Powerhouse analog sounds in a pint-sized digital synth.
The Korg R3 is powered by the MMT (Multiple Modeling Technology) analog synthesis-modeling sound engine and delivers 2-timbre/8-voice performance in an easy-to-use 37-key 'board. 128 programs deliver crucial synth sounds from leads and pads to strings and percussion with 2 oscillators, 3 envelope generators, 2 filters, an amp section, effects, and a noise generator available for each voice. In addition to the vocoder which works with the onboard mic input, it has a modulation sequencer for precision 16-step control of modulation movement.
MMT synthesis
The versatile range of built-in oscillator algorithms covers everything from familiar analog synthesizer waveforms, to unique digital waveforms and even live audio input. For each voice, the R3 provides two oscillators. Oscillator 1 (OSC1) gives you a choice of seven waveforms including sawtooth, pulse, formant, noise, and DWGS, as well as allowing you to select an external audio source connected to the AUDIO INPUT 1 and 2 jacks. To enhance the basic analog synthesizer waveforms such as the sawtooth, pulse and triangle waves, you can apply cross modulation, pulse-width modulation, unison voice-thickening, or even VPM (Variable Phase Modulation).
Oscillator 2 (OSC2) gives you a choice of four waveforms such as sawtooth and sine, and can also be used as a modulation oscillator to apply sync modulation, ring modulation or a combination of the two for distinctively analog synthesizer sounds. The noise generator (NOISE) produces white noise, and provides a useful way to create breath noise for wind instrument sounds, or to produce evocative sound effects. The sawtooth wave and pulse wave use the same basic low-aliasing design as the AL-1 Analog Synthesizer found in Korg's flagship OASYS synthesizer.
Two filters with selectable routing
The R3 features a dual filter structure that can be configured in series, parallel or an individual structure allowing each oscillator to have its own dedicated filter. Filter 1 is a multi-mode resonant design that lets you continuously vary between various low-pass, high-pass and band reject characteristics. Filter 2 has a switchable, multi-mode resonant design that also includes comb filtering, which can be made to feed back in order to boost multiple series of overtones, giving you amazing potential for generating unique tonal changes.
Amp section with a Drive/Waveshaping circuit
The Drive circuit lets you create the subtle yet distinctive distortion typical of an analog synthesizer, or generate new overtones by deeply overdriving the sound. The Waveshaping circuit gives you twelve types of transformation including hard clipping, and can be used as a decimator to produce typically digital roughness by converting the sampling frequency. It can even be used as a sub-oscillator, opening up new sound-making possibilities. The Drive/Waveshaping circuit can be placed either before the amp section or immediately before Filter 1 to give you different nuances of sound. With additional parameters - such as the Punch Level setting that emphasizes the attack, giving greater impact to percussive sounds - you have the tools to enjoy radical creativity that's not restricted by concepts of the past.
Multiple EGs and LFOs
Each voice provides three ADSR envelope generators (EG) for classic analog synthesis control over pitch, filter and amp characteristics. The classic and intuitive four-stage ADSR design has been enhanced with five different attack and release curves, allowing the EG contours to be crafted with new levels of precision and articulation.
Two LFOs with six waveform choices can be used to apply cyclic modulation to synth parameters. High-speed digital processing ensures that vibrato, wah, and tremolo will produce extremely smooth tonal changes, and each waveform can be extensively modified via the Shape control, greatly expanding the versatility of the LFO section for creating highly complex types of modulation.
Virtual Patches for sophisticated sound-creation
The R3 provides six Virtual Patches that simulate the patch cord functions of the PS series and MS series - classic Korg synthesizers of the past. There are twelve modulation source including EG, LFO, velocity, and keyboard tracking (the position at which you play the keyboard) that can be used to apply modulation to fifteen different destination parameters such as pitch, oscillator 1 control, or filter 1 type.
Dramatic tonal changes from the Modulation Sequencer
The Modulation Sequencer can apply a time-varying change to a specific parameter, similar to CV control on an analog synthesizer. You specify the value of each of sixteen steps, and then choose how to play back these steps (forward, backward, looping etc.) to vary the sound in unique ways. There's also a Motion Rec function that lets you capture and replay realtime knob movements.
Formant Motion produces personalized Vocoder sounds
The R3's powerful vocoder function lets you use your voice to add a distinctive tonal character to the sound of the oscillator, creating "speaking" tones. The vocoder consists of sixteen filter bands, and can replicate the classic vocoder sounds of the past, as well as letting you dramatically transform the timbral character by adjusting the level and pan of each frequency band to create absolutely original vocoder sounds. The R3 comes with an XLR-connector gooseneck microphone, so you can start enjoying this superb vocoder functionality right away.
Korg R3 Synthesizer / Vocoder Keyboard Features:
Keyboard
37 notes (full size keys, velocity sensitive):
Programs: 2 Timbres maximum (when using Layer, Split, or Multi)
8 voice polyphony (maximum)
128 programs (16 banks x 8 programs)
16 formant motion data sets (7.5 second x 16): *Specifications and features are subject to change without notice.
it sounds great, ruined two of the jacks with what i thought were bad cables but now I think it might just be the rather flimsy construction of the whole thing - anyway that's all forgivable, given the features and the price, but what is not forgivable is the TEMPO KNOB JITTER/CLOCK INSTABILITY (SOMETHING.) I bought this mostly to be my live master keyboard and need to sync samplers to it - nope. Got a gear with a faulty clock to make up for Roland SP404's crappy clock, UGH. Given that and the fact that it will NOT SURVIVE GIGGING I think i might have to sell it.
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cheap plastic piece of CR@P
Posted by minimalmindmusic from michigan on Jan 30, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: active musician
Reviewer's Play Style: DETROIT.
This synth was delivered to me with a bad DSP chip, so it sounded all messed up. I sent it back, got a new one, and THAT one's DSP chip was broken as well.
Korg produces TOYS. period. If you want a real synth save up a few more bucks and get a nord or virus, these R3's are TOYS.
Build quality is that of a TOY. Cheap plastic feels like if it took a fall it would shatter.
The only plus side to this synth is the sound - it sounds great, but again, the build quality is so poor and the 2 times mine was delivered broken has lost all my faith in korg.
Once a great synth manufacturer, now a TOY COMPANY.
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Great Synth
Posted by Skizziks from Midwest on Jan 1, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Producer/Musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Rock/Electronica
I'm very glad to have bought this sweet synth. Korg hasn't dissapointed me with anything they have put out so far. This thing is just as powerful as the radias and way cheaper! it's got a nice vocoder, and it's actually got an XLR mic output with a fairly decent mic, which the Microkorg doesn't have. Easy and quick to program, packed with features. If you are serious about playing synth, or looking for your first synth you can't go wrong with this!
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Great Synth
Posted by toofunkyinhere from Michigan on Dec 23, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Active Musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Funk, Electronic, Rock
Very good keyboard. It blew me away with the sounds you can get on this right out of the box. You can endlessly tweak any of the sounds as much as you would like. All my musician friends love this synth as well. The basses are very nice, and with a little tweaking you can get them extremely deep and funky. This synth is great, I haven't stopped playing it since I got it. I highly suggest it to anyone.
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Awesome synth
Posted by isaac from Boise,Id on Dec 5, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: band member
Reviewer's Play Style: Screamo/Electro/Visual
I have had it for 8 months and its great. Quality sound and tons of different settings to use. A lil pricey, but its definately worth the money. Look into buying this item.
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