PS-3300

The KORG Collection - PS-3300 is the first official software recreation of what is arguably the rarest and most revered polyphonic analog synthesizer ever produced. Introduced in 1977, the original KORG PS-3300 was a truly colossal and idiosyncratic instrument, renowned for its huge, lush, and complex sonic footprint. It achieved this distinctive sound through a radical architecture, boasting an astonishing 144 independent synthesizer voices—three full, semi-modular synthesis units for each of its 48 keys. This sheer polyphonic density and its unique analog quirks made it an unmistakable centerpiece on seminal recordings by pioneering artists such as Kraftwerk, Jean-Michel Jarre, Keith Emerson, and Aphex Twin. With fewer than 50 original units ever manufactured, the PS-3300 became a mythical, "holy grail" instrument, and its software reincarnation brings its limitless sound design capabilities to a new generation of producers.

KORG has employed its proprietary CMT (Component Modeling Technology) to faithfully reproduce the entire experience of this semi-modular giant, capturing everything from its unorthodox octave-divider oscillators and distinctive envelopes to the subtle, rich variations in sound that resulted from the analog component tolerances in each of the 144 voices. The core of the sound—the three-layer design and the powerful three-band resonators—is meticulously modeled. These resonators were key to its signature vocal and string timbres, and the software allows them to be modulated for dynamic effects like phaser and wah. While maintaining the unique character of the original, the software version also implements a host of modern enhancements. These include the addition of the aggressive MS-20 filter as a switchable option alongside the original PS-3300 filter, expanded modulation options, stereo panning, and a dedicated multi-effects section. This blend of uncompromising sonic accuracy with essential contemporary features makes the KORG Collection PS-3300 an unparalleled tool for producing huge, evolving polyphonic textures and cutting-edge soundscapes within a DAW environment.

Key Features

• Authentic CMT Modeling: Uses KORG's proprietary Component Modeling Technology (CMT) to faithfully recreate the entire semi-modular circuitry and the unique analog voice variations of the rare original.
• Triple-Layer Architecture: Emulates the three independent "signal generator" panels, providing 144 voices of lush polyphony (three full synth voices per key).
• Three-Band Resonators: Meticulous modeling of the highly distinctive triple resonators, which are key to its vowel, string, and dynamic phaser/wah effects.
• Switchable Filters: Offers a choice between the original refined PS-3300 filter and the more aggressive, modeled MS-20 filter.
• Enhanced Envelopes: Provides options for separate filter and amplitude envelopes, or the original single envelope, with a choice of modeled PS-3300 or modern exponential/logarithmic shapes.
• Expanded Modulation: Includes additional Modulation Processors (Multiplier, Attenuverter, Lag Processor) and multiple Modulation Generators (LFOs) beyond the original hardware's capabilities.
• Stereo Panning: Adds stereo pan control with modulation for the three independent synth units, creating expansive stereo fields.
• Modeled Ensemble Effect: Includes the unique, great-sounding Ensemble effect from the PS-3100 and PS-3200 siblings.
• Dedicated Effects Section: Features three flexible insert effect slots and a dedicated reverb slot, with 31 effect types (vintage pedals, delays, shimmer reverb, etc.).
• Semi-Modular Flexibility: The patch panel is retained for complex routing, with an improved interface where cables are optional and only applicable patch points are highlighted.
• Extensive MIDI Control: Features direct MIDI input on the patch panel (aftertouch, mod wheel, etc.) and a 30-slot modulation matrix for detailed DAW automation and controller mapping.
• Native Apple Silicon Support: Optimized for modern macOS systems with native Apple Silicon support.