Korg redefines the workstation category by
distilling the power of their flagship OASYS into the M3! The powerful EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound generator
is derived from the OASYS' HD-1 engine design and it also has advanced second-generation KARMA functionality in addition to
a multi-purpose control surface. The M3 music workstation/sampler is a 61-key model that uses a proprietary semi-weighted
synth action keyboard developed by Korg for great playing feel and expressive aftertouch response.
Adding innovations
such as the new concept of virtualized hardware that allows tighter integration with DAW systems Drum Tracks which provide
a instant groove to play along with and the Korg Komponent System concept that facilitates more flexible system construction
the M3 music workstation/sampler opens an exciting page in music making.
Enhanced Definition Synthesis—a
new horizon of sound-making potential
The M3 features a newly developed EDS sound generating system based
on a chip design 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 1028 multisamples 1606 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.
The filter section 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 and the all-new AMS Mixers give you advanced processing possibilities for
an intense level of sound shaping.
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
Drum Tracks make a single program a complete sonic adventure sure to inspire. You can select from over 500 patterns and start
them with a dedicated button from a desired region of the keyboard or by playing a velocity above a specified threshold. Drum
Tracks are driven by MIDI data and stored in a pattern format so you can create your own patterns in sequencer mode by recording
them or importing them from SMF data or other user's songs. You can also convert recorded KARMA data as MIDI events for further
manipulation or import sampled loops.
Expanded Combination Mode
Combination Mode lets you
assign multiple Programs freely 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
The M3's international voicing
team delivers the goods: 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 1664 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 drum kits provided and room for a total of 144. As for the 16-part Combinations
384 come preloaded with room for a total of 1792 (14 banks). All sounds (Programs and Combinations) are divided by category
and subcategory 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
realtime music generation system that can help you play everything from natural instrument gestures like intricate fingerpicking
strumming and harp glissandos to complex cascades of notes dance riffs gated and chopping effects plus 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 realtime 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 KARMA provides a signature sonic effect called 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 uncharted realms of
sound design.
Ultimate expressive power
The color LCD of the M3 not only provides a touchview
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 realtime 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 visual feedback
of your performance.
Eight dynamic velocity-sensitive pads give you a great way to play drum sounds or up to eight-note
chords either live or as triggers for the powerful KARMA function.
The eight slider/eight switch control surface offers
the same multifunctionality 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 onscreen 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.
Open
Sampling
The M3's Open Sampling System lets you sample and resample in any mode to produce 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.
Stock sampling memory is 64MB and can be increased
to 320MB 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.
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.
High-Resolution
Sequencer
The sequencer that's at the heart of the M3's song production is an intuitive 16-track design that
holds up to 128 songs and 210000 notes. The high timing resolution of 480 PPQ captures every nuance and detail of your performance.
Three-band EQ per track provides detailed sound-shaping as does the Tone Adjust sound tweaking function.
The Cue List
function has been a popular feature ever since the now-classic TRITON series. It lets you create songs in sections or play
back completed songs as a medley. All the now-classic Korg features are included such as the one-touch Auto Song Setup feature
which takes you from playing a Program or Combination to ready-to-record status in one easy step.
Song Templates contain
pre-assigned effect routings and program assignments—the M3 comes with 16 of these Song Templates plus another 16 you
can custom-tailor to your own needs. Each Template Song also provides a number of rhythm patterns—including intro fills
and endings—you can use to instantly create a rhythm track.
Realtime Pattern Play and Record (RPPR) can be used
to assign sequenced Patterns to individual keys on the keyboard for an interactive performance or to quickly build up tracks.
You can record controller data Sys. Ex. or even KARMA phrases and trigger them as you like.
Virtualized hardware
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 plug-in version of M3 Editor is also provided so you can use it from within your DAW as a plug-in instrument.
The editor runs as a VST AU or RTAS plug-in for maximum compatibility. For even more complete integration Korg's new "Virtualized
Hardware" concept comes into play. When the optional EXB-FW FireWire board is installed a single FireWire cable will convey
both the M3's MIDI and audio signals to the tracks of your DAW in which the plug-in is running.
Korg Komponent
System
The M3 music workstation/sampler introduces the 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.
A rich array of input/output jacks
The M3 offers two analog and two digital (S/P
DIF) inputs. In addition to the main two-channel output (L/MONO R) there are four independent outputs as well as two-channel
digital output (24-bit optical S/P DIF). Two USB connectors are provided: a type-B USB connector for connection to your computer
as a MIDI interface and dual type-A connectors for connecting external storage media. USB 2.0 is supported to ensure high-speed
transfer of large amounts of data.
The optional EXB-FW adds Firewire ports for conveying both audio and MIDI to your
computer and for daisy-chaining the M3 in your Firewire-based studio setup.
Three pedal inputs are provided including
damper jack support for half-damper sensing. The footswitch and footpedal jacks can be assigned to wide choice of functions
including modulation sostenuto Program advance punch-in recording and much more.
