Korg multi/poly

[danatkorg]

The Kaoss Physics controller on the Modwave is fantastic, and I love how it adds a new dimension to performance. However, I do have one issue that stands out: the visual feedback can be tricky for me, especially when using both the Kaoss pad and the Mod Knobs simultaneously.

Here's what happens: when I'm recording a performance, I’ll often use the Kaoss pad for modulation while tweaking the Mod Knobs. But as soon as I adjust a knob, the display shifts to show the knob movement instead of the Kaoss Physics interface. To get the Kaoss display back, I have to press the Kaoss button, which interrupts my flow since I have to take my fingers off the knobs.

The main PERFORM page, with the big Performance name at the top of the display, shows the Kaoss Physics graphics on the right, and the Mod Knob names and values on the left. This lets you work with the Mod Knobs and see the Kaoss Physics graphic at the same time. Both the modwave and the multi/poly work this way.

The editing knobs, such as Filter Cutoff, switch the display to show their relevant page of parameters. The KAOSS button brings up the Kaoss Physics editing pages, with all of the detailed parameters for tile, time, curvature etc. The Mod Knobs *will* jump away from there, to go their own editing page.

It sounds like at least a partial solution would be to stay on the main PERFORM page when possible. Let me know if that helps!

[serge]

Oh yes! That is very helpful, thank you Dan. While like you said, editing knobs do switch the display, but I can use the 4 Mod knobs for key functions that I need.

[looneytunes]

Question: @danatkorg

Will Korg add MultiPoly support (or if possible, can I submit this as a feature request?) for Bank Select (either MSB or LSB) of Set Lists?

Right now (if I'm not mistaken) we are only able to do a Program Change (PC) select of whatever is designated as the current set list from Midi. It seems a shame that with such a vast database of programs/performances, you can only select one performance from some given set-list of 64 possibilities. From a composer/sequencer pov, we don't even know which performance we will get from a given Program Change selection, if a Set List is arbitrarily changed.

Thanks,
Kevin L

[Hanz Meyzer]

I really like all the synthesizer software part of this device. But if I could decide about a hardware and software design, I would have added these:

- One more octave
- Modulation pedal connector
- Being fully usable as a MIDI 2.0 remote controller at the same time, so this device actually also would be bought as a controller. Wasn't such a software already developed for the keystage?

Not everybody is interested anymore in hardware which can only do one thing, e.g. it's own sounds and nothing more. Most people these days do not have a big music studio with 4 floor stands around them. I am also questioning the purpose of such a studio, if you can have the same inside the box, but much more easy to maintain...

Also then regarding the bigger variant of the OPSix etc, IMHO it is not enough to just add now a different/bigger keyboard, but leave everything else untouched. Why again these models are not also proper midi 2.0 master keyboards at the same time? Where is the polyphonic aftertouch? Where are the custom midi cc mapping settings, the keysplit settings etc.? The midi 2.0 property exchange and parameter display?

Also please rethink the sizing of the premium synth devices. Why these are huge like SUVs? It mostly air inside and disturbingly taking up space in unneccessary ways. I think a hardware these days should only be as large as the controls require, without adding spoilers. Keystage has a nice format.

Korg actually could add a master controller mode to all of its recent products via a software update. Might look like a lot of work first, but in the end, it would increase the value of your devices.

[db3]

I think there's a strong argument for Korg to equip their digital synths with better keybeds —at least with aftertouch— at a better price point. A keenly priced quality 37 note keybed might persuade more people to pick one up as a small controller rather than wait for the native plugin. Suprised the Minilogue got keybed colour variations, but never full sized keys.

[Digivolt]

Being fully usable as a MIDI 2.0 remote controller at the same time, so this device actually also would be bought as a controller. Wasn't such a software already developed for the keystage?

Would be nice, but you could make the argument for every synth created in last few years ? How many are actually full Midi compliant as controllers beyond the keybed ?

[Hanz Meyzer]

Yes, but only korg is running a raspberry pi with Linux inside their synths, and also seems to have developed a standardized software/os. All the other vendors overslept such an evolutionary and required step . Mostly a software update would be enough already to add master keyboard features. And then korg already implemented midi 2.0, and nobody else. So my suggestion above looks at least to me like the logical next step.

[Digivolt]

Yes, but only korg is running a raspberry pi with Linux inside their synths, and also seems to have developed a standardized software/os. All the other vendors overslept such an evolutionary and required step . Mostly a software update would be enough already to add master keyboard features. And then korg already implemented midi 2.0, and nobody else. So my suggestion above looks at least to me like the logical next step.

