Korg microKORG
Analogue Modelling Synth
- 4 Voices
- 2 Oscillators + Noise Generator
- Vocoder (8 channels)
- Effects: Modulation (3 types)
- Delay (3 types)
- Equalizer
- Arpeggiator (6 types)
- 37 Mini keys (touch-sensitive)
- Audio input
- Stereo output
- Midi: In, Out and Thru
- Battery operation possible
- Power supply and gooseneck microphone are included
- Dimensions: 524 (W) x 232 (D) x 70 (H)
- Weight: 2.2 kg
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Available since October 2002
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Item number 157271
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Number Of Keys 37
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Touch-Sensitive Yes
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Aftertouch No
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Split Zones No
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Modulation Wheel Yes
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Number of simultaneous Voices 4
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Sound Engine Virtual Analogue
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MIDI interface 1x In, 1x Out, 1x Thru
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Storage Medium None
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USB-port No
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Effects 1x Multi Effect Processor
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Arpeggiator Yes
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Number of Analog Outputs 2
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Digital Output No
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Display Yes
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Pedal Connections None
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Dimensions 524 x 232 x 70 mm
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Weight 2,2 kg
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Compact synth with integrated vocoder
The microKORG is a four-voice desktop synthesizer with an integrated vocoder, built on the same DSP engine as Korg's MS2000B and sharing the 64 DWGS waveforms of the DW8000. That shared lineage gives the instrument a clearly recognisable voice – immediate, characterful, and geared towards recognisable electronic styles rather than deep menu-driven programming. The factory programs reflect this directly, organised by style across House, Trance, Hip-Hop, and related genres. Beyond the presets, the sound engine runs deeper: The first oscillator alone covers over 70 waveforms, with four filter modes, two ADSR envelopes, two LFOs, a built-in distortion, and an amp section handling level and panning. A 37-key touch-sensitive mini keyboard, included vocoder mic, and distinctive retro styling complete the package.
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Detailed sound engine
Despite its emphasis on playable musicality – evident both in the velocity‑sensitive mini keyboard and the integrated vocoder mic – the microKORG has a broad and flexible sound engine. Oscillator 1 provides the classic waveforms such as sawtooth, pulse, sine, and noise, while the second expands this palette with additional variations. There are also alternative algorithms to choose from, including Vox Wave and Cross Wave. The DWGS waveforms give artists access to more complex instruments like bells, electric pianos, guitars, and basses. With a total of 128 programs, the microKORG offers a wide range of immediately playable sounds, all of which can be shaped further using the two-band EQ and resonant multi-mode filter, which switches between a 12dB two-pole low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass, and a steeper 24dB four-pole low-pass. The filter self-oscillates when pushed and responds to velocity and modulation, keeping even familiar patches alive under performance conditions.
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Vocoder and live processing
The microKORG's integrated vocoder uses the voice as a modulator – analysing its frequency content and transferring it to the carrier signal. The richer the carrier in harmonics, the more expressive the vocoder result; a sawtooth-heavy patch produces the classic robotic vocal, while more complex waveforms yield stranger, more organic textures. Beyond vocoding, the two audio inputs process external sources in real time – drum machines, acoustic instruments, or additional mics – feeding them into the effects and filter section. Six AA batteries power the instrument independently of mains, making it a practical choice for mobile setups, backstage use, or any situation where a power outlet isn't guaranteed.
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About Korg
For many years, the Korg brand has been synonymous with innovative synthesizers, workstations, keyboards, digital pianos, and more. With instruments such as the MS20, Polysix, Wavestation, KRONOS, and the Volca series (to name but a few), the Japanese company founded by Tsutomu Kato and Tadashi Osanai in 1963 has created legendary synthesizers whose names are music to the ears of many keyboard players. In addition, the Korg company is the inventor of the world's first handheld tuner, the WT-10. However, Korg has always stood for quality and innovation, not only in analogue synthesizers, digital workstations, arranger keyboards, and digital pianos, but also in guitar amplifiers. After Korg acquired the brand rights to Vox Amplification Ltd. in 1992, Korg expanded the Vox brand to include inexpensive digital guitar amplifiers with integrated modelling technology, in addition to new versions of the legendary AC30.
That real Korg sound
Vibrato, wah, and tremolo effects animate patches in performance, while the two LFOs – syncable via MIDI – handle rhythmic modulation of timbre and tonal colour in hybrid setups. For more advanced routing, a virtual patch matrix mirrors the classic signal flow of Korg's PS and MS series, with modulation source, destination, and intensity freely assignable. Full parameter access is available via the USB-MIDI interface and software editor, where settings are displayed graphically and saveable as custom presets. For producers and performers who need a fast, dependable synth with a strong sonic identity – and the depth to reward closer exploration – the microKORG remains a reliable and characterful tool.
