The past, present, and future of synthesis in one mind-blowing instrument.

The Korg RADIAS Synthesizer/Vocoder brings together a sound module based on Korg's cutting-edge, analog-modeling MMT engine and a 49-note, velocity-sensitive keyboard. It also has pitch and mod wheels and a full complement of knobs and buttons. The unique design lets you move the control module to accommodate a laptop or other audio gear.

This 24-voice synth offers a variety of synthesis algorithms together with multiple effects, modulation sequencing, and comb filter and wave shaping features, as well as formant-motion vocoding. RADIAS' innovative design can be custom configured to suit you. The control module can be used independently or teamed with the unique dedicated keyboard as a seamlessly integrated instrument. RADIAS includes customizable synthesis templates to be used as starting points, with template data for 128 synth timbres, 128 insert effects, and 128 master effects.

The heart of RADIAS beats with Korg's cutting-edge MMT (Multi Modeling Technology) synth engine, which borrows much of its modeling techniques from Korg's flagship OASYS. It eliminates aliasing noise in even the highest frequencies and delivers clean, pure waveforms. RADIAS provides two oscillators for each timbre that deliver modeled analog waveforms, formant waveforms, noise, ring modulation, sync, and classic and modern PCM waveforms. The analog modeled waveforms allow a variety of oscillator modulation algorithms to be used to create complex sounds, even from a single oscillator. The dual-filter structure allows two filters to be used individually, side by side, or in series for maximum versatility. Three Envelope Generators (EG) are used to apply time-varying changes to the pitch, filter cutoff, and amp level, as well as many other parameters. The bundled RADIAS Sound Editor/Librarian software makes it easy to edit, manage, and archive settings on your computer through the USB port. RADIAS has two LFOs, variable Drive mode, a flexible wave shaping circuit, three modulation sequencers, six virtual analog synth patch cords, envelope follower, 16-band vocoder, 30 effect algorithms, six types of arpeggiator patterns, dual linkable 32-step sequencers, 256 programs, 32 drum kits, and 16 formant motion sets.

Korg RADIAS Synthesizer Vocoder Features:

• MMT (Multiple Modeling Technology) synth engine
• 24-voice polyphony
• Oscillator 1: 9 basic waveforms, 4 types of modulation, PCM (64 sounds, 128 drums)
• Oscillator 2: 4 basic waveforms, 2 types of modulation
• Noise generator
• Filter 1: -24 dB Low Pass, -12 dB Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, Thru modes
• Filter 2: Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, Comb modes
• Each filter has serial, parallel, and individual routings
• 1 driver or wave shaper (11 types)
• 3 EGs
• 2 LFOs
• 6 virtual patches
• 3 modulation sequences
• 16-band vocoder
• Variable level/pan for each vocoder channel
• Vocoder formant control functions
• Envelope follower
• 30 effects
• 6 arpeggio types (Up/Down/Alt1/Alt2/Random/Trigger)
• Dual 32-step sequencers
• 256 programs
• 32 drum kits
• 49 velocity-sensitive keys
• Modulation wheel
• Pitch bend wheel
• 2 - 1/4" inputs
• 1/8" mic/line input
• L/MONO, R 1/4" outputs
• L/R 1/4" outputs
• 1/4" headphone jack
• Assignable pedal jack
• Assignable switch jack
• MIDI I/O/Thru
• USB connector
• 128 x 64 pixel full-graphic backlit LCD screen
• RADIAS upright: 34.84"W x 8.78"H x 15.08"D
• RADIAS folded: 34.84"W x 3.90"H x 15.08"D
• 19.18 lbs.
• Includes headset condenser microphone; AC adapter; CD-ROM (PC editor software, etc.); 4 washers, 4 bushings, 4 screws (RADIAS-R only); accessory shelf

Serious about synthesis? This is for you. Order your RADIAS now!

Korg RADIAS Synthesizer Vocoder Specifications:

• Windows system compatibility to connect via USB
  
• Supported OS: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition/Professional
  
• Supported Computer: A computer with USB connector that meets the above requirements
  
  
  
  Macintosh system requirements to connect via USB
  
• Supported OS: Mac OS X 10.2 or later
  
• Supported Computer: Apple Macintosh with USB port
  
  
  
  Note: USB MIDI has been tested and works under Rosetta and Universal Binary on Intel-based Macs, using the standard Class Compliant driver. In this case, however, Port Names will be shown as generic names like Port 1, Port A etc. instead of the product name.
  
