Korg Redefines the Keyboard Workstation Category Once Again.
The Korg M3 features a number of innovations distilled from the flagship OASYS including the EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound generator derived from the HD-1 engine design, the advanced second-generation KARMA functionality, and the multi-purpose control surface. Adding innovations such as the new concept of "virtualized hardware" that allows an even closer integration with DAW systems, Drum Tracks which provide an instant groove to play along with, and the innovative "Korg Komponent System" concept that facilitates more flexible system construction, this keyboard workstation/sampler opens a new and exciting page in music making. Plain and simple, the Korg M3 is the keyboard workstation that rightfully deserves to wear the "M" that started it all.

Experience the M3 Online Virtual GUI

• We've added a new set of electric pianos – both reed and tine – sampled at four velocity levels for natural expression. These programs also use the M3 XPanded's REMS amplifier circuit modeling effects for enhanced realism and authentic tone character.
  
  
• Also on board is a robust acoustic piano – sampled in stereo at three dynamic levels; and including damper resonance sample layers – has replaced the original M3 piano, but don't fear, the original M3 piano is now available as an expansion library. Read on for more details.
  
  
• At Korg, we're always taking requests, and one of the most requested sounds ever - the classic KORG SG-1D stage piano – has been added. This refined sampled piano sits nicely in the stage mix and remains popular in many musical genres
  
  
• Classic keyboards also include that funky Clav. Here it has been authentically recreated with all of the tab/pickup combinations (AC, AD, BC, BD), sampled at multiple velocity levels for a natural feel that really responds to your playing dynamics.
  
  
• Flute and string sounds taken from those mechanical nightmare tape-driven keyboards of days gone by are back, giving a truly vintage vibe to your music.
  
  
• Last but not least, another popular request has been added - a mono piano for playing live through a mono system with no cancellation or sonic loss.
  

• Brass & Woodwinds (EX-USB-PCM01/02): Derived from the expansive OASYS option library, these sounds were crafted to allow expression, articulation and natural sounding playability. Combined, they offer 128 new programs and 32 new combis ideal for a wide range of musical production – from pop and sweetening to full-out orchestra. All of the solo instrument "ornaments" have been captured as well – trills, falls, growls, staccato notes and more – all adding to the authenticity, especially during solo instrument performances. Each family of instruments includes enough variations for a full instrument range; Flutes, alto flutes, piccolos; trumpet, cornet, piccolo trumpet; clarinet, bass clarinet; etc.
  
  
• Concert Grand Piano (EX-USB-PCM03): Studio sampled using a traditional "minimum mic" set-up to preserve the natural stereo imaging, this concert grand has been captured at four dynamic levels, with additional samples for realistic sympathetic string resonance, ensuring a truly superb performance – even for the pedal heavy performer. With 128 Mbytes devoted simply to piano, the samples are long and natural sounding. Six programs and six combinations provide ample variety to work with nearly any musical genre and style.
  
  
• V1 Stereo Piano (EX-USB-PCM04): Due to popular demand, we've brought back the original 4-way Stereo Piano PCM and Program data that was included in the M3 Version1 system.
  

EX-PCM "management" page

• Piano Roll Edit Screen: So called because individual data can appear as individual squares – similar to the holes in an old player piano roll. In this screen, elements such as note number, duration, velocity and more can be edited, deleted or created using intuitive “touch-drag” and draw operations.
  
  
  
  Interactive Piano Roll Edit screen
  
  
• Track View Screen: Also new, this screen graphically shows all the data for a group of tracks, giving you an overview look at your music. As in the previous example, here too you can move, copy , paste, and delete measures using "touch-drag" techniques.
  
  
  
  Track View overview screen
  
  
  
• MIDI SysEx Editing: Previously, all System Exclusive (SysEx) data simply showed up in the event edit screen as an undefined and inflexible data packet. With the M3 XPanded, SysEx events show up on screen using their native (M3 Exclusive) parameter names, so you can clearly identify each event - no secret decoder ring needed! This allows you to edit and work freely with these events, providing an exacting level of precision editing.
  