Korg
M3 61-Key Music Workstation Keyboard Specifications:
Audio
Outputs
L/MONO R - 1/4" TS (Mono) unbalanced
INDIVIDUAL-1 2 3 4 - 1/4" TS (Mono)
unbalanced
Output Impedance: 1.1k Ohm stereo; 550 Ohms mono (L/Mono only) Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu Maximum
Level: +16.0 dBu Load Impedance: 10 k Ohms or greater Signal to noise ratio: 90 dBu (typical) Dynamic range: 91 dBu (typical)
S/P DIF (optical 24-bit 48 kHz) S/P DIF IEC60958 EIAJCP-1201 provides igital output of the same signals as AUDIO
OUTPUT (MAIN) L/Mono R
(Optional) EXB-FW - 6 channels 24-bit 48 kHz Sample rate provides digital output
of the same signals as AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/Mono R and AUDIO OUTPUT (INDIVIDUAL) 1 4
Computer: 2 USB type A hi-speed connectors supporting 480 Mbps (for storage
devices);USB type B connector (for MIDI interface USB 2.0 supported); 2 FireWire ports (when EXB-FW (separately sold option)
installed)
Keyboard: TO KYBD (for connection to keyboard assembly unit)
Computer
requirements with the KORG USB-MIDI Driver
Windows
Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition/Professional Service Pack 2 or later (MIDI Driver for the 64-bit editions is a Beta version) all editions of Microsoft
Windows Vista (MIDI Driver for the 64-bit editions is a Beta version) computer supports Windows XP/Vista with USB port (Intel
USB Host Controller recommended).
Macintosh
Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later Apple Macintosh
with USB ports supports Mac OS X 10.3.9 (PowerPC/Intel-based supported).
M3 Editor/Plug-In
Editor requirements
Windows
Windows XP Home Edition / Professional Service
Pack 2 or later Intel Pentium III/1 GHz or faster 512 Mbyte or larger memory (1 Gbyte or larger recommended)
Macintosh
Mac OS X 10.4 or later G4/800 MHz or faster (Intel-based Mac supported G5 and/or Core Duo recommended) 512 Mbyte
or larger memory (1 Gbyte or larger recommended)
Computer requirements with the EXB-FW
Windows
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition / Professional Service Pack 2 computer supports
Windows XP with Firewire port.
Macintosh
Mac OS X 10.4 or later Apple Macintosh with
Firewire ports supports Mac OS X 10.4 (PowerPC/Intel-based supported).
Trademark Notes
*Mac Mac logo and FireWire FireWire logo are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. registered in the U.S. and other
countries.
*Windows XP and Windows VISTA are registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and other countries.
*VST and ASIO are trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
*The
Audio Units logo and the Audio Units symbol are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.
*RTAS is a trademark
or registered trademark of Avid Technology Inc. or its subsidiaries or divisions.
*KARMA (Kay Algorithmic
Realtime Music Architecture) is a trademark representing patented technology licensed from Stephen Kay Karma Lab LLC www.karma-lab.com
*Sounds processed with INFINITY software.
Korg
M3 61-Key Music Workstation Keyboard Features:
General
61-key semi-weighted synth action (Korg's new keyboard design)
Included Accessories: AC cord; Owner's Manual (M3 Operation Guide); CD-ROM (M3 Parameter Guide (PDF) Voice Name
List (PDF) KORG MIDI driverM3 Editor stand alone and plug-in versions); Bracket (M3-M only)
Dimensions:
40"(W) x 14.65"(D) x 4.76"(H)(with M3-M folded down) 40"(W) x 14.65"(D) x 6.73"(H) (with M3-M tilted up)
Weight:
31.08 lbs
Current Consumption: 35W
Synthesis Technology
EDS
(Enhanced Definition Synthesis)
MMT (Multi Modeling Technology) sound generator can be added by installing
the optional EXB-RADIAS
Program Structure (EDS)
Tone Generator: 256 Mbyte (when
converted to 16-bit linear format); 1032 Multisamples; 1606 Drum Samples
Maximum Polyphony: 120 voices
120 oscillators max single mode; 60 voices 120 oscillators max double mode (actual maximum polyphony will vary depending on
oscillator settings such as stereo multisamples and velocity crossfading)
Oscillator: OSC1 (Single) OSC1+2
(Double); Stereo multisamples are supported; 4 velocity zones per oscillator with switching crossfades and layers
Filters:
Four types of filter routing (single serial parallel 24 dB); Two multi-mode filters per voice (low pass high pass band pass
band reject)
EQ: Three bands with sweepable mid
Modulation: For each voice: two envelope
generators (Filter & Amp); Two LFOs; Two key tracking generators (Filter & Amp); Two AMS mixers; Pitch EG; Common LFO; Two
common key tracking generators
Combination Structure
Up to sixteen
timbres
For each Timbre: keyboard and velocity split/layer/crossfade
INT OFF EXT and
EX2 MIDI status settings
3-band EQ with sweepable mid
Pitch/Transpose
Use
OSC1 2 or Both
Force Osc Mode (PRG MONO LEGATO POLY)
Portamento and Bend range settings
Controller filters
Modifications to the program settings via the Tone Adjust function
Drum Kit Structure
Stereo and mono drum samples
4-way
velocity switches with crossfades and adjustable crossfade shapes (Linear Power Layer)
Exclusive keygroups
Per key 3-band EQ Drive Lo Boost filter and level offsets
Sampling
16-bit linear 48 kHz mono/stereo sampling
Resampling available (Open Sampling System)
64 Mbyte memory standard (expandable up to 320 Mbyte with EXB-M256 option)
Sampling
time
RAM1 (64 Mbytes standard) allows up to approximately 11 minutes 39 seconds of mono sampling
or approximately 5 minutes 49 seconds of stereo sampling. 512 bytes are used by the system.
