How the microKORG2 is structured
microKORG2 Block Diagram
All sounds have three basic attributes; pitch, tone, and volume.
To control these attributes, the microKORG2 analog modeling synthesizer features an oscillator, filter and amp (amplifier) section, just as on the analog synthesizers of the past.
The oscillator settings vary the pitch, the filter settings modify the tone, and the amp settings modify the volume.
On the microKORG2, the OSC1, OSC 2, OSC 3 and PITCH pages control the oscillators. The PITCH page specifies the pitch of the waveform that is the basis of the sound, and the OSC 1, OSC 2 and OSC 3 pages are for selecting the waveforms. The waveforms generated in this oscillator section are mixed in the MIXER page.
The FILTER page contains the filter-related settings for adjusting the sound.
The TIMBRE MIX contains the amp-related settings, for modifying the volume and outputting the final sound.
These sections determine the basic sound of the program.
EG, LFO, keyboard tracking, virtual patch, controllers
Aside from the sections described above, the microKORG2 offers ways for varying the sound according to time, key range, performance expression and so forth.
These sections are controlled by modulators and controllers such as the EG (envelope generator), LFO (low frequency oscillator), keyboard tracking, PATCH (virtual patch) and the PITCH and MOD wheels. You can use these modulators and controllers to change the basic sound of the program.
See “Timbre 1” in the microKORG2 structural diagram. The diagram shows how the signal flows in this order: OSC → FILTER → AMP. It also shows how the modulators such as EG and LFO can affect these blocks.
The diagram also shows the sections of the microKORG2, including TIMBRE 1/2, VOCAL PROCESSOR, the effects (MOD, DELAY and REVERB), EQ, arpeggiator and loop recorder.
Each timbre consists of the OSC, FILTER, AMP, EG, LFO and virtual patch blocks, among others. As the microKORG2 has two timbres, you can combine them to create more complex programs.
Effects (EFFECT) and equalizer (EQ)
The output of timbres 1/2 is routed to the effects as follows: modulation effect (MOD) → delay effect (DELAY) → reverb effect (REVERB) → equalizer (EQ).
For the modulation effect, you can choose from nine effects including chorus, six types of delay and six types of reverb. The EQ is a two-band equalizer.
You can apply the arpeggiator’s performance to a timbre. If the program uses two timbres, you can apply the arpeggiator performance to either or both timbres.
This is a step arpeggiator with ten kinds of arpeggios.
Vocal processors (VOCAL PROCESSOR)
A vocoder, hard tune and harmonizer are available as vocal processors.
Vocoder
A vocoder analyzes the character (the frequency characteristics of each band) of a “modulator” signal (typically a human voice from a mic), and applies a filter that uses the analyzed characteristics to the “carrier” signal (a waveform produced by an oscillator or other source), giving a vocal character to the sound (making it seem as though the instrument is talking, for example).
The microKORG2 has a built-in 16-channel vocoder. In addition to simulating the classic vocoder sounds of the past, you can use this vocoder to modify the character of the sound, or edit the level of each frequency band to create truly original vocoder sounds.
Carrier: The carrier signal that’s processed by the vocoder effect is the input sound from timbres 1 and 2 of the microKORG2. Suitable choices for the carrier waveform are sawtooth waves and so forth, which contain a rich array of overtones. The volume of each signal source is adjusted using the MIXER, and the signal is output to the vocoder section.
Modulator: The modulator is the signal that’s input to the MIC IN CONDENSER or DYNAMIC jack.
Vocoder section: These are the parameters related to the 16 bandpass filters on the carrier side and the envelope follower on the modulator side, and are frequently used when shaping the character of the vocoder.
The audio signal from the MIC IN jack (modulator) is input to 16 bandpass filters, and the Env Follower detects the volume envelope (time-based change) of each frequency band.
The signal from the internal tone generator (carrier) is then input to the other set of 16 bandpass filters, and processed by the envelopes detected by the ENVELOPE FOLLOWER to modulate the input audio, giving the impression that the instrument or sound is talking.
It is also possible to use the Formant to alter the frequency of each carrier bandpass filter. This causes the frequency characteristic curve to be raised or lowered while preserving the character of the modulator, which dramatically affects the tone.
Hard tune
Use this to create robot-like voices by adjusting the vocal pitch, or to adjust the formant for a thicker, lower vocal sound or a thinner, higher sound.
Harmonizer
Adds harmonies (chord tones) to the vocal by shifting the original pitch of the vocal and outputting the result.