Classic Korg synthesizers reborn as software.

The KORG Legacy Collection delivers stunning software versions of two Korg digital synthesis masterpieces—the M1 and WAVESTATION—in VST, Audio Units, and RTAS-compatible formats plus the MDE-X multi-effect plug-in.

M1 Software Synthesizer
This definitive software version of the classic M1, replicates the Korg synthesizer that established the PCM synth sound. As the first workstation synthesizer, the M1 was a major element in the sound of the late '80s through early '90s. The M1's AI (Advanced Integrated) synthesis system used PCM waveforms and digital effects to deliver polished, production-ready Program and Combination sounds. Although today's high bit-rate and high sample-rate sound libraries deliver greatly improved audio quality, it is difficult to find sounds with real character, sounds that can't be described purely in terms of specifications—sounds that are available only from the M1.

The M1 software synthesizer reconstructs the M1's sound engine into an eight-part multi-timbral tone generator featuring up to 256-note polyphony. The M1 software synthesizer is a complete stand alone virtual instrument, and also supports RTAS, Audio Units and VST plug-in formats to fit smoothly into a modern music production environment.

Overflowing With Sounds
The M1 software synthesizer provides all of the PCM, Program, and Combination data found in the original M1 and the M1EX internal PCM expansion, plus the PCM data and Program/Combination data from all 19 optional ROM cards. In addition, it contains new PCM Drum, Program and Combination data that are ideal for contemporary music production. With a total of more than 2,700 preset sounds, this is truly the ultimate M1. Of course, original M1 series data can also be imported as SysEx (SYX) files, opening up a universe of sounds to be found around the world.

New Features For Flexible Sound Creation
The M1 software synthesizer provides numerous new functions that were often requested for the original M1. At the top of the list is a rich resonant filter, along with VDA modulation and a compressor effect. While the original M1 had two effect processors, this new software incarnation boasts two insert effects for each of the eight multi-timbral parts, as well as two master effects, for even greater sound processing capabilities.

User Interface Designed For Easy Operation
Taking advantage of the computer's display, the M1 software synthesizer features a completely redesigned interface that emphasizes ease of operation. Many parameters can be seen at once, and certain parameters can be displayed graphically. Ease of use has been a primary consideration at every point—for example, the Combination mode and Multi mode have been designed to be completely independent. The new browser and search functions group sounds together based on instrument type and tonal character, making it quick and easy to find the right sound for any project. Once a sound has been selected, the Easy Edit page or the Performance page can be used to quickly tweak the sound so that it perfectly matches your needs.

WAVESTATION Software Synthesizer Version 1.5
The WAVESTATION appeared in 1990 offering its new Advanced Vector Synthesis System, which allowed combining and shifting between multiple complex waveforms. The WAVESTATION achieved worldwide honors and featured two radical innovations that opened up a revolutionary new world of sound that is still very much in demand. One was the ability to mix or morph between four oscillators to create new and unique sounds and textures, controlled from a vector joystick or a cyclic envelope. The second innovation was Wave Sequencing, which allowed the playback of different waveforms in a specific order to create evolving soundscapes, and unique rhythmic or melodic sequence patterns.

In 2004, the Korg Legacy Collection introduced the WAVESTATION software synthesizer. All of the WAVESTATION and WAVESTATION-SR factory data—550 Performances, 385 Patches, 484 PCM waveforms, 55 types of effects—was included in this original release.

The new WAVESTATION software synthesizer Version 1.5 adds all of the PCM data, Patches and Performances contained in the six original optional ROM cards—more than 250 Performances, 250 Patches, 250 PCM waveforms and 150 Wave Sequences—long sought after by many current WAVESTATION owners. The WAVESTATION v1.5 software synthesizer opens new sound programming territory, providing more than 1,400 preset sounds plus a massive collection of additional PCM waveforms and Wave Sequences. Best of all, the WAVESTATION v1.5 software synthesizer is able to import original WAVESTATION series data via SysEx (SYX) files. The WAVESTATION software synthesizer Version 1.5 is ready for today's musical challenges, providing support for RTAS, VST and Audio Units plug-in formats—as well as stand alone operation.

MDE-X Version 1.2 Multi-effect Plug-in
MDE-X is the awesome multi-effect plug-in first introduced in the Korg Legacy Collection, delivering 19 high quality effect types derived from the technical innovation and research behind Korg's Digital Recorders, TRITON synthesizers, and effects processors. With the new Korg Legacy Collection—Digital Edition, MDE-X Version 1.2 is here, and now supports RTAS, as well as VST and Audio Units plug-in formats. Featuring a low CPU drain design, MDE-X v1.2 comes equipped with 128 immediately useful and editable effect programs perfect for sound design, recording, mixdown sessions—even live performance!

Korg Legacy Collection Digital Edition Features:

• M1 Software Synthesizer:
• 256-note polyphony (depending on CPU speed)
• 8 parts
• 2,700 preset sounds and 400 user presets
• 900 PCM waveforms
• 34 effect types
• Original M1 series data can be imported via .SYX file
• Operates as a stand alone or VST/AU/RTAS plug-in instrument
  
  WAVESTATION v1.5 software synthesizer:
• 256-note polyphony (depending on CPU speed)
• More than 1,400 preset sounds (14 ROM banks/3 RAM banks)
• More than 700 PCM waveforms
• 55 effect types
• Original WAVESTATION series data can be imported via .SYX file
• Operates as a stand alone or VST/AU/RTAS plug-in instrument
  
  MDE-X v1.2 Multi-effect Plug-in:
• 19 effect types: Dyna Compressor, Compressor, Multi-Bank Limiter, Mastering Limiter, Overdrive/Hi Gain + Wah, 4-Band EQ, Exciter/Enhancer, Talking Modulator, Decimator, Flanger, Phaser, Polysix Ensemble, Multi-Tap Chorus/Delay, Stereo/Cross Delay, LCD BPM Delay, Reverb Hall, Reverb Smooth Hall, Reverb Wet Plate, Reverb Dry Plate
• 128 effect programs
• Dynamic modulation
• Operates as VST/AU/RTAS plug-in

The classic sounds of two groundbreaking synth legends in VST, Audio Units and RTAS-compatible formats! Call or click to order now.

