KORG M3 XPanded Music Workstation Sampler

The M3 Keyboard from Korg enters a new dimension...

The Next Coming of M – The M3 heralds the third generation of Korg Workstations. The M1 started it all, first appearing in 1988 to bring the world a new concept called the music workstation. It went on to become the best selling workstation in history, and was further expanded and enhanced through the T and O1/W series. Trinity defined a new level of innovations including touch screen technology and configurable effects, and was the forbearer of the successful TRITON range of products.

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KORG M3 XPanded MUSIC WORKSTATION/SAMPLER Key Features

Now Korg Is Poised To Redefine The Workstation Category Once Again

The M3 features a number of innovations distilled from the flagship OASYS including the new 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 a instant groove to play along with, and the new “Korg Komponent System” concept that facilitates more flexible system construction, the M3 music workstation/sampler opens a new and exciting page in music making – it’s the workstation that rightfully deserves to wear the M that started it all.

Enhanced Definition Synthesis A new horizon of sound-making potential

The M3 features a newly developed EDS sound generating system based on a new chip design that was developed in parallel with the HD-1 engine found in 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.
 
Using Korg’s advanced voicing technology, the 1,028 multisamples, 1,606 drum samples, four-level velocity switching/crossfading/layering, and stereo sampling allow for an enormous range of high-quality, detailed, and expressive sounds.

The filter section, a vital part of the sound-creation process, lets you simultaneously use two 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.

The amp section features a driver circuit that gives the sound a sense of edge and character. 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

The all-important effect section provides up to five insert effects, two master effects, and one total effect. In addition to great chorus/flanger/phasers, delays and reverbs, the 170 effect types include dynamics-type effects such as compressor and limiter, and amp modeling and speaker simulation effects using Korg’s proprietary REM modeling technology.

Funky Drummer

A drumkit in the M3 can be created from ROM or RAM samples, with up to four-way velocity switching and cross-fading for incredible realism.

The M3 provides a new Drum Track function in Program and Combi modes that adds a groove to each sound you play. Combined with KARMA it makes even a Program a complete sonic adventure that is sure to inspire. You can select patterns from over 500 in internal memory and start them from a desired region of the keyboard or by playing a velocity that’s above a specified threshold.

Since the Drum Track uses MIDI data stored in a Pattern, it is easy for you to create your own in the Sequencer Mode, either recording them, importing them from SMF data or other users songs, or converting recorded KARMA data as MIDI events for further manipulation. Even sampled loops can be used! This is a powerful feature for uses ranging from creating music-production memos to realtime performance.

Expanded Combination Mode

Combination Mode is where multiple Programs can be freely assigned as splits and layers across the keyboard, including velocity switching and cross-fading for complex and expressive sounds. Sounds can be delayed either by time or by tempo, even when you release a key, allowing you to create sophisticated rhythmic soundscapes and performance effects. Monophonic sounds can be forced to be polyphonic, or vice-versa, and you can select only one of the oscillators if desired. For the more adventurous musician, each timbre can even use a different scale or tuning!

The M3 allows for sixteen timbres at the same time, including a Drum Track, up to four KARMA Modules, multiple effects and much more. Each timbre has dedicated 3-band EQ for getting the perfect mix, and a powerful Tone Adjust setup for detailed in-context sound shaping. In addition to providing more sound elements, this means that Combis can be set up and saved as complete 16-part MIDI sequencing templates for use with an external sequencer and computer DAWs.

Great Sounds

In the end it’s always about the sounds, and the M3 doesnt disappoint. Korg’s acclaimed international voicing team delivers the goods once again: stunningly realistic imitative sounds, fat synth sounds, imaginative textures, evocative sound effects it’s all here. The M3 comes loaded with 512 Programs, and room for a total of 1,664 user sounds (13 Banks plus GM). All sound locations are fully editable (except GM banks), so you are always free to tweak a sound if needed. Adding in the EXB-RADIAS option delivers 128 powerful MMT synthesis sounds. There are 32 drumkits provided, and room for a total of 144. As for the 16-part Combinations, 384 come preloaded, with room for a total of 1,792 (14 Banks).