RAM2 (256 Mbytes
when the EXB-M256 is installed) allows up to approximately 46 minutes 36 seconds of mono sampling or approximately 23 minutes
18 seconds of stereo sampling.
RAM1+RAM2 (Total 320 Mbytes) allows up to approximately 58 minutes 15 seconds
of mono sampling or approximately 29 minutes 7 seconds of stereo sampling. (Continuous sampling across RAM1 and RAM2 is not
possible.)
Maximum sampling time to a USB storage device is a maximum of approximately 80 minutes for one
sample file for either mono or stereo. This occupies approximately 440 Mbytes for mono or 879 Mbytes for stereo.
1000
Multisamples 4000 Samples 128 indexes per sample
Supports Korg format AIFF WAV AKAI S1000/S3000 (with advanced
Program conversion) SoundFont 2.0 reading
Sample directly from audio CDs (CD-DA)
Time
Stretch Time Slice Crossfade Loop and other editing features
Effects
5
Insert Effects (stereo in/out) 2 Master Effects (stereo in/out) 1 Total Effect (stereo in/out) are available simultaneously
2 effect control busses 2 effect common LFOs
170 types (can be used for Insert/Master/Total.)
Note: double-size effects cannot be used as a Total effect.
Effects Presets: Up to 32 per Effect
AUX bus: Two internal buses for sampling and routing audio to the EXB-RADIAS
3-band Track
EQ (High low and sweepable mid band) Per Program in Program Mode per Timbre in Combination mode (16 total) and per Track in
Sequencer mode (16 total)
X-Y control
X-Y MODE: The TouchView display
can be used as an X-Y controller. Hold function provided
X Y MOTION function: X Y Control finger movements
can be recorded in realtime and memorized for each Program Combination or Song
Program mode: Oscillator
volume synth parameters and effect parameters can be controlled
Combination Sequencer modes: Timbre/track
volume synth parameters and effect parameters can be controlled
KARMA Wave Sequence Freeze
Randomize Time Signature Control Auto RTC (Realtime Control) Setup
Controllers
8 Sliders:
MIXER= Volume
REALTIME CONTROL= Realtime modulation
EXTERNAL=
External MIDI control (In External mode the eight sliders eight switches and eight pads can be used as MIDI controllers allowing
you to control software synthesizers or DAW software via CC settings. 128 setups can be stored (102 are preloaded)
TONE
ADJUST=Control the Tone Adjust functions
KARMA= KARMA control
8 velocity-sensitive drum
pads and chord triggers:
[KARMA ON/OFF]
[KARMA LATCH]
[CHORD ASSIGN]
[DRUM TRACK ON/OFF]
[PAD MODE] - selects velocity-sensitive or fixed-velocity operation
[KARMA MODULE CONTROL]
[RESET CONTROL]
X-Y Control (Display) Hold Motion
Control Assign
(T1 8 T9 16 INPUTS) REALTIME CONTROL EXTERNAL TONE ADJUST
KARMA
Control Surface (8 sliders 8 switches)
8 Switches:
MIXER PLAY/MUTE
(SOLO)
REALTIME CONTROL= IFX1 5 MFX1 MFX2 TFX on/ off
EXTERNAL= External MIDI control
(In External mode the eight sliders eight switches and eight pads can be used as MIDI controllers allowing you to control
software synthesizers or DAW software via CC settings. 128 setups can be stored (102 are preloaded)
TONE
ADJUST= Control the Tone Adjust functions
KARMA= KARMA control
Media
Load Save Utility Make Audio CD Play Audio CD
Data Filer functionality (Save and Load MIDI
System Exclusive Data)
CD-ROM/R/RW (UDF Format read/write) Record & Play audio CDs (CD-DA) ISO9660 Level
1
WAVE file editing functionality
CD-ROM/R/RW can be used when a commercially-available
USB drive is connected.
Korg has finally trumped the TRITON!
Order your M3 today!