  

Native MIDI Sys. Ex. in Event Edit

Color coded velocity meters

Enhanced Definition Synthesis - a new horizon of sound-making potential

Program Main Page
The M3 features the “EDS” sound generating system based on a chip design that was developed in parallel with the HD-1 engine from the flagship OASYS. It takes full advantage of the M3’s 256 Mbytes of PCM source material which is a veritable “best of” from the OASYS.

Oscillator Main Page
Using Korg’s advanced voicing technology, the 1,077 multisamples, 1,609 drum samples, dual oscillators, four-level velocity switching/crossfading/layering, and stereo sampling allow for an enormous range of high-quality, detailed, and expressive sounds.

Filter Main Page
The filter section, a vital part of the sound-creation process, lets you simultaneously use two resonant filters for each oscillator, and can be configured in series or parallel. Four filter types are provided: low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-reject.

AMS Mixer Page
The amp section features a driver circuit that gives the sound a sense of edge and character, along with low boost to help shake the walls when needed. Integrated 3-band EQ allows tonal sculpting without needing to go to the effects section. Detailed envelope generators, abundant modulation routings, plus the all-new AMS Mixers for advanced processing all combine to provide a level of sound shaping far beyond previous possibilities.

Effects

Insert Effects Setup Page
The all-important effect section provides up to five Insert effects, two Master effects, and one Total effect. In addition to great choruses, flangers, phasers, delays and reverbs, the 170 effect types include dynamic processing effects such as compressor and limiter, amp modeling and speaker simulation effects using Korg’s proprietary “REMS” modeling technology, and evocative effects like the Grain Shifter and Talking Modulator.

Master/Total Effects Routing Page
The M3 includes professional features that allow for many cool applications and routings. Dual Common LFOs allow multiple effects to use the same modulation source; an advanced Control Bus provides triggering input from external audio or internal timbres to effects such as compressor/limiters and the vocoder; and the audio inputs can be freely routed to various effect chains and then run to individual outputs allowing the M3 to be used as a 2-in/6-output effects processor.

• Brass & Woodwinds (EX-USB-PCM01/02): Derived from the expansive OASYS option library, these sounds were crafted to allow expression, articulation and natural sounding playability. Combined, they offer 128 new programs and 32 new combis ideal for a wide range of musical production – from pop and sweetening to full-out orchestra. All of the solo instrument "ornaments" have been captured as well – trills, falls, growls, staccato notes and more – all adding to the authenticity, especially during solo instrument performances. Each family of instruments includes enough variations for a full instrument range; Flutes, alto flutes, piccolos; trumpet, cornet, piccolo trumpet; clarinet, bass clarinet; etc.
  
  
• Concert Grand Piano (EX-USB-PCM03): Studio sampled using a traditional "minimum mic" set-up to preserve the natural stereo imaging, this concert grand has been captured at four dynamic levels, with additional samples for realistic sympathetic string resonance, ensuring a truly superb performance – even for the pedal heavy performer. With 128 Mbytes devoted simply to piano, the samples are long and natural sounding. Six programs and six combinations provide ample variety to work with nearly any musical genre and style.
  
  
• V1 Stereo Piano (EX-USB-PCM04): Due to popular demand, we’ve brought back the original 4-way Stereo Piano PCM and Program data that was included in the M3 Version1 system.

Second Generation KARMA

The second generation KARMA functionality that first appeared on the OASYS and received wide acclaim from artists and users world-wide is fully implemented in the M3. KARMA is the inspiring, real-time music generation system that can help you play everything from natural instrument gestures like intricate finger-picking, strumming and harp glissandos, to complex cascades of notes, dance-riffs, gated and chopping effects and "improvising" drum grooves. KARMA continues to set the standard by which all other arpeggiators, phrase players, and musical effect generators are judged. The inspiration that KARMA offers, coupled with the unheard-of phrase variability is second to none. 

