Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

NAMM 2021: Korg's synth trio

20/01/2021

Three new instruments 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
LINK: https://www.soundonsound.com/news/namm-2021-korgs-synth-trio...
See more stories from soundonsound

Most recent headlines

09/11/2025

Dalet Unveils Agentic AI Media Workflows at IBC2025

Dalet today announced a transformative leap forward for media operations: Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) that unifies the Dalet ecosystem under one natura...

20/10/2025

Inside TAMS: How Time-Addressable Media Stores Could Redefine Sports Workflows

Inside TAMS: How Time-Addressable Media Stores could redefine sports workflows By Paul Markham Friday, October 17, 2025 - 08:57 Print This Story A penalty...

20/10/2025

Transformational Production: Inside TVN's Remote Production Push for the DFL's Bundesliga 2

Transformational production: Inside TVN's remote production push for the DFL...

20/10/2025

How NBC Sports Transitioned Stamford Facility to One Format: 1080p HDR

How NBC Sports Transitioned Stamford Facility to One Format: 1080p HDRMulti-year plan harmonizes workflows, simplifies operationsBy Ken Kerschbaumer, Editorial ...

20/10/2025

NBA on NBC' Studio Production Team Is Ready for Tip-Off With Coast-to-Coast Tuesday'

NBA on NBC' Studio Production Team Is Ready for Tip-Off With Coast-to-Coast...

20/10/2025

Under Pressure: TVN CEO Markus Osthaus Considers the German Sports Broadcasting Market

Under pressure: TVN CEO Markus Osthaus considers the German sports broadcasting ...

20/10/2025

Carmen Emmi's Plainclothes Evokes the Rawness and Sensuality of New Queer Cinema

(L-R) Maria Dizzia, Carmen Emmi, and Russell Tovey attend the Plainclothes pre...

20/10/2025

Search and Follow Your Favorite Venues on Spotify

In March, we launched Concerts Near You to help listeners find concerts from their favorite artists. Since then, more than 3 million people have used it to disc...

20/10/2025

Arte Preta Brasileira Destaque No Dia AMPLIFIKA 2025

Em diversas cidades do Brasil, um movimento tem se fortalecido para celebrar o poder, a beleza e a profundidade da criatividade negra. O Dia AMPLIFIKA, agora em...

20/10/2025

Black Brazilian Artistry Takes Center Stage During AMPLIFIKA Day 2025

In cities across Brazil, a movement is growing that celebrates the power, beauty, and depth of Black creativity. AMPLIFIKA Day, now in its fifth edition, return...

20/10/2025

The Republic of Korea Selects L3Harris for Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft Program

Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft rendering...

20/10/2025

Imagine Communications Acquires Pixel Power From Rohde & Schwarz

DENVER and MUNICH Imagine Communications today announced its plans to acquire Pixel Power Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Rohde & Schwarz. Financial terms of...

20/10/2025

Globecast Appoints G Morgan as EVP of Sales, Globecast Americas

LOS ANGELES G Morgan has joined Globecast, a provider of broadcast, media and entertainment managed services, as executive vice president of sales, Globecast Am...

20/10/2025

Heartland Video Systems, Zixi Partner on IP Networking for Broadcasters

PLYMOUTH, Wisc. Heartland Video Systems and Zixi have partnered to enable broadcast-quality live video delivery over any IP network....

20/10/2025

A. R. Rahman on Facing Fear and Finding the Divine

A. R. Rahman on Facing Fear and Finding the Divine In an interview with Berklee President Jim Lucchese, the Oscar-winning composer reflects on how courage and...

20/10/2025

Sky unveils thrilling trailer of Original film Nuremberg, starring Russell Crowe, Rami Malek and Michael Shannon

Monday 20 October 2025 To view this content, please enable our use of cookies. ...

20/10/2025

Rohde & Schwarz transfers Pixel Power to Imagine Communications

Rohde & Schwarz transfers Pixel Power to Imagine Communications Companies work collaboratively to ensure continuity and ongoing support for existing customers...

20/10/2025

RT Prime Time to host final Presidential Debate

RT 's Prime Time is set to host the final Presidential Election Debate this Tuesday night, October 21, providing an opportunity to hear directly from Irelan...

20/10/2025

NVIDIA and Google Cloud Accelerate Enterprise AI and Industrial Digitalization

NVIDIA and Google Cloud are expanding access to accelerated computing to transform the full spectrum of enterprise workloads, from visual computing to agentic a...

19/10/2025

Sins of Kujo' Comes to Life in New Live-Action Series Set for Spring 2026

Back to All News Sins of Kujo' Comes to Life in New Live-Action Series Set for Spring 2026 Entertainment 19 October 2025 GlobalJapan Link copied to cl...

18/10/2025

NESN Taps Harmonic for Primary Live Sports Distribution

New England Sports Network (NESN) has chosen Harmonic, working with Astound Business Solutions, as its enterprise technology partner to transform primary distri...

18/10/2025

DirecTV Launches Gray's Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network

NEW ORLEANS, La. In the run-up to the start of the NBA season, WVUE-TV and Gray Local Media have announced a deal with DirecTV that will greatly expand access t...

18/10/2025

Berklee Celebrates 40 Years of the Fall Together Concert

Berklee Celebrates 40 Years of the Fall Together Concert Faculty composers Bob Pilkington and Greg Hopkins are among the featured artists for this year's ...

17/10/2025

NEP Group Receives New Equity Investment From 26North Partners LP, Co-Investors

NEP Group Receives New Equity Investment From 26North Partners LP, Co-InvestorsCarlyle remains the largest shareholder as the company prepares for the futureBy ...

