Korg X50 61-Key Synthesizer Keyboard

Every synth player wants to sound heavy, but no one wants to actually deal with a heavy instrument. Sometimes, it seems like only drummers have it worse than keyboardists when it comes to gig-time. Unless you're packing a Korg X50, that is. It sounds every bit as impressive as the Triton from which its sounds were derived, yet it's compact and lightweight enough to carry under one arm, even on public transportation! And the X50 sacrifices neither fidelity nor playability for its radically portable design. This is a truly professional synth with some impressively deep editing options, classic and modern Korg sounds, and fool-proof performance usability.

Heavy Korg Tones You Carry One-Handed

This lightweight keyboard was made for gigging. Although the X50 packs impressive sounds and expressive power behind its 61-key synth-action keybed, it weighs under ten pounds. And thanks to the integrated side handles, it's easy to tote around. Tired of lugging your 60-pound-plus workstation synth to gigs, only to use a few patches? Grab yourself a Korg X50 and give your lower back a break.

Light In Weight, Not In Sound

The 512 included programs are derived from Korg's Triton series' sound engine. Translation: it may be effortlessly portable, but it's also effortlessly powerful. From thick, pulsing basses to rich pads to funky, arpeggiated leads, the X50 brings tons of legit synth tones to the table without wading through endless menus or nonsensical numerical keypad interfaces. A big LCD display and bank selection matrix make it easy to browse and quickly locate an appropriate sound for any situation. Once you've got a sound loaded up, the four real-time parameter control knobs make that sound even more dynamic, as do the pitch-bend and modulation wheels. In Combi mode, you can easily combine up to eight programs in a single preset for radically complex sounds and sequences. Also cool in Combi mode: dual arpeggiators. With two simultaneous arpeggiators, your X50 can sound like a multi-tiered keyboard rig, with two harmonically-rich patterns playing against one another. Use one arpeggiator to trigger a percussion sequence while the other churns out a rhythmic melody on top of it. Add to these features a rich four-processor effects section, and you've got one impressive noise-maker.

Individual Audio Outputs -- Plus USB Connectivity

Check out the slew of ports on the back of the X50, along with their helpful labels on the top of the front panel. You'll see not just the standard left and right 1/4-inch audio outputs, but two "Individual Outputs." Now, imagine you're playing a gig with your X50 and you've split the keyboard into a synth bass on the left hand, and an electric piano on the right. Wouldn't the venue's sound guy love it if you could send him dedicated stereo channels for each of those? Now you can -- and the band can control how much bass vs. piano they have in their monitors. This is a feature rarely seen in keyboards under $1000, yet it's built into the Korg X50. The X50 becomes even more impressive when connected to your Mac or PC with a USB cable. Included patch editing software lets you really get under the hood and start crafting your own custom patches, combinations, and arpeggio patterns. These parameters are all accessible through your DAW environment as well: set the X50 to Multi mode and you can even play it right from your software sequencer. It works the other way around, too, so if you're used to jamming on the fast-action keys, you'll be happy to know you can use them to control your DAW's virtual synths and sample players as well.

Features:

- 9-pound, ultra-portable, ultra-compact design with handy side handles
- 61-key velocity-sensitive, synth-action keyboard
- 512 Programs and 384 Combinations with Audition function to easily navigate sounds
- Combine up to eight Programs in your own Combinations
- Sound engine derived from Korg's classic Triton series
- 62-voice polyphony
- Dual polyphonic arpeggiators
- Layer up to four studio-quality effects at a time
- Bundled Librarian software -- edit programs in depth
- USB MIDI interface for your DAW or home studio
- First-in-class four-channel 1/4-inch audio outputs

Power Supply:DC 12V (Included) zZounds is an authorized dealer of Korg products.

