonic, reset on key trigger to a freely definable phase, and the speed can be scaled by MIDI note (key follow). There are separate delay and fade in/out parameters for e.g. delayed vibrato (positive Fade values) or a burst of vibrato at the start of each note (negative Fade values).
One important feature of the Blofeld LFOs is that higher rates reach well into the audio frequency range, thus making them useful extra FM sources. There are two basic modes: either linear FM as seen in classic digital synths, or logarithmic FM, which is primarily the domain of analog modular systems.
Modulation Matrix
Here's where the real Waldorf power lies. Each and every instrument designed and built by Waldorf lets you connect dozens of modulation sources to all the important sound generation parameters.
Individual or multiple oscillator pitches, their pulsewidths and waveforms, their levels and filter-balances, FM modulation amounts, individual filter cutoff and resonance, filter FM amounts and stereo panning, or just the good old sound output level – everything can be controlled from internal modulation sources or from a variety of MIDI messages such as velocity, keytrack, continuous controllers (including wheels, breath and foot controllers) etc.
You can of course "modulate the modulators" i.e. control LFO speeds and individual envelope rates and levels. But in Blofeld you can even specify that these sources modulate themselves – recursive modulation! For instance, modulating an envelope rate by the same envelope (or another one) can alter the shape of the slope dramatically from the standard exponential curve to linear to inverse exponential.
And how many slots do you get in the mod matrix? Two? Three? Four? No, we're talking big here. You get 16 freely definable slots plus all the pre-routed modulation destinations such as pitch, Osc 1, 2 and 3 frequency and PWM (pulse width modulation), filter 1 and 2 cutoff, panorama and amp level modulation. And let's not forget that the filter envelope is already routed to filter 1 and 2 cutoff, and the amp envelope is routed to the amp level. Makes a total of 33 simultaneous connections if we counted correctly.
Modifiers
What if you want something really really crazy, like controlling a pitch vibrato done by LFO 3 with the modulation wheel. Although there are a few such composite modulation sources such as "LFO1*MW" (LFO 1 controlled by Modulation Wheel) and "LFO2*Press" (LFO 2 controlled by monophonic Aftertouch), there's nobody doing the "LFO3*MW" thing for you.
But, don't worry, that's where the Modifiers come into play. In seconds you can set up a new modifier, with the two sources set to LFO 3 and modulation wheel, and the "operation" set to "*" (multiply). You can use such custom-made modulation sources in any of the modulation slots described above.
Okay, maybe you are more the regular musician who simply wants to perform a binary OR between two modulation sources? Okay, go for it! This operation is just one of several at your service.
Arpeggiator
Okay, Blofeld's arpeggiator could very well become the biggest chapter of this page but let's try to keep it short...
It features variable clock divisions from 1/64 triplets to more than 1000 bars, with variable swing/shuffle, a range of up to 10 octaves. Up, down and alternate figures, selectable play order from low to high note, low to high velocity, as played or reversed, variable note length, different velocity modes. And Hold or One-Shot, if you like.
But more importantly, it has the most powerful Pattern Editor we have ever seen.
You can set each Step to either play the note it would do so anyway, to pause, to play the previous note again, play the first or the last note, play those together, play a chord consisting of all held notes or a randomly selected note.
Then you can adjust the Accent of each step (including silence), activate or deactivate Glide for each step, set the timing to play a step ahead or behind its nominal time, and finely adjust the note length between short staccato and full legato.
No wonder this arpeggiator had great reviews when it first appeared in the Waldorf Q. It will take you straight to arpeggiator-heaven, as has already happened to thousands of Waldorf customers. Dig it!
Sound
Now, how does all that sound? You probably know that Waldorf synthesizers are well loved for their sound character, and the Blofeld is certainly no exception. But who are we to tell you? Better listen to the Waldorf Blofeld demos or just believe us: it sounds great. Now go and get one!
Technical InfoMost important features
Unbeatable price tag
Sturdy Metal Enclosure
7 endless stainless steel Dials
Graphic Display 128 x 64 pixels, b/w, white background LED
More than 1000 Sounds
3 Oscillators per voice
Frequency Modulation between the Oscillators
All Q Oscillator Models
All Microwave II/XT/XTk Wavetables
2 independent Multi Mode Filters per voice
Filter FM
2 Drive stages per voice with selectable Drive Curves
3 fast LFOs per voice
4 fast Envelopes per voice
Powerful Arpeggiator
Freely programmable Arpeggiator Pattern with up to 16 Steps per Sound
General Features
Up to 25 Voices
16 part multi timbral
More than 1000 Sounds
Sturdy Metal Enclosure
7 endless stainless steel Dials
5 Buttons
Graphic Display 128 x 64 pixels, b/w, white background LED
MIDI LED
Volume Control
Power Switch
Stereo Output
Headphone Output
MIDI In
USB Connector for MIDI In / Out:
- uses standard USB MIDI Driver provided by host computer OS
- Windows ME minimum, Windows XP or newer recommended
- Mac OS X 10.2 minimum, Mac OS X 10.3 or newer recommended
External Power Supply
Per Voice
3 Oscillators
Virtual Analog Models:
- Pulse with Pulse Width Modulation and adjustable Brilliance
- Sawtooth with adjustable Brilliance
- Triangle
- Sine
Wavetables:
- Q Alt 1 and Alt 2 Wavetable with adjustable Brilliance
- All Wavetables from Microwave II/XT/XTk Series with adjustable Brilliance
- Separate Wavetable selectable for Oscillator 1 and 2
Frequency Modulation between the Oscillators
Oscillator Synchronization
Ring Modulator for Osc 1 / 2
Noise Generator with Noise Colour
2 independent Multi Mode Filters:
- Filter FM
- Resonance up to Self-Oscillation
- Low Pass 24 dB / 12 dB
- Band Pass 24 dB / 12 dB
- High Pass 24 dB / 12 dB
- Notch 24 dB / 12 dB
- Comb Filter with positive / negative Feedback
- PPG Low Pass Filter
2 Drive stages per voice with adjustable Drive Gain and selectable Curves:
- Clip
- Hard
- Medium
- Soft
- Sine Shaper
- etc.
Modulation Matrix with 16 Slots, freely programmable:
- Modulation Speed far into Audio Range
- Modulation Sources include all internal Modulation Sources plus various MIDI messages
- Modulation Destinations for almost all continuous sound parameters
Various pre-routed Modulation Destinations with selectable Sources:
- Pitch Modulation
- Oscillator 1 / 2 / 3 Frequency Modulation
- Oscillator 1 / 2 / 3 Pulse Width Modulation
- Filter 1 / 2 Cutoff Modulation
- Filter 1 / 2 Frequency Modulation
- Pan 1 / 2 Modulation
- Amp Modulation
4 Modifiers for transforming Modulation Sources with various Algorithms
3 fast LFOs:
- Syncable to MIDI Clock
- Note Retrigger with adjustable Start Phase
- Monophonic LFO
- Keytrack
4 fast Envelopes with selectable types:
- Single Trigger / Retrigger per Envelope
- ADSR
- ADS1DS2R (2 Decay/Sustain stages plus adjustable Attack Level)
- One Shot
- Loop S1S2 (Loop between Sustain 1 and 2)
- Loop All (Loop over all stages)
Poly, Mono, Dual or Unisono Mode with selectable Voice Count
Per Part
Powerful Arpeggiator:
- Hold and One Shot modes
- Syncable to MIDI Clock
- Direction Up, Down, Alternate
- Range up to 10 Octaves
- Various methods to modify Note Sort Order
Freely programmable Arpeggiator Pattern with up to 16 Steps per Sound.
programmable per Step:
- Accent
- Timing
- Length
- Glide on/off
- Pause
- Chord
- Previous note
- Random not from Note List
- first and/or last note from Note List
1 Effect slot per part
1 Effect slot globally for all parts
Effect types:
- Chorus
- Flanger
- Phaser
- Overdrive
- Triple FX (S&H, Ring Modulation, Chorus)
- Delay (only available on global Effect slot)
- Clocked Delay (only available on global Effect slot)
- Reverb (only available on global Effect slot) |
Synth engine
• Up to 18 note polyphony (dynamic voicing)
• Mono-Timbral
Per patch:
• 3x oscillators
• 1x noise generator
• 2x ring modulators
Waveforms include:
• Square, sine, tri, sawtooth, pulse, 9x saw:pulse combinations.
• 20x digital waveforms
• 36x wavetables
Filtertypes:
2x filters per patch
• low pass no resonance 6dB per octave
• low pass 12dB
• low pass 18dB
• low pass 24dB
• band pass 6:6
• band pass 6:12
• band pass 12:6
• band pass 6:18
• band pass 18:6
• band pass 12:12
• high pass no resonance 6dB per octave
• high pass 12dB
• high pass 18dB
• high pass 24dB
Sources:
20 modulation slots per patch
• 6x envelope generators
• 3x LFOs.
• Aftertouch
• Velocity
• Key scaling/track
• Mod wheel
• Expression pedal
Total of 66 Destinations including:
• Oscillator pitch, pulse width, wavetable index, level and sync
• Filter cutoff, resonance, envelope settings
• Effects parameters and send levels
• Recursive modulation (modulating modulation sources themselves)
5 Effects slots per patch
• Distortion – up to 2 instances
• Compressor – up to 2 instances
• Chorus/Phase – up to 4 instances
• Delay – up to 2 instances
• Reverb – up to 2 instances
• Gator
• EQ
•12 band vocoder
• Arpeggiator – 33 patterns
• Chord function – lock up to 10 notes
• Patch storage up to 512 on hardware (ships with 300 factory patches)
Hardware
• 144 character LCD
• 8x detented touch sensitive encoders
• 1x large smooth encoder (with back-lit filter lock buttons)
• 1x large patch select/speed dial encoder
• 2x volume & monitor mix dials
• 39 LED lit/indicated buttons
• Pitch wheel (LED lit)
• Modulation wheel (LED lit)
• 37 note keyboard with velocity and aftertouch
• XLR dynamic mic input
• 2x ¼” jack inputs
• 2x ¼” jack outputs
• 2x ¼” jack aux outputs
• 1x ¼” jack headphone output
• SPDIF digital output on RCA connector
• Expression pedal on ¼” jack input
• Sustain pedal on ¼” jack input
• MIDI in/out/thru
• 12 volt power input
• USB port (UltraNova can be powered via USB)
• Kensington Lock port
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