Korg Unveils OASYS Open Architecture Synthesis Studio

Jan 26, 2005 6:22 PM

           
 

Korg unveiled the OASYS Open Architecture Synthesis Studio at the NAMM show last week. The feature set is substantial and includes synthesis capabilities, audio recording, MIDI sequencing, second generation KARMA functionality, a control surface, a CD burner, and a large color TouchView display.

To begin with, the OASYS includes three synthesizers: the new HD-1 High Definition PCM Synthesizer with two EXi Expansion Instruments; the AL-1 Virtual Analog synth, and an enhanced CX-3 Tonewheel Organ. The 172-voice HD-1 offers a 616 MB PCM library, up to 4-way Velocity switching, and extended-length samples. Newly-designed multi-mode resonant filters, a Drive parameter for harmonic overdrive, detailed envelope generators, and increased modulation possibilities are a few of the other new capabilities.

Making a return are Korg’s Advanced Vector Synthesis and Wave Sequencing. Advanced Vector Synthesis allows for smooth blending between the two oscillators and user-definable modulation of many parameters. In Combination Mode, Advanced Vector Synthesis can blend between four different mixtures of sounds to create evocative, motion-based timbres. Wave Sequences play back a series of selected waveforms over time, creating either distinctive rhythmic timbres or continually evolving sounds. New additions to this technology include enhanced tempo synchronization, swing, and dual integrated step-sequencer modulation outputs.

The AL-1 is a virtual analog synth engine delivering 84 notes of polyphony. Two low-aliasing oscillators per voice offer eight waveforms for a wide palette of modulatable shapes. An adjustable Edge parameter provides vintage oscillator modeling, while sync, FM, and several varieties of ring modulation offer ample tone-shaping possibilities. A sub oscillator, colored noise generator, and live-audio input round out the signal sources. Each voice can use two of Korg’s new multimode resonant filters with a new MultiFilter allowing for crossfading in real time between any two of 21 different filter types.

The CX-3 Tonewheel Organ engine provides an enhanced version of Korg’s tonewheel modeling technology. In addition to the dual drawbar sets, the CX-3 offers control over every nuance of the sound including leakage, key click, adjustable percussion, chorus/vibrato, and a complete rotary speaker simulation.

The OASYS also offers plenty of onboard effects, new KARMA algorithmic performance features, a 16-track MIDI sequencer (that can record up to 200 Songs), a 16-track audio recording studio (four tracks of 16-bit, 48 kHz audio can be recorded to the internal 40 GB hard drive simultaneously), Triton-style open sampling, and a flexible control surface. The workstation is available in a 76-key version with a synth action, and as an 88-key model with weighted hammer-graded action. For more information -- and there is a lot of it -- visit Korg.com.