Back in 1995, this synth pioneered a wild mix of analog modeling, FM-style VPM synthesis, and physical modeling for brass, reeds, and plucked strings—all powered by Korg's cutting-edge OASYS DSP engine that started as a research project for futuristic sound design.
Its compact 37-key velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive keyboard measures just 740 x 280 x 100 mm and weighs 5.7 kg, perfect for gigging. Dual digital oscillators offer nine types like analog, VPM, noise+comb filtering, and mod sync/ring options, feeding into dual -12dB/octave filters (lowpass, highpass, bandpass, notch) that can run in series or parallel. You get six envelopes, four LFOs with creative tricks like zero-rate offsets for extra attack/release generators, a modulation matrix, and hands-on controls including pitch/mod wheels, a unique horizontal "log" ribbon controller for precise vibrato or sweeps, and five assignable knobs under a simple 40x2 LCD. An arpeggiator, monophonic voice with sub-osc and noise, plus seven programmable effects—distortion, wah-wah, parametric EQ, chorus/flanger, delay, reverb—round out the signal path, all via stereo audio out and full MIDI DIN I/O.
Players still chase it for those gritty leads and organic models that no plug-in fully nails, though the deep parameter dive via buttons demands patience without a full graphical display. Artists like Jan Hammer and The Orb put it on maps for electronic and solo work, cementing its cult status decades later.
