Musikmesse 2010: New Korg products round-up
A mini analogue marvel?
Korg monotron
FRANKFURT MUSIKMESSE 2010: With the Kaossilator Pro only just making its way into stores, you would have been forgiven for thinking that Korg might have headed to Frankfurt looking simply to maintain the status quo.
However, as it turns out, the company has been very busy since NAMM, as you’re about to discover.
It’s always nice to turn up to a show and find something wholly unexpected, and the monotron is certainly that. Who thought that Korg would be releasing a pocket-sized, true analogue synth with a ribbon keyboard and internal speaker? Not us, but now we’ve seen it, we really want to try it.
Back to the future
Korg Electribe SX/MX
No, you haven’t taken a step back in time - the Electribe SX and MX have been revamped for 2010, adding SD card storage and new patterns that bring them up to date. There are fresh sounds, too, so you suspect that a new generation of dance music producers may come to love these boxes.
Take it to the stage
Korg PS60
With the PS60, Korg has designed a keyboard specifically for gigging musicians - it should give you all the piano (acoustic and electric), organ, strings, brass and synth sounds you need. What’s more, there are dedicated controls that enable you to quickly and easily edit them to taste.
Small keys, big features
Korg microSTATION
At first glance, this might look like any other workstation keyboard, but those are mini keys you’re looking at - the microSTATION is probably smaller than you think. It’s powered by Korg’s EDS-i synth engine and features a 16-track sequencer, while in-depth editing can be carried out on your computer using the standalone and plug-in software.
A band in a box
Korg MP-10
OK, it’s not the sexiest thing Korg has ever produced, but if you’re a solo performer who plays to backing tracks, the MP-10 might feel decidedly next-gen. Its two song players can play back MIDI and MP3 files, and the device offers an EDS sound engine, TC Helicon Voice Processor, onboard effects, and a 120GB hard drive.
1-bit DSD recording in your pocket
Korg MR-2
The MR-2 differs from many of its pocket recorder rivals by offering 1-bit DSD recording, though 24- and 16-bit PCM capture is supported too. A stereo electret condenser mic is built in and can be rotated, while an analogue limiter, low-cut filter, and bass EQ are present and correct, too.
Perfect timing
Korg Micrometro
This one works pretty much as you’d expect: it’s a digital metronome that can be set to operate according to your required tempo and time signature. The volume can be loud, soft or even muted completely (leaving you with just a visual indicator) and, as you can see, you can choose between red and blue models.
Read the full Korg Micrometro press release
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I’m the Group Content Manager for MusicRadar, specialising in all things tech. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 20 of which I’ve also spent writing about music technology.