Tone Generator:
-- HI (Hyper Integrated) sound engine

-- 48 kHz sampling frequency

-- 64 MB PCM ROM

-- 470 multisamples + 518 drumsamples

Keyboard: 61-key, velocity sensitive

Polyphony:
-- 62 voices, 62 oscillators (in single mode)

-- 31 voices, 62 oscillators (in double mode)

Effect Section:
-- Stereo digital multi effect system - all can be used simultaneously

-- 2 Master Effects (mono in, stereo out)

-- 1 Insert Effect (stereo in/out)

-- 1 Master Effect (3-band stereo)

Number of Effect Types: 89 (available for Insert Effect and Master Effects)

Programs, Combinations, Multi-sets, Drumkits:
-- 512 user Programs (512 preloaded)

-- 384 user Combinations (384 preloaded)

-- 128 user Multi sets (16 preloaded)

-- 40 user Drumkits (16 preloaded)

-- GM sound map compatible - 128 programs + 9 GM2 drum kits (ROM)

Dual Polyphonic Arpeggiator:
-- Two arpeggiators, useable simultaneously in Combination and Multi Modes, one arpeggiator can be used in Program Mode

-- 5 preset, 251 user arpeggio patterns (251 preloaded)

Controllers:
-- pitch bend wheel

-- modulation wheel

-- Realtime controls knob 1~4

-- Audition key

-- Category key

Display: 240 x 64 dots LCD with backlight, graphical user interface

Outputs:
-- MAIN-L/MONO, R

-- INDIVIDUAL-1, 2

-- Headphones

Control Inputs:
-- damper (half-pedaling supported)

-- assignable switch

-- assignable pedal

MIDI: In, Out

USB: type B connector (transmits MIDI only)

Power Supply: DC 12 V

Current Consumption: 12 Watts

Dimensions: 38.39" (W) x 10.12" (D) x 3.15" (H), 975 (W) x 257 (D) x 80 (H) mm

Weight: 9.48 lbs./4.3 kg

Included Items: AC adapter, CD-ROM (X50 Editor, X50 Plug-In Editor and KORG USB-MIDI Driver software)

Windows system requirements to connect via USB:
Supported OS: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition/Professional/x64 Edition

Supported Computer: computer with USB port and the ability to run
supported OS

*Driver software for Windows XP x64 Edition is
beta-version.

Macintosh system requirements to connect via USB:
Supported OS: Mac OS X 10.2 or later

Supported Computer: Apple Macintosh with USB port and the ability to
run supported OS

Note: USB MIDI has been tested and works under Rosetta and Universal Binary on Intel-based Macs, using the standard Class Compliant driver. In this case, however, Port Names will be shown as generic names like Port 1, Port A etc. instead of the product name.

Windows System Requirement of KORG USB-MIDI Driver:
Supported OS: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition/Professional/x64 Edition

Supported Computer: Computers with USB port and the ability to run
supported OS

*Driver software for Windows XP x64 Edition is
beta-version.

Mac System Requirement of KORG USB-MIDI Driver:
Supported OS: Mac OS X 10.3 or later

Supported Computer: Apple Macintosh with USB port and the ability to
run supported OS

Sys. Req. for X50 and X50 Plug-In Editor (Win):
CPU: Intel Pentium III / 1 GHz or faster

Memory: 256 MB or larger

Monitor: 1,024 x 768, 16-bit colors or higher

Supported OS: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition/Professional Edition Service Pack 1 or later

Operates as stand-alone or VST/RTAS plug-in.

Sys. Req. for X50 and X50 Plug-In Editor (MAC):
CPU: Apple G4/400 MHz or faster

Supported OS: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later

Operates as stand-alone or VST/AU/RTAS plug-in.

Note: This software does not currently run on Intel-based Macs, either under Rosetta or as Universal Binary. When this changes we will make a public announcement.

Sys. Req. for X50 and X50 Plug-In Editor (Win):
Memory: 256 MB or larger

Monitor: 1,024 x 768, 32,000 colors or higher

Supported OS: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later

Operates as stand-alone or VST/AU/RTAS plug-in.

