Korg KingKorg Analog Modeling Synthesizer Keyboard, 61-Key

No longer available at zZounds
With 61 full-sized keys, 3 oscillators, faithful filter models, and tons of knobs plus a joystick for real-time tweaking, the KingKORG is a serious VA synth.

The KingKorg Analog Modeling Synthesizer is a fully fledged analog modeling synthesizer that appeals to beginners and veterans alike. With over 300 programs, PCM multi-samples for synthesizing acoustic instruments like piano and guitar, onboard effects, vocoder function, and a built-in tube amplifier circuit right out of the box, you're ready to play just about anything. Sleek and simple like a classic Korg synthesizer, this virtual-analog synth is sure to liven any performance.

Learn more about the KingKORG with this video from Korg:


Powerful VA Synth Under the Hood

At its heart, KingKorg is driven by Korg's proprietary eXpanded Modeling Technology or XMT, which is designed to provide a broad range of sonic possibilities in an intuitive package. Three active oscillators generate hundreds of possible oscillator and filter combinations in rich 24-voice polyphony over five octaves. Korg's Virtual Patch system lets you assign control signals (like the joystick or LFO) to sound parameters (like filter cutoff or pitch), letting you modify your signal every which way.

Performance-based Design

The KingKorg keyboard features an intuitive layout with dozens of buttons and LED indicators right at your fingertips, putting you in full control of this versatile analog modeling synthesizer. You can split the keyboard into two timbres to play multiple parts simultaneously or stack sounds together to generate thick leads. KingKorg comes performance-ready with 300 programs and read more 200 factory presets. Many of these presets are modeled after synthesizers made famous by classic tunes, so it's easy to leave a legendary impression with the KingKorg -- even if you're new to analog synths.

Check out the KingKorg in action with this overview demo:


Features:

- Analog modeling synthesizer with 61 semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keys with adjustable response
- 300 programs with 200 factory presets
- 24 voice polyphony
- Three oscillators and over a hundred oscillator types (analog, noise, DWGS, PCM, MIC IN)
- Two timbre (layered or split)
- One filter per timbre and 18 filter types (high pass, low pass, band pass)
- Onboard PCM multi-samples for synthesizing pianos, guitars, and other instruments
- Three master effect sections with six effects each and onboard master two-band EQ
- Effects include: distortion, flanger, phaser, decimator, chorus, tone, rotary, hall reverb, room reverb, plate reverb, ring modulator, U-vibe, piano amp simulator, guitar amp simulator, tremolo, tape echo, and modular delay
- Eight step arpeggiator with 6 types (up, down, alternate 1, alternate 2, random, and trigger)
- Built-in 16-band vocoder via mic in with formant shift and formant hold
- Built-in tube amplifier for natural overdrive and rich distortion
- Two-dimensional joystick for octave up/down and navigation
- OLED displays
- One balanced XLR microphone in
- Two unbalanced 1/4-inch out (mono or stereo)
- One 1/8-inch headphone out
- Inputs for damper pedal and switch pedal
- MIDI in, MIDI out, and USB port
- CV/GATE OUT jack lets you control a Korg monotribe or MS-20
- AC power adapter, owner's manual, and cable for CV/GATE included
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- Dimensions: 40.43 x 12.32 x 3.78 in.

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-390-6800
Web: https://www.korgusa.com/support

Korg KingKorg Analog Modeling Synth

Korg's KingKORG is the full-fledged analog modeling synthesizer you've been waiting for. It carries on the design philosophy of classic Korg analog synthesizers such as the MS-20 and the Mono/Poly, which gave rise to the Prophecy, the Z1, the MS2000, and the RADIAS. This exciting instrument delivers the unique characteristics of a dedicated synthesizer, especially the fun of transforming the sound by tweaking an impressive array of knobs. While technologically impressive, KingKORG is approachable even to players who are to synthesizers. And it particularly shines on stage, not only with its great sound, but also literally with a gorgeous champagne gold finish, befitting its royal name: KingKORG.

Powerful Oscillators

KingKORG features a 3-oscillator x 2-timbre design allows you to generate thick and rich sounds, plus an XMT modeling sound engine. XMT (Xpanded Modeling Technology) is proprietary Korg technology that was created in order to produce a broad range of sonic variations while keeping operation simple. In a conventional synthesizer, the sound-creating process requires you to adjust the oscillator settings one by one, making it difficult to see the overall picture. In contrast, KingKORG provides pre-set algorithms that contain combinations of various types and numbers of oscillators, letting you easily and quickly sculpt stage-ready sounds. The wide range of oscillator algorithms includes the choices you'd expect from an analog synthesizer: sawtooth wave, square wave, and noise -- in addition to numerous PCM/DWGS algorithms, giving you plenty of scope choices for creating highly personal sounds.

Modeling filters that reproduce the sound of classic instruments

While designing KingKORG, extreme attention was paid to the filter section, which is crucial to a synthesizer's character. A diverse variety of filters is a unique advantage of analog modeling, and KingKORG's filters add unparalleled flexibility. In addition to a variety of essential analog modeling filter types, you get faithful models of filters that reproduce the analog monophonic synths used for lead and bass in the '70s, the polyphonic synths used in music of the '80s, and the filters of Korg's classic MS-20 analog synth. These filters can also be made to self-oscillate by raising the resonance setting -- a unique capability of analog synthesizers.

