The microkorg is a compressed sized 37key analog modeling synthesizer that gives vocoder functionality and real enjoyment of synthesis. It definitely sounds warmer than mininova especially its pad patches. I agree though that the microkorg has more of a lofi sound which is precisely why ive loved so much going on almost years now. In september 2007 korg released a limited edition of the microkorg with reversecolor keys although the functionality was otherwise unchanged. Forums and discussion of recording, guitar, bass, keyboard. It seems like the mininova is easier to use because of the toggle. Currently totals over 100 original patches for the microkorg xl. Make sure you check the additional korg patchespresets microkorg, ms2000, ms2000b, korg us, korg uk. The xl keys are also compatible with the microarranger and microstation keys. Dec 01, 2015 nothing wrong with the mininova at all. While this definitely has its advantages in terms of portability, the flatter and slimmer surface of the keys and the reduced key travel can make it hard for traditional pianokeyboard players to play, at least at the start. For sale is a microkorg xl synth in very good condition.
In order to achieve the compact footprint, korg has decided to use mini keys in the microkorg s design. I dont have a lot of experience with the mininova, but i do know that the microkorg and blofeld get along beautifully and sound pretty great together. It provides a great range of control parameters to tailor the sound to your taste. Both products are quite different so we took a small selection of sounds for comparison and take a. A roland jdxi provides a even number of four musical instrument parts altogether. Korg microkorg xl plus with its unmistakably unique exterior and its inimitable sound, the microkorg set the standard for analog modeling synthesizers. Korg r3, microkorg, or microkorg xl which is better. This is one area where the xl feels like the r3s poorer relation, especially when you realise it doesnt possess a reverb.
This week jack brings us a synth shootout between the korg microkorg xl plus, the roland jdxi and the novation ultranova. Perhaps just as importantly, it was also affordable. Missing the power supply but it will run on standard 9v one spot power supply. Looking for more using it as a performance keyboard, it would be my first venture into learning how to tweak with sounds, not just playing.
Seriously, for someone with fat fingers like me, the microkorg xl is basically a nonstarter, even if it didnt suffer from some of the deficiencies in comparison to the r3 mentioned above. Korg microkorg xl plus minor update with more sounds derived from classic keyboards like korg sgprox piano, m1 and vox organs. Wanted to get a keyboard with midi connections but was thinking instead of opting for a simple midi keyboard would go for a digital synth that i can use in the long run. I am gassing for a va mini synth with a vocoder the mininova and microkorg both seem to fit the bill both are the same price. Jan 15, 20 however, its too stiffly sprung for truly expressive playing and it lacks aftertouch. The microkorg was fun, sounded good and filled a unique gap in the market. The microkorg is a very cool and retrolooking version of the ms2000 analog modeling synthesizer. Novation mininova or korg microkorg revealing my choice. Study despite its small size, the korg microkorg xl offers digital synthesis in an affordable package.
Warm and airy reverberation has been a korg trademark for so long its practically ubiquitous. I think the main difference is that the xl also has some sample based sounds eg piano etc, and it has more polyphony so you can play more notes at a time. I just got myself a blofeld and am absolutely loving it. Korg microkorg xl plus analog modeling synthesizer and vocoder keyboard, new with fat virtualanalog synth sounds, vintage keyboard voices, kaoss effects, and a vocoder, the compact microkorg xl plus is a tiny synth with huge power.
View online or download korg microkorg xl user manual. Full edit mode allows you to edit all of the microkorg xls parameters. Korg minilogue vs korg microkorg detailed comparison as of. This compact keyboard is designed for portability and can run on batteries. However, most users find that the xl s sound is a bit colder and more sterile than the original microkorg it uses the korg radiass mmt engine to form its oscillators and filters, whereas the original microkorg uses the ms2000 engine that is modeled after the very harsh and warm ms20. Mininova has a huge polyphony, but microkorg only has 4 notes. Microkorgs can suffer from sounding a bit too digital and too computery sometimes, but the. The microkorg is a digital analogue modelling synth with 4 voice polyphony. A microkorg provides all the sample sounds facility with 4 voices and boasts with dualoscillator dsp synthesis engine and provides a big selection of waveforms. Korg microkorg xl plus analog modeling synthesizer and.
But inside the microkorg is the exact same synthesis engine and sounds found in the killer ms2000 and ms2000r synths. Korgs microkorg is the worlds bestselling synth, and the 2002 hit that shows no signs of fading away. Im not sure how the arpeggiator works on the xl, but its very easy to use on the r3. The microbrute is amazing it is really worth every cent. Available since early 2009 it uses mmt multi modeling technology from korgs newer and more powerful radiasr3 synthesizers. The microbrute is an analogue monophonic synth from arturia. Vocoder functionality the microkorg xl comes equipped with a vocoder function that will let you use your voice via a mic to process the sound of the oscillator, producing the impression that the instrument is talking. On the plus, they sound great and are analogue, so have a nice tone, especially when they distort and start breaking up organically. Once you understand how the microkorg xls osc2 pages and the pitch page. My current live setup involves a slim phatty, a microkorg, and a blofeld. Patch editings a little easier on the mininova than on the original microkorg.
The korg microkorg xl imporves upon the microkorg, featuring an amber display panel as well as 128 patch memory. Well, i own both the microkorg and the microbrute and i can tell you that they are completely different bits of kit. Both can sound great for their price and are a lot of fun. Little surprise, then, that korg claims the original is unofficially, at least the bestselling keyboard of all time. While the microkorg synthesizervocoder is an instrument in its own right, perfectly suitable for recording and live performances, when you use a midi cable to connect a microkorg to your computer, you have at your fingertips virtually any sound font or synthesizer you want. Korg microkorg synthesizervocoder analog modeling and multiband vocoding in a compact, portable instru.
The microkorg xl also offers an input for a microphone to control the vocoder as well as various onboard effects. Despite the release of the microkorg xl with its superior synthesis but subdued retro interface, korg have reverted to the model that started it all, bringing it up to date with a stylish white look and white knobs. Jul 18, 2016 novation mininova or korg microkorg revealing my choice haq vlog 97. Novation mininova or korg microkorg revealing my choice haq vlog 97. Mar 21, 2009 the r3 and microkorg xl differ in a few ways. At least one will be the analogue portion, which in turn is made up of just one monophonic oscillator along with about three changeable waveforms, the suboscillator which can be arranged a couple of octaves lower, the lowpass filter, along with the pulse modulation knob. Korg microkorg classic first version from 2002 derived from korg ms2000 va synthesizer. The microkorg xls oscillator, filter, and amp before you start editing, youll need to understand the basics of how the on the microkorg xl, the oscillator settings are found in the osc1 and sounds are created.