All sounds (Programs and Combinations) are organized by Categories and Sub-Categories for easy searching and selection, making it easy to find and organize your sounds.

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, KARMAs power increases exponentially, with four KARMA Modules available simultaneously.

Ultimate expressive 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. 

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 M’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.

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.

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.

New High-Resolution Sequencer

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

The new 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.

Virtualized hardware allows the M3 to operate like a plug-in instrument

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 rich array of input/output jacks

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.

Three pedal inputs are provided, including damper jack support for half-damper sensing. The footswitch and footpedal jacks can be assigned to wide choice of functions including modulation, sostenuto, Program advance, punch-in recording and much more.

XPand your potential!!

The NEW M3 XPanded offers a staggering 640 Mbytes of PCM, delivering a huge number of sound variations. Powerful enhancements to the sequencer and interface make the M3 the go-to instrument for your music making.

KORG M3 XPanded MUSIC WORKSTATION/SAMPLER Technical Specifications

• Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 kHz, ±1.0 dB, 10 k load, THD+N: 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08 % 10 k load (typical)

Audio Outputs

• L/MONO, R – 1/4″ TS (Mono), unbalanced, Master Volume slider controls only L/Mono and R  
• INDIVIDUAL-1, 2, 3, 4 – 1/4″ TS (Mono), unbalanced, Master Volume slider controls only L/Mono and R  
• Output Impedance: 1.1k stereo; 550 mono (L/Mono only)
• Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu
• Maximum Level: +16.0 dBu
• Load Impedance: 10 k or greater
• Signal to noise ratio: 90 dBu (typical)
• Dynamic range: 91 dBu (typical)  
• S/P DIF (optical 24-bit, 48 kHz), S/P DIF IEC60958 EIAJCP-1201, provides igital output of the same signals as AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/Mono, R  
• (Optional) EXB-FW – 6 channels, 24-bit, 48 kHz Sample rate, provides digital output of the same signals as
• AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/Mono, R and AUDIO OUTPUT (INDIVIDUAL) 1 

• Headphones – 1/4″ TRS (Stereo), Output Impedance: 33, Maximum Level: 32+ 32 mW 33 

Audio Input

• 1, 2 – 1/4″ TS (Mono), unbalanced
• (level switch (MIC/LINE), level knob) – Input Impedance: 10 ,
• Headroom:12 dB, Input level range LINE: 29
• dBu +4 dBu or greater (typical),
• Input level range MIC: 54 dBu 17 dBu or greater (typical), Source Impedance: 600
• S/P DIF (optical 24-bit, 48 kHz) IEC60958 EIAJCP-1201
• (Optional) EXB-FW – 2 channels, 24-bit, 48 kHz Sample rate

Control Inputs

• Damper (Supports piano-style half-damper pedals as well as standard foot switches)
• ASSIGNABLE SWITCH, ASSINABLE PEDAL TO KYBD (for connection to keyboard assembly)

MIDI  

• IN, OUT, THRU

USB

• 2 USB 2.0 hi-speed ports, (supporting 480 Mbps) (TYPE A) with Mass storage devices support, for
• connecting external hard drives, flash memory, etc.
• 1 USB (TYPE B), MIDI interface

(Option) EXB-FW

• KORG FireWire Audio /MIDI interface, 2 FireWire connectors
• MIDI 1-in/1-out, Audio 2-in/6-out
• Virtualized Hardware

 

