OVERVIEW
Korg has shaken up the synthesizer market with this amazingly priced, multi-function production tool. The microKorg is both a multi-timbral virtual analog synthesizer and a 4 voice vocoder in one very affordable, portable package.

The synth portion can be used to design analog drums, deep bass, atmospheric keys, weird sound effects and everything in between. It is designed like an analog synthesizer for easy manipulation of the sound, and quick access to the controls.

The vocoder produces a vocal effect that has been used with great results by everyone from Stevie Wonder and Roger Troutman to Dr. Dre and Daft Punk. The same knobs control the vocoder, again giving you quick access and easy manipulation of the sound.

FEATURES
The Synthesizer: The microKorg comes with 128 preset sound sources that can be tweaked infinitely, by patching different effects into the mix. 2 oscillators, plus a noise generator produce the sound on the synth.

The Vocoder: The microKorg comes with a mic, but if you prefer, there are 2-1/4" inputs on the rear to plug in your own microphone or other sound source (drums, keys, etc.). The sound is then grouped with an oscillator, a noise generator and 8 channels of Vocoder to get the desired effect.

Effects: 6 types of arpeggiator are included to extend your sounds. Other effects include the standard filter cut-off and resonance controls, attack and release, and a tempo control as well as LFO's, modulation, delays, EQ and a lot more.

General: The back panel has MIDI in, out and thru, 2 lines of audio in, L/Mono, R and headphone outputs. The keyboard is made up of 37 mini-size keys, with an octave shift control.

OUR OPINION
I have heard and seen (in photos) that the microKorg is the Neptunes secret little weapon. The Vocoder section is extremely helpful in today's electronic based music mediums, especially if you're working with a bad singer. It is easy to use and even easier to manipulate a voice through. Try putting drums or a loop through it, and get something completely different. The Synthesizer section is a bit more complicated. It will take a good bit of reading and playing around to fully understand how your actions are affecting the sounds that are coming out. But the analog style controls let you tweak the sounds easily and hear an immediate difference.

Overall it may take a while to get the full grasp of how the microKorg works. However, once you have a basic understanding, it is an extremely powerful machine with infinite sound synthesis possibilities. On top of that throw in the vocoder, and this becomes one of the best values in the market.

- 37 velocity-sensitive, mini-keys
- analog synthesizer + vocoder in one
- 128 programs, effects & appregiator
- MIDI IN/OUT
- headphone output
- includes condenser mic for vocoder
- powered by adaptor or (6) AA batteries
- 20.63"(W) x 9.13"(D) x 2.76"(H)
- 5 lbs.

• manufacturer's website

reviewed by the mgmnt