KORG M3

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Geary Yelton

A pro-level synth workstation.

Sample It Yourself

The M3 employs the Open Sampling System first developed for the Triton and later refined for the OASYS. Along with standard do-it-yourself sampling tasks, it can resample itself to capture KARMA performances or record through effects. The M3 can also load samples in AIFF, WAV, SoundFont 2.0, or Akai S1000/S3000 format, even importing entire Akai and SoundFont programs complete with program parameters and key and Velocity maps. If you connect a CD or DVD drive, it can rip tracks from an audio disc.

The M3 comes with only 64 MB of sample RAM installed, but adding the optional EXB-M256 expansion board ($99) brings it up to the maximum of 320 MB — more than three times the maximum of the Triton Studio or Extreme, but far short of the RAM available for sampling in the OASYS.

Once you've recorded or imported your samples, you can graphically trim and truncate, define loop points, execute crossfade loops, invoke time slicing, change tempo without affecting pitch, and so on. The Convert MS To Program command saves your edited multisample to any vacant Program location.

Object of Desire

The M3 is a giant step up from the Triton and incorporates many of the OASYS's most musically useful features. In fact, if not for the over-the-top OASYS, the M3 would be Korg's flagship synth, and I'd put it up against top-shelf workstations from any of Korg's competitors. Thanks to an army of talented sound designers from around the world, the M3 supplies a wealth of factory timbres and effects that cover all the bases and inspire creativity. Your ability to interact with the onboard sounds is remarkable, but the bottom line is that the M3 sounds awesome. If you want even greater variety, the optional EXB-Radias expansion board ($350) adds virtual analog, VPM, and other forms of synthesis.

With its red-only illuminated buttons and stuck-on wood side panels, the M3's appearance may not appeal to you. Nonetheless, its tilt-up synth module is a very practical design, and the new Korg-constructed key bed has the best synth action I've ever played. It not only feels musically responsive, but it also lets you control Aftertouch to an extent I've never experienced; you can actually step through values one by one as you press down.

You should have no problem finding an excuse to seriously consider buying an M3. Your creative life might revolve around a music workstation from the 20th century, and you feel it's time to move up. Maybe you've been lusting after an OASYS but can't justify the expense. Or perhaps you've been waiting for a keyboard synth that will integrate seamlessly with your computer-based recording setup. Whatever your excuse, you should give the M3 a try and decide with your ears.

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EM associate editor Geary Yelton wrote his first book, The Rock Synthesizer Manual, in 1983 and has been writing for EM since its first issue in 1985.

GUIDE TO EM METERS

5 = Amazing; as good as it gets with current technology

4 = Clearly above average; very desirable

3 = Good; meets expectations

2 = Somewhat disappointing but usable

1 = Unacceptably flawed

PRODUCT SUMMARY

KORG
M3 synthesizer workstation
M3-M, $2,375
M3-61, $3,000
M3-73, $3,475
M3-88, $4,000

FEATURES	4
EASE OF USE	3
Quality of Sounds	5
VALUE	4

RATING PRODUCTS FROM 1 TO 5

PROS: Spectacular sounds. Impressive versatility and interactivity. Stereo sampling. Excellent effects. Terrific keyboard.

CONS: No audio tracks. Maximum 320 MB of sample RAM. No internal drive. No XLR input.

MANUFACTURER

Korg
www.korg.com


BONUS MATERIAL
Read about the Korg M3's user interface, sequencer, editing software, KARMA, storage, and expansion topics

Web Clips: listen to audio examples of the M3's Combis and KARMA-generated sounds