In Program Mode, one KARMA Generated Effect (GE) can be assigned to a single drum groove, melodic phrase, comping gated part or other musical effect. Eight sliders, eight switches, and eight scenes provide dedicated real-time control and the ability to store complete snapshots of your settings.

In Combi and Sequencer modes, KARMA's power increases exponentially, with four KARMA Modules available simultaneously.

The Control Surface can access and manipulate each module individually on its own "Module Layer". In addition to the four individual ModuleLayers there is a Master Layer that can be mapped to parameters from any of the modules, even grouping them together – so one slider can control the swing feel of all four modules at the same time, or the rhythmic activity of two or three modules at once, to name a few. Each Module Layer has 8 Scenes that store the settings of the sliders and switches in 8 different snapshots, instantly recalling completely different settings for that layer.

The Master Layer's 8 Scenes, in addition to storing the settings of the 16 sliders and switches for its parameters, also control which scene is selected for each module. You can control each layer's scenes directly from the control surface, or from the innovative Scene Matrix Page, which also controls whether the Drum Track will play along in a given scene. With 8 Scenes in each Module, and 8 Master Scenes storing which of those scenes are selected at which time (a total of 40 scenes), the possibilities are mind-boggling.

The M3 has incredible control over each KARMA element yet has been refined to be even easier to use, thanks to 13 "Real-Time Control Models" (RTC Models). An RTC Model standardizes which parameters of a KARMA GE are available for real time control, and how they are assigned to the Control Surface. With multiple GEs sharing the same exact setup, what you learn while controlling one GE is consistent and applicable to the thousands of other included GEs as well.

Finally, the second generation KARMA provides a signature sonic effect called KARMA Wave-Sequencing that can change a sound's waveforms rhythmically in realtime, along with everything else KARMA is doing, allowing each note to access a different waveform as it is generated. The results can resemble traditional wave-sequencing, or enter completely new realms of sound design.

Ultimate Expression Power
The M3 is remarkable not only for the freshness of its sounds, but also for its outstanding new control environment. The color LCD of the M3 music workstation/sampler not only provides a touch-view GUI that ensures intuitive and easy operation, but it also operates as an X-Y Pad, allowing sound and effect parameters to be controlled in real-time by sliding your finger across or tapping on the screen – much like the innovative Korg KAOSS Pad. Further control is provided by a Motion function that lets you capture and play back your finger moves to shape your sound and performance in unique ways. The screen even changes colors in response to the movement of your finger for cool visual feedback to your performance.

The eight dynamic, velocity-sensitive pads give you a great way to play drum sounds or up to 8-note chords, either live or as triggers for the powerful KARMA function.

Each note in the chord retains the individual velocity so it can play back with all the nuance of your original performance, and can even be scaled across a full velocity range without "breaking" the dynamic relationship of each note.

You can assign notes to the pads directly from the keyboard and front-panel controls, without using on screen assignment page. However, you can enter notes and velocities using the parameters on this page. Regardless of how the notes were first assigned, you can edit their values here.

The eight slider/eight switch control surface offers the same multi-functionality as on the OASYS: it can be used as a mixer, a set of expressive sound controls, an editing interface, a realtime KARMA performance interface, or to control external software and hardware synths and effects.

The control surface can be used to obtain various types of control.  For example, you can control mixer functions like adjusting the volume of each track, or changing the cutoff or resonance, you can even modify the phrases used by KARMA by using the control surface. 

When Control Assign is set to Realtime Control, four of the sliders will function as realtime sliders enabling you to modify the sound or effects while also allowing you to use the switches to turn effects on or off.  The sliders can perform a number of different functions, including modulating sounds or effects, adjusting effects send levels and so on. 

The Tone Adjust function lets you use the Control Surface sliders and switches to edit program parameters.  The controllers will be assigned the program parameters that are most effective for editing. 

When Control Assign is set to KARMA, the Control Surface will operate as KARMA sliders and switches.  These functions can also be adjusted on screen. 

