Korg has actually currently made numerous statements ahead of NAMM 2024, and now the business’s back with a revitalize of its popular Opsix FM synthesizer. The Opsix mk II still uses a friendly entrance into the world of FM synthesis, and it’s even based upon the original’s “Altered FM” digital noise engine. This is anything however a small refresh.
The huge news is an enormous increase in polyphony. The initial had 32 voices, which is still plenty, however the mk II provides 64 voices of pure polyphonal goodness. This ought to permit some genuinely intricate and multi-layered noises, or simply a burst of cacophony as you attempt to push every secret simultaneously.
The six-operator FM engine is, basically, the same, however it can be kitted out with all sort of brand-new “sound parts” that can significantly alter the signal. You can path it through as much as 30 results, consisting of a 3-band EQ, chorus, phaser, flanger, distortion, compressor, hold-up, reverb, grain shifter and much more. The signal courses can likewise be rerouted internally for semi-modular synthesis.
Naturally, there are a variety of analog-style filters, consisting of filters designed on the Korg MS-20 and Korg PolySix, in addition to resonant 2- or four-pole low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject filters. You will not have a hard time to produce special noises here, as any specification can be regulated utilizing a devoted matrix geared up with 3 envelope generators and 3 LFOs.
The very nature of this innovation permits digital leisures of subtractive, semi-modular, waveshaping, additive and analog modeling synthesis types, in addition to timeless FM synthesis. That’s what Korg implies by calling this a “six-operator” FM synthesizer.
For those stressed that this refresh would basically alter the ambiance of the initial Opsix, the mk II is totally suitable with the noises and samples from the initial and it incorporates with the business’s devoted software application suite, providing complete access to many noise libraries. You can simply pack up noises from the initial, if that’s your bag.
The 37-note keyboard is velocity-sensitive and release velocity-sensitive, with a programmable action sequencer that provides to 16 actions per pattern and 6 notes per action. There’s likewise an onboard arpeggiator with 7 pre-programmed patterns. Similar to the initial, the mk II boasts an intense front-facing screen and various backlit faders and knobs for making modifications. When it comes to connections, there’s an earphone out, a stereo line out, MIDI in/out, a USB-B port and a jack for a damper pedal. The Korg Opsix mk II strikes shop racks this March and will cost $700, which is $200 less than the rate of the initial back when it released.
Korg has an enormous existence at NAMM this year, as the business likewise teased a desktop module of the Opsix, together with desktop modules for the Modwave and Wavestate synths. There’s likewise a little synth called the MicroKORG 2, which is most likely to offer like the most popular of hotcakes.