The Korg Opsix Altered FM Synthesiser is an altered digital FM synthesiser that features a true 6-operator sound generator with a diversity of waveforms and operator modes that goes far beyond the realm of standard FM, making it well suited for sound designers, producers, and musicians. The opsix offers the editing simplicity of analogue synthesis to control the power of the FM engine.
There are six sets of knobs and sliders on the opsix panel, each with two-coloured LEDs, which help you quickly and clearly see the relationships between operators, whose roles change with each algorithm. Make direct changes to the pitch and volume for carriers and to the brightness of the sound or strength of the harmonics for the modulators. These controls give you sonic control over the unpredictability of FM just by subtracting and adding sounds as if you were using a mixer or drawbars.
There are 5 operator modes that expand beyond the traditional FM Sinae waves and include FM, ring modulation, filter, filter FM, and wave folder, as well as a wide range of waveforms. There are also 40 preset algorithms and user algorithms, which provide a combination of different operator roles and connections.
Beyond FM, the opsix provides a wide range of analogue-style modulation controls and filters including three ADSR envelope generators, three LFOs, and 12 virtual patches for a huge range of modulation sources. The 11 filter types include the radical MS-20 low-pass / high-pass filter, to the powerful yet soft Polysix low-pass filter that gives your sound a vintage feel; as well as two- or four-pole low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band reject filters with resonance.
The opsix includes 30 high-definition effects of which three can be used simultaneously. You'll find stand offerings such as compression, AEQ, chorus, flanger, phaser and stereo delay, as well as distinctive effects like rotary speakers, grain shifters, and shimmering reverb effects that add a new dimensions to already remarkable sounds.
The powerful 16-step polyphonic sequencer allows you to record up to six notes per step, edit the velocity, gate time, and playback timing for each note, allowing you to create long phrases, or make subtle shifts in timing to emulate strums or drum rolls. A motion sequencer lets you record up to six parameters, creating smooth motion changes in sound within a phrase or building rhythms that change dramatically with each step.
Other notable features include randomisation, which provides you with unexpected sonic discoveries at the touch of a button and a spectrum analyser and oscilloscope which provide visual feedback to the distribution of harmonics that are caused by modulation, drawing you into a deep synthesiser vortex. The opsix ships with a 12 VDC power supply and includes a free bundle of music software including Korg's Gadget 2 LE, Module, and M1 LE collection, as well as Reason Studios Reason Lite, and iZotope Ozone Elements mastering software.
Key Features:
- True six-operator FM synthesis and more
- FM exploration, easier than ever
- Full editing with the Data Entry rotary encoders
- Five operator modes that expand FM synthesis
- 40 preset algorithms and user algorithms
- Three EGs, three LFOs and 12 virtual patches offer an extensive range of modulation.
- Eleven powerful filters, including MS-20 and Polysix
- Three series of 30 types of high-definition effects
- Visually satisfying editing with a spectrum analyser and oscilloscope
- Powerful 16-step polyphonic sequencer
- Adding unpredictability to sounds with the Randomise feature
- Favourite and smooth sound transition (SST) functions
- Compact design featuring a 37-key keyboard
Software Bundle
Apps for iPad/iPhone:
- KORG Gadget 2 Le (music production studio DAW app)
- KORG Module (piano/keyboard sound module app)
Software for Mac/Windows:
- KORG Collection - M1 Le (synthesiser sound module)
- UVI Digital Synsations (synthesiser sound module)
- AAS Ultra Analogue Session (synthesiser sound module)
- AAS Strum Session (acoustic guitar sound module)
- AAS Lounge Lizard Session (electric piano sound module)
- Reason Studios Reason Lite (DAW music production software)
- Skoove free 3 month trial of Skoove Premium (online piano lessons)
- KORG Gadget 2 