Published 18/1/09
Synthesizer
A new version of the popular MicroKorg miniature synthesizer has been launched. Called the MicroKorg XL, you may be forgiven for thinking it’ll have more keys, buttons, knobs and switches. But you’d be wrong. In fact, it’s physically smaller and the front panel has been simplified, making it “easier than ever”, Korg say, to use.
Missing on the XL are the five controls for editing patch parameters: these have been replaced by three knobs and a rotary selector that lets you assign different parameters to the knobs. Also gone is the bank of eight buttons that was used to choose presets on the old MicroKorg. Instead, two rotary controls are employed for program selection.
It’s on the inside where the new MicroKorg earns its XL badge: on-board sounds are generated using Korg’s Multi Modelling Technology from the Radias and R3 workstations, and there’s new PCM data for recreating the sounds of vintage electric pianos and the like. Importantly, like the original MicroKorg, the XL features a vocoder, one of the most desirable features of the original device. Better still, it’s been upgraded to have 16 bands, to enable it to create even more complex vocoded sounds than its predecessor.
The mounting point for the included gooseneck mic has also been updated with an XLR socket on the top face of the synth, rather than the jack sockets and flimsy mounting bracket found on the original MicroKorg.
The screen on the XL shows more information than the standard version: there’s even a basic level meter with clip indicator that will help users balance their levels with greater ease. Furthermore, the keys have been upgraded for “greater playability”, and the device can be powered by batteries, enabling users to vocode on the move! Korg’s MicroKorg XL should be shipping in February 2009.
Korg UK +44 (0)1908 857100
www.korg.co.uk
Missing on the XL are the five controls for editing patch parameters: these have been replaced by three knobs and a rotary selector that lets you assign different parameters to the knobs. Also gone is the bank of eight buttons that was used to choose presets on the old MicroKorg. Instead, two rotary controls are employed for program selection.
It’s on the inside where the new MicroKorg earns its XL badge: on-board sounds are generated using Korg’s Multi Modelling Technology from the Radias and R3 workstations, and there’s new PCM data for recreating the sounds of vintage electric pianos and the like. Importantly, like the original MicroKorg, the XL features a vocoder, one of the most desirable features of the original device. Better still, it’s been upgraded to have 16 bands, to enable it to create even more complex vocoded sounds than its predecessor.
The mounting point for the included gooseneck mic has also been updated with an XLR socket on the top face of the synth, rather than the jack sockets and flimsy mounting bracket found on the original MicroKorg.
The screen on the XL shows more information than the standard version: there’s even a basic level meter with clip indicator that will help users balance their levels with greater ease. Furthermore, the keys have been upgraded for “greater playability”, and the device can be powered by batteries, enabling users to vocode on the move! Korg’s MicroKorg XL should be shipping in February 2009.
Korg UK +44 (0)1908 857100
www.korg.co.uk