Korg Legacy Collection Digital Edition Specifications:

• Common specs:
• Realtime MIDI control and automation
• 44.1kHz-192kHz sampling frequency
• G4 Velocity Engine-optimized (Mac), Intel Pentium 3 SSE/SSE2-optimized (Windows)
  
  Mac System Requirements:
• Apple G4/500MHz or faster; G4/800MHz or faster recommended
• 256MB RAM or larger
• Display: 1,024x768; 32,000 colors or brighter
• OS: Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later
• Audio interface (stand alone): Core Audio-compatible audio interface (Macintosh's onboard sound output port can be used)
• Plug-in: Depends on system requirements of host application program
  
  System requirements (Windows):
• Intel Pentium III/1GHz or faster; Pentium 4, Pentium M, Celeron, Celeron M/900MHz or faster recommended
• 256MB RAM or larger
• Display: 1,024x768; 16-bit colors or brighter
• OS: Windows XP Home Edition/Professional SP1 or later
• Audio interface (stand alone): ASIO, DirectSound, or MME-compatible audio interface
• Plug-in: Depends on system requirements of host application
  
  *Audio interface with a low latency will be needed to play software synths in real time. Audio Units, VST, or RTAS-compatible (for Mac) or VST or RTAS-compatible (for Windows) host application program will be needed to use as a plug-in

Korg Legacy Collection Digital Edition

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M1 and Wavestation -My old stage setup!

Posted by x_bruce from Chicago, IL on Aug 9, 2006

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: musician, programmer, technology writer

Reviewer's Play Style: Post Rock / Experimental, Progressive, Jazz, Rock

Korg owned the workstation market in the 1990s and probably is doing pretty well as we speak. Like thousands of musicians I've waited for years to see an authentic Wavestation VST instrument. With Korg's 1.5 release it is here along with every sample ever used with it. Not only that, but as a nice surprise you get RESONANT FILTERS, something almost every WS user begged for. Finally in 2006 we got it and it was worth the wait. This is so much nicer than having the physical instrument as there is an accessible editing GUI. It is easy to make Wavesequences and build new patches. Auditioning is automated if chosen, presets can be browsed by the library number or card it was on. It's a nice adaptation of modern GUI design that keeps the 90s feeling of the WS alive. If not familiar look into the available features and read about some legacy features now part of Korg's OASYS mega-synth.

Besides the Wavestation there's the M1, also complete with all samples found available for the M1 and "T" series workstations that dominated music in the early to mid 90s. Like the Wavestation, the M1 now has resonant filters too. The thing that's amazing is how good sounding this older sample library sounds. In fact, it is a master-class in programming by looking at how these wonderful sounding presets were made, especially considering it's lack of filter power in the time it was sold. The M1 is still a good meat & potatos synth and has better polyphony. The reason the M1 is interesting is because these samples have a certain dark and grungy feel, by grungy I am comparing it to 2 gigabyte pianos and the like that we see on modern synths and computer based instruments, which this is.

The two synths are proven quality synths that still work well in modern music. In fact, I hear the Wavestation or samples of it on more films today than back when it was the latest, greatest $2000 synth.

Considering the price, you couldn't buy one quality sample library for the M1 or Wavestation, the latter being so extensive that terabytes of data wouldn't get everything it could do, and now with resonance added to filters there's even more.

A must have for synth freaks or newbies.

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Posted by Hot Soup from Long Beach, CA on Mar 31, 2006

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Hip-Hop

Quality would be a 10 but for some reason it's the only VST that I have latency issues with. Sounds are dope though. The price is good for what you get.

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They came so close . . .

Posted by Robertk from Plano, TX on Jan 11, 2006

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Hobbyist

Reviewer's Play Style: Prog

Perhaps Korg should just stick to making some of the best standalone synths around, and leave softsynth to the professionals at NI, EastWest, IK Multimedia, etc. This could have been among the best softsynth packages ever. It gives us an M1 and Wavestation (two of the finest products Korg ever released) in software form. All it's missing is a DSS-1. Sounds great, till you load the software. Here's where you run into two problems.

1. The content protection scheme is unreasonable. Most of us have gotten used to the content protection of products like Absynth and Sampletank, where you put in the authorization key, log onto the company's web site, download an activation key specific to your hardware, and copy/paste it in to start using the software. That's ok. But Korg takes it way further by requiring you to download the activation key to a physical USB dongle-key, which must always be attatched to your computer whenever you want to use the product. You can't play one note without your computer accessing this dongle. But wait (as they say on TV) that's not all. According to Korg, these keys will not be replaced if they get fried, broken, lost, or stolen. They can be repaired at your cost. Otherwise, you have to re-buy the software if anything happens to the key. This is also not mentioned in the system requirements - only alluded to by saying "USB port required." I'm ok with content protection. But this is unreasonable.

2. The VST wrapper is very buggy. If you want to use this software as a standalone, fine. But if you want to open it in any other software, forget it. The wrapper is so bad it managed to crash the otherwise uncrashable Mackie Tracktion software.

3. The user's manual is a joke. You get a quickstart card, an installation guide, and PDFs of the original M1 and Wavestation manuals - no actual instructions on how to use the software.

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Korg Legacy Collection Digital Edition

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