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Korg M3 Workstation sets new boundries
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The next coming of the M series
The M3 heralds the third generation of Korg Workstations. The M1 started it all, first appearing in 1988 to bring the world a new concept called the “music workstation.” It went on to become the best selling workstation in history, and was further expanded and enhanced through the T and O1/W series. Trinity defined a new level of innovations including touch screen technology, and was the forbearer of the successful TRITON range of products. Now Korg is poised to refine the workstation category once again. With a number of innovations distilled from the flagship OASYS including the new EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound generator derived from the HD-1 engine design, the advanced second-generation KARMA functionality, and the multi-purpose control surface, the M3 has learned a lot from its upper-end sibling. Adding innovations such as the new concept of “virtualized hardware” that allows an even closer integration with DAW systems, and the new "Korg Komponent System" concept that facilitates more flexible system construction, the M3 music workstation/sampler opens a new and exciting page in music making, and is the workstation that rightfully deserves to wear the “M” that started it all.
Enhanced Definition Synthesis
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The M3 has the new EDS system derived from the OASYS's HD-1 engine. It supports up to four-way velocity switching, and features powerful filter configurations plus advanced modulation possibilities. Using Korg’s advanced voicing technology, the 1,028 multisamples, 1,606 drum samples, dual oscillators, four-level velocity switching/crossfading/layering, and stereo sampling allow for an enormous range of high-quality, detailed, and expressive sounds. |
RADIAS Inside (Optional)
You can add an internal RADIAS analog modeling synthesizer sound generator board (one timbre, 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.
This powerful MMT-based (Multiple Modeling Technology) synth engine features dual oscillators which combine to offer analog-modeled waves, DWGS (PCM) waves, noise, ring mod and more. Waveform modulation, Variable Phase Modulation (VPM), Unison voice thickening, PWM and cross-mod expand the sonic palette.
Internal or external audio can be run through the EXB-RADIAS to be gated and filtered using the internal synthesis and effects. Drive adds analog warmth, Punch brings increased definition to the attack of a sound, and 12-types of Wave Shaping provides dramatic timbral shaping – even offering virtual “pick-up” response. 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.
Second Gen KarmaThe second generation KARMA functionality that first appeared on the OASYS and received wide acclaim from artists and users world-wide 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. KARMA continues to set the standard by which all other arpeggiators, phrase players, and musical effect generators are judged. The inspiration that KARMA offers, coupled with the unheard-of phrase variability is second to none. In Program Mode, one KARMA Generated Effect (GE) can be assigned to a single drum groove, melodic phrase, comping gated part or other musical effect. Eight sliders, eight switches, and eight scenes provide dedicated real-time control and the ability to store complete snapshots of your settings. |
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Powerful Sampling
The M3’s Open Sampling System lets you sample and resample in any mode to produce new remixed combinations of sounds and effects, or to capture full performances “In-Track” within the sequencer. Cutting-edge editing tools include Time Slice, Time Stretch, Crossfade Looping, Rate Change and Normalize.
An easy-to-use Auto-Setup function makes all the right sampling settings for you, with the press of a button. Stock sampling memory is 64 MB, and can be increased to 320 MB by adding the optional EXB-M256 memory expansion board. Samples in Korg native format, AIFF, WAV, Soundfont V2.0 and AKAI (S-1000/3000 with advanced Program parameter conversion) formats can be used, and internal samples can be exported as WAV or AIFF if needed.
Sampling can also be done to attached media, so USB memory sticks and hard drives can be used to extend memory size to resample a complete song as a WAV file to be burned to a USB CD-R/RW as an audio disc, or for moving to a computer for further editing and manipulation. Audio files on the media can even be edited directly to normalize, trim, and perform other essential editing tasks.
Korg Komponent System
The M3 music workstation/sampler introduces the new Korg Komponent System, featuring detachable keyboard and sound generator sections. The 61-key model lets you mount a RADIAS-R analog modeling synthesizer instead of the M3-M sound generator, the 73-key model lets you mount the M3-M together with a RADIAS-R analog modeling synthesizer, and the 88-key model supports the combination of M3-M and RADIAS-R or even mounting two M3-M units simultaneously. Of course you can detach the M3-M sound generator and use it as a sound module, giving you great flexibility for constructing the system you need whenever you want.
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. Sounds can be delayed either by time or by tempo, even when you release a key, allowing you to create sophisticated rhythmic soundscapes and performance effects. Monophonic sounds can be forced to be polyphonic, or vice-versa, and you can select only one of the oscillators if desired. For the more adventurous musician, each timbre can even use a different scale or tuning!
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.
Virtualized hardware
In addition to being a highly-developed music workstation, the M3 is also able to closely integrate with your computer. By connecting the M3 to your computer via USB and using the included stand-alone “M3 Editor” software, you can edit sounds and settings from your computer.
A Complete System
Overall the Korg M3 offers immense facilties, functions, sound quality and interacation and can garauntee that any user will find what they need in this amazing product. More information is available from us at A&C Hamilton Musical Instruments, Preston, Lancs. Call or E-Mail us.
Data supplied by A&C Hamilton Pro Music 01772 722468 Preston Lancs
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