The M3 heralds the third generation of Korg Workstations. The M1 started it all, first appearing in 1988 to bring the world a new concept called the “music workstation.” It went on to become the best selling workstation in history, and was further expanded and enhanced through the T and O1/W series. Trinity defined a new level of innovations including touch screen technology, and was the forbearer of the successful TRITON range of products. Now Korg is poised to refine the workstation category once again. With a number of innovations distilled from the flagship OASYS including the new EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound generator derived from the HD-1 engine design, the advanced second-generation KARMA functionality, and the multi-purpose control surface, the M3 has learned a lot from its upper-end sibling. Adding innovations such as the new concept of “virtualized hardware” that allows an even closer integration with DAW systems, and the new "Korg Komponent System" concept that facilitates more flexible system construction, the M3 music workstation/sampler opens a new and exciting page in music making, and is the workstation that rightfully deserves to wear the “M” that started it all.

Main features

* New EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound generator derived from the OASYS's HD-1 engine supports up to four-way velocity switching, and features powerful filter configurations plus advanced modulation possibilities, producing rich and vivid sounds.

* A gigantic 256 Mbytes (16-bit linear data equivalent) of 48 kHz sampled PCM memory contains a total of 1,028 multisamples and 1,606 drum samples, including many stereo and velocity-switched elements.

* The same second-generation KARMA functionality featured on the OASYS, an all-new Drum Track function, the Open Sampling System, and a high-resolution16-track MIDI sequencer provide a new production environment that lets you seamlessly combine your inspirations into completed form.

* The color touch-view GUI ensures excellent operability, with the display also able to be used as an X-Y control. Eight dynamic pads and a multi-function control surface give you a high degree of control and expressive capability.

* Virtualized Hardware via a new Firewire functionality allows the M3 to be closely integrated into your DAW system.

* Korg Komponent System --- a new concept that lets you flexibly construct your system from hardware units.

* Simple, elegant, and warm design using a combination of contrasting materials.

* Choose from four models (61-key, 73-key, 88-key, or a sound module), with the 61 and 73 key versions premiering a newly-develop keyboard that feels great and increases both expression and control.

* A rich array of expansion possibilities includes the EXB-RADIAS (a RADIAS-derived analog modeling synthesizer board), the EXB-M256 (PCM sample memory expansion), the EXB-FW board that allows virtualized hardware expansion via a single FireWire cable, and EX-USB-PCM series libraries to be released in the future.

Further Information:
The M3 features a newly developed “EDS” sound generating system based on a new chip design that was developed in parallel with the HD-1 engine found in the flagship OASYS. It takes full advantage of the M3s 256 Mbytes of PCM source material which is a veritable “best of” from the OASYS. Using Korgs advanced voicing technology, the 1,028 multisamples, 1,606 drum samples, four-level velocity switching/crossfading/layering, and stereo sampling allow for an enormous range of high-quality, detailed, and expressive sounds. The filter section, a vital part of the sound-creation process, lets you simultaneously use two 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. Detailed envelope generators, abundant modulation routings, plus the all-new AMS Mixers for advanced processing, all combine to provide a level of sound shaping far beyond previous possibilities. The all-important effect section provides up to five insert effects, two master effects, and one total effect. In addition to great chorus/flanger/phasers, delays and reverbs, the 170 effect types include dynamics-type effects such as compressor and limiter, and amp modeling and speaker simulation effects using Korgs proprietary “REMS” modeling technology.

X-Y control, dynamic pads and more equal ultimate expressive power
The M3 is remarkable not only for the freshness of its sounds, but also for its remarkable new control environment. The color LCD of the M3 music workstation/sampler not only provides a touch-view 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 real-time by sliding your finger across or tapping on the screen. 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 cool visual feedback to your performance. The screen even changes colors in response to the movement of your finger for cool visual feedback to your performance. The eight dynamic pads give you a great way to play drum sounds or user-defined chords, either live or as triggers for the powerful KARMA function. . Each note in the chord retains the individual velocity so it can play back with all the nuance of your original performance, and can even be scaled across a full velocity range without “breaking” the dynamic relationship of each note.

The eight slider/switch control surface offers the same multi-functionality 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. Theres also a joystick and a ribbon controller that give you convenient ways to express subtle nuances of sound. A newly designed proprietary keyboard with refined aftertouch delivers superb feel and expression thats better than ever before.

Funky Drummer
A drumkit in the M3 can be created from ROM or RAM samples, with up to four-way velocity switching and cross-fading for incredible realism.

The M3 provides a new Drum Track function in Program and Combi modes that adds a groove to each sound you play. Combined with KARMA it makes even a Program a complete sonic adventure that is sure to inspire. You can select patterns from over 500 in internal memory and start them from a desired region of the keyboard or by playing a velocity thats above a specified threshold.

Since the Drum Track uses MIDI data stored in a Pattern, it is easy for you to create your own in the Sequencer Mode, either recording them, importing them from SMF data or other users songs, or converting recorded KARMA data as MIDI events f

Manufacturer Website : Korg