Back in 1991, this desktop drum machine arrived as Korg's bold answer to rhythm production, packing an 8-track sequencer and SMPTE sync into a unit that felt like a full workstation—way ahead of most competitors who stuck to basic beat boxes.
At its core, it runs on 16-bit PCM samples with 12-note polyphony, letting you build drum kits from 16 instruments per kit (10 user, 10 preset) that layer two timbres each, complete with 8-stage envelopes, velocity sensitivity, auto-bend, and tuning—no filter, but plenty of punch. The front panel keeps things clean with a backlit 2x24 LCD, data wheel, master volume, mode buttons, and eight velocity-sensitive pads for hands-on programming. Fire up the sequencer for up to 30 songs and 100 patterns at 192 PPQ resolution, editing with swing, velocity tweaks, step-time entry, and track delays; route to internal sounds, external MIDI gear, or both across twin MIDI outs. Effects shine with two independent stereo multieffectors offering 28 types like hall reverb up to 9.9 seconds, chorus, flange, and compounds with EQ—routed via stereo outs plus four individuals, headphone jack, footswitches, and card slots for extra PCM and data.
Players loved its pro sequencing and effects for studio rhythms, though some noted the memory limits without a disk drive and wished for more storage down the line. It's a vintage gem that still sparks ideas in modern setups.
