Korg M3 Resources

By SoundCravers Lab

The Korg M3 is a workstation of the first class. There are 3 major workstations on the market as of this writing. The Fantom G, Motif XS and the Korg M3. At the bottom you can read some of the posts I've made in the forums as we debated which of these are the "best". Here is he conclusion: The Fantom G has the best sequencer/multi-track recorder and sampling thanks to its large screen and MPC style pads. The Motif is a great "idea machine" that can help your compositions get some authenticity. So what is the M3? It has its strengths in breaking barriers, thanks to the Karma engine, and as one mighty performance instrument. being able to to all the parts of a band right from the keyboard.

I think the M3 can shine in an computer DAW environment. Its not out to replace your DAW like the Fantom G is; its out to enhance it. Add the Radias expansion card to add virtual analog synthesis. You just leapfrogged over the Motif XS, which is strictly sample playback. Since Korg Expanded the M3 with version 2, there are a lot more sounds in the box. When you add the Expanded PCM sample material, you've got quite an arsenal. Yet to access these, you need to add the sample ram upgrade, which boosts the onboard ram from 64MB to 320MB. Still a tight fit if you want to add your own samples AND have the expanded banks active but more than enough to customize your M3 to your songwriting preferences.

You can also add a Radias hardware rack to an M3-73 and an M3-88. If you are out to make a "Technostation" this is one valid way to go. (See pics in the links section). The addition of either Radias upgrade is going to give you more of a classic electronica orientation, ahead of the Motif and the Fantom G. I thought Roland would have put out a virtual analog ARX expansion for the G, but it has not happened yet.

Those wanting a low cost synth like the M3 should look at the Korg M50. No Karma, but you do get the same 256 MB rom and the touchview screen.

Audio Demos and Manuals

Drivers , editing software, and more manuals

m388 rear

The M3 features a number of innovations distilled from the flagship OASYS including the new EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound generator derived from the HD-1 engine design, the advanced second-generation KARMA functionality, and the multi-purpose control surface. Adding innovations such as the new concept of "virtualized hardware" that allows an even closer integration with DAW systems, Drum Tracks which provide an instant groove to play along with, and the new "Korg Komponent System" concept that facilitates more flexible system construction, the M3 music workstation/sampler opens a new and exciting page in music making -- it's the workstation that rightfully deserves to wear the "M" that started it all.

Synthesis Technology
EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis)

MMT (Multi Modeling Technology) sound generator can be added by installing the optional EXB-RADIAS

Sounds

Programs
1,664 user locations, 1344 preloaded ( EDS: 1,216 +RADIAS: 128) (with EXB-RADIAS option installed)

Combinations
1,792 user locations, 416 preloaded

Drumkits
144 user locations, 32 preloaded

GM
256 GM2 programs, 9 GM2 drum kits

Tone Generator
640 Mbyte (when converted to 16-bit linear format) (256 Mbyte internal, and 441 Mbyte EX-USB)

1,077 Multisamples including 7 stereo

1,609 Drum Samples including 116 stereo

PCM expansion options

• EX-USB-PCM01: Brass and Woodwinds 1 approximately 128 Mbyte (when calculated as 16-bit linear), 59 multisamples (including five stereo)

• EX-USB-PCM02: Brass and Woodwinds 2 approximately 128 Mbyte (when calculated as 16-bit linear), 47 multisamples

• EX-USB-PCM03: Stereo Grand Piano approximately 128 Mbyte (when calculated as 16-bit linear), 10 multisamples (including five stereo)

• EX-USB-PCM04: V1 Stereo Piano approximately 57 Mbyte (when calculated as 16-bit linear), 8 multisamples (including four stereo)

These can be used by loading them into RAM memory. The standard 64 Mbyte RAM memory allows only one title to be loaded. If the EXB-M256 (option) is installed, the three titles can be used simultaneously.

Maximum Polyphony
120 voices, 120 oscillators max, single mode
60 voices, 120 oscillators max, double mode*