
Trio of synths unveiled
Korg have triggered the annual NAMM announcement avalanche with three new hardware synthesizers, each harking back to a bygone era.
First up is the ARP 2600 M, a compact version of the 2600 FS that Korg released around this time last year. The new M (Module) version is roughly 60 percent of the size of the original, and makes a further concession to studio space by omitting the keyboard, but otherwise offers all of the FSs features plus a few more besides.
Like the 2600 FS, the 2600 M is so faithful to ARPs original that the 1970s manual and patchbook are still applicable. But for this new diminutive iteration, Korg have added a USB MIDI interface, which not only lets you control it from a computer, but which can also connect directly to any class-compliant USB MIDI controller.
Also new is a choice of filter types. Much like on Korgs MS-20 M desktop module, the 2600 M features a switch for selecting between two different generations of 2600 filter (types 4012 and 4072). Unlike the MS-20 M, though, MIDI extends beyond simple note triggering, so you can apply pitch-bend and modulation, or engage/disengage portamento, via CC.
Korg have also changed the trigger threshold for the ADSR envelopes S&H Gate input to 5V, which should make it much easier to integrate with other instruments and synth modules. The envelope attack and release times have apparently been improved (quite what constitutes an improvement, were not sure), and the sliders have also been upgraded and are now said to be smoother in action.
The remaining changes are pretty minor: stereo outputs are now on jacks rather than XLRs (which is likely more convenient for the average synth-based setup), and the integral speaker now mutes when a headphone jack is connected.
Next up is another 70s throwback: a re-release of the miniKorg 700S, itself a revised version of the original 700, their first-ever mass-market monosynth. The new instrument is called the miniKorg 700FS (for full size, raising the prospect of a shrunken-down version in the future), and was developed with the help of the originals designer, Fumio Mieda. Like the 700S, the FS version sports dual oscillators (each with saw, square and triangle wave shapes), and a pair of filters (high- and low-pass), controlled by the Traveler sliders on the front panel. Indeed, most of the controls can be found along that front edge - a design that reflects the fact that the 700S was intended as a secondary keyboard for organists, who in the 70s could frequently be seen with Korgs monosynth perched atop their Hammonds.
The original 700S boasted a healthy selection of effects, including vibrato, two flavours of chorus and a choice of three ring modulators, to which Korg have added a spring reverb tank for the FS edition. Other enhancements include a built-in arpeggiator, USB and 5-pin DIN MIDI ports, CV/gate input, and an aftertouch keyboard.
Finally, the newly announced Modwave pays homage to Korgs own DW-8000, first introduced in 1985. The mid-80s saw a big shift from analogue to digital synths, and the DW-8000 straddled those two worlds by combining the then-new wavetable technology with an analogue filter section. The Modwave, however, is an all-digital instrument, and as such boasts a plethora of contemporary features, such as a motion sequencer (borrowed from their recent WaveState synth), an X-Y pad (derived from their Kaoss series of live/DJ controllers), and a hi-res OLED screen like those on their other recent original releases.
A glance at the Modwaves front panel hints at a very hands-on player experience, while the diagram below lays bare its architecture: dual wavetable oscillators plus a noise source feed into the mixer and then the amp, both of which can be modulated using an extensive mod matrix. Modulation sources are many, and include four motion sequencer step automation lanes, four envelopes and five LFOs, plus the usual pitch-bend, mod wheel and key tracking options, and of course the X-Y pad. A comprehensive effects section follows, and this includes some lesser-spotted examples such as modelled guitar amps and wah pedals, multi-head tape echoes and a reverse delay.
The oscillators bear closer scrutiny. Each can be blended between an A and B wavetable option, and Korg have seen fit to supplement the wavetables with a multi-gigabyte library of PCM samples.
This introductory video should give you a good sense of what the Modwave is capable of. For more detailed specs about all of Korgs new releases, check out their website, below.
Video of modwave - an edgy, expansive, and easy to use wavetable synthesizer
https://www.korg.co.uk
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
18/05/2026
Despite a bumpy start to the year, the provider of event-production support and ...
18/05/2026
Daktronics has partnered with the University of North Carolina to manufacture and install 11 LED displays totaling more than 10,000 square feet and more than 14...
18/05/2026
CBS LA has announced a multi-year partnership with the Los Angeles Rams, covering exclusive local broadcasts of Rams preseason games, weekly year-round programm...
18/05/2026
Skyline Communications has announced an integration between its DataMiner xOps p...
18/05/2026
eCLUTCH, the hybrid esports platform powered by iKOMG, has announced an expansion of its distribution across Europe, MENA, Africa, and Asia, along with new cont...