I'm aware it along with Modwave, OpSix and Wavestate are all Raspi based but perhaps adding these features are simply beyond its capabilities in terms of what the Raspi can handle in processing or of course it could just require some extra programming hours and a firmware update, but ultimately it would make a sub £800 synth likely cost more and it's probably not economically sensible to add all the features for Korg.

Maybe they'll make an SE version of the Multipoly but make it on steroids with better keybed, MPE and full midi functionality ?

[Constructed Identity]

Yes, but only korg is running a raspberry pi with Linux inside their synths, and also seems to have developed a standardized software/os. All the other vendors overslept such an evolutionary and required step . Mostly a software update would be enough already to add master keyboard features. And then korg already implemented midi 2.0, and nobody else. So my suggestion above looks at least to me like the logical next step.

I think the top people at Korg are quite old and have no idea that these things are features customers would want or would pay for. R&D has young talent, but they work on new products. That is the only explanation I can come up with that explains why a company like Korg would continue to release good products that never attempt to push technology forward after the initial release.

[Hanz Meyzer]

I had a similar impression let's say ten years ago (and yes, they still are publishing gear with EDS2 synthesis just like it was in my Korg Trinity 20 years ago). But now I wouldn't agree here anymore. Lot of very modern VSTis arrived, also remotes for hardware. This is a very nice development. I hope you are not right that there are still resistance forces in the company. Still, I believe Korg is quite ahead its competitors. Ok, it might be easy to look modern in such an environment...

[EvilDragon]

Yes, but only korg is running a raspberry pi with Linux inside their synths, and also seems to have developed a standardized software/os. All the other vendors overslept such an evolutionary and required step .

Not quite correct. Yamaha is using Linux too. Roland's BMO chips (as used in i.e. System-8) are basically rebranded/custom ARM cores (so it is likely the OS is also Linux based, although I don't have this confirmed - but it makes sense considering Plug-Outs run both on the hardware device AND your computer, so this is cross-compiled between x86 and ARM most likely).

See, it's dangerous to claim something before actually getting your facts checked.

[Hanz Meyzer]

I don't see how this could be dangerous

Sure, but only Korg seems to have something unified, flexible regarding their os. Roland uses as you wrote very custom stuff, system-8 can be also considered as outdated. Those plug-out plugins are slow as hell and running some kind of emulation. So this architecture already was outdated from beginning. And then Roland always only is reselling their single Zenology synth engine over and over and over again, so no evolution at all. Every more recent digital korg synth is more capable than Zenology.

Ok, you are right with Yamaha. Yet only the new Montage M has a compagnion VSTi. But they still don't have that kind of "unified" platform for any kind of future digital hardware synth as Korg has.

See, Korg ftw!

[EvilDragon]

And then Roland always only is reselling their single Zenology synth engine over and over and over again, so no evolution at all.

All of them are doing this. Yamaha is pushing their AWM for 30+ years now. Roland's general synthesis architecture in romplers didn't change significantly since JV/JD series, although there were some additions (SuperNatural, AP synthesis in V-Synth, n/zyme wavetable synth for Fantom is a very recent development, say). Korg is selling their OASYS tech for 20 years now without no new additions in some years. Kurzweil... some additions to VAST since 2008, but no marked improvements in certain aspects since the 90s (most egregious one is modulation update rate is 50 Hz, which is woefully inadequate these days).

They are all resting on their laurels!

[Jim Roseberry]

And then Roland always only is reselling their single Zenology synth engine over and over and over again, so no evolution at all.

They are all resting on their laurels!

Absolutely true...
That said, I did pre-order a Konos 3 88.
It'll replace a Nautilus 88AT.

I was using an OG Montage for gigs... but grew less satisfied with the EPs, B3s, and analog type synth sounds.

Moved to a Nord Stage 3... and then Stage 4. Like the Stage 4 a lot... but it's not without quirks.

Grabbed Montage M8x thinking it might replace the Stage 4 for gigs. Nope.
Weighing 80+ pounds in a case, I'm not all that enthused about carting it.
Can't seem to get the B3 sounds where I'd like (more like the Nord Stage).
AN-X sounds ok... but I think the Stage 4's Filter sounds better.
Got the M7 thinking I might want to use it for tier 2. Got it and a Stage 4 Compact at the same time. Kept thinking I wanted something different for tier 2. Thus far (for me), the Stage 4 Compact is hard to beat. I've learned to live with Nord's odd quirks (limitations)... but I can get things done quickly... and sound pretty good doing it. I think a lot of that is the mostly knob/button/slider per-function UI.

You'll live with compromises no matter which workstation/keyboard you choose.
Having used workstations for decades, I thought I'd despise a "Stage Piano".

[Hanz Meyzer]

Hardware finally seems to be available in Germany now! YAY