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Korg today introduced two additions to its opsix family of FM synthesizers, the opsix SE & opsix SE Platinum. With its 61-note keyboard, Korg opsix SE synths look like a 21st-century take on the Yamaha DX7.

The new synths address the most common complaints people had with the original opsix, adding a robust all-metal design; a premium 61-note keyboard, with aftertouch; expanded 80-voice polyphony and more.

The announcement follows Korg’s introduction last week of the Wavestate and now Korg has introduced a larger version of another of its synths: the Opsix. The new SE model takes the original opsix FM-based engine, enhances it with increased polyphony and voicing, and sticks the whole lot in a 61-note keyboard with aftertouch. As such, it now more closely resembles a classic FM synth of the past, the Yamaha DX7.

Both the opsix SE use Korg’s natural-touch keyboard – the same you will find in the company’s flagship workstations – and, thanks to those extra octaves (the standard opsix has just three) enables proper two-handed playing.

The opsix SE have a sleek new look, as well, which includes an aluminium control panel and illuminating LEDs. As well as the standard black version, there’s also a limited edition Platinum model, which opts for a silver colour scheme. The opsix SE Platinum differs cosmetically, but has the same synth engine as the standard opsix SE.


Sounds are designed using the Operator Mixer, which comprises six faders and knobs. It’s this simple design that makes the opsix SE so easy to program, and each part also lights up to indicate whether it’s a carrier (red) or a modulator (blue). Other control features include six data entry knobs and an OLED display.

Although opsix SE based on FM synthesis, but offer additional waveforms, filters, shaping, effects, LFOs and modulation features. There are six operator modes and 40 preset algorithms, plus the ability to create your own.

There are three EGs, three LFOs and 12 virtual patches, all of which can be managed in the modulation matrix. The effects, meanwhile, are divided into three blocks of 30.

In addition, opsix SE have a built-in 16-step sequencer. Every program comes with its own sequence, or you can create your own using up to six notes per step. Each note’s velocity, gate time and playback timing can be adjusted, too, and further expression features mean you can create the likes of strums and drum rolls. The motion sequencer, meanwhile, enables you to record changes of up to six parameters.

Features:

• Premium metal design
• Exclusive hard case included
• Direct Hands-on Control
• Six in One Synthesis
• Altered FM architecture delivers sounds across a vast spectrum
• Powerful Effects Processing
• Automatable 16-step sequencer
• Flexible Modulation Matrix
• Dice to generate new, unique sounds
• Librarian Software included
• Special crossgrade to opsix native (software)

opsix Audio Demos:

The new synths are available now to pre-order, with the following pricing:

• Korg opsix SE – €2189/£1,899/$1,999.99
• Korg opsix SE Platinium – €2389/£2,099/$2,199.99

Both models ship with a bespoke hard case. Find out more on the Korg website.

The latest loopop video takes an in-depth look at the new Korg Wavestate SE  & Wavestate mk2 synthesizers.

Host Ziv Eliraz offers a comprehensive overview of each of the synths and covers what’s new with the wavestate platform since the original was introduced in 2020.

Watch the review, and share your thoughts on the new wavestate synths in the comments!

Topics covered:

0:00 Intro

2:00 Overview

2:25 Voices

4:10 MK2 vs MK1

4:40 SE vs MK1/2

5:00 Aftertouch

5:30 Other misc

6:15 Native v Editor

10:55 PATCH IDEAS

11:10 Lane length

12:10 Polymetric %

14:20 Lane presets

16:20 Mod presets

16:50 Loop end mod

18:30 Loop as fills

19:05 Start vs loop

19:30 Step mods

20:20 Finding mods

21:05 Mult mods

21:50 Levels mods

22:00 Note advance

23:00 … on chords

23:30 Scale quantize

24:20 Step env

24:40 Ratchets

24:55 Phase mod

25:40 Shape chaos

26:10 Mod process

27:10 Hidden mods

27:35 Pros & cons

30:55 Outro

Korg today revealed Wavestate MKII and Wavestate SE & Wavestate SE Platinum, a premium 61-key version of its wave sequencing synth with aftertouch.

Korg introduced the original wavestate at the 2020 NAMM Show, is a 21st-century reimagining of the Wavestation, a digital wave sequencing synth produced by the company in the ’90s, which takes the legendary Wavestation’s Wave Sequencing synthesis to the next level.

Today, Korg has revealed an updated Wavestate MKII and announced the release of an all-new 61-key version of the synth, the Wavestate SE, also available in silver as the Wavestate SE Platinum. Like the original Wavestate, both synths are based around Korg’s Wave Sequencing 2.0 synthesis technology, but have been updated with redesigned hardware, workflow tweaks and new features.

Here are the highlights of Korg’s new wavestate synth line:
Korg Wavestate mkII

Boasting a (moderately) refreshed visual aesthetic, the MKII expands the Wavestate’s polyphony from 64 stereo voices to 96 and features a variety of newly-designed Wave Sequences and Programs. There’s also an expanded 4GB (up from 2GB) of internal storage for loading your own sounds into Wavestate using Korg’s Sample Builder application.

Korg have also replaced the Wavestate’s Sound Librarian companion software, which lets you design sounds for the Wavestate on your computer, with the Wavestate Editor/Librarian, a redesigned tool that adds the ability to edit Performances, Programs, Scales, Wave Sequences and Wave Sequence Lanes and edit internal effects parameters from your Mac or PC.

Features:

• Wave Sequencing 2.0
• Extensive modulation with hands-on control
• Gigabytes of samples – and import up to 4GB of your own
• Modeled filters, including MS-20 and Polysix
• 96 stereo voices
• 4 Layers with Vector control
• 14 simultaneous effects
• Set Lists and Smooth Sound Transitions
• Randomization
• Free Editor/Librarian and Sample Builder software for Mac and Windows
• Great design. 37 full-size keys

Korg Wavestate SE & Wavestate SE Platinum

Originally announced in 2021 but only officially unveiled this week, the Wavestate SE is a premium version of the Wavestate: the synth has a 61-key keyboard with aftertouch, and has been outfitted with an appealingly solid all-metal design (the Wavestate and Wavestate MKII are mostly plastic) and metal-plated knobs.

The SE can handle 120-note polyphony, and many of the onboard patches and presets have been redesigned to take advantage of the performance capabilities that the aftertouch offers. Korg have also unveiled the Wavestate SE Platinum, a silver version of the SE pictured below.
Features:

• 61-key natural-feel keyboard with aftertouch
• Hundreds of updated sounds
• Road-worthy metal construction
• Exclusive hard case included
• Limited Platinum edition option
• Wave Sequencing 2.0
• Extensive modulation with hands-on control
• Gigabytes of samples – and import up to 4GB of your own
• Modeled filters, including MS-20 and Polysix
• 120 stereo voices
• 4 Layers with Vector control
• 14 simultaneous effects
• Set Lists and Smooth Sound Transitions
• Randomization
• Free Editor/Librarian and Sample Builder software for Mac and Windows
• Special crossgrade to wavestate native software

The Wavestate mkII is available to pre-order now, with a street price of about $700. The Wavestate SE is and Wavestate SE Platinum are also available to pre-order, with street prices around $2,000 & $2,200. Find out more info on the Korg website.