MicroKORG 2 vs the OG // Here’s a preview of what’s new
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- čas přidán 12. 05. 2024
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TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
0:50 New engine
1:55 Bi-timbrality
2:40 Keybed
2:50 Screen & UI
4:10 New assigns
4:40 No shift
5:10 Presets
5:45 Build & IO
6:25 New oscillators
7:05 New DWGS
7:40 New samples
8:25 New osc mod
9:30 New noise
9:50 Fixed osc
10:10 Filter morph
10:50 Modulation
11:10 New matrix
11:25 Arp
11:40 Vocal process
12:00 Vocoder
12:15 Hard tune
12:35 Harmonizer
13:05 Effects
14:10 Unison
14:50 Loop recorder
16:35 Pros & cons?
17:10 Outro
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NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links to stores like Amazon, Sweetwater, Thomann and others. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.
Roland: What's that?!
Korg: It's called a screen...
Roland: Hmmm interesting approach
Also Yamaha: a screen, we thought musicians didn't like screens so we didn't put one on our SeqTrak.
Also Roland: But, who needs a screen? Let's add a D-beam. How cool!?!
@@straighttalk2069 Also Yamaha: We thought they`re all blind. So we add some tactile lines, dots and words here and there.
If you need a screen, you're doing it wrong.
@@-The-Darkside Do you work for Roland or Yamaha because you sure don't work for Korg 🤣
"I'm sure Billie Eilish is worried" made my tea come out of my nose.
The interface seems inspired by OP1 and this is a great thing. Korg has come a long way with their UI!
Damn...this thing is a lot more flexible/capable than I expected...but then again, given how long in the tooth the OG MK was (20+ years), I would say they could have done a bit more. Maybe they were trying to balance improving it with still keeping it similar enough to the OG.
I think Korg is setting this MK update to compete with the MiniFreak.
@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene
Since Korg and Arturia have a partnership, that makes sense 😊
@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene the minifreak is insane, tho same with the micro. It really can do anything! I've always wanted one but cant justify it with the stuff I already have lol
4 voices was never enough for me so I love the 8 voices.
The only question remains, why not 16? It is digital after all. Even in 1983 the DX7 had 16 voices.
Yeah 8 voices is not much by 2024 standards… if a hardware is weaker than a free vst, there’s not much interest… would have been a banger 8 years ago… It’s sounding fine tho.
@Digiphex You dont love 8 voices!
Digiphex!!!! The man, the myth, the legend!!!!!
8 voices is great news!
Looks and sounds gorgeous! I would love to see such great screen and software interface on other models like the modwave.
The loop recorder is a cool addition.
The looper kinda makes me want one. I've really enjoyed playing my Microkorg XL into a looper, for jamming and musical meditation... but having separate devices meant I had to be at my desk, and the XL has a really bad interface. The new model resolves all that and adds some nice extras, and would be really fun for practicing on the couch and making quick no-effort sketches.
@@ToyKeeper I also play an XL(+) into a DL4 and this new model has my interest piqued with its looper.
I tend to make a loop I’m happy with and then I sort of just walk around and let it play for 20-30 minutes while I think of edits or other layers I can add.
I’d love to hear how someone with a comparable setup uses their gear similarly or differently. Cheers.
@@redredbluemustardOh, for a while I just had two Kaoss pads and a Microkorg... but I got tired of the limitations and upgraded to an Akai Force and Sequential Pro 3. Now instead of just making quick jams, I can produce finished songs. But I kind of miss the old setup sometimes, since it was basically meditation instead of production.
@@redredbluemustardMy production setup isn't really all that different though. The Force is like a looper on steroids. Similar process for jamming whatever comes to mind, but I record into a grid of clips which can then be mixed and matched and arranged into a song.
WOW! Thanks! I'll be ordering oine of these as soon as they're available.
In the loopop video you could briefly see the mod matrix. There are probably 18 modulation sources and 76 modulation destinations. This also includes the effect parameters , from the arpegiator and the vocoder. 2 modulation inputs per target.
Great demo as always and sounds/looks like a hit 👍🤘
They should have replaced the huge patch bank selection area with some better UI. Yes it remembers you to the previous model, but It takes away 1/3 of the front panel that could have been used for other stuff.
you get what you bargain for. patch selection and a little tweeking is the name.of the game.
The patch bank selector isn't my favourite feature of my OG - especially the silly names that lost their meaning as soon as I'd overwritten a bunch of the dross in the factory presets! No need to repeat that on this one.
Enjoyed this a lot- thanks Loopop. I am quite impressed with this unit. Sounds like a highly capable synth.
