Interview With Korg PS-3300 Synthesizer Creator Fumio Mieda
Korg shared this new interview with Fumio Mieda, creator of the original PS-3300 synthesizer, and technical supervisor for their updated take on the classic synthesizer.
The new Korg PS-3300 is a full-size reissue. Here’s what Korg has to say about it:
“While its electronics benefit from modern parts, the instrument stays remarkably faithful to the original. Every detail – from the case, panel, and knobs, to the wooden side panels – has been meticulously recreated, with manufacturing methods closely mirroring those used in the original production. Each unit is handcrafted to ensure exceptional quality and authenticity.
Due to the intricate hand-crafted nature of PS-3300, production capacity is naturally limited. The PS-3300 is therefore offered as a limited-edition instrument, ensuring it remains as rare and coveted as its predecessor.”
Features:
- 49 keys / 49 voice analog polyphony (the original model had 48 keys / voices)
- 3 Layers: The PS-3300 consists of three synthesizer units (PSU-3301) and a mixer & utility section (PSU-3302)
- Three independent oscillators, plus multiple filters, envelopes and amplifiers for every note on its keyboard, for a total of 147 synth voices of raw analog power
- Microtuning knob x12 on each PSU-3301 unit
- New panel memory function (16 programs per bank and 16 banks = 256 slots)
- Modernised for contemporary music use with the inclusion of USB / MIDI jacks, and a dedicated librarian app for easy preset management
- Semi-modular
- 3-Band Resonator: Three frequency bands can be emphasised, a feature unique to the PS-3300 (original was a Cadmium sulfide circuit, but it was replaced with modern components for safety and to comply with regulations)
- Keyboard unit (PS-3010) included
The new Korg PS-3000 expands on the original in several ways:
- Programmable memory—previously available on the PS-3200 but absent from the original PS-3300. With 16 banks of 16 slots each (256 program slots total), saving and recalling custom sounds is now easy, making both studio work and live performance more intuitive.
- Connectivity has been upgraded to meet modern production needs. The PS-3300 features a USB-B port and MIDI IN/OUT/THRU connectors for seamless integration with computers and external gear.
- The PS-3010 module, once an optional add-on, now comes included. The keyboard has been expanded from 48 keys (F to E) to 49 keys (C to C) for improved playability. Plus, the original 60-pin cable has been replaced with a more user-friendly 8-pin connection, simplifying setup without compromising functionality.
- The PS-3300’s dedicated librarian software is designed to let users manage programs and tunings.
Audio Demo:
Korg has not announced official pricing and availability information for the PS-3300. If you’re interested, you can register to get updates at the Korg US and Korg UK sites.
