Korg minilogue xd Synthesizer An Open Platform For Synthesis

Ahead of the 2019 NAMM Show, Korg has officially introduced the minilogue xd – an updated take on the minilogue that adds a digital multi-engine, a multi-effects processor, enhanced input and output, a souped-up sequencer, and microtuning support.

Analog + Digital Oscillators

The Korg minilogue xd retains the four-voice polyphony of its predecessor, but the synth engine has been enhanced.

The voice structure of minilogue xd is 2VCO + MULTI ENGINE, 1VCF, 2EG, 1VCA, and 1LFO. In addition to the distinctive circuits found in the series, such as wave shaping to shape the overtones of the oscillator and a sync/ring switch, there’s also cross modulation, a sharp two-pole filter, and a drive switch that adds thickness and drives signal into minilogue xd’s filter.

The additional sound design possibilities of digital synthesis are delivered by the multi-engine that’s provided as a third oscillator. This engine, which is equipped with three different types of sound generator (noise, VPM, and user slot) lets you take advantage of a sonic character that’s different than analog, and use it at the same time as the analog engine. The unit comes offers 16 user oscillator slots that you can customize.

Digital Effects Engine

The minilogue xd also offers a high-quality digital effect engine. It shared the open development API (Application Programming Interface) of the prologue. It allows users to extend the possibilities of the hardware via an SDK (Software Development Kit) and dedicated development tools.

The three types (modulation effects, reverb, and delay) can be used simultaneously, letting you choose from a wide range of options, including chorus, ensemble, warm tape delay, and a diverse variety of reverb.

The minilogue xd has 16 user effect slots that you can customize.

Korg minilogue xd Audio Demos:

“minilogue xd elegantly combines and expands upon the best features of our analogue line,” says Korg’s James Sajeva, Director of Music Technology Brands.

Pricing and Availability

The minilogue XD will be available late winter 2019 for $619.99. See the Korg site for more info.

33 thoughts on “Korg minilogue xd Synthesizer An Open Platform For Synthesis

  1. Does anybody know what does “souped-up sequencer” mean?
    Another thing is the on/off swtich for effects. How that’s supposed to work? It seems like a crappy design if a user navigates to a turned on effect and has the switch to on position – what happens then?

    1. “Souped-up” could mean anything at this point, but I suspect it’s Monologue-style visual representation of motion sequencing and possibly some additions to entering/changing notes. Also, there are individual buttons for every step, while the original had only eight, so you had to press a button to change the page (with no permanent indication of what page you’re on).

      “if a user navigates to a turned on effect and has the switch to on position – what happens then?”

      Nothing. If you navigate to an enabled effect, you already have the switch in the correct position. If the effect is off but your switch is on, you have to flick the switch twice to turn it on. That’s how all switches, aside from the octave selectors, work on the original Minilogue.
      It’s not a big deal once you get used to it. Same goes with the knobs. There are three modes: jump, scale and catch. If you know which mode you’re in – and you should know since it’s a user configurable global setting – you know what the knobs will do after you’ve changed to another patch.

      1. Is there really no possibility for that upgrading operation with a complementary Korg minilogue xd-box for users/owners of the ‘old’ Korg minilogue version (and to be connected with USB to my ‘old’ minilogue…)?

        DAW’s are upgrading- friendly with new versions and the possibility to get that upgrade options/possibility(after a supplement payment). Why should hardware synth compagnies with new versions of already build new synths act so differently? Or maybe it is possible in this way..

        I look forward for a real answer on my question.

        1. Surely this synth is a complete overhaul of the original hardware rather then a firmware update? It seems to me that this is a trickle down of the technology that was developed for the monologue and prologue. What you’re asking for a usb dongle that offers new functionality. I’m not sure where how you would access the new Oscillator and effects on the old hardware?

          1. Yes, I fear I must agree with your comment. A USB Dongle with a microchip will not re-arrange the inner circuitry and fixed patchwork architecture inside the original Korg Minilogue… The Korg Minilogue xd is a new uplift to the Korg Prologue 8 and 16…

  2. Sorry but that guy looks mental, bouncing about like he’s listening to hardcore techno yet it’s a quite calm laidback tune! lol!

  3. damn ! that 303 preset in korg 010- mr squelch is really amazing . holly shit . That acid bassline sounds really close to the 303

  4. Cool! An analog/digitial hybrid poly synth for reasonable money.

    I have to start going through my couch cushions and looking under the vending machines at work for loose change.

  5. what about the modulation capabilities?
    just one LFO?
    never understood the appeal of Prologue with its 1 LFO !

    save up for DSI Pro 2

    this is just another toy for the EDM crowd

    1. Put your money where your mouth at. Just post links to your eye opening revolutionary music. If you don`t just stop saying nonsense. “toy” instrument must be the most lame excuse invented by people who make boring music but need expensive gear to do so

  6. With a $200 price drop on the Prologue and all its previous issues $5 bucks says Korg is using these to get rid of the left-over parts and discontinue it. From my opinion it looks/sound like a 4 voice Prologue.

  7. Wish they would provide a programmable effects section.
    + Eurorack (an external module to be able to control from one of the units to get 8 voices.
    Some missed opportunities . XD

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