Three master effects, each with six effect types, add the finishing touch to your sound

KingKORG provides three master effect sections, each giving you a choice of six effect types: PRE FX, with types such as distortion and amp simulator; MOD FX, with classic effects like phaser, chorus, and tremolo; and REV/DELAY, with ambience effects such as hall reverb and modulation delay. Each effect processor has a dedicated front panel dial that selects the effect type. To choose the ideal effect type, simply turn the dial to hear the result, and use the FX control knobs located below these dials to adjust the effect as desired.

Vacuum tube driver circuit adds rich overtones and powerful distortion

KingKORG provides a full-analog vacuum tube driver circuit as a mastering effect. You can use it to add warm fullness, a powerful overdrive, or anything in between.

Vocoder function

The built-in vocoder uses audio from the onboard mic input to modify the sound, creating an effect as though the synthesizer were talking. The vocoder features Formant Shift to dramatically modify the tonal character, as well as Formant Hold, which allows you to freeze a vowel sound and play it back using the keys. Thanks to the KingKORG's dual-timbre architecture, you can even combine the vocoder with another timbre, either as a complementing sound or a modulation source.

Virtual patch function

On many classic synthesizers (such as the MS-20), the signal flow could be reconfigured using patch cables to physically connect one element to another. KingKORG reproduces this function with an intuitive Virtual Patch system. With six Virtual Patch assignments per timbre, control signals such as EG, LFO, or joystick movement can be virtually connected to sound parameters such as pitch or cutoff, allowing you to modulate a parameter for even greater sound-shaping possibilities.

Step arpeggiator function

The step arpeggiator automatically generates an arpeggiated phrase (broken chord) according to the chord you hold on the keyboard. You can choose from six arpeggio types, and specify the duration, interval, and on/off status of each step to enjoy a wide variety of performance possibilities.

Panel layout allows intuitive operation

The panel is organized into blocks that let you focus on the controls you need while editing. While reflecting the concept of an analog synthesizer's signal flow, KingKORG's front panel takes full advantage of today's technology. For example, the oscillator section has its own dedicated display that shows the name of the currently selected algorithm. You can turn the dial located beside this display to see descriptive names, and push the dial to jump to the beginning of categories such as ANALOG or DWGS. The control knobs are assigned to the most effective and important parameters for each oscillator, letting you enjoy the unique feature of an analog synthesizer -- turning the knobs to transform the sound. There are also dedicated dials for each of the three master effects, making it easy to try out different effects and hear how they modify the sound. Since a self-luminous organic EL display is used, visibility is excellent even on a dimly lit stage.

61 dynamic, full-size keys, plus Korg's X/Y Joystick

KingKORG features a generous five octaves of velocity-sensitive keys, whose response can even be adjusted (Normal, Shallow, or Deep) to mimic that of classic instruments. Below the dedicated octave shift buttons, you'll find a backlit X/Y joystick, ready to control your most important live performance tweaks. Play through some of the preset sounds, and you'll notice that the joystick is already set up for useful and inspiring modulation.

Favorites function for convenience in live performance

The Favorites function lets you recall frequently-used programs at a single touch. You can assign a total of 40 programs to the eight category favorite buttons for easy recall.

200 built-in preset programs

KingKORG provides a diverse selection of 200 stage-ready preset programs organized into eight categories such as Synth, Lead, and Bass. There's a great selection of the staple sounds you need for live performance, including numerous PCM sounds for piano, electric piano, organ, and clavinet. Thanks to KingKORG's ability to emulate filters from classic synthesizers, you'll find familiar and authentic sounds that are perfect for playing your favorite classic and modern songs, along with inspiring sounds to broaden your horizons. There's also a user area for you to store 100 of your own sounds.

CV/GATE OUT jack lets you control the monotribe or MS-20

The CV/GATE OUT jack lets you use an analog signal to control a KORG monotribe or MS-20. A dedicated cable for the monotribe is included, allowing you to use the keyboard of KingKORG to play the monotribe.

Support for librarian software that lets you manage programs

You can manage programs on your computer simply by connecting KingKORG to your computer via a USB cable and using the librarian software. The librarian software can be downloaded at no charge from the Korg website or from the website of your local Korg distributor.

Features:

- A full-fledged, 61-key analog modeling synthesizer designed for live performance
- Powerful oscillators that are understandable to the beginner, yet satisfying for the expert
- Modeling filters that reproduce the sound of classic instruments
- Three master effect sections (each with six effect types) add the finishing touch to your sound
- Vacuum tube driver circuit adds rich overtones and powerful distortion
- Panel layout designed for intuitive operation
- CV/GATE OUT jack lets you control a Korg monotribe or MS-20
- Support for librarian software that lets you manage programs

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (5 ratings)
Submitted September 24, 2017 by Thomas Monaco in Modesto, CA

"Awesome and looks great"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This is my 2nd King Korg Synthesizer. I had the gold case model but unfortunately all my gear was stolen and I had to start over. So I ordered the KK in black. Having owned one before the choices I had were quite vast but I really love the Korg keyboards. Again the people at zZounds are AWESOME with the play as you pay program. As per my last review of the King Korg, this is a killer little synth that packs a LOT into a small 61 key unit. I highly recommend KORG keyboards!!!! Thanks zZounds!!!!!!!

Musical Background:

40+ yrs

Musical Style:

classic rock and blues
8 of 8 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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