Nice little looper, and the stutter afterwards is another great feature. ❤
This might seem weird, but honestly the looper is what makes me want this synths, I prefer loopers over sequencers because they feel more natural, I hope it can be fully unquantized if we want it to be.
Wow, didn't think i'd see any walkthroughs of this until later this spring, this is awesome!
Would be cool to ask Loopop how many NDAs he has signed so far. At least, we would have a vague idea what is coming in the next months :D
Wow is the right word. If the price comes in at something near the old unit it will sell like crazy in my opinion.
rummor has it its 700. absurd@@patrickfitzgerald2861
Well, you could also see it as an unfair advantage over other synthfluencers or CCs.
@@fangan4770 Good point, I wonder how many other ‘MusicTubers’ get first crack at one of these as well?
That loop recorder and the vocals are so sick. I’m for sure getting this. As a broke teenager in the 2000’s going to guitar center and playing the og microkorg, now I can actually afford the mk2!
I’ve watched this almost every day since it was released… can’t wait for the full review!
Pricing is vital here. Around $500, they will fly off the shelves. If they go $699...good luck.
original was like 299 or 349
@@delasse3178 Really its going for $429 in Sweetwater now. I'm thinking this will be in the $500-699 range. Any more than that and it won't sell imo. There are way too many good synths out there for that price range. Minifreak, Hydrsynth Explorer, etc.
absolutely true, but 349 USD is he top end of what I'd consider for this, there are too many competing in the same price segment, the MikroKorg2 is not $150 better IMO.
@@neuroscope9052 are there tho? for that price? all i can think of is hydrasynth explorer and minifreak.
it's 599 EUR . 548 USD (Europe get's fcked by Korg once again)
Looks fantastic and great video as always thanks
Man, this looks amazing!
I love my Microkorg, but the interface was always a bit of a pain.
This looks like it solves any issues I had with the previous, while adding even more exciting features.
I definitely don't need one, but I might just have to get one anyway xD
bi timbral + looper is something ive wanted on a compact synth for a while
Will,looper allow me to record more than one sound into it? Lets say I want looper to record a 10 second tune with 6 presets?
This was much needed, the original MicroKORG was showing its age a long time ago. I like that they stayed true to the original synth while updating and improving it.
You were gonna get my like no matter what, but your harmonized "I can't sing" did it for me on this one 😂You are a legend sir. The music and gear community salutes you!
Damn, I love this new workflow and sound. Really excited to see more of the vocal processing, that sounds surprisingly promising!
This is microKORG!
I really like the new interface and expanded synthesis options. The thing is that if this is going to cost $100 more than a MiniFreak, or even the same, it won’t be a winner. Korg has surprised us with lower than expected prices before. This time, however, the bar is higher and an updated MicroKorg might not be enough to take the place of a synth for these times like the MiniFreak. Ears will be open.
You look at how much a distinct vocal processor costs and add MiniFreak to the price
Almost bought a Minifreak a couple of months ago, retailer couldn't get a hold of one so ended up buying a Prologue 8 at 40% off. Looking at the Minifreak forums seeing all the issues with the latest update bricking those synths and the lack of interest displayed by Arturia I am glad I didn't go there.
@@robmanueb. Classic Arturia!! Although Korg isn’t much better with support and drivers…
@@SynthOSphereTrue, by all accounts the Prologue was pretty buggy when it first came out. Glad to not be an early adopter in any case.
@@robmanueb. Didn’t know about it. For some products at least, Arturia seemed to be pretty responsive (I’m thinking of the updates history with the Beatstep Pro).
Unlocking trophies speaks volumes as to the level of respect Korg has for their intended audience... 😂
Exactly.
I said elsewhere but regardless of price they'll be on the second hand market for 300 in twelve months.
meh you know it will be good for beginners to learn the functions or try out things they don't normally try
Imagine your intended audience might be people wanting to learn synthesis and feel mastery of their instrument, oh my
Don't forget to register your synth to unlock the exclusive Microkorg Fortnight skin!
Excellent! Thank you, sir!
Whilst I know this won’t replace my korg xd or hydrasynth explorer I love that it has a a looper and kept the style of the original design
Wow! Great run through. I've got a MicroKorg-S and this looks like a superb upgrade. Of course, it would be better with a built-in speaker and sequencer! But the workflow looks much better with that LCD screen. Thanks for all the details. What a week for Korg!
I hate how much I love the Achievements. I think its a great way to get people to dive deeper into the unit, who would normally shy away from that and never get to understand the instrument on a deeper level.
yeah I'm kind of bummed I didn't unlock them all in time for this video! (It's sneaky in that they don't say what the unlocked ones are...)
