Korg has been unveiling a colorful range of new synthesizers in recent days, all of which share one thing in common: they are fully digital. However, now Korg has great news for fans of analog sounds – according to a leak from Korg UK, the company is bringing back the super rare analog synthesizer, the PS-3300, in full scale. The prototype will be showcased at the NAMM 2024 exhibition this week.
The original Korg PS-3300 was a very expensive instrument that was only used by a handful of musicians, including Vangelis, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Now, this epic synthesizer is making a comeback.
According to Korg, the PS-3300 FS is a full-size reissue of the original Korg PS-3300 from 1977. It is a polyphonic analog synthesizer designed by the legendary Korg engineer, Fumio Mieda. It was also developed in collaboration with Hiroaki Nishijima, the creator of the iconic MS-20.
One of the reasons why the original PS-3300 still generates so much fascination is its unique circuits, hardware robustness, and rarity. It is considered one of the rarest synthesizers ever produced.
The PS-3300 FS version will be an authentic replica of the original model. This means it will have the original distinctive design with three independent synthesis layers.
Each layer will feature three oscillators, multiple filters, envelopes, and amplifiers for each note. In addition, the synthesizer will be equipped with a mixer section and tools called PSU-3302.
One novelty compared to the original is the number of voices. Unlike the original model (48 keys/48 voices), the new PS-3300 FS will have 49 keys and 49 voices, allowing for a total of 147 synthesizer voices of raw analog perfection. It will also feature a unique x12 microtuning knob in each PSU-3301 unit.
Part of the reconstruction is also the semi-modular concept of the synthesizer. This allows for patching and creating complex signal paths and sounds.
The new model also includes the three-band resonators found in the original, which allow for emphasizing three frequency bands. According to Korg, the original synthesizer used cadmium sulfide circuits, while the new version is based on modern components that meet safety standards and regulations.
One of the most interesting features of the PS-3300 FS is the new panel memory function, which includes 16 programs per bank and a total of 16 banks, making a total of 256 slots. Korg also provides a dedicated librarian application for easy preset management.
The PS-3300 FS will come with a keyboard (PS-3010) equipped with a joystick and patch points. The connections will include professional I/O, USB port, and MIDI connectors.
If the new digital synthesizers haven’t sparked your imagination yet or your enthusiasm hasn’t diminished, we will definitely do it now. A short audio clip is already available on the Korg UK website and it sounds incredible.
Thinking about how much this synthesizer will likely cost, it makes my head spin. It definitely exceeds my budget.
Availability and pricing for the Korg PS-3300 FS will be announced. The prototype will be available for viewing at the NAMM 2024 exhibition. For more information, visit the Korg/Korg UK website.
Source: Hardware Synthesizer News
FAQ Section based on Main Topics and Information Presented in the Article:
The source of the article is from the blog macnifico.pt