Introduced in 2002, The MicroKorg became one of the best-selling synthesizers of all time. But a lot has changed since then. Over the past 22 years, Korg has actually attempted to update this early 21st century classic several times, but they’ve never been able to live up to the original. The contradictory names MicroKorg XL, MicroKorg S (which adds speakers but not much else), and MicroKorg XL+ (which is just a facelifted MicroKorg XL) are all too good to dethrone the OG. Failed. But Korg hopes MicroKorg 2 will be the true heir to that crown.
The MicroKorg 2 is an improvement over the original in almost every way, and that’s obvious. What’s less clear is whether Korg has a winner on its hands, or whether the MicroKorg 2 is a reckless attempt to cash in on a classic product. There are a lot of great little synths out there these days, but I’m not sure if this is the answer for everyone.
modern sound
One of the biggest changes from the original MicroKorg is the sound engine. At its core, MicroKorg 2, like its predecessor, is a virtual analog synth (it’s digital, but aims to sound analog). But the range of its sound-shaping abilities is even wider. In addition to standard waveforms such as sine and sawtooth waves, MicroKorg 2 has a configurable noise source with PCM samples that can be used to add transients to the beginning of patches, similar to classic sound sources. You can access the library. 80’s Roland synths such as the D-50. The MicroKorg 2 also features three oscillators (instead of two on the original) and a continuously morphing multimode filter.
MicroKorg 2 is also a multitimbral synth with twice the number of voices (8 vs. 4) compared to its predecessor. This allows you to create complex layered patches (arpeggios and pads at the same time, for example) and rich, expansive chords. Add to this an expanded 6-slot MOD matrix with even more sources and destinations, and a wider selection of effects, and you’ve got an instrument that clearly lives up to its name.
Photo: Terence O’Brien
What’s really impressive is that it’s much more powerful than the original, while at the same time being much easier to program. The big knobs and genre-based patch browsing remain, but gone is the confusing system that requires you to search for parameters in giant tables when trying to tweak presets or create sounds from scratch. The MicroKorg 2 doesn’t have separate knobs for each function, but the 2.8-inch screen and contextual buttons make it much easier to find what you’re looking for.
In fact, I’d even say that building patches with MicroKorg 2 is really fun. This is definitely not what anyone said about the original.
navigation is not very good
However, genre-based patch navigation feels outdated. What was questionable in 2002 seems downright bizarre now. The division, with eight banks in four categories and eight programs in each bank, feels unnecessarily complicated. Additionally, of the 256 slots, only 64 are reserved for user patches, which is a nuisance for those who want to customize it for live shows. That being said, is it really a MicroKorg if it doesn’t have a giant knob with the words “hip-hop” and “trance” written around it?
Photo: Terence O’Brien