@@loopop Secret achievements :O
Great overview mate. It sounds good!
I like that many of these sort of synths tend to come with more and better effects lately. I don't like that most of them still only provide two envelopes, two LFOs and limited mod slots. I've never met a third LFO I didn't use in nearly every patch.
Say wjat you want but ultranova was it for tools. It had plenty of I/O to blenting analog texturs but 3 to 6 of all that was really nasty...they really need tonmake an UltraNova2 with two bass stations layered in..picture an Ultranova with a bass station for the left and right outs and the ultra nova layers center/all...dreams right
Yes. I will be getting this
that looper feature is very interesting, hope to see more innovative firmware updates regarding this feature in the future
Oh my. I had both the micro and xl. GAS!
Thank you for the review! I love microKORG and always use it for gigs. I'm looking forward to the new version! The battery life will vary. . .
This is awesome. Would be nice if there was a software back end like in Microfreak and a step sequencer. Looking forward to the review. Thanks.
Such a fun synth!
Great upgrade! Even in prototype form it’s a very compelling package.
Man, that screen UI is beautiful. I love the little visual metaphors, not just helpful for noobs but also a great at-a-glance confirmation for more experienced users. They clearly spent a long time thinking about how to make it clear and useful as well as visually appealing. Other synth manufacturers please take notes!
Beautiful display
Love the screen graphics and how it correlates to the knobs/buttons. This might be an interesting synth when the non bata comes out. Especially if Korg comes through with some good firmware updates down the road.
That new screen looks sic! Love it. The OG MG is so much fun to use.
Been waiting on this video!!!
for some reason I like the vintagy feel of the OG and turning the two big knobs in the center is part of the experience that makes a 90s boy feel like driving a spacecraft. The new one looks great and more easy to program, but I'm afraid it lacks some bit of identity.. This is my personal take, maybe because I'm in love with the OG one and got used to it for many years..
I like that selection method too - one of the things that made it fun to program.
Woot! Glad to see it early. I do hope they add a few more reverb types, it seemed a little sparse.
This is the first time I’ve been truly exciting about a new synth since the ASM Hydrasynth!
If they have some samples already in there and the loop/stutter recorder function, it would be nice if they expand a bit on that.
Even having a super simple lo-fi chromatically playable sampler, based on 1 stretched sample (as those old casio “toys”) would make a difference added to what they already have in there. Otherwise just glitchy short loops is cool, but will fall short… (unless they are releasing another microsampler too)
I'm just glad it finally has 8 voices now.
The MicroKorg XL had eight voices.
@@straighttalk2069I have the XL model, and the extra voices are nice... but the interface is terrible.
Mk 2s and more voices are always going to sound colder/static/thin
Thank you. You may have just sold me on this.
Honestly this just looks like a lot of fun! 😋
I’m def getting this
This is a knockout, well done Korg!
Wooow! Right on. This looks like a good add to my current set-up! Could you so a video ot this connected with the Push 3 and perhaps some other device you consider would that could work for a mobile but complete set-up? Cheers
This is such perfect timing! I've been looking at the OG Microkorg for a year or so, since they're so versatile and relatively inexpensive, but this seems like a really nice set of upgrades. Also, considering how often people modded their OG Microkorg into a desktop unit (no keyboard), it would be amazing if Korg also released a desktop version of the Mk 2...
Dude at that price, this is gonna be a big hit 8 voices and built in effects with a fun TE style screen this is gonna be the one to beat. If you have it a few more days please do a preset run through!!
At what price? There was ZERO mention of price. But I agree that the video was cool and I am probably a customer.
@@raytbrown2not official yet but synthtopia mentions $700 expected
Wow this looks really fun
The harmonizer options look AMAZING... The scale options/interval stuff is expensive in standalone pedals!
I hate to say it, but I'll probably buy this just because of the *Trophy Feature*
Personally this may be the motivation I need to finally start learning about programming filters, oscillators and such, since most music stores don't offer lessons for Synthesizers. I've had a hard time teaching myself, the *Trophy feature* could be a very welcomed addition to any synth🙂
Wow I'm honestly shocked someone holds this opinion; I don't even really like it in gaming. The cool patches you build are reward enough IMO.
