Korg’s New Synth: The MicroKorg XL

KORG microKORG XL Specification

  • Tone Generator System: MMT (Multiple Modeling Technology)
  • Multi Timbral= maximum 2 (when using Layer, Split, or Multi)
  • Voices=8 voices
  • Structure: [Synth] 2 oscillators + noise generator, Oscillator 1: Wave: 8 types (Sawtooth, Pulse, Triangle, Sine, Formant, Noise, DWGS, Audio In), Modulation: Waveform, Cross, Unison, VPM, Oscillator 2: Wave: 4 types (Sawtooth, Pulse, Triangle, Sine), Modulation: Ring, Sync, Ring+Sync, Waveshape: Type: Drive, Decimator, HardClip, OctSaw, MultiTri, MultiSin, SubOSCSaw, SubOSCSqu, SubOSCTri, SubOSCSin, LevelBoost,
  • Multimode Filters: Filer 1: -24 dB/oct LPF ~ -12 dB/oct LPF ~ -12 dB/oct BPF ~ -12 dB/oct HPF ~ Thru, Filter 2: LPF, HPF, BPF [Vocoder] 16 channel vocoder, adjustable level and pan for each channel, Formant Shift function, Formant Hold function
  • Keyboard: 37 notes (mini-keyboard, velocity sensitive)
  • Effects: Timbre: 2 band EQ, Master effect x 2, 17effects
  • Arpeggiator: Six types: UP, DOWN, ALT1/2, Random, Trigger, Individual step on/off function
  • Programs: 128 programs (A/Bbanks x 8 genres x 8 category)
  • Inputs:
  • [AUDIO INPUT 1] jack (with MIC/LINE switch) – Rear Panel
  • Connector: 1/4” phone jack (unbalanced)
  • [AUDIO INPUT 1 (MIC)] jack – Front Panel
  • Connector: XLR jack (balanced)
  • Outputs:
  • [L/MONO, R] jacks
  • Connectors: 1/4² phone jacks (unbalanced)
  • [PHONES] jack
  • Connector: 1/4² phone stereo jack
  • MIDI: IN, OUT, THRU connectors
  • USB: Type B connector
  • Display: Custom LCD
  • Power Supply: DC 9 V (AC adapter), or six AA alkaline batteries (sold separately)
  • Battery Life: approx. four hours (with alkaline batteries)
  • Dimensions: 556(W)x231(D)x73(H)mm/21.89″(W)x9.09″(D)x2.87″(H)
  • Weight: 2 kg/4.41 lbs. (without batteries and included microphone)
  • Accessories: AC adapter, Gooseneck Microphone
  • microKORG XL Sound Editor

Operating requirements

  • Windows:
    • A computer that satisfies the operating requirements of Windows XP or Windows Vista, and has a USB port
    • Microsoft Windows XP (SP3 or later), Windows Vista (SP1 or later)
  • Macintosh:
    • An Apple Macintosh computer that satisfies the operating requirements of Mac OS X and has a USB port
    • Mac OS X version 10.4 or later
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12 thoughts on “Korg’s New Synth: The MicroKorg XL”

  2. Well, it’s finally got 8 voices to it so it’s more usable for strings and such, but I think it’s a step back from the cool retro of the microKorg.

    Looks like they abandoned the whole formant freeze vocoder function, which I thought was rather nifty.

  3. Mibrilane – more power is always good.

    I agree with you on the styling, though. The microKorg XL looks a bit like a vintage Fender Rhodes, which is cool, but not as unique as the craziness of the original.

    More important, though, is that there are so many more controllers on the original MicroKorg. Cutting back on the switches and buttons means fewer performance options.

  4. Does the phrase “Multi Timbral= maximum 2” mean: the processor inside is capable of producing no more than 2 “tones” at a time? So if you press 3 keys, you hear 2?
    That would be a serious disadvantage I think.. It looks very nice though.

  5. Henk – Multi Timbral means that you can press a key and it can play two different patches at the same time. Multi Timbral synths can also usually split the keyboard, so that you can play a synth bass on the left side and different patch on the right side.

  7. the microphone is ugly. that looks like the microphone from the korg r3. the rest of the design is okay, but i don’t like the flat edge at the bottom.

  8. can anyone tell me how to use the Formant Hold function. I find the manual only just mentions it but not how to use it… I am able to use Formant Shift but not hold
    Please Help
    Gazboy

  9. re formant hold leave that with me .. just got mine today .. not very intuitive without reading the manual …hate reading manuals as it is my job to translate them from Japanese to English usually …I may go from the original , rather than English … so bear with …
    Give me to this weekend as i am pretty busy , but I shall know it inside out by then …planning to rape the synth engine as it needs it .. not bothered about the look , although diallling dials during a performance is not the best method methinks.. to those that think it doesn't look right and are more concerned about it's retro style , well I am sure it will feel better up their arse … just wiggle about a bit…

    regards

    Fitvideo

  10. re formant hold leave that with me .. just got mine today .. not very intuitive without reading the manual …hate reading manuals as it is my job to translate them from Japanese to English usually …I may go from the original , rather than English … so bear with …
    Give me to this weekend as i am pretty busy , but I shall know it inside out by then …planning to rape the synth engine as it needs it .. not bothered about the look , although diallling dials during a performance is not the best method methinks.. to those that think it doesn't look right and are more concerned about it's retro style , well I am sure it will feel better up their arse … just wiggle about a bit…

    regards

    Fitvideo

  11. err I tried to reply it got deleted ….odd that … I am on the case about the formant side just got mine today …
    pretty busy but I shal try to reply asap …

    regards

    Fitvideo

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