Korg MicroKorg Crystal Special Edition Analog Modelling Synth Vocoder

£569.00

With dedicated transparent carry bag

21 Year Anniversary Model.

  • 8-Band Vocoder
  • Versatile Synth
  • 37 Mini Keys
  • 128 Presets
Out of Stock - 01524 410202
Free UK shipping on applicable items
  • Found it cheaper elsewhere? Contact us to see if we can beat their price!
  • Call us for experienced and friendly advice
Safe Checkout

Normal
0

false
false
false

EN-GB
X-NONE
X-NONE

/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

 

 

microKORG Crystal

 

The microkorg was an instant hit when it came out in 2002. 21 years later, it's still selling, and still being used by countless bands, electronic artist and more. 

To commemorate this, Korg are releasing a shiny version with brushed aluminium and transparent plastic, with a free transparent gig bag. 

 

A shining homage to two decades of microKORG legacy

The microKORG was originally released in 2002 and has remained strong for two decades. 

Countless tracks and artists have made use of the amazing possibilities it offers and it continues to be one of the most popular choices for musicians on stage and in the studio.

 

 

Overview

Two decades ago, the portable, battery powered microKORG was born with a radical new micro-keybed, a powerful Vocoder and ready-to-use sounds ideal for contemporary genres delivering countless hit performances, and instantly

revolutionising the way musicians played. This compact sound monster introduced synthesis to a vast number of non-keyboard playing musicians and created a way of making music we now take for granted: a small keyboard resting unassumingly

atop a larger one onstage, made for use by hobbyists and pros alike and finding itself front and centre of studios worldwide from the smallest bedroom to the largest pro recording facility.

 

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of its release, the special edition microKORG

Crystal offers a unique and stunningly stylish take on this beloved synth – now a classic in its own right.

The instruments that musicians recognise as “classics” are those that are loved and always in use, regardless of times and trends. The word “classic” symbolises musical instruments that are revolutionary in their field.

There may be imitations of a classic, but the distinct character of the original shines more brilliantly and is only enhanced by time.

 

 

Highlights

A panel with a beautiful sheen

 

The microKORG Crystal features a stainless mirror-finish front panel that blends perfectly with the semi-translucent knobs and dials, blurring the limits between you and your instrument and providing a cosmetic impact

never seen in any other musical instrument.

“Skeleton” type semi-translucent chassis, with matching knobs and controls

Previously unchanged, the microKORG Crystal features a new take on the structure of the microKORG, with a semi-translucent chassis that lets you see the electronics and internals. 

Even the controllers are semi-transparent, including the knobs, dials and wheels. As a commemorative model, the microKORG Crystal is great fun to look at from any angle, and as its name suggests, it “crystalizes” the

energy and feelings of the KORG team behind its birth.

The microKORG was originally released in 2002 and has remained strong for two decades. 

 

Countless tracks and artists have made use of the amazing possibilities it offers and it continues to be one of the most popular choices for musicians on stage and in the studio. microKORG Crystal is the ultimate reincarnation of this iconic synth.

 

 

Aluminium side panels for a sturdy feel

The original microKORG featured wooden side panels that suggested a retro feel, serving as an elegant accent to the analogue modelled synth engine. 

This new special microKORG features sleek aluminium side panels for a clean and depurated look.

 

 

Dedicated transparent carry bag

The microKORG Crystal features a stainless mirror-finish front panel that blends perfectly with the semi-translucent knobs and dials, blurring the limits between you and your instrument and providing a cosmetic impact

never seen in any other musical instrument. 

 

 

Specifications

Sound generation

Analogue Modelling Synthesis System

Synthesizer program

Multi Timbral: 2 (max, Split/Dual Mode)

Voices: 4 voices

Sound source

2 Oscillator + Noise Generator

Multi Mode Filter (-24dB/octLPF,-12dB/oct LPF/BPF/HPF)