18/05/2026
Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, includ...
18/05/2026
With 22 games this season, the production team looks forward to tweaking and enhancing the coverage
After 8,660 days off the air, the WNBA returned to NBC yest...
18/05/2026
(L-R) Midori Francis and Natalie Erika James attend the Saccharine premiere during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival at The Ray Theatre on January 22, 2026, in ...
18/05/2026
Last night, the Spotify Podcast Awards in Mexico returned to the country's capital. Now in its second year, the evening honors creators whose voices are hel...
18/05/2026
ZEN-Core synth goes mobile
Roland's powerful ZEN-Core software synthesizer has just been introduced to the iPad, offering a convenient entry point into ...
18/05/2026
Versatile new limiter plug-in announced
Based in Sheffield, UK, fedDSP offer a range of plug-ins that span the music production, live sound and high-end med...
18/05/2026
A new use for convolution?
Viiri Audio's debut plug-in aims to do something a little different with convolution processing, allowing users to adjust all...
18/05/2026
Delta Goodrem shines for SBS as more than 3.27 million Australians tune in for E...
18/05/2026
The Australian Defence Force uses L3Harris T4 and T7 robots for explosive ordnan...
18/05/2026
Continued investment across Europe and Germany is expanding local teams and improving access to stock, regional expertise, and specialist broadcast support.
CV...
18/05/2026
18 May 2026
Dubai and New York, May 18, 2026 - VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON), a glob...
18/05/2026
Monday 18 May 2026
Sky News offers ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes for just...
18/05/2026
Comscore March 2026 Consumer AI Chatbot Usage Rankings Show Claude Gaining Share OpenAI's ChatGPT maintains lead while Anthropic's Claude continues to c...
17/05/2026
Delta Goodrem's Eurovision Eclipse marks end of a stellar run
17 May, 2026
Media releases
Bulgaria wins Eurovision 2026
Relive every spellbinding mome...
17/05/2026
Back to All News
Oasis Premieres on Netflix June 19
Entertainment
17 May 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
Summer, sunshine, the beach, parties. T...
16/05/2026
Helps to deliver a clean, balanced midrange
Developed alongside Newfangled Audio, the latest plug-in in Eventide's software collection has been designed...
16/05/2026
Brings onboard stem rendering to RANE System One
Engine DJ have just released Engine DJ 5.0, a free update for their Engine DJ OS embedded hardware and Engi...
16/05/2026
Boris FX Continuum Pairs AI Precision and Advanced Creative Controls
Jessie Electa Petrov May 16, 2026
0 Comments
The 2026.5 release adds automatic de...
16/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
16/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
16/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
16/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/05/2026
Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC, in partnership with RAVE Foundation an...
15/05/2026
Dan Brumm has served as sound designer on Bluey, the Australian children's t...
15/05/2026
The Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance (PAMA) and Shure Incorporated are accepting applications for the 6th annual Mark Brunner Professional Audio Schola...
15/05/2026
Netflix has announced an expanded NFL schedule for 2026 and beyond under a four-year partnership extension with the NFL through the 2029-30 season. Each season,...
15/05/2026
Ateme is supporting TVRI (Televisi Republik Indonesia) with a contribution and d...
15/05/2026
Concacaf has announced the launch of a new website and mobile app built on Deltatre's FORGE platform. Concacaf.com and the mobile app, available on iOS and ...
15/05/2026
Eutelsat has announced the launch of QBC Business Economic Channel by Qatar Media Corporation, broadcasting in 4K/UHD via Eutelsat's 7/8 West video neighbo...
15/05/2026
Major League Soccer has announced four original content series timed to the 2026...
15/05/2026
The Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS) has announced it will exhibit and present at InfoComm 2026, taking place June 13-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Cente...
15/05/2026
InfoComm 2026 will take place June 13-19 (exhibits June 17-19) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show will include sessions and exhibits covering broadcas...
15/05/2026
Tracy McGrady's Ones Basketball League (OBL) and FuboTV Inc. have announced ...
15/05/2026
Disguise has partnered with Creative Technology (CT) to deliver visual playback ...
15/05/2026
Sony Electronics has announced two new products for professional imaging: the Alpha 7R VI full-frame mirrorless camera and the FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS super-te...
15/05/2026
In-venue and creative video staffers at the professional and collegiate level ha...
15/05/2026
Ratings Roundup is a rundown of recent rating news and is derived from press rel...
15/05/2026
For sports organizations, the most valuable assets are often the most sensitive:...
15/05/2026
The NFL's broadcast partners released their 2026 regular season schedules ye...
15/05/2026
Besides drawing on experience with boxing, the production integrates specialty c...