The cool-but-challenging thing about programming synths is that there's no one set way to proceed through editing. Generally though, try starting an initialized patch by setting the oscillator section to something you like as your base tone, then use the 4 stages of the amp's Envelope Generator to shape the general way the sound reacts to playing (like a pluck, slow building bowed noise, slight-attack-delay for a brass instrument, etc.). From here you can set the filter cutoff/resonance, how the EG shapes it with key presses, how the LFO(s) change aspects of the sound over time, and any FX you have. Hopefully you stick through learning because it carries over between instruments and really opens up the possibilities of these machines!
You just proved my point (90% of what you said just went right over my head) people buying these beginner synths will most likely be satisfied with the presets, I love tweaking knobs and coming up with amazing sound designs but as an Idiot Savant I couldn't tell you to save my life what I just did to achieve that sound so my rewards for tweaking are fleeting, but having a trophy reward system may actually find a practical use in my tweaking endeavors and my personal reward would be fulfilled because i could actually tell you what I accomplished in design. Not to mention this may be a great tool for piano teachers who have students that want to learn synth, I wish this was available when I was a young music student. So I disagree this is again a much welcomed feature. btw as a proficient gamer I hate this feature on games too! lol @@vjspectron
Gotta get the Platinum trophy. :D
But maybe if you struggle in learning something, cause you don't have the motivation and need trophies to even start doing it, maybe it means you just don't want to do it? There is nothing wrong with it though - just use the presets and have fun, it is a hobby after all, you don't have to force yourself into it. Btw you don't need actual lessons for it - all you have to do is to read the manual of your synth and you are good to go.
Same here! Love the idea of trophies on a synth
Dig it, but where's the MS-2000 refresh 😢
Fantastic overview!
Before this video, I was itching to get my hands on one of these and replace my Microkorg S, now I'm absolutely unable to endure the wait! 😃
What really killed me about my Microkorg S was; the lack of Reverb FX and the layout of the menu - Having to trace every parameter horizontally and vertically kind of ruined the moment for me + the digital screen with its decipherable parameter naming.
I could get around the other limitations, like not having a 3rd Oscillator or more Noise options etc, by just pretending I lived in the 80's and my Microkorg S was state of the art 🤣
I think the Microkorg 2 will allow me to be a little more creative and lot faster when being creative.
I'd be obsessed with this in an MS2000R format i.e. more knobs!
I hope the next one out is a MS3000R ;-)
Great sound⚡⚡
I wish so hard the mk 2 had speakers just like the OG mk s 😢
So perfect for in the living room
The added trophy system really solidifies this as a great beginner synth, as it always was and should be!!
And it hints that this is running on a raspberry Pi and will soon be available as VST/AU Plugin…
It also helps protect from incoming grenades and missiles from the crowd which is desperately needed at my performances
Looking forward to this . I haven’t been too impressed with Korgs (and most gear companies) products past 10 or so years . Everything seemed to be curiously limited in features or requiring a computer interface. 🤔
Great review ! 😳Why didn't they include compatibility with LogueSDK/Multiengine support in there ? A 49 key version would also have been cool.
I am DEFINITELY buying this when it comes out. I can't wait for it to be posted for pre-order or just to add to the wishlist, whatever they end up doing with that. I'm a huge fan of the original, but do not have the "S" version.
Dear Korg, please add distortion before and after the filter, with more programming options than a simple on off switch.
Please also make an affordable knobby "Ms2000" type version
There's drive control in the filter and a few distortion effects in the MOD slot (I show both in the video, briefly of course...)
@@loopop Ah ok i thought i heard some distortion when you were flipping through the mod effects section,but i wasnt sure. Sad we would have to loose other mod effects to use it,but perhaps the filter drive options will be enough to work with for those times we want to put a phaser etc over an overdriven lead, ala oldschool 70s Fusion/Prog style leads
Is there no "big" reverb? ROOM isnt going to cut it @@loopop
I love the look of the new MicroKORG, but also makes me appreciate just how amazing the OG is.
Beautiful.
Thanks for sharing! Great review! … is this the OG synth engine or Radias engine like the XL ? … The microkorg 1 + the VST was a game changer for programming , I like the big screen approach .. looking forward for the next review! Thanks 🙏🏼
Thanks! I think it's a new engine under the hood but with a lot of similarities to the OG
Really got to say…Korg is killing it right now. Looks like a really capable and fun to use synthesizer with the interface and the new voice modes. Also a great synth for beginners with the interface, achievements and oscilloscopes. Maybe this will replace the Korg Minilogue as standard answer for the question „Best Synthesizer for beginners?“ ;)
Great review as always Loopop, thank you! Are the effects in stereo?
My pleasure! Yes, the effects are in stereo
Its beautiful. Wish there was a synth as good as as arturia pigments.