Dimensions

• M3XP-M: 673(W) x 202(D) x 82 (H) mm / 26.50(W) x 7.95(D) x 3.23(H)
• M3XP-61:1,016(W) x 372(D) x 121(H)mm /40(W) x 14.65(D) x 4.76(H)(with M3-M folded down), 1,016(W) x 372(D) x 171(H)mm / 40(W) x 14.65(D) x 6.73(H) (with M3-M tilted up)  
• M3XP-73:  1,189(W) x 371(D) x 131(H) mm/46.81(W) x 14.6(D) x 5.16(H) （with M3-M folded down ¼, 1,189(W) x 371(D) x 207(H) mm / 46.81(W) x 14.6(D) x 8.15(H)（with M3-M tilted up ¼
• M3XP-88:  1,425(W) x 442(D) x 131(H) mm/56.1(W) x 17.4(D) x 5.16(H)（with M3-M folded down）, 1,425(W) x 442(D) x 207(H) mm/56.1(W) x 17.4(D) x 8.15(H)（with M3-M tilted up ¼

Weight

• M3XP-M : 4.8 kg /10.58 lbs    
• M3XP-61: 14.1 kg / 31.08 lbs
• M3XP-73: 17.3 kg /   38.14 lbs
• M3XP-88: 26.5 kg /   58.42 lbs

Current Consumption

• 35 W

Accessories

• AC cord
• Owner’s Manual (M3 Operation Guide)  
• CD-ROM (M3XPANDED Parameter Guide (PDF), Voice Name List (PDF), KORG MIDI driver,M3 Editor stand alone and plug-in versions)
• Bracket (M3XP-M only)

Keyboard Assembly Unit
Keyboard  

• 61-key, 73-key semi-weighted synth action (Korg’s new keyboard design)
• 88-key weighted action (RH3: Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 keyboard with 4-zone graded action response)

Controllers  

• Joystick, Ribbon Controller, [SW1], [SW2]

Interface  

• TO MODULE (for connection to M3-M tone generator module)
• TO MODULE (second) (available on 73-key and 88-key)

 

System Requirements for computer use with KORG USB-MIDI Driver Windows

• Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition / Professional Service Pack 2 or later (MIDI Driver for the 64-bit editions is a Beta version),  With USB Port.
• Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, Apple Macintosh with USB ports supports Mac OS X 10.3.9 (PowerPC/Intel-based supported).

 

System Requirements for M3 Editor/Plug-In Editor
With audio capabilities

• (EXB-FW installed, and connected via FireWire cable)
• Note:  It is not possible to open and run multiple instances of the M3 Editor or M3 Plug-In Editor;
  this means that it is not possible to edit more than one M3 synthesizer simultaneously.

Windows:

• CPU: Pentium 4/ 2.4 GHz or better (Pentium D or Core Duo more is recommended)
• Memory: 1 GB or more (2 GB or more is recommended)
• Monitor: 1,024 x 768 pixels, 16-bit color or better
• A computer with a IEEE 1394 (FireWire) port, that satisfies the requirements of Windows XP

Macintosh:

• CPU: PowerPC G4 1.4 GHz or better (Intel Mac is supported), G5 or Core Duo or better is recommended
• Memory: 1 GB or more (2 GB or more is recommended)
• Monitor: 1,024 x 768 pixels, 32,000 colors or better
• An Apple Macintosh with a FireWire port that satisfies the requirements of Mac OS X
• Mac OS X version 10.4.9 or later

Without audio capabilities

• (EXB-FW not installed or not in use)
• Note:  It is not possible to open and run multiple instances of the M3 Editor or M3 Plug-In Editor;
  this means that it is not possible to edit more than one M3 synthesizer simultaneously.

Windows:

• CPU: Pentium III/1 GHz or better (Pentium D or Core Duo more is recommended)
• Memory: 512 MB or more (1 GB or more is recommended)
• Monitor: 1,024 x 768 pixels, 16-bit color or better
• A computer with a USB port, that satisfies the requirements of Windows XP or Windows Vista
• Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition or Professional, Service Pack 2 or later
• Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1 or any later edition (excepting 64-bit versions)

Macintosh:

• CPU: PowerPC G4 800 MHz or better (Intel Mac is supported), G5 or Core Duo or better is recommended
• Memory: 512 MB or more (1 GB or more is recommended)
• Monitor: 1,024 x 768 pixels, 32,000 colors or better
• An Apple Macintosh with a USB port that satisfies the requirements of Mac OS X
• Mac OS X version 10.4.9 or later

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