17/10/2025

Apple Lands Five-Year Deal for F1 Distribution in the U.S.

Apple Lands Five-Year Deal for F1 Distribution in the U.S.Besides airing on Apple TV, the sport will be amplified on other Apple servicesBy Ken Kerschbaumer, Ed...

17/10/2025

SVG Sit-Down: Marshall Electronics' Bernie Keach on the Future of PTZ Cameras

SVG Sit-Down: Marshall Electronics' Bernie Keach on the Future of PTZ Camera...

17/10/2025

L2 Productions' REMI Facility in Austin Can Produce Content From Anywhere

L2 Productions' REMI Facility in Austin Can Produce Content From AnywhereMusic festivals, sports events are produced via flypacks and remote control roomsBy...

17/10/2025

Give Me the Backstory: Get to Know Sarah Dowland, the Filmmaker Behind Sue Bird: In The Clutch

By Lucy Spicer One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival...

17/10/2025

Cooper Raiff Returns to the Sundance Film Festival With His Independent Series Hal & Harper

(L-R) Christopher Meyer, Addison Timlin, Cooper Raiff, Lili Reinhart, Alyah Chan...

17/10/2025

Ferramenta de arte da capa de playlists do Spotify chega ao Brasil com uma noite de autoexpresso

M sica e arte se uniram em uma noite especial na semana passada na ZIV Gallery, ...

17/10/2025

Spotify's Custom Playlist Cover Art Tool Arrives in Brazil With a Night of Self-Expression

Music and art came together for one special night last week at ZIV Gallery, an i...

17/10/2025

Spotify and FC Barcelona Extend Partnership Through 2030

Spotify and FC Barcelona are extending our partnership through 2030, continuing a collaboration that's redefining how fans, players, and artists connect. Th...

17/10/2025

Sports Fishing Championship Deploys DigitalGlue Storage Platform

MURRIETA, Calif. The Sports Fishing Championship (SFC) has deployed DigitalGlue's creative.space storage platform to streamline video production by centrali...

17/10/2025

TV Ad Impressions for Football Spiked in Q3

BELLEVUE, Wash. Football continued to cement its reputation as a bulwark of TV advertising in Q3 2025 with new data from iSpot that showed both the NFL and coll...

17/10/2025

Reeling in the Chaos Sports Fishing Championship Simplifi...

The Sports Fishing Championship (SFC), the premier competitive saltwater fishing series, has transformed its production workflow by adopting creative.space, the...

17/10/2025

QuickLink Unveils StudioPro Version 4 With Major Enhancem...

QuickLink, a leading provider of award-winning multi-camera video productions and remote contribution solutions, announces the release of StudioPro Version 4, ...

17/10/2025

Westcoast Pixel dazzles with dynamic 3D video projections

Although the annual Grammy Awards celebration is best known for recognizing achievements in the recording industry, the show often proves a visual spectacle as ...

17/10/2025

Alex Dunfey Promoted to CTO at OpenDrives

OpenDrives, Inc., a leading provider of software-defined data storage and data services, has promoted Alex Dunfey to Chief Technology Officer (CTO) from his for...

17/10/2025

University of Arizona Scales Up Broadcast Capabilities Wi...

The University of Arizona (UofA) has significantly upgraded its broadcast communication infrastructure with the integration of Riedel Communications' advanc...

17/10/2025

NESN Redefines Regional Sports Video Delivery with Harmon...

Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced that New England Sports Network (NESN), owned by Fenway Sports Group and Delaware North, has selected Harmonic as its en...

17/10/2025

Austin PBS Expands Facility-Wide Production Communication...

Austin PBS has recently upgraded its facility-wide communications infrastructure, deploying Clear-Com 's Eclipse HX, FreeSpeak II beltpacks, and V-Series ...

17/10/2025

ZEISS Opens BETA Registration for CinCraft Virtual Lens T...

ZEISS announces an open call for the closed BETA testing phase of CinCraft Virtual Lens Technology, the innovative digital tool that brings authentic lens chara...

17/10/2025

Lightware powers hybrid learning transformation at Centri...

Situated in the town of Kokkola, Centria University of Applied Sciences offers higher education across five core fields: engineering, business, social and healt...

17/10/2025

Pebble to automate CobbTV

Public information channel in Georgia, USA, to implement a powerful, simple, and cost-effective playout automation platform. Pebble, the leading automation, co...

17/10/2025

HBO Maxs Global Expansion Surpasses 100 Market Milestone

HBO Max is reporting that it has launched in 15 new markets, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Macau, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Ukraine, boosting the streaming serv...

17/10/2025

Netflix Expands Into Video Podcasts With Spotify Deal

Netflix said it will make a major push into video podcasts, inking a wide-ranging deal with Spotify through which it will offer 16 podcasts in the U.S. starting...

17/10/2025

Viamedia Rebrands as Viamedia.ai

Lexington, Ky. As part of a push to highlight its advanced advertising capabilities, Viamedia has launched a new AI-powered ad tech platform and officially rebr...

17/10/2025

QuickLink to Showcase StudioPro Version 4 at NAB Show New York

NEW YORK QuickLink has announced the release of StudioPro Version 4, which the company is calling the most significant upgrade yet to its flagship video product...

17/10/2025

Apple, NBCU to Launch Apple TV, Peacock Streaming Bundles

NEW YORK and CUPERTINO, Calif. Apple and NBCUniversal said they will sell Apple TV and Peacock streaming bundles to U.S. subscribers starting Oct. 20....