  
  
  Windows Sys. Req. for RADIAS Editor
  
• CPU: Intel Pentium/Celeron 500MHz or faster
  
• Memory: 256MB or more, 512MB or more recommended
  
• Monitor: 1024 x 768, 16-bit color or higher
  
• Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition/Professional Edition Service Pack 1 or later
  
  
  
  Mac Sys. Req. for RADIAS Editor
• CPU: Apple G4 400MHz or better
  
• Memory: 256MB or more, 512MB or more recommended
  
• Monitor: 1024 x 768, 32000 colors or higher
  
• Operating system: Mac OS X v.10.2.8 or later
  
  
  
  Note: This software has been tested on Intel-based Macs, and while not Universal Binary compliant, runs fine under Rosetta
  
  
  
  PCM sound processed with INFINITY
  
  
  
  Specifications subject to change without notice

Korg RADIAS Synthesizer Vocoder

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Average of 7 User Ratings

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not that impressed

Posted by minimalmindmusic from michigan on Oct 28, 2008

Experience w/product: I have heard about it

Reviewer's Background: recording artist

Reviewer's Play Style: detroit techno/house

Like roland, korg has gone the way of groove-toys as of late. At first glance this box seemed really cool, but the more dug into it, the less impressed I was. Korg's so called "analog modeling" is just another fancy buzz word to make a purely whiny digital synth appeal to real gear-heads. Do yourself a favor and really dig deep for demos of this thing on the net, or go into a store and play with one. The only thing it really has going for it is the vocoder, but even that is limited. This module seems to be geared towards a very digitially clean trance/club music sound. If you are a purist looking for a good analog synth look elsewhere. The only plus side with this thing is that it approches the virus in terms of sounds, and costs half as much.

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Now, this is something unique!

Posted by x_bruce from Chicago, IL on Mar 22, 2007

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Sound Engineer, Reviewer, composer

Reviewer's Play Style: Post Rock / Experimental, Progressive, Jazz, Rock

The Radias' MMT engine offers a huge amount of features, many not obvious from the generally good presets. If I were to pick some favorite features they would be the continuous control of waveforms on filter one. You can literally sweep through waveforms. The Formant functions are fairly simple but can be connected in many creative ways via the modulation matrix. The 16 buttons can act as synth editing markers or to create real-time modulation sequences. That is besides the step sequencers that can program virtually anything. For the price, nothing touches this in terms of virtual analog or any other kind of synth. After all, the Radias goes well beyond VA. In fact, it's one of the first hardware synths to sound in the same league as my Waldorf Q.

It isn't the easiest synth to learn, but on the other hand, there are a lot of new ideas, synth types, waveform, FM, VFM - which can do things to voice type sounds that just don't exist on 90% of the synths in the market.

Spend some time with it, consider that the things you program in real-time are the tip of the iceberg. You can learn to program the Radias in your own style, which is quite nice. People think in different ways, so accommodating the is not only a polite thing to do, but it increases your ability to learn programming this tiny monster.

Keep in mind that you have options that are hinted at in the GUI, and yes, you will need to read at least some of the manual to operate the Radias efficiently. MMT is part of OASYS' physical modeling technology. The sound is excellent. The features are many. Buy this little killer!

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I love it

Posted by SKizylar from WA on Mar 9, 2007

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Drumer pianist

Reviewer's Play Style: all kinds

i have played on one of these things before and well you can do soo much with them in soo little time and depending on what you want its very versitile soo you can do plenty of techno/acid house stuff with it

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RADIAS is it!!!

Posted by Damnatul Azazel from Spring Valley, CA. on Feb 17, 2007

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Mucisian

Reviewer's Play Style: Industrial Prog Metal

I have just purchased the RADIAS last night. I had a bit of reservation getting it because of it's similarity to KORG MS2000B. Let me just say it is a similar beast, but not the same beast! RADIAS is way superior and outdoes the MS2000B in many aspects from increased polyphony to 24 notes (compared to 4 in MS2000B) 4 simultaneous timbres, 64 bit step sequencer, programmable modulation filters w/sequencer and multiple source virtual patching. There is an improved vocoder with 16 stereo bands and dual external inputs, Formant Filters that even allow the unit to vocode itself, etc. If you have experience with the MS2000B, then learning RADIAS will be a walk in the park...There is a much improved Owner's Manual which is very explicit, complete and easier to follow then the MS2000B manual which seemed not well written and confusing to say the least. Oh and there's librarian software which also allows you to edit your RADIAS timbres and programs. KORG has done a great job on this product and the sounds you get out of this unit are really powerful, priestine and usable with hardly any tweaking straight out of the unit. I love the Vocoder from hell these guys put in there...Just mindblowing...Great job KORG! Besides the steep price, skip the poorly designed controller and get the rackmount version instead. I use external controllers and sequencing gear to control the RADIAS and it's cake to do once you learn the MIDI controller structure and tweak with it a little. I've got a huge grin on my face that just won't go away! Get the RADIAS, you won't regret it!

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KICKIN' SYNTH

Posted by Knobtwiddlersanonymous from Vancouver, BC, Canada on Dec 12, 2006

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Hobbyist

Reviewer's Play Style: Experimental Electronic Singer Songwriter

I've had the Radius for 5 months and I'm still learning. I love sitting down and dialing up my own sounds. I can make really complex sounds that keep changing using the mod sequencer. If you want really old school synth (Buchla Modular) this is the baby for you, You can create all kinds of wicked synth sounds from grating industrial scum to light and delicate whisps of sound. The preset electric pianos and clavinets sound amazing. The only weak area is the organ presets if you want Jimmy Smith style overdriven harmonics, but I didn't buy it to use as an organ. If you are the mad scientist type this is your dream lab!

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Korg RADIAS Synthesizer Vocoder

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