Korg took over NAMM 2024 with its latest releases. Without them, the event would have been practically devoid of synthesizer news. Fortunately, a storm of new equipment arrived. The Japanese company presented nine new products in the past two weeks, excluding new mixers and others. Madness!
A New Era for Digital Synthesizers
At NAMM 2024, it was evident that analog, which was the main focus a few years ago, gave way to digital synthesizers. It’s no wonder that digital technology has made significant strides forward in recent years. There is more digital power, but not many innovations. It’s more like recycling old concepts. Examples of this are the new KingKorg Neo and microKORG 2.
KingKorg Neo – Déjà-vu
It’s essentially the same synthesizer from 2013, with a few added new waveforms and PCM samples, new effects, changed appearance, and interface. Additionally, it features a microphone with a flexible holder and a lowered keyboard. We have a smaller number of keys on a low-quality keyboard known from wavestate, opsix, and modwave. I’m not sure if I see any significant technical advancements here. The same goes for the sound. It sounds like a great VA synthesizer, but it doesn’t impress me much. And at €1099, it’s not a cheap piece of equipment. The golden KingKORG is available used for €500-600 and might be a better option.
In addition to the KingKorg Neo, a successor to the best-selling microKorg, simply called microKORG 2, was also announced.
New Incarnations of microKORG
Korg also went for new solutions here. This is more noticeable with the microKORG 2 than with the KingKorg Neo. It features an additional oscillator, more oscillator options, improved filter, new effects, built-in loop, and much more. The interface has been completely modernized and visualized thanks to collaboration with graphic designer and developer Blinksonic from France. Regarding sound, there weren’t many demonstrations on this topic at NAMM 2024.
Both synthesizers show that virtual analog is coming back to life. I just wonder if people still want it since we already have many VA synthesizers in our homes and studios. We also can’t forget that the second-hand market is flooded with great and affordable VA synthesizers. Personally, I find it hard to believe that these two synthesizers will achieve great success. However, I could be wrong, but with so many available VA synthesizers, it might be challenging. Unless Korg does something completely different, which I don’t think they will.
Desktop Synthesizers
The community has been waiting for them for a long time, and now they’re here. Korg released modwave, opsix, and wavestate in adorable desktop formats. I’m glad that the community’s wishes have finally been granted. Maybe a bit late, but better late than never.
Technically, the desktop versions are on the same level as the new Mk2. However, Korg missed a big opportunity with the desktops. They didn’t introduce USB host functionality, which would be particularly useful for such a synthesizer. Connecting via USB is much more convenient and faster than using classic MIDI DIN. Plus, you can use controllers that only work with USB. They have a modern digital interior but unfortunately, the connectivity is stuck in 2010. What a shame.
New Members of the Nu:Tekt Family
I am most excited about the new members of the Nu:Tekt family – NTS-1 Mk2 and NTS-3. Both have new CPUs and the second generation Logue SDK engine. Both have already made their debut in the drum machine drumlogue.
NTS-1 Mk2 has become a full-range synthesizer with expanded capabilities, a touch keyboard, and a built-in sequencer. NTS-3 is a stereo multi-FX processor with four slots and X/Y touch strips.
However, I was slightly disappointed that Korg didn’t take the next big step with Logue SDK. Either by releasing a standalone synthesizer based on this concept, a polyphonic synthesizer with customizable oscillators, filters, and effects. Or by releasing a new generation of Prologue with more hybrid power. Yes, I miss the Prologue here.
I would also love to see a guitar pedal based on Logue SDK, with sturdy 6.3mm inputs/outputs and a USB-B port, not just a small 3.5mm I/O. NTS-1 is used by many people as an effects processor, not just by synthesizer players. It would be a significant next step and an opportunity for further engine development. Unfortunately, for now, it’s a missed chance. I hope that will change in the future.
The Return of a Legend
The news of the epic and super rare PS-3300’s return in FS version caused a real stir among analog synthesizer fans. Until we saw this device at NAMM 2024, it was clear to everyone: it’s real, it works, and Korg is investing in this flagship series.
Similar to the original, it has many features, as well as additional possibilities that bring this synthesizer into the digital era. Priced at around $13,000, it puts it within reach of only a small group of musicians. As a synthesizer enthusiast, I’m glad to see this legend return.
One can only hope that Korg will do the same as they did with the ARP 2600 and release an “M” version. Smaller and more affordable. I also look forward to the release of another Prologue.
FAQ section based on the main themes and information presented in the article:
1. What are the new Korg products at NAMM 2024?
Korg introduced nine new products, including KingKorg Neo, microKORG 2, modwave, opsix, wavestate in desktop format, and NTS-1 Mk2 and NTS-3 from the Nu:Tekt family.
2. What are the key features of KingKorg Neo?
KingKorg Neo is similar to the previous 2013 version but has added waveforms and PCM samples, new effects, changed appearance, and interface, as well as a microphone with a flexible holder and a lowered keyboard. It is priced at around €1099.
3. What are the key features of microKORG 2?
microKORG 2 is the successor to the best-selling microKorg. It has an additional oscillator, more oscillator options, improved filter, new effects, and a built-in loop. The interface has been completely modernized through collaboration with French graphic designer and developer Blinksonic.
4. What are the key features of modwave, opsix, and wavestate in desktop format?
modwave, opsix, and wavestate in desktop format have the same technical features as microKorg 2. However, they do not have USB host functionality.
5. What are NTS-1 Mk2 and NTS-3?
NTS-1 Mk2 is a full-range synthesizer with expanded capabilities, a touch keyboard, and a built-in sequencer. NTS-3 is a stereo multi-FX processor with four slots and X/Y touch strips.
6. Did Korg release the next generation of Prologue?
No, Korg has not yet released the next generation of Prologue.
7. What are Korg’s plans for PS-3300?
Korg introduced the return of the legendary and rare PS-3300 in the FS version, but it is only available to a small group of musicians due to its price of around $13,000. There is hope for the release of a smaller and more affordable version, similar to what was done with the ARP 2600.
Definitions of key terms or jargon used in the article:
1. NAMM – National Association of Music Merchants – a trade organization dealing with musical products that organizes annual music trade shows.
2. VA – stands for virtual analog – a type of synthesizer that emulates analog sound using digital technology.
The source of the article is from the blog lisboatv.pt