Korg has announced the M3 Music Workstation/Sampler, which represents the third generation of hardware Music Workstations from Korg. It inherits elements from the flagship OASYS, distilled into an affordable music production package with a new tone generator, a wealth of innovations and new sounds.

This new chip-based synthesis system, EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) shares much of the OASYS' HD-1 lineage including low-aliasing oscillators, a powerful new filter topology, detailed envelope generators, plus a Drive parameter and AMS Mixers. All second-generation KARMA functions from the OASYS are included.

256 MB of ROM incorporates the "best-of" OASYS ROM into a new soundset. 512 Programs and 384 Combinations are onboard, with space for 1,664 Programs and 1,792 Combinations. For increased power, the EXB-RADIAS expansion board adds a 24-voice, single timbre version of the MMT synthesizer used by the RADIAS and R3 synths.

The color "TouchView" display doubles as an X/Y pad for controlling synthesis and effects parameters, while changing colors in response to movements. The M3 features the same type of real-time control surface as first featured on OASYS — eight sliders and switches for tweaking internal sounds, mixing tracks, interacting with KARMA, controlling external hardware and more. Eight velocity-sensitive pads can be used to trigger notes, chords and controller messages for a variety of applications.

An all-new Drum Track feature provides user-programmable drum grooves to jam with in Program and Combi modes, integrating with KARMA, or song-writing. Over 500 patterns with a natural sound and feel are included.

A new high-resolution sequencer offers 480 PPQ for natural feel, plus Korg's One-Touch Record, Song Templates, RPPR, Cue List and Tone Adjust part editing. The Open Sampling System allows sampling and resampling in every mode. 64 Mb of sample memory are included standard, expandable to 320 Mb.

The bundled M3 Editor/Librarian software works stand-alone or as a plug-in within host software via USB MIDI. The editor runs as a VST, AU or RTAS plug-in on Windows XP and Mac OS X Universal Binary. Additionally, a new EXB-Firewire option enables the M3 to interface both audio and MIDI with a computer using a single cable.

The M3 is available in 61- and 73-key semi-weighted synth action versions, featuring a newly designed keybed. The 88-key version uses Korg's RH3 graded weighted action keybed. All three models feature after-touch sensitivity.

The M3 series offers a new design concept (Korg Komponent System), for configuration as an expandable instrument. The 73-key version can host both the M3 and the RADIAS·R modules; the 88-key version can hold dual M3 engines or the M3/RADIAS configuration.

The Korg M3 series instruments are expected to start shipping in June 2007 with pricing to be announced.