EG×2

LFO×2

Virtual Patch×4

Voices

4 voices

Vocoder program

Voices

4 voices

Sound source

1 Oscillator +Noise Generator

EG×1

LFO×2 8

Channels vocoder

Level and pan of each channel can be edited

Formant Shift function

Programs

128

Effects

Modulation effects (3 types), Delay (3 types), Equalizer

Arpeggiator

6 types

Controllers

Real-Time control knob X 4 (3 level Selection),

Arpeggio ON/OFF

Keyboard

37 Keys (mini-keyboard, keyboard has velocity)

Inputs

AUDIO IN 1,2, Level switch LINE/MIC, [AUDIO IN 1, 2

(LINE) ], [AUDIO IN 2 (MIC)]

Outputs

L/MONO, R, Headphones

MIDI

IN, OUT, THRU

Display

3 characters×1 line with 8 segment LED

Power supply

DC 9V (AC adapter)

Power

6.4w Max

Dimensions

524 x 232 x 70mm

Weight

2.4 kg (instrument only, without batteries or microphone)

Included items

AC adapter, condenser microphone, dedicated transparent

carry

 

 

 

The eagle-eyed among you will have noticed that there are 3 kinds of Korg MicroKorg’s available at the moment.

All of the microkorgs share a common thread – they are relatively affordable, portable, lightweight, can use batteries or a power supply, have a built-in vocoder, are hugely versatile over a number of styles and are very user-friendly. All of them are digital, but use high-quality analog-modelling to recreate analogue-type sounds.

The most common question is “what’s the difference?”

Well, the original, standard Microkorg was released 15 years ago and still going strong! It’s got very good quality analog-modelling sounds, and appeals to fans of a vast array of electronic music from a wide variety of genres. Whilst great for electronic music – all kinds of house, techno, EDM etc, it’s also been used in rock bands of all hues.

Next came the Microkorg XL. This was soon replaced by the current Microkorg XL+ (more or less the same, but with some tweaks). These models looks quite different, and have several new sounds (including piano) that the original doesn’t have. The overall layout was designed to appeal to players that weren’t necessarily from a synth-playing background, but wanted to use those kinds of sounds in a convenient, hands-on way. Another big difference is that the microphone input for the vocoder is and XLR input (much better quality than the mini-jack on the original version). And the gooseneck mic is also much better quality.

Finally, the Microkorg S is essentially the same kind of beast as the original Microkorg, but the main difference being that the ‘S’ stands for SPEAKERS. The other microkorgs require headphones or an external amp/speaker/PA etc. The new S version means that you can play at home, in your bedroom, in the tour van, back of the car etc – wherever inspiration takes you.

All of the microkorgs share a common thread – they are portable, lightweight, can use batteries or a power supply, have a built-in vocoder, are hugely versatile over a number of styles and are very user-friendly. All of them are digital, but use high-quality analog-modelling to recreate analogue-type sounds.

 

microKORG SYNTHESIZER/VOCODER

Amazingly, the microkorg has been out since the summer of 2002, and has proved to be one of the most popular synths ever! It's relatively affordable, yet packed with tons of great sounds spanning a diverse set of genres. It also has a vocoder.

 

State-of-the-art analog modeling and multi-band vocoding are finally available in a compact, portable instrument. With 37 keys and 128 user-rewritable programs, the microKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder is perfect for the performer, producer, computer musician or beginner looking for an affordable synthesizer. The new microKORG delivers the quality sounds and features you expect from Korg at a price that will astound you.
Powerful Synthesis

The microKORG boasts the same dual-oscillator DSP synthesis engine found in Korg’s critically acclaimed MS2000 and offers a wider selection of waveforms than any other modeled synth. Oscillator 1 features a total of 71 waveforms . These include traditional analog waves like saw, pulse, sine and noise, plus more unique choices like Vox wave and cross wave. Together they provide a cool selection that can be modulated to produce an extensive range of timbres. In addition, 64 exclusive DWGS waveforms from Korg’s classic DW-8000 enable the microKORG to reproduce a broad collection of imitative sounds. Sounds like bells, electric pianos, guitars, basses and more that would be difficult reproduce on an analog synthesizer. You can also apply Ring and Sync modulation from Oscillator 2 to create the kind of complex timbres that are the true sign of an advanced synthesizer.

