Korg microKORG

I purchased a Microkorg while my mininova was being repaired. It's a decent synthesizer, there are tons of options for making your own sounds; pretty much every parameter you could need is available to you.

There are approximately 64 pre-loaded patches and the sounds are awesome. The true power of the Microkorg is in building your own sounds. There is definitely a learning curve here and you'll have to read the manual / search online.

It's main competitor is the Novation Mininova, which is more user-friendly but has less customisation options.

If you're new to synths, the Mininova may be a better option. If you're looking to build your own patches, the Microkorg is the right synth for you.

The negatives: While you get a lot of features, the handling is so, so. People say it is a great synth for a beginner, i disagree. Since it is hard to understand the menus, and what is written on screen. I realized that when you are starting out, it is better to have a clear understanding on what you are changing. The sound is ok, but lacks character, and is a bit soft for my taste. I guess its expected from a cheaply priced digital synth.

On the other hand, it is inviting to play this little beast, because it so small, and easy to cary everywhere. Just plug in and play anytime inspiration kicks in. I've spent hours diving its menus on my bed with headphones, exploring the sonic possibilities. Never underestimate the power, of a small form.

But i guess it is time to move to a analogue one. I still will have this one, since it has sentimental value now, because it hooked me to a world of weird electronic music, and because at summer i plan to take this small synth, to the woods, put some headphones and jam on :)

I am not a musician, just a visual artisti willing to experiment with sound out of which I make sound art or sound poetry sort to say.

The microKORG was just the perfect tool for somebody as me with no real music background, but with lot of will to learn and of course somehow a little bit of musical sensibility is needed to approach any sound instrument I think.

The whole set up, how the microKORG is made was not so intuitive for me approaching an analog synth for the very first time, took me a while before I would understand how to modify the presets sounds.

I am generally very happy and looking forward to get another instrument out of the KORG family with Thomann. I just know Thomann is very reliable and take it as reference to check out any kind of instrument.

Took me a long time to decide on the Microkorg but eventually decided to get one. I loved the retro design of this synth compared to the micro xl which looked a bit bland.

However a synth is about more than just good looks. Sound wise it did not disappoint, it's filled with blistering leads, atmospheric pads and cutting basses. These can all be adjusted in real time using the mod and pitchbend wheels along with the knobs positioned at the top of the keyboard.

It's a solid machine, the casing seems to be a tough plastic, the knobs have a retro styling and the keyboard although mini keys feels a bit spongy but solid to play. Some maybe put off by the 4 note polyphony compared to the XL 8 note, however the sound quality and look of this machine is addictive and inspiring.

I'm looking forward to playing this synth a lot over the coming months. A true modern classic that won't disappoint.

I spend my first 4 hrs with the micro connected to a volca beats, Arp Odyessy and an MS - 20 mini and it was heaven.

Pros, great set of sounds and effects, easy to navigate and play and it looks great in the flesh.

Cons, Mini keys for some, no USB

this micro Korg is a dream come true ? it has a nice price and it makes all worth it
it can work as a midi controller to Live Ableton (others i dint tried) you can really modulate the sounds and work them as you like and save them, also the vocoder is a nice retro effect yes an extra in all that this synth represents.
the effects are great and i do love the arpeggios on it, the delay is great to making the original sound bank almost unrecognizable. The sound bank that comes is huge and for dance music or pure electronic is a must, Korg made a very portable powerful machine with this one, really happy with this one.