Archive for November, 2020

KORG opsix – ALTERED FM SYNTHESIZER

Korg Opsix Altered FM Synthesizer

The Korg’s opsix is officially been launched after 10 months on. The opsix was originally previewed at NAMM 2020, and is a 37-key keyboard,

The opsix has a six-operator FM sound structure like classic FM synthesizers, the Opsix goes further, featuring new operator modes, 11 filter options, 30 effects, a polyphonic step sequencer and more.

Korg opsix Altered FM Synthesizer ‘Reimagines’ FM Synthesis.

The opsix is built around a new six-operator sound generator that is designed to reimagine the FM sounds you are used to. There is a more diverse range of waveforms and operator modes, plus a filter that incorporates elements of subtractive synthesis – MS-20 and Polysix filter types are included. Hence, you will have analogue-style control over digital sounds.

With the opsix, Korg is seeking to do for FM synthesis what it did for wave sequencing with the Wavestate – update it and make it more accessible. Hence, the opsix is described as an “altered” FM synthesizer that promises to make exploring FM easier than ever before. Additionally, the opsix top panel is full of knobs and sliders. There is a hands-on operator mixer, plus six data entry knobs which, when used in combination with the OLED display, promise to significantly ease the editing process.

With the five operator modes, the opsix can generate sounds outside the realm of FM, and there are also 40 preset algorithms. You can also create your own algorithms from scratch. Modulation – three EGs and three LFOs, and 12 virtual patches to give you plenty of routing possibilities. You can use up three effects, choosing from 30 types.

If you fails anyway, there is a configurable randomize feature, which will generate a new sound for you.

The Opsix that they are introducing, though, is closer in design to the recently introduced Wavestate. And that’s how they are positioning the new synth:

“Much like Korg did when bringing wave sequencing back in a more powerful, more musical, and more immediately accessible way with wavestate, so was the approach to FM sound generation of the opsix, resulting in another incredibly flexible and unique synth.”

 

The Korg Opsix is available now.

 

 

 

 

Korg NAUTILUS Synthesizer Workstation

Korg Nautilus 61 Key Workstation

Korg introduced the Nautilus Synthesizer Workstation. The new synth workstation promising the power of its Kronos keyboard in a more streamlined package, and is designed for performers, producers and songwriters.

 

The Nautilus features 9 different synth engines and comes with more than 2,200 sounds, some of which are entirely new, and is available with 88-key which includes Korg’s RH3 hammer-action keyboard, or with 73-key or 61-key models offer a ‘Natural Touch’ semi-weighted synthesizer action.

 

Besides all 9 of Kronos engines are featured, there are enhanced SGX-2 Grand Piano and HD-1 High Definition PCM synthesizer engines. Other features include sampling, HD audio recording and effects processing, and there is a 7-inch touchscreen – complete with gesture support to enable you to keep track of what is going on. Real-time controllers include a four-way joystick, vector joystick, ribbon control, a dedicated dynamics knob and customizable buttons.

 

There are 3 pillars to the Nautilus soundset. The Standard sounds cover the classics – acoustic and electric pianos, orchestral instruments, guitars and bass guitars like, the Current sounds make use of the modelling synthesis and PCM engines to give you contemporary synth, drum and effect patches. And there are the Unique sounds – the likes of phrase loops that follow tempo, esoteric pianos and found percussion. And are three ‘pillars’ to the Nautilus soundset. The Standard sounds cover the classics – acoustic and electric pianos, orchestral instruments, guitars and bass guitars, for example – while the Current sounds make use of the modelling synthesis and PCM engines to give you contemporary synth, drum and effect patches. The Unique sounds – the likes of phrase loops that follow tempo, esoteric pianos and found percussion. Apart from that, speaking of pianos, Korg says that Nautilus has more types than any other keyboard product. You get the Grand and Upright varieties from the Kronos and Grandstage, plus the EX piano libraries and a new piano.

 

Additionally, each Nautilus program can contain a two-part split/layer and a drum track, and there is also a 16-part Combination Mode. Polyphony is 240 notes, with Korg’s Dynamic Polyphony Allocation and Smooth Sound Transition technologies promising uninterrupted performance and sound switching. A dual polyphonic arpeggiator and customisable Setlist mode are available as well and you get 16 effects and 32 EQs, with a dozen inserts.

 

The 3 Nautilus models to be released in early 2021, with prices set at $2,700 for the 88-key model, $2,400 for the 73-key model and $2,000 for the 61-key model.

 

Modal Cobalt8 Virtual Analog Synthesizer

 

Modal Electronics introduced COBALT8, its new 8-voice VA synthesizer that promises an extended feature set. In other words, Model Electronics encourage players to go beyond the ‘real’ analog synths and do not underestimate the feature as it is far beyond the limits of its analog forefathers.

 

The new Cobalt8 VA synth features an 8-voice polysynth that boasts an innovative oscillator engine, a morphable 4-pole ladder filter, a multitude of modulation options, a real-time step sequencer and an arpeggiator. It has a 37-note Fatar keyboard, MPE support, effects and MODALapp integration.

 

In addition, VA synth has 64 independent oscillators and you can use up to eight per voice. Each of its algorithms has just two specially-selected controls – the oscillators can call on not only virtual analogue waveforms but also 34 complex algorithms like sync, ring modulation, waveform morphing and more.

 

Modal COBALT8 Virtual Analog Synthesizer

 

Features:

  • ‘Extended Virtual-Analogue Synthesis’, combining traditional technology with modern synth features
  • Unique waveform architecture with 34 complex sophisticated algorithms and morphable 4-pole Ladder Filter
  • MPE support, integrated 512-note Realtime/Step Sequencer, 32-step programmable Arpeggiator and powerful Animation Lanes
  • 37-note key bed with aftertouch, built into a road-ready aluminum enclosure
  • Full-size MIDI connections and 3.5mm Sync Ins and Outs
  • Access all functions and update COBALT8 via the free MODALapp, available on macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Android and AU/VST3

COBALT8  is now available. Cobalt8 is priced at just $769, despite its promise to be an extended VA synth. Check it out now!