Korg

Notes: Combining analogue-style sound with digital convenience, the KingKorg Neo is a proper all-rounder for both recording and live performance. Features modelled emulations of classic Korg synth features.

Supplier's Notes:
The KingKORG NEO: a virtual analogue synthesiser that stands out with its analogue-like layout and intuitive, flexible editing. This compact powerhouse features 37 full-size keys and a versatile vocoder, making it perfect for both studio and stage. With our cutting-edge XMT sound engine, it delivers a wide range of classic and futuristic sounds. Designed for the contemporary musician, the KingKORG NEO is the ultimate tool for exploring new soundscapes and pushing musical expression.

KingKORG NEO features our XMT virtual analogue sound engine. XMT stands for eXpanded Modelling Technology and was created to offer an expansive array of sounds while ensuring simplicity in operation.

Gone are the days of laborious oscillator adjustments for sound crafting. The KingKORG NEO streamlines this process with pre-set algorithms. These carefully designed combinations of different oscillator types and quantities empower you to quickly shape rich, stage-ready tones with ease.

Embracing the demand for diverse tonal capabilities, the KingKORG NEO comes loaded with a wide range of oscillator algorithms. From the classic sawtooth and square waves to the more intricate noise patterns typical of analogue synthesizers, and extending to PCM/DWGS, this synthesiser is equipped to cater to an extensive variety of musical needs and preferences.

Crafting character with iconic modelled filters

In the heart of the KingKORG NEO lies its meticulously designed filter section, a cornerstone in defining the synthesiser's unique sonic character. Korg have infused KingKORG NEO with a diverse range of filters, each adding a distinct flavour to your sound creations, an aspect where analogue modelling truly shines.

The KingKORG NEO's filter collection is a treasure trove for sound designers. It encompasses a wide array of essential analogue modelling filter types, enabling you to sculpt sounds with precision and ease. But there's more. Korg have painstakingly modelled filters that echo the iconic analogue monophonic synths of the '70s - the go-to for punchy leads and deep basses. Korg have also captured the essence of polyphonic synths from the vibrant new wave era of the '80s, and the legendary filters from Korg's own MS-20 analogue synth.

One of the most captivating features of these filters is their ability to self-oscillate when you dial up the resonance - a hallmark of classic analogue synthesis. This capability opens up a world of sonic possibilities, from creating ethereal textures to crafting powerful, resonant tones.

Vocoder wizardry

KingKORG NEO synth comes equipped with a balanced XLR input on its front panel, and includes a rugged, high-quality microphone. This setup invites you to dive into the world of vocoding instantly.

At the core of the KingKORG NEO's vocoder is a sophisticated 16-band filter, rivalling dedicated vocoder machines. This powerful feature allows you to craft classic vocoder tones, but that's just the beginning. By shifting the filter frequency with the formant shift function and finely adjusting the level and pan of each band, you open the doors to an array of unique and original sounds. Whether you're aiming for vintage charm or contemporary edge, this vocoder adapts effortlessly to any genre or style.

But there's more - the KingKORG NEO redefines flexibility. Timbre B can ingeniously be used as a modulator, providing an alternative to the traditional microphone input. This allows the vocoder effect to be seamlessly blended with the synth sound, paving the way for limitless sonic exploration.

Moreover, each of the three oscillators, A and B timbres, can be individually selected as a source for the microphone input. This unique feature enables you to synthesize a rich mix of voice and instrument, creating a fusion of timbres that's both innovative and captivating.

Masterful effects

The KingKORG NEO elevates your sound with three master effect slots, each offering six distinct effect types.

The PRE FX slot brings the grit and edge of effects like distortion and amp simulator. MOD FX infuses your tracks with the classic charm of phaser, chorus, and tremolo. For creating expansive atmospheres, the REV/DELAY slot offers ambient effects including hall reverb and modulation delay. Adjusting and selecting these effects is straightforward, thanks to dedicated dials on the front panel for each slot, complemented by FX control knobs for detailed fine-tuning.

Virtual patching

Embrace the spirit of classic synthesisers like the MS-20 with the KingKORG NEO's innovative Virtual Patch system. This intuitive feature brings the flexibility of physically patching synthesizers into the digital age. With six Virtual Patch assignments available for each timbre, you can virtually connect control signals like EG, LFO, or joystick movements to key sound parameters, including pitch and cutoff. This seamless integration allows for intricate modulation and a deeper exploration into sound-shaping, giving your music a new dimension of sonic creativity.

A universe of inspiration

KingKORG NEO's extensive library of 200 stage-ready preset programs is created for the modern music maker. These presets span across eight categories like SYNTH, LEAD, and BASS and offer an intuitive gateway to finding the perfect sound for any scenario.

Step up with arpeggiation

The KingKORG NEO comes equipped with a versatile step arpeggiator, a tool that breathes life into your performances by automatically generating arpeggio phrases based on the chords you play. Tailor your sound even further by selecting from six different arpeggio types. You can specify the duration, interval, and on/off status of each step, opening up a vast array of rhythmic possibilities.

