Korg MicroKorg XL+ Synthesizer/Vocoder

Korg MicroKorg XL+ Overview

The MicroKorg XL+ from Korg is a synthesizer/vocoder housed in a compact but rugged enclosure and features thirty-seven, velocity sensitive Natural Touch mini-keys. Combining analog modeling with a vocoder provides the user with a wide range of styles and sounds. Initially featuring 128 programs, the sound banks can be further expanded using the downloadable and free editor software.

For band use the keyboard includes the piano sound from Korg s SGproX classic stage piano, as well as its hard-edged, grand-type electric piano. Other sounds include the M1 and the VOX organ sounds, vintage tape-type string and flute machines, and more. All of the sounds can be played full-range either by using the onboard octave switch, or by connecting a MIDI-capable, full-sized keyboard.

A sound selector allows for choosing sounds using two large dials, music genre, and instrument category. This arrangement is further enhanced by letting the user leave one of the dials fixed and use the other to make program changes during a song (music genre fixed), or use it to select vocoder variations (instrument category fixed).

The MMT (Multiple Modeling Technology) engine provides two oscillators for sound generation. Oscillator 1 features seven oscillator algorithms including formant waveforms such as human voice, and PCM/DWGS waveforms for vintage keyboard and strings. It also allows for the use of techniques such as cross modulation, unison, and VPM (Variable Phase Modulation). And by taking advantage of modulation (sync or ring) with Oscillator 2, it s easy to create complex sounds.

The vocoder consists of a 16-band filter bank that simulates the sounds of the past, while also allowing for filter frequency shifting (Format Shift), or adjusting the level and pan of each band to dramatically change the overall character of a sound. A gooseneck microphone is included. Two master effects utilize the effect engine from the company s Kaoss Pad series, with a total of seventeen types including delay and echo, a ring modulator and grain shifter. Time-based effects can be synchronized to MIDI clock.

Vintage sounds, including the Korg SGproX piano, M1 and VOX organs, and Tape instruments

Program genre selector allows for choosing sounds using two large dials marked Program Genre and Program Category

Dial usage can be set to make one dial fixed, while using the other to make program changes during a song (music genre fixed), or to select vocoder variations (Program Category fixed)

128 onboard sounds, plus 640 additional sounds included with the downloadable editor/librarian software for Mac and Windows

Features MMT, Korg s analog modeling technology

Vocoder with gooseneck microphone

Two master effects utilize the Kaoss effects engine with a total of seventeen effect types including delay and echo, as well as ring modulator and grain shifter

Effects such as delay can be synchronized to MIDI clock to provide a wide range of time-based effects during a live performance

Natural Touch mini keyboard, designed with an emphasis on playability

The proportion of the waterfall-type keys has been adjusted to make chords easier to play, with the touch refined for greater ease when playing rapid phrases or a glissando

Battery-powered operation is supported for increased portability

Connecting the keyboard to a computer via USB allows for using the downloadable editor/librarian software for easy parameter editing and access to additional sounds