Open Sampling
The M3’s Open Sampling System lets you sample and resample in any mode to produce new remixed
combinations of sounds and effects, or to capture full performances “In-Track” within the
sequencer.
Cutting-edge editing tools include Time Slice, Time Stretch, Crossfade Looping, Rate Change
and Normalize.
An easy-to-use Auto-Setup function makes all the right sampling settings for you, with the
press of a button. Stock sampling memory is 64 MB, and can be increased to 320 MB by adding
the optional EXB-M256 memory expansion board. Samples in Korg native format, AIFF, WAV,
Soundfont V2.0 and AKAI (S-1000/3000 with advanced Program parameter conversion) formats can
be used, and internal samples can be exported as WAV or AIFF if needed.
Sampling can also be done to attached media, so USB memory sticks and hard drives can be used
to extend memory size to resample a complete song as a WAV file to be burned to a USB CD-R/RW
as an audio disc, or for moving to a computer for further editing and manipulation. Audio files
on the media can even be edited directly to normalize, trim, and perform other essential
editing tasks.
New High-Resolution Sequencer
The sequencer that’s at the heart of the M3’s song production is an intuitively-understandable
16-track design that holds up to 128 songs and 210,000 notes.
Sequencer Main Page
The new high timing resolution of 480 PPQ captures every nuance and detail of your performance.
Three-band EQ per track provides detailed sound-shaping, as does the Tone Adjust sound
“tweaking” function.
Sequencer EQ Page
The Cue List function that has been a popular feature ever since the now-classic TRITON series
lets you create songs in sections, or play back completed songs as a medley.
Sequencer Cue List Page
All the now-classic Korg features are included, such as our one-touch “Auto Song Setup” feature,
which takes you from playing a Program or Combination to “ready-to-record” status in one easy
step, automatically arming tracks and routing voices behind the scenes. All KARMA settings are
also set up, so you can record every note and controller as they’re generated, and even edit
them later.
Song Templates contain pre-assigned effect routings and program assignments, providing one more
shortcut to help you capture your creative outbursts. The M3 comes with 16 of these Song
Templates, plus another 16 you can custom-tailor to your own needs. Each Template Song also
provides a number of rhythm patterns – including intro, fills and endings – that you can use
to instantly create a rhythm track.
Individual track looping allows flexible manipulation of repeated phrases such as drum grooves
against longer parts like melodies and solos.
Sequencer Play Loop Page
Advanced editing tools like variable quantization with selectable intensity and swing allow for
nuanced adjustments to your recordings. Detailed event editing lets you work on your tracks
with surgical precision, and a Compare function acts like an Undo for your last change to
easily judge the effect of your edits.
Sequencer Event Edit Page
Realtime Pattern Play and Record (RPPR) can be used to assign sequenced Patterns to individual
keys on the keyboard for an interactive performance, or to quickly build up tracks. You can
record controller data, Sys. Ex., or even KARMA phrases and trigger them as you like.
Sequencer RPPR Page
Time-tested features that have been proven to aid in inspiration and song creation combine to
deliver an intuitive and enjoyable songwriting experience – the M3 has it all!
Virtualized hardware
In addition to being a highly-developed music workstation, the M3 is also able to closely
integrate with your computer. By connecting the M3 to your computer via USB and using the
included stand-alone “M3 Editor” software, you can edit sounds and settings from your computer.
A plug-in version of “M3 Editor” is also provided, so you can use it from within your DAW as
a plug-in instrument. The editor runs as a VST, AU or RTAS plug-in for maximum compatibility.
For even more complete integration, Korg’s new “Virtualized Hardware” concept comes into play.
When the optional EXB-FW FireWire board is installed, a single FireWire cable will convey both
the M3’s MIDI and audio signals to the tracks of your DAW in which the plug-in is running.
This means that you can construct a highly integrated environment that adds the reliability
of hardware to your software music production system, adding additional power to your virtual
world.
Four models
The M3 music workstation/sampler is available as a lineup of four models: 61-key, 73-key, and
weighted 88-key models, as well as the module-only M3-M. The 61-key and 73-key models use a
proprietary new semi-weighted synth action keyboard developed by Korg for great playing feel
and expressive aftertouch response. The 88-key model features the RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer
Action 3) keyboard that reproduces the playing sensation of a grand piano, in which the low
range has a heavier feel, with the touch becoming lighter as you play upward on the keyboard,
allowing superb response to fine movements of your fingers.
Korg Komponent System
The M3 music workstation/sampler introduces the new Korg Komponent System, featuring detachable
keyboard and sound generator sections. The 61-key model lets you mount a RADIAS-R analog
modeling synthesizer instead of the M3-M sound generator, the 73-key model lets you mount the
M3-M together with a RADIAS-R analog modeling synthesizer, and the 88-key model supports the
combination of M3-M and RADIAS-R or even mounting two M3-M units simultaneously. Of course you
can detach the M3-M sound generator and use it as a sound module, giving you great flexibility
for constructing the system you need whenever you want.
A rich array of input/output jacks
The M3 provides two analog and two digital (S/P DIF) inputs as standard. In addition to the
main two-channel output (L/MONO, R), there are four independent outputs as well as two-channel
digital output (24-bit optical S/P DIF), meeting the needs of professionals.
Two USB connectors are provided: a type-B USB connector for connection to your computer as a
MIDI interface, and dual type-A connectors for connecting external storage media. USB 2.0 is
supported to ensure high-speed transfer of large amounts of data.
The optional EXB-FW adds two Firewire ports for conveying both audio and MIDI to your computer,
and for daisy-chaining the M3 in your Firewire-based studio setup.
Three pedal inputs are provided, including damper jack support for half-damper sensing. The
footswitch and footpedal jacks can be assigned to wide choice of functions including modulation,
sostenuto, Program advance, punch-in recording and much more.
For a complete look at the connections and the rear panel, click here to open up the
Image Zoomer
page, and click on the thumbnail off the rear panel for a larger view.
Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Click Here for the Complete Specifications
Linear Mode