Specifications

Keyboard: 37 keys (velocity and release-velocity sensitive)
Sound generating system: XMT (eXpanded Modeling Technology)
Maximum Polyphony: 24 voices
Timbres: Max. 2 timbres (Layer / Split)

Oscillator
Structure: 3 oscillators (choose from analog, noise, DWGS, PCM, and MIC IN types)
Number of types: 138 types (32 analog and noise, 40 DWGS, 65 PCM, 1 MIC IN

Filter
Structure: 1 filter (choose from LPF, HPF, BPF)
Number of types: 18 types (7 LPF, 5 HPF, 6 BPF)

Modulation
Structure: EG 2 units, LFO 2 units
Routing: Virtual patches 6 set

Effect
Sections: Program effects x 3 (PRE FX, MOD FX, REV/DELAY) + EQ (2Band)

Types:
PRE FX: 6 types (DISTORTION, DECIMATOR, RING MOD, GT.AMP, EP.AMP, TONE)
MOD FX: 6 types (FLANGER, CHORUS, U-VIBE, TREMOLO, PHASER, ROTARY) REV/DELAY: 6 types (HALL, ROOM, PLATE, TAPE ECHO, MOD DELAY, BPM DELAY)

Vocoder: 16-band vocoder, formant shift function, formant hold function
Arpeggiator: Up to 8 steps (number of steps can be changed), 6 types (UP/DOWN/ALT1/ALT2/RANDOM/ TRIGGER)

Programs
Number of programs: 300 programs (200 preset / 100 user)
Number of categories: 8 categories

Displays
Main: 16 x 2 character OLED display
OSCILLATOR, FILTER: 128 x 64 pixel OLED display

Audio

Mic input
Connector: XLR type (balanced)
L/MONO,R output
Connectors: 6.3mm TS phone jacks (Unbalanced)

Headphone output
Connector: 6.3mm (1/4") stereo phone jack
DAMPER (half-damper not supported)
SWITCH/PEDAL
MIDI IN/OUT
USB B connector

Power Supply: AC adapter jack (DC12V)
Power consumption: 9W
Dimensions (W x D x H)@ 565 x 338 x 92 mm / 22.24" x 13.31 " x 3.62
Weight: 3.1kg / 6.83 lbs.
Included items: AC Adapter, Vocoder mic (+ windscreen)
Accessories (sold separately): XVP-20: Expression/volume pedal, EXP-2: Foot controller, DS-1H: Damper pedal, PS-1, PS-3: Pedal switch

Notes: One of our favourite synths of 2019 and still amazing value. Analogue meets digital, offering hugely versatile sound in the same compact, user-friendly format as the original Minilogue.

Supplier's notes:
An evolved next-generation analogue synthesizer with huge potential for sound design and performance. We wanted to deliver a next-generation analogue synthesizer for a new generation of musicians new to analogue synthesis. That dream was realized in the development of the minilogue, which instantly made the analogue synthesizer approachable.

In addition to emphasizing the same real analogue sound and joy of controlling an electronic musical instrument offered by the original minilogue, the minilogue xd newly adds a digital multi-engine, effects, a powered-up sequencer, and micro tuning functionality, further expanding the possibilities for sound design and performance potential. Minilogue xd is a fitting addition to the original groundbreaking minilogue.

Four-voice polyphonic analogue synthesis. The analogue synthesizer circuit of the minilogue, whose genuine analogue sound had a huge impact on the synth world, has been further developed for the minilogue xd.

Voice structure of minilogue xd is 2VCO + MULTI ENGINE, 1VCF, 2EG, 1VCA, and 1LFO. In addition to the distinctive circuits found in the series, such as wave shaping to shape the overtones of the oscillator and a sync/ring switch, there's also cross modulation, a sharp two-pole filter, and a drive switch that adds thickness and drives signal into minilogue xd's filter. Every parameter has been tuned in detail based on what musicians want out of their synth. The sounds range from the warm pads typical of analogue to fat basses and crisp lead sounds, covering every situation.

Of course, programs that you create can also be saved in the unit. Out of the box, minilogue xd comes loaded with 200 presets, and a total of 500 programs can be saved.

Equipped with a digital multi-engine:

The additional sound design possibilities of digital sound are delivered by the multi-engine that's provided as a third oscillator in addition to the two analogue VCOs. This engine, which is equipped with three different types of sound generator (noise, VPM, and user slot) lets you take advantage of a sonic character that's different than analogue, and use it at the same time as the analogue engine, infinitely expanding the potential of hybrid sound design.
Noise generator

The noise generator provides four types of noise that are indispensable for percussive sounds or for sound effects. You can use the digital filter to directly change the colour of the noise.

VPM oscillator:

minilogue xd's multi-engine features a VPM (Variable Phase Modulation)/FM oscillator with a two-operator structure. It can produce sharp, metallic sounds with complex overtones beyond the possibilities offered by analogue systems. With 16 types of oscillator and a SHAPE knob control, you'll be able to create complex sounds intuitively.

User oscillators:

User oscillators allow you to load your own oscillator programs that you created or obtained via the internet. There are 16 user slots, as well as one type of morphing wavetable oscillator provided as a preset.

High-quality digital effects:

minilogue xd's high-quality digital effects use 32-bit floating point DSP processing, adding a finishing touch to its deep sound design platform. The three types (modulation effects, reverb, and delay) can be used simultaneously, letting you choose from a wide range of variations including chorus, ensemble, warm tape delay, and a diverse variety of reverb. The user effect slots allow you to load your own effect programs that you've created.

User customization brings out infinite potential:

The minilogue xd features a customizable open environment. The unit comes with 16 user oscillator slots and 16 user effect slots that you can customize. Oscillators and user programs that you've created with the SDK (Software Development Kit) can be loaded into the minilogue xd via the dedicated librarian software.

Polyphonic step sequencer controlled by 16 buttons:

The step sequencer provides 16 steps, and supports both realtime recording and step recording. You can use the 16 step buttons to select a step directly, allowing quick editing to replace the pitch of a step or to mute it, or even improvisatory performances. Motion sequence lets you record the movements of up to four knobs, adding time-varying change to the sound, and you can record not only smooth changes in value but also values that change precisely at each step. You can use this to design the sound differently at each step; for example, you might create a drum pattern or sound effect from just a single program. This allows countless ideas to be unleashed.