8-voice MMT synth engine, 17 effects, built-in vocoder and mic, modulation, and more.
For years, the microKORG has been a top-selling synthesizer. Now the microKORGXL is ready to join KORG's popular lineup. Based on the same winning combination of a small footprint, 37 mini-keys, battery-powered portability, and huge KORG sound, the microKORG XL Modeling Synth is ready to expand your musical vocabulary. The fun factor is huge too. A gooseneck microphone is included for instant vocoding excitement, right out of the box.
Neo-Vintage Synth Power
The microKORG XL synthesizer carries a proud pedigree. The MMT (Multi Modeling Technology) sound engine is descended from the RADIAS/R3 synthesizers, while the dual effects processors come down from the famous KAOSS line. The black key/white key proportions have been adjusted for easier chording and playability; the key response has been improved for rapid-fire soloing. The square front keys give it that old-school feel too. Together with a sound-bending vocoder and six-pattern arpeggiation, KORG's microKORG XL packs a powerful sonic punch.
The 8-voice MMT synth engine offers traditional analog waveforms plus a total of 7 algorithms, including formant waveforms, noise, and PCM/DWGS waves for those vintage keyboards and strings. Cross-modulation, unison stacking, and VPM (Variable Phase Modulation) let you create sounds that would be impossible for a conventional PCM synthesizer. Sync and ring modulation make it easy to create complex and powerful sounds. Two multi-mode filters, a drive/wave-shaping circuit for distinctively distorted sounds, and EG and LFO for creating time-varying tonal change, provide plenty of parameters for serious synthesis. Virtual Patching brings it all together.
Seventeen up-to-the-minute effects deliver everything from a traditional chorus to grain shifting. In the delay, effects can be synchronized to MIDI clock for beat-sensitive situations. You can even process external sounds. The microKORG XL's amazing vocoder adds vocal characteristics to any sound, creating everything from talk-box filtering, pseudo choirs, talking instruments to vintage Sci-Fi robots. KORG's unique Formant Hold allows you to freeze the vocal input for continuous vocoder effects. Use the Formant Shift function to adjust the level and pan of each of the 16 bands, greatly altering the tonal character. The distinctive retro-styling allows for quick selection of any of the microKORG XL's 128 on-board, editable programs. For the diehard synthesists and sound designers, you can use the 3 performance edit knobs for fast, effective audio editing in performance. You're also free to select and assign your favorite parameters. Download the free editing software from the KORG website and manage sounds on your computer.
Korg microKORG XL Synth with Multi-Modeling Technology Features:
37-note Natural Touch action keyboard
8-voice MMT (Multi Modeling Technology) sound engine with 7 algrithms
Dual effects processors from the KAOSS line
17 effects
Ring and sync modulation
Formant Hold to freeze vocal input for more vocoder effects
128 on-board, editable programs
3 performance edit knobs
Included items
XLR gooseneck microphone with windscreen
Power adapter
Korg microKORG XL Synth with Multi-Modeling Technology Includes:
xlr gooesneck microphone with windscreen, power adapter
Get a taste of the classic Korg sound with this new mini synth. Order today.
Korg microKORG XL Synth with Multi-Modeling Technology Specifications:
Interface and Keybed
Display: Custom backlit LCD
Keyboard: 37-note Natural Touch action
Switches: 7; Bank (2 position), Octave Up and Down (toggle), Timbre select (2 position), Arp On/Off, Vocoder On/Off, Write, Exit/Shift
Knobs: 7; Volume, tempo, program select (genre and category), real-time assign, edit menu selector
Wheels: Pitch and Modulation
Programs
Polyphony: 8 voices (up to 4 when the vocoder is selected)
Program: 128
Number of timbres: Maximum 2 (when using Layer, Split, or Multi)
Synths: 2 (oscillator + noise generator)
Oscillator 1
Waveform: Saw, Pulse, Triangle, Sine, Formant, Noise, PCM/DWGS, Audio In
Modulation: Waveform, Cross, Unison, VPM
Oscillator 2
Waveform: Saw, Pulse, Triangle, Sine
Modulation: Ring, Sync, Ring+Sync
Wave-shaping
WS-type: Drive, Decimator, Hardclip, Oct Saw, Multi Tri, Multi Sin, Sub Osc Saw, Sub Osc Squ, Sub Osc Tri, Sub Osc Sin, Level Boost
Posted by Lee from A boring town in Michigan on Jun 23, 2009
Experience w/product: I have used it
Reviewer's Background: Not-So-Active Musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Punk, Industrial/electronic, Metal, others
I tried this Synth out at a music store today and all I can say is WHOA. It's got some awesome sounds(ranging from FAT synth bass and vintage-style synth tones to more trandtional stuff like piano and strings), and is fairly easy to use due to it's straightforward layout. Also the keys are a tad bigger than on the previous MircoKORG, which makes it a bit easier to play. I can't wait to take one home!
