Back in 1992, this rackmount gem brought Korg's AI2 synthesis to a compact module format, packing the essence of the mighty 01/W workstation into a sleek 1U unit without the sequencer bulk—perfect for expanding any MIDI rig on a budget.
At its core, it's a 32-voice polyphonic PCM rompler with 256 high-quality 16-bit samples across pianos, organs, strings, brass, and more, organized into four wavetable families expandable via special PCM cards. Dual digital oscillators per voice feed a non-resonant lowpass filter, shaped by four envelope generators and three LFOs, with aftertouch and velocity sensitivity adding expressive depth. Hands-on controls include a modulation wheel, pitch bend lever, and an 8-pin DIN for the optional RE-1 remote, while the back offers main stereo outs, two aux sends, headphones, MIDI In, and an expansion slot. Up to eight-part multitimbrality (16 in GM mode) supports 229 editable programs, 100 combinations, and 119 drum sounds in two kits, plus chained effects like reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, distortion, and rotary speaker.
Players have long praised its clean, punchy output and vast preset variety for pop, rock, and R&B layers, though some note guitar and acoustic piano samples feel dated compared to later Korgs—still, its reliability and GM compatibility keep it a vintage staple in home studios today.
