As someone who’s been intertwined with the melodies of Korg’s synthesizers for years, the announcement of the Korg microKORG 2 struck a chord with me. It’s akin to reuniting with a cherished companion who’s returned from a journey, not only with stories to tell but also with new wisdom to share. Let’s explore the Korg microKORG 2 new sound engine, enhanced vocoder, onboard looper, price, and availability in our detailed introductory article.
A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Design
The Iconic Form Factor
The microKORG 2 preserves the iconic form factor and mini keys that made the original a beloved fixture in the music world. It’s as if Korg has taken a timeless classic and infused it with contemporary flair. The addition of a high-resolution color LCD display is a significant leap from the original’s LED display, offering a much-needed visual aid for sound tweaking.
All the design & GUI of the synth is the result of a collaboration between KORG and Berlin-based Reaktor guru BLINKSONIC.
Here below you can watch a short clip shared by the developer, demonstrating some of the work made on the user interface.
The Evolution of Sound: microKORG 2’s Enhanced Engine
The microKORG 2 is not just a facelift of its predecessor; it’s a significant upgrade under the hood. The heart of this synth is its fully digital sound engine, which has been meticulously refined to emulate the warmth and presence of classic analog synths. This virtual analog engine is the cornerstone of the microKORG 2’s sonic identity, providing a lush and versatile soundscape that can be shaped and molded to fit any genre or style.
Doubling the Voices, Doubling the Potential
One of the most notable enhancements is the expansion of polyphony. The microKORG 2 boasts an eight-voice architecture, doubling the four voices available in the original model. This increase not only allows for more complex chords and richer layers but also opens up new possibilities for intricate sound design and textural exploration. The bi-timbral nature of the engine remains, allowing for the creation of layered sounds that can add depth and dimension to your music.
A Trio of Oscillators for Sonic Depth
The inclusion of three oscillators further enriches the microKORG 2’s sound palette. These oscillators are the building blocks of the synth’s voice, and with three at your disposal, you can craft everything from fat, pulsating basses to shimmering, ethereal pads. The interplay between these oscillators can lead to a vast array of tonal combinations, making the microKORG 2 a true playground for sonic adventurers.
Effects and EQ: The Finishing Touches
The microKORG 2’s expanded sound library is complemented by a suite of onboard effects, providing you with the tools to add polish and character to your sounds. The signal path concludes with a two-band parametric EQ, featuring an adjustable low band. This EQ section is crucial for fine-tuning the final output, ensuring that your sounds sit perfectly in the mix or stand out with clarity during a live performance.
Vocoder and Looper: New Dimensions of Creativity
The original microKORG was known for its easy-to-use vocoder. The new microKORG 2 has taken this a step further by introducing a powerful vocal processor.
The vocoder has been expanded to include 8 voices of polyphony and pitch correction, adding layers of versatility to your vocal expressions.
This processor can generate hard-tune pitch correction effects and can also operate as a 4-part vocal harmonizer. You can further process the result with reverb and other effects,
The onboard looper and aux input for layering ideas and processing external audio are like having a compact recording studio at your disposal, ready to capture and multiply your musical moments.
The onboard looper in the new microKORG 2 allows you to create backing tracks by looping and overdubbing. It has three dedicated buttons for record, play/stop, and undo/redo, which simplifies the loop recording process.
Remember, the looper and the arpeggiator can be used simultaneously to create layered rhythmic melodies.
The Investment in Innovation
Pricing, Value and Availability
With a price tag of $699 or 599 EUR and 549 GBP in the UK, the microKORG 2 is positioned as a mid-tier, quite affordable instrument, considering its features and hands-on controls.
While some may hesitate (the original microKORG was probably a bit more affordable, but we should also consider inflation, etc.) I see it as an investment in a fun tool that will continue to inspire and evolve with you over time. By the way, looking at the just announced Omnichord OM-108 and its price tag, the microKORG 2 feels even more affordable!
The Korg microKORG 2 is scheduled for release in June 2024.
microKORG 2 – Final Thoughts
The microKORG 2 represents Korg’s ongoing dedication to synthesizer development, balancing innovation with a nod to its roots. This instrument serves as a conduit between the tried-and-true and the yet-to-be-discovered, offering musicians of all levels a platform to explore and create. The microKORG 2 is more than just an updated version of its predecessor; it’s an evolution that continues the narrative of musical expression, inviting users to delve into its new features and expanded capabilities. I certainly look forward to playing with it!
You can learn more on the official KORG website.