There’s also a joystick, assignable Value slider, two switches and a ribbon controller that give you convenient ways to express subtle nuances of sound. A newly designed proprietary keyboard with refined aftertouch delivers superb feel and expression that’s better than ever before.

RADIAS Inside
You can add an internal RADIAS analog modeling synthesizer sound generator board (4 part multi-timbral; one timbre per Program, up to 4 Programs can be used simultaneously in Combi and Sequencer modes), with on-screen integration of all its parameters and full integration with the M3’s effects, control surface and KARMA functionality. An EXB- RADIAS Program is comprised of one timbre, with up to 4 RADIAS Programs able to be assigned to different timbres in Combi Mode or on separate tracks in Seq mode.

EXB-RADIAS Main Page

This powerful MMT-based (Multiple Modeling Technology) synth engine features dual oscillators which combine to offer analog-modeled waves, DWGS (PCM) waves, noise, ring mod and more. Waveform modulation, Variable Phase Modulation (VPM), Unison voice thickening, PWM and cross-mod expand the sonic palette.

EXB-RADIAS Oscillator Main Page

Dual Filters can run in series, parallel, or side by side (individual for each oscillator). Filter1 features a resonant filter design covering 24 dB low pass, 12 dB low pass plus 12 dB high and band pass, with continuously variable "morphing" between these states. Filter2 offers 12dB versions of the low, high and band pass modes, plus a unique comb filter.

EXB-RADIAS Filter Page

Two LFOs and three ADSR envelopes shape the sound and add cyclic motion to nearly any voice parameter. Three 16-step Modulation Sequencers provide discrete values to a modulation parameter that change over time, either in stepped or smooth motion, and can loop over and over.

EXB-RADIAS Mod Sequencer Page

Internal or external audio can be run through the EXB-RADIAS to be gated and filtered using the internal synthesis and effects. Drive adds analog warmth, Punch brings increased definition to the attack of a sound, and 12-types of Wave Shaping provides dramatic timbral shaping –even offering virtual "pick-up" response. The EXB-RADIAS offers the same vocoder as the RADIAS, offering 16 bands with individual control over level and panning. Formant Motion records the formant of a sung or spoken phrase so it can be recreated anytime.

EXB-RADIAS Vocoder Main Page

EXB-RADIAS Vocoder Page 2

And of course, all of KARMA’s generative features can be used with the RADIAS to provide even more options, including RADIAS Wave-Sequencing.

Open Sampling

The M3’s Open Sampling System lets you sample and resample in any mode to produce new remixed combinations of sounds and effects, or to capture full performances “In-Track” within the sequencer. Cutting-edge editing tools include Time Slice, Time Stretch, Crossfade Looping, Rate Change and Normalize.

An easy-to-use Auto-Setup function makes all the right sampling settings for you, with the press of a button. Stock sampling memory is 64 MB, and can be increased to 320 MB by adding the optional EXB-M256 memory expansion board. Samples in Korg native format, AIFF, WAV, Soundfont V2.0 and AKAI (S-1000/3000 with advanced Program parameter conversion) formats can be used, and internal samples can be exported as WAV or AIFF if needed.

Sampling can also be done to attached media, so USB memory sticks and hard drives can be used to extend memory size to resample a complete song as a WAV file to be burned to a USB CD-R/RW as an audio disc, or for moving to a computer for further editing and manipulation. Audio files on the media can even be edited directly to normalize, trim, and perform other essential editing tasks.

High Resolution Sequencer

The sequencer that’s at the heart of the M3’s song production is an intuitively-understandable 16-track design that holds up to 128 songs and 210,000 notes.

The high timing resolution of 480 PPQ captures every nuance and detail of your performance. Three-band EQ per track provides detailed sound-shaping, as does the Tone Adjust sound “tweaking” function.