Whoa awesome
The screen Interface shares a design language with the NTS-2 Interface
I loved my MicroKORG. Was such a great little "my first synth". It's nice to see the improvements, but price is a concern. I wouldn't be suprised if Behringer announced a clone in two weeks - and then took 2 years to deliver it! Either way, I'll be keeping an eye out for this one when it eventually surfaces..
Price is fairly higher, but you have a lot more and it’s an amazing total package for those who want to keep it simple and small. Would be an amazing first synth for a kid or teenager. Considering how Korg messed up the new KingKorg Neo, I’m happy they didn’t do it for this gem. It would’ve been sad, as the MK is a legendary synth in its own class.
Where did you see or hear pricing - in this video or otherwise? Thank you! As I might wat to be a customer; but didn't see or hear a price. TY!
I have the plugin version of microKORG, so I've been hesitant of adding a hardware model. This new one sounds interesting, but it still seem like the software version and a keylab is a better combo.
Really interesting. i wonder how this compares with the hydranth explorer, because it seems like i can see some overlap in some of the approaches.
I'll discuss in the full review
@@loopop awesome, looking forward to it
Add the ms-20/polysix filters at least and wavetables. I really expected more after korgs new digital synths, and expected better competition to the Hydrasynth Explorer
You said that as of the current firmware you can't do keyboard splits with the bi-timbrality, only layering...is it possible to control the two timbres separately with MIDI? As in two different MIDI channels, or one timbre via the keyboard and the other via MIDI? Thank you for all of your fantastic videos Mr Loopop!
My pleasure! There's a setting to control the timbres via different MIDI channels, but I didn't see a setting to turn "local off" for just one timbre.
@loopop Thanks Mr Loopop.
Actually seems like a pretty great upgrade all around.
They needed to do this - the OG MicroKORG was getting displaced by the MiniFreak. This is one of Korg's better product decisions of late. It's nice that it's not just an update - that means having the OG is not a disincentive to buy this one.
My question... Do the keys have that rubbery OG feel? 😀
For me it boils down to the sonic characteristics of the synth engine. The original microKORG had a lo-fi sound that grew on me (except the aliasing which was pretty bad). The XL went in a much more sterile digital direction. I'll be curious to hear how this one stacks up.
The preset section is ridiculously huge. Literally like 1/3 of the faceplate! 😂
Seems a bit like it covers the same ground as the Hydrasynth, but maybe not as deep as far as features. And no poly aftertouch, which seems like a missed opportunity. Still if this is sub $500 it could do well :) The colorful screen certainly helps!
Its not sub 500…
Sub 5 in this economy lmao. It'll probably be 700 easy.
@@vjfxtheory Ok I guess I'll stick to my Hydrasynth then :)
Reminds me of the patch editing visuals in my mpc one, nice to see the graphic feedback. Any idea on price?
Cant wait to platinum the Microkorg.
Me neither, PSNProfiles are gonna have to confirm the secret trophies. :D
Even synths have achievements now. Astounding.
Dope as hell!
I got my first microkorg about amonth ago and had to buy a loop pedal for it lol..wish i would have known about this
I´m interested, bummed it has no sequencer, don´t care about the looper (never cared about the vocoder/vocal even on the old one), ultimately depends what it sounds like and exactly why I stayed away from the XL.
The original excels at gritty/dirty/nasty and its the only VA I still use for that very reason, has its own sound. Would be interested in a comparison for like for like patches to see how close it can get.
The single thing I wish was carried over from the King Korg is the different filter types and seems bizarre that the Neo is an old engine for 1000 and this is a new engine for 600? Both seem too expensive for 2024 considering the competition.
If this gets the different filters then id stretch to 600, if not then ill probably get one (depending on how it sounds) eventually if they drop to around 450.
well I obviously need this, I use my OG MicroKorg all the time
All the sounds you played sounded great, are most of the presets usable? That's one of my favorite things about the original.
The prototype didn't come loaded with presets. The first intro and outro patch is a preset I made from scratch, and the others I chose from the 6 patches the prototype came with.
@loopop Roger that, thank you
I need this now! I have regretted selling my og microkorg for 15 years 😢
Some hard choices ahead on which Korg to pick up this year.
hopefully that makes it into software format for the next Korg Collection
I like the fact that the Lfo‘s in the Microkorg 2 has a one shot mode, using it as a mini Envelope. How long are the delay Time? On Modwave’s Lfos has up to 22 seconds.
The filter shaping is a nice idea, too bad that it doesn't sound great.
Thanks for the review! Questions: Can it be powered over USB-C? What connectors line output has, balanced or unbalanced?
No (at least not this prototype)