miniSynth

This is a demo video for the modern mini-synth classic, the Korg microKorg synthesizer.

Description:

State-of-the-art analog modeling and multi-band vocoding are available in a compact, portable instrument. With 37 keys and 128 user-rewritable programs, the microKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder is designed for the performer, producer, computer musician or beginner looking for an affordable synthesizer.

Korg microKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder Features:

• 128 user-rewritable programs
• 37-key mini keyboard
• Powerful synthesis
• Classic vocoding
• A full range of effects
• Great sounds and expression
• Flexible arpeggiator (6 types)
• Clear control and classic looks
• Can serve as a compact MIDI controller

EM’s David Battino had this to say about the Korg microKorg:

It’s easy to slip into critic mode and forget that making music is supposed to be fun. The MicroKorg is frustrating if you expect to play and program it like a full-size keyboard synthesizer, but as a portable, creative gadget, it stands alone. If you can justify spending $500 on a terrific-sounding musical toy (and I use that word in a very positive sense), you won’t go wrong with the MicroKorg.

The Korg microKorg retails for $399.

If you’ve used the Korg microKorg – leave a comment with your thoughts!

Read more…

This set of videos, via SynthManiaDotCom, offers a video review and tutorial for the classic Casio CZ-101.

While the CZ-101 is a minisynth, it can create some massive sounds, as these videos demonstrate.

Big City Music reports via their blog that the Korg MicroKorg is now the most popular music synthesizer in history:

We were talking to our Korg sales rep. the other day and he mentioned that the 100,000th Korg MicroKorg keyboard just came off the assembly line. Unofficially that makes the MicroKorg the best selling synthesizer of all time. Amazing.

There’s no official ranking that I’m aware of for top-selling synths. If you’ve got more information on this, leave a comment.

And if you’ve got a Korg MicroKorg, leave a comment with your thoughts! Read more…

Yonac Software has released of miniSynth 2.0 (App Store link), an updated version of its analog-modeling iPhone synthesizer.

Changes in miniSynth 2.0

• Recording and audio file import/export.
• New octave-maker feature.
• Updated GUI: relic-ed look for the season, and larger buttons and sliders for easier control.

miniSynth retails for $1.99.

This is a fun four-part sneak preview of megaSynth – an iPhone synthesizer.

Here are the features:

• 5-voice polyphony (max # of fingertips allowed on the iPhone = 5)
• 3 Oscillators, 7 waveforms
• Triad arp and chordmaker (”Chordmatic”) with 23 scales
• 24-bucket step sequencer
• Dual keyboards
• Accelerometer-controlled pitch, cutoff, resonance
• Very many LFOs (4 to be exact: filter, pitch, volume…4th is optional audible LFO)
• Recording, wi-fi file export/import
• Saves infinite user presets; comes with 209 factory presets
• FX module with reverb and modulation
• Monophonic keyboard option also included

This should be in the iPhone store soon. More info at Yonac.com.

If you’ve used MegaSynth, leave a comment with your thoughts! Read more…