The Cue List function that has been a popular feature ever since the now-classic TRITON series lets you create songs in sections, or play back completed songs as a medley. All of the now-classic Korg features are included, such as our one-touch "Auto Song Setup" feature, which takes you from playing a Program or Combination to "ready-to-record" status in one easy step, automatically arming tracks and routing voices behind the scenes. All KARMA settings are also set up, so you can record every note and controller as they’re generated, and even edit them later.

Song Templates contain pre-assigned effect routings and program assignments, providing one more shortcut to help you capture your creative outbursts. The M3 comes with 16 of these Song Templates, plus another 16 you can custom-tailor to your own needs. Each Template Song also provides a number of rhythm patterns – including intro, fills and endings – that you can use to instantly create a rhythm track.

Individual track looping allows flexible manipulation of repeated phrases such as drum grooves against longer parts like melodies and solos.

Advanced editing tools like variable quantization with selectable intensity and swing allow for nuanced adjustments to your recordings. Detailed event editing lets you work on your tracks with surgical precision, and a Compare function acts like an Undo for your last change to easily judge the effect of your edits.

Version 2.0 Brings DAW – Derived Sequencer Editing
Three screens have been added to the sequencer page, allowing you to view and manipulate data on-screen as graphic elements. Many users have learned this editing style from computer-based DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software programs, and prefer the graphic convenience. Once again, Korg listens and delivers!

• Piano Roll Edit Screen: So called because individual data can appear as individual squares – similar to the holes in an old player piano roll. In this screen, elements such as note number, duration, velocity and more can be edited, deleted or created using intuitive “touch-drag” and draw operations.
  
  
  
  Interactive Piano Roll Edit screen
  
  
• Track View Screen: Also new, this screen graphically shows all the data for a group of tracks, giving you an overview look at your music. As in the previous example, here too you can move, copy , paste, and delete measures using “touch-drag” techniques.
  
  
  
  Track View overview screen
  
  
• MIDI SysEx Editing: Previously, all System Exclusive (SysEx) data simply showed up in the event edit screen as an undefined and inflexible data packet. With the M3 XPanded, SysEx events show up on screen using their native (M3 Exclusive) parameter names, so you can clearly identify each event - no secret decoder ring needed! This allows you to edit and work freely with these events, providing an exacting level of precision editing.
  
  
  
  Native MIDI Sys. Ex. in Event Edit

Realtime Pattern Play and Record (RPPR) can be used to assign sequenced Patterns to individual keys on the keyboard for an interactive performance, or to quickly build up tracks. You can record controller data, Sys. Ex., or even KARMA phrases and trigger them as you like.

Time-tested features that have been proven to aid in inspiration and song creation combine to deliver an intuitive and enjoyable songwriting experience – the M3 has it all!

Virtualized Hardware
In addition to being a highly-developed music workstation, the M3 is also able to closely integrate with your computer. By connecting the M3 to your computer via USB and using the included stand-alone (Vista & Intel/Mac compatible) "M3 Editor" software, you can edit sounds and settings from your computer.

A plug-in version of "M3 Editor" is also provided, so you can use it from within your DAW as a plug-in instrument. The editor runs as a VST, AU or RTAS plug-in for maximum compatibility. For even more complete integration, Korg’s new "Virtualized Hardware" concept comes into play. When the optional EXB-FW FireWire board is installed, a single FireWire cable will convey both the M3’s MIDI and audio signals to the tracks of your DAW in which the plug-in is running. This means that you can construct a highly integrated environment that adds the reliability of hardware to your software music production system, adding additional power to your virtual world.

The M3 provides two analog and two digital (S/P DIF) inputs as standard. In addition to the main two-channel output (L/MONO, R), there are four independent outputs as well as two-channel digital output (24-bit optical S/P DIF), meeting the needs of professionals.

Two USB connectors are provided: a type-B USB connector for connection to your computer as a MIDI interface, and dual type-A connectors for connecting external storage media. USB 2.0 is supported to ensure high-speed transfer of large amounts of data.

The optional EXB-FW adds two Firewire ports for conveying both audio and MIDI to your computer, and for daisy-chaining the M3 in your Firewire-based studio setup.