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
Best synth ever,
Posted by dimmiedrummer from Placeville, ST on May 28, 2009
Experience w/product: I have used it
Reviewer's Background: Trained Drummer for 8 years, Pianist for 1
Reviewer's Play Style: Everything except metal
I played with this for about a half hour at a local music store. I really liked how there weren't three million useless effects. There were just enough to have a very wide range through personalization and tweaking with effects. The keyboard, though small, was perfect for my big hands. I especially enjoyed the vocoder.
As soon as possible, I am buying this.
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
ONE OF THE BEST GETS EVEN BETTER!
Posted by mls88 from UK on May 6, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Electro, House, Big Beat, Techno
The new microKORG XL certainly builds on what made the original microKORG successful, and like its brother is sure to be a top-seller.
Pros: Improved keys, improved vocoder microphone, more simplified layout for beginners, Improved sound engine, USB connection and editor software make creating custom patches a great deal easier. Cons: Relatively pricey, cheap in appearance.
Despite its toy-ish looks, the XL (as with the original microKORG) is an extremely good synth for both pro's and amateurs. It has the sound and capabilities of synths costing £1000's more. Providing you know enough about synthesis and how to work this little machine, you wont be disappointed.
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
Superior Synth!
Posted by Spencer from Chicago, Illinois on Apr 30, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Active Musician, Producer, Writer, Performer
Reviewer's Play Style: Chiptune, 8-bit, Electronica, Hardcore, Pop
Basically I've been looking to buy the original microKORG for quite some time, and I was just about to buy it before I saw the microKORG XL in Guitar Center. I gave it a whirl and was AMAZED. The low frequencies are unbelievable and it has an incredible range of tone, not to mention the vocoder that you can use on every and any pre-programmed voice thats on this synth. Despite it's splendor, I was reluctant to buy it, but I've had it for several days and the microKORG XL has yet to truly disappoint me!
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
It's an upgrade from the old Microkorg!
Posted by Fenderprecision from Houston, TX on Apr 19, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: 3 gigs a month originals rocker
Reviewer's Play Style: alternative rock
General:
I have played the Microkorg for about 2 years, but have never gotten into it beyond the presets as I found editing to be pretty difficult. The Microkorg XL seems much easier to edit sounds, though there is still a learning curve.
The Good:
There seems to be a lot of "typical keyboard" sounds. I never found a piano sound on the old Microkorg, for example, but the new one has a pretty good one, and an ok Rhodes sound too. The sounds are better arranged and make sense with their categories. The arpeg. tempo actually gives you a bpm on the new screen. This alone is worth half the price of the thing. On the old arpeggiator, it was impossible to get the tempo right on. I also like the black casing over the old beige. I've already gotten some comments about it, and we've only done one gig with it. At our practices, we've been coming up with some new songs and I'm able to tweak the sounds on the fly a lot better than the old one.
The bad:
Though the keys are improved over the old keys, I'm still a little uneasy that I may break them. That's why I gave it a 4. Also, still no kind of sustain pedal ability. I play bass along with this, and I could really use a sustain pedal so that I could switch to bass and hold that last note out just a little longer!
Overall:
I'm very happy that I took the leap and upgraded. I'm hoping that I will also be able to download some of the old presets from the original Microkorg via the USB hookup. I bet that will be happening, I just haven't gotten that far yet.
Used Products are rated and sorted by Condition. Used products with Conditions 1-3 can be returned in accordance with our standard return policy. Used items with Conditions 4 and 5 are sold AS-IS and are NON-RETURNABLE. Our Lowest Price Guarantee DOES NOT apply to any used gear we sell.
There are no products for the condition you selected. Please make another selection.
Experience The Musician's Friend Advantage
Shop With Confidence - enjoy the protection of the Musician's Friend Advantage before and after the sale!
We'll Beat Any Price!
We'll beat any verifiable advertised price before or after the sale. Call 800-391-8762 for an unbeatable price quote.
45-Day Lowest Price Guarantee
If you find a lower advertised price within 45 days of your purchase, we'll refund the difference after verification. Some products are excluded.
If you are not completely satisfied with any product, return it for a full refund of the product purchase price, full credit, or exchange of your choice – no hassles! Stringed instruments priced at $1999 or more have a special policy.
On-Time Delivery Guarantee
If you don't get your gear on time, shipping is free and you get 20% off your next order. Details »
Help & Support
Questions or comments? Email or call us at 800-391-8762.