Four filter modes are available, offering -12 dB (2-pole) low pass, high pass and band pass configurations plus an extra steep -24 dB (4-pole) low pass setting. All include resonance. Two classic ADSR envelope generators and two MIDI-syncable LFOs provide the power to shape your sounds. Add a Virtual Patch matrix that lets you create advanced modulation settings – routing the Mod Wheel to control filter cutoff or pulse width, using an LFO to control panning or amp level, etc. – and you have performance that is unheard of from a synthesizer in this price range!
Classic Vocoding

The microKORG includes an 8-band vocoder with many advanced features. You can capture and “freeze” the formants of your voice, and then play it across the keyboard, or shift the formant frequency to make your voice sound male, female, like a child or just plain wacky! Best of all, the microKORG comes with its own microphone so you can start having fun right away.
A Full Range of Effects

Three types of modulation effects (chorus/flanger, phaser, ensemble), three types of delay effects (stereo, cross, L/R), and a two-band equalizer add the finishing touch to the microKORG. The delays can be synchronized with the arpeggiator or to an external MIDI clock – a great feature for live performances or for laying down tracks. All effects can be edited to create your own, unique sounds.
Great Sound and Expression

Korg has used all of the microKorg’s synthesis power in the creation of 128 great-sounding presets. They cover a wide range of the latest musical styles plus many vintage favorites. Sixteen vocoder Programs are also included. The Pitch Bend wheel, Modulation wheel and five other knobs provide flexible realtime control over filter cutoff, attack, release and other important parameters. The Edit Mode allows you to fully edit the existing sounds, or to create your own new ones.
Flexible Arpeggiator

Six types of arpeggio patterns (UP, DOWN, ALT1/2, Random, Trigger) are built in, with control over tempo, gate time, swing, and up to a 4-octave range. You can turn individual steps on or off within a pattern, providing the feel and functionality of a step sequencer.
Audio In

Two external audio input jacks are provided, so you can run other instruments, CDs and more through the microKORG’s filter and effects, allowing you to process sounds in truly creative ways.
A Compact MIDI Controller

The microKORG’s compact size is perfect for the musician or DJ looking to add a synth to his or her setup when space is tight. It’s also a great choice for use in a computer-based music setup. The five realtime knobs on the front panel can transmit MIDI messages (control changes), so they can be used as controllers for software synthesizers. Use the 37-note velocity-sensitive mini-keyboard for controlling other gear or for recording and editing with your sequencer. And thanks to battery-power, the microKORG is the ultimate portable controller when used with a laptop computer!
Clear Control and Classic Looks

There’s no complex menu structure – all parameters are located on the panel for easy access to any function. A large dial and LED illuminated buttons provide easy program selection even on a dark stage. With its beige-gold body, wooden side panels and retro-influenced design, the microKORG has a look that’s both vintage and funky.

 

Programs/Combinations:

Sound Generation Method:
Analog Modeling Synthesis System

Synthesizer Program:
Multi Timbral:
2 (max, Normal/Dual Mode)

Voices:
4 voices

Sound Source:
2 Oscillator + Noise Generator,
Multi Mode Filter (-24dB/oct LPF, -12dB/oct LPF/BPF/HPF),
EG x2,
LFO x2,
Virtual Patch x4

Vocoder Program:
Voices:
4 voices

Sound Source:
1 Oscillator + Noise Generator,
EG x1,
LFO x2,
8 Channels vocoder,
Level and pan of each channel can be edited,
Formant Shift function

General Specifications:
Programs:
128 programs

Effects:
Modulation effects (3 types),
Delay (3 types),
Equalizer

Arpeggiator:
6 types

Keyboard:
37 Keys (mini-keyboard, velocity sensitive)

Inputs:
AUDIO IN 1, and 2

Level switch:
LINE/MIC,
[AUDIO IN 1, 2 (LINE)],
[AUDIO IN 2 (MIC)]

Outputs:
L/MONO, R and
Headphones

MIDI:
IN, OUT and THRU

Display:
3 characters x1 line with 8 segment LED

Power Supply:
DC 9 V (AC adapter), or
six AA alkaline batteries (sold separately)

Power Consumption:
6.4 Watt maximum

Dimensions:
20.63"(W) x 9.13"(D) x 2.76"(H)
524mm(W) x 232mm(D) x 70mm(H)

Weight:
4.85 lbs.
2.2 kg

Accessories:
AC adapter (DC 9 V, 600 mA),
Condenser Microphone

Appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice for product improvement.