Korg M3 Workstation/Sampler Keyboard
OASYS power comes to the M series!
The M3 Music Workstation/Sampler modernizes the M series and brings KARMA and OASYS technology to a much more affordable level. The M3 pulls the EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound generator derived from the HD-1 engine design from the OASYS, full implementation of KARMA functionality from the OASYS, and the multipurpose control surface. Adding innovations such as virtualized hardware that allows an even closer integration with DAW systems, drum tracks which provide an instant groove to play along with, and the Korg Komponent System concept facilitates more flexible system construction.
Enhanced Definition Synthesis
The M3 features a newly developed EDS sound generating system based on a chip design that was developed in parallel with the HD-1 engine from the flagship OASYS. It takes full advantage of the M3's 256MB of PCM source material. Using Korg's advanced voicing technology, the 1,028 multisamples, 1,606 drum samples, dual oscillators, 4-level velocity switching/crossfading/layering, and stereo sampling allow for an enormous range of high-quality, detailed, and expressive sounds.
The filter section, a vital part of the sound-creation process, lets you simultaneously use two resonant filters for each oscillator, and can be configured in series or parallel. Four filter types are provided: low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-reject.
The amp section features a driver circuit that gives the sound a sense of edge and character, along with low boost to help shake the walls when needed. Integrated 3-band EQ allows tonal sculpting without needing to go to the effects section. Detailed envelope generators, abundant modulation routings, plus the all-new AMS Mixers for advanced processing all combine to provide a level of sound shaping far beyond previous possibilities.
Effects
The effect section provides up to five Insert effects, two Master effects, and one Total effect. In addition to great choruses, flangers, phasers, delays and reverbs, the 170 effect types include dynamic processing effects such as compressor and limiter, amp modeling and speaker simulation effects using Korg s proprietary REMS modeling technology, and evocative effects like the Grain Shifter and Talking Modulator.
Funky Drummer
The M3 provides a Drum Track function that adds a groove to each sound you play. Combined with KARMA it makes a Program a complete sonic adventure that is sure to inspire. You can select patterns from over 500 in internal memory and start them with a dedicated button, from a desired region of the keyboard or by playing a velocity that s above a specified threshold. Since the Drum Track uses MIDI data stored in a Pattern, it is easy for you to create your own in the Sequencer Mode, either recording them, importing them from SMF data or other user s songs, or converting recorded KARMA data as MIDI events for further manipulation. Even sampled loops can be used!
Expanded Combination Mode
Combination Mode is where multiple Programs can be freely assigned as splits and layers across the keyboard, including velocity switching and cross-fading for complex and expressive sounds. The M3 allows for sixteen timbres at the same time, including a Drum Track, up to four KARMA Modules, multiple effects and much more. Each timbre has dedicated 3-band EQ for getting the perfect mix, and a powerful Tone Adjust setup for detailed in-context sound shaping.
Great sounds
Korg s acclaimed international voicing team delivers the goods once again: stunningly realistic imitative sounds, fat synth sounds, imaginative textures, evocative sound effects it s all here. The M3 comes loaded with 512 Programs, and room for a total of 1,664 user sounds (13 Banks plus GM). All sound locations are fully editable (except GM banks), so you are always free to tweak a sound if needed. Adding in the EXB-RADIAS option delivers 128 powerful MMT synthesis sounds. There are 32 drumkits provided, and room for a total of 144. As for the 16-part Combinations, 384 come preloaded, with room for a total of 1,792 (14 Banks).
All sounds (Programs and Combinations) are organized by Categories and Sub-Categories for easy searching and selection, making it easy to find and organize your sounds.
Second Generation KARMA
The second generation KARMA functionality that first appeared on the OASYS is fully implemented in the M3. KARMA is the inspiring, real-time music generation system that can help you play everything from natural instrument gestures like intricate finger-picking, strumming and harp glissandos, to complex cascades of notes, dance-riffs, gated and chopping effects and improvising drum grooves.
In Program Mode, one KARMA Generated Effect (GE) can be used, in Combi and Sequencer modes, four KARMA Modules are available simultaneously. Eight sliders, eight switches, and eight scenes provide dedicated real-time control and the ability to store complete snapshots of your settings.
The Control Surface can access and manipulate each module individually on its own Module Layer. In addition to the four individual Module Layers, there is a Master Layer that can be mapped to parameters from any of the modules, even grouping them together.
Finally, the second generation KARMA provides a signature sonic effect called KARMA Wave-Sequencing that can change a sound s waveforms rhythmically in realtime, along with everything else KARMA is doing, allowing each note to access a different waveform as it is generated. The results can resemble traditional wave-sequencing, or enter completely new realms of sound design.
Ultimate expressive power
The color LCD of the M3 not only provides a touch-view GUI that ensures intuitive and easy operation, but it also operates as an X-Y Pad, allowing sound and effect parameters to be controlled in real-time by sliding your finger across or tapping on the screen much like the innovative Korg KAOSS Pad. Further control is provided by a Motion function that lets you capture and play back your finger moves to shape your sound and performance in unique ways. The screen even changes colors in response to the movement of your finger for cool visual feedback to your performance.
Eight dynamic, velocity-sensitive pads give you a great way to play drum sounds or up to 8-note chords, either live or as triggers for the powerful KARMA function.
The eight slider/eight switch control surface offers the same multi-functionality as on the OASYS: it can be used as a mixer, a set of expressive sound controls, an editing interface, a realtime KARMA performance interface, or to control external software and hardware synths and effects.
RADIAS inside
You can add an internal RADIAS analog modeling synthesizer sound generator board (one timbre, four parts, up to 24 voices), with on-screen integration of all its parameters and full integration with the M3 s effects, control surface and KARMA functionality. The EXB-RADIAS offers the same vocoder as the RADIAS, offering 16 bands with individual control over level and panning. Formant Motion records the formant of a sung or spoken phrase so it can be recreated anytime.
