Korg microKORG2 Synthesizer and Vocoder

A new evolution in powerful, bite-sized synthesis: the Korg microKORG2.

After it first hit the scene in 2002, the original microKORG took on the status of a true hit and fan favorite among musicians, bands, studio rats, sound designers, and everyone in between. Its powerful synth engine, compact size, and onboard vocoder all aligned to add up to one powerhouse of a synthesizer perfect for gigs and tight studio spaces, alike. The wide range of synth voices this little wonder was capable of is legendary to this day. All this time later, its proper successor steps up to bat.

The microKORG2 is a new origin for the classic synthesizer. This evolution retains a number of the elements that made the original a classic in its own right, but makes a name for itself with a new, powerful sound engine, a host of new programs, an eye-popping interface, and so much more.

As a virtual analog synth, the microKORG2 models analog circuitry to make its sounds. Taking notes from its originator, the microKORG2 helps its players sort through sounds with a dedicated genre-based Category and Bank selector interface. This move provides access to an incredibly diverse range of sounds within Classic, Modern, and Future categories. The three Banks features eight genre Categories with eight preset programs within, with this structure, users can save up to sixty-four programs in the User Bank for quickly accessing personal favorites. Across the microKORG2's little universe, players can tap into microKORG sounds old and new for classic synth lines, buzzing basses, beeps and boops, and a world of possibilities more.

All of this microKORG magic gets reformatted in its newly designed user experience. Across its front panel, the microKORG2's control interface is redesigned with a 2.8-inch color display. This new version's screen display allows for seeing the impact of parameter changes in real time as users twist this synth's five dedicated knobs to adjust sounds to their preference. While this screen may be new to experienced users of the microKORG, it allows for speedy navigation and exploration of sounds without losing the original's classic workflow feeling.

A classic element of the original microKORG was its onboard vocoder function. This version of the microKORG carries with it a vocoder once again – but with a few added features. In addition to vocoder effects, the microKORG2 features a new vocal processor with industry-standard hard-tune pitch correction effects (a la autotune) and a harmonizer that allows for pitch-shifting and layering of the original vocal sound. Roll in your favorite robot vocals along with reverb and delay effects, among others, to get a taste of a classic, modern-retro synth sound.

The microKORG2 carries on with even more functionality old and new. An onboard arpeggiator features ten types of arpeggios and a step arpeggiator function to get involved with different sequencing routes and rhythms. MIDI in and out connectivity brings this micro synth in even closer to your current rig for powerful synthesized synergy. In addition, its miniaturized, high-grade, thirty-seven key keybed features an octave shift button to swap between different octave voicings on the fly. The microKORG2's new loop recorder allows for creating backing tracks through looping and overdubbing with three simple buttons. These features and so many more make the microKORG2 as captivating as its first iteration with plenty of new musical directions to take.

As a classic piece of gear (and from the 2000s, no less), the microKORG is a big name in synthesizers in a compact package. Its newest version strikes a similar chord while offering exciting new musical frontiers to take on and reinvent.