Accessories:
-- XVP-10 EXP/VOL Pedal

-- EXP-2 Foot Controller

-- DS-1H Damper Pedal

Specifications subject to change without notice

Power Supply:DC 12V (Included)

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging

with Free World Tour Keyboard Stand

Shipping Weight: 22 lbs

Base Item

Shipping Weight: 15 lbs

Shipping Dimensions: 45 x 14 x 6 in

Product Description

The X50 music synthesizer is packed with Korg's distinctive and world-renown sounds, designed for easy and intuitive operation, and with an ultra-light and compact design that's ideal for the active musician.

Features

- 512 professional-quality sound programs produced by the HI synthesis system used on the world-famous Triton series.
- 384 combinations, each allowing up to eight programs to be freely combined to create complex sounds.
- Multi Mode allows the X50 to be played from your external sequencer as a 16-part multi-timbral sound module.
- Powerful effect section with four processors (one insert effect, two master effects, one master EQ).
- Four-channel audio output (two main channels, two individual channels), a first in its class.
- Dual polyphonic arpeggiator for even more musical enjoyment.
- USB connector allows single-cable MIDI connection with your computer.
- Stand-alone and innovative plug-in sound editing software is included, allowing you to tweak and program the X-50, even within your DAW software.

Handy Size

The Korg X50 music synthesizer features the HI (Hyper Integrated) sound engine that's used on the world-famous Triton series. It gives you pro-quality sounds in an ultra-compact body. This keyboard synthesizer delivers unbeatable convenience and enjoyment for live performance or song production.

Amazing Sounds, Powerful Effects

The 64 MB PCM memory contains a wide range of sounds, including piano, strings, guitar, and synth sounds. With 512 sound Programs, as well as 384 'Combinations' that let you use up to eight Programs together, you can start enjoying a diverse selection of great sounds right away. The effect section lets you simultaneously use four effects (one insert effect, two master effects, and one EQ), and provides a full selection of effect types such as reverb, chorus, and delay. Best of all, the X50 is compatible with Korg's TR line of music workstations so you can share sounds and songs with Korg users around the world.

Dual Arpeggiator

An arpeggiator lets you play a variety of phrases using just one finger, and the X50 provides two polyphonic arpeggiators! For example, in Combination mode you can use the two arpeggiators to play drums and bass while you play chords and melody, giving you amazing power for live performances. In addition to five basic preset arpeggio patterns, it also provides an additional 251 patterns containing various phrases. Of course you can also create your own original patterns and store them in internal memory.

Easy Operation

Finding the right sound quickly when you have so many to choose from can be a problem on some systems, but never Korg's! The X50 organizes its vast array of sounds into sixteen categories, and provides a Category Select function that makes it quick and easy to choose the sound you need from the category you specify. There's also an Audition Riff function that provides one-touch audition of each sound. Four knobs can be used to quickly adjust sounds, effects and arp settings, and the ClickPoint cursor makes it a pleasure to use and play.

Easy Portability

The X50 packs professional-quality sounds and a wide range of functions into an amazingly light and compact body. Even with a 61-note keyboard that gives you plenty of room to perform, it boasts an ultra-light weight of only 4.5 kg --- about the same as an electric guitar. The compact design ensures that it can fit into the smallest home studio workspace, and thanks to its cool side handles it's easy to take along wherever you go.

Cutting-edge Connections

In a first for its class, the X50 features individual outputs, allowing professional setups in which the sounds of specific parts are sent to their own outputs. This can be very useful in situations such as recording when you may want to EQ and process each sound separately, and for surround-sound applications.

The X50 also provides a USB connector that lets you establish MIDI connections with your computer using a single cable - no interface needed. A powerful Multi mode give you 16 parts to create music with, with the full complement of effects and other settings to make complete songs using only the keyboard and your computer. 128 Multis can be saved and recalled, with 16 preloaded covering many common music styles and genres.

It also comes with editor/librarian software that makes it easy to create and organize sounds using your computer. Two versions are provided: a traditional stand-alone application and an innovative plug-in version (VST, AU, and RTAS formats supported) that can run within your DAW and MIDI sequencing software. Both versions are colorful, graphic-rich, and provide a wonderful interface for working with the X50 in all its modes.