Korg Gadget 2 Features 6 New Gadgets

Korg has announced Gadget 2, the first major update to its virtual studio for iOS, Mac & Windows.

KORG Gadget offers more than 30 gadgets, virtual synthesizers and drum machines that you can use in a virtual studio to create full tracks. Key features of the update include 6 new gadgets, improved cross-platform compatibility and an updated user interface.

Here’s what’s new in Korg Gadget 2:

  • Addition of six new gadgets
    • Memphis (Semi-Modular Analogue Synthesizer)
    • Pompei (6Voices Analogue Synthesizer)
    • Taipei (MIDI-Out Control Module)
    • Durban (Bass Effect Processor)
    • Two more new gadgets coming soon
  • Long-awaited Windows compatible Gadget Plugins
    • All gadgets will be available as Mac/PC plugins.
    • All ready-to-go presets and sounds will be included.

Pricing and Availability

Korg expects Gadget 2 to be available in February:

  • KORG Gadget 2 for iOS – The IOS version is a free version upgrade. The added gadgets will be available as in-app purchases.
  • KORG Gadget 2 for Mac  – The Mac version is s a paid version upgrade. The new gadgets and Gadget Plugins will be included.
  • KORG Gadget 2 Plugins for Mac/PC – The standalone version is not included. Only the Mac/PC plugins are included in this package.

31 thoughts on “Korg Gadget 2 Features 6 New Gadgets”

  1. It’s a pretty cool achievement of Korg that they finally managed to create actual Analogue synthesizers in software. Means I can finally start selling my vintage Analogue synthesizers and start working in the box… xD

    1. I guess component-level circuit simulation can get us a lot closer to “analog in software.” If you can accurately simulate the physics of analog electrical components, you may be able to get a decent audio signal out of them. It’s comparable to physical modeling synthesis, but applied to electrical signals rather than sound waves.

      I don’t think Gadget does that, but it’s still a fantastic piece of software.

  6. Nice of Korg to let iOS users have the upgrade free. Seems out of character. It was beyond high time that a Midi out gadget popped up. Curious about the Nintendo Switch version. The two new gadgets might be “Otorii” Sega-inspired drum gadget and “Ebina” Darius arcade cabinet gadget, which have been announced for NS KG (https://www.korg.com/us/news/2018/1109/).
    It would be rather nice if the Montpellier gadget got all the iMonoPoly features *and* the user presets. And perhaps the same behaviour throughout all gadgets as AU instruments.

    1. The Windows version will only contain the plugins. The standalone is iOS/macOS only:
      “KORG Gadget 2 Lineup
      – KORG Gadget 2 for iOS *1
      – KORG Gadget 2 for Mac *2
      – KORG Gadget 2 Plugins for Mac/PC *3”
      “*1 The IOS version is available as a free version upgrade. The added gadgets will be available as in-app purchases.
      *2 The Mac version is available as a paid version upgrade. The new gadgets and Gadget Plugins will be included.
      *3 The standalone version is not included. Only the Mac/PC plugins are included in this package.”

      https://www.korg.com/caen/news/2019/0118/

      1. Thanks- I wonder how they will price the PC/Plug in only version (I have it on iOS, be nice to use the sounds in my PC based DAW as well)?

  11. Memphis and Pompei? Could they be the MS-20 and Polysix respectively? Also, I think the two more Gadgets could be Otorii and Ebina.

  13. No mention of a sequencer update? No updates to existing gadgets?

    The sequencer has always been the weakest point of Gadget – there’s just too much copying and pasting when you should be able to simply record a clip and reuse it like in other scene-based sequencers.

    And while the gadgets have always been fun and inspiring, the inability to map velocity to anything other than amp has become a major shortcoming when compared with more modern iOS synths that properly interface with external controllers.

    I haven’t spent any money on Gadget ever since Beatmaker 3 came out, and if Korg isn’t addressing either of the above, I don’t see that changing.

    1. I agree about the sequencer. I’ve used Gadget since it came out, and it’s become my go to app for composing on a mobile platform. The lack of a traditional sequencer is what makes me hesitate starting a new project. A dedicated sequencer for all synths on the same page as the arpeggio feature would be awesome, but I’d settle for a dedicated sequencer Gadget. The iodessey has an amazing sequencer that they could port to Gadget, problem fixed.

  14. it was interesting that in the screen shot there was a rex player. it even looks somewhat similar to reasons dr rex and nurse rex players! it’s cool to see these types of loop devices in daws. i always felt like the rex format was a great compromise between the sterile idea of just using a loop and using a grain table style synth/sampler.

    you get the sampler shaping workflow but with a synchronized looping playback appeal, and besides that you can easily rearrange the pieces of the loop giving you easier control over creatively using it.

    1. @ragnhild: I imagine those would sound pretty dark. From musical history, it would need to include Harrisburg and Sellafield. Other atrocity/disaster-sites might include Sichuan, Gisozi (or anywhere in Rwanda), Kalianda beach and many more. I’m not sure the music I would make with those gadgets would not eat my soul at some point…
      As for Korg Gadget: I am hoping for recording automation in the sequencer window (mixer and order of scenes) and also launchpad-like clip launching. I’d also like my idea of the pick-up bar to be implemented (negative quarter-bar for transitions), but that’s probably idle hope.

  21. It just feels a money making scam – you get the gadgets built into the desktop app but if you want to work mobile you have to buy again. If you love the environment great but its hardly feels like mature app eg cubase logic reason to justify the upgrade price. IMO

  22. Does anyone know if there’s a separate license for iPhone vs iPad? I bought gadget for my iPhone 6s but would love to use it on an iPad instead. .

  23. i am bummed out the upgrade for mac os is $99! that seems like too much but i’m going to buy it because i already did the free update on my phone and Gadget 1 doesn’t read Gadget 2 files. well played, korg…

    1. Korg were never afraid to bum out their customers. The model for Mac is different, like a season pass. I would expect that that 99 will get you at least 10 new gadgets. Nu then: sometime in the coming years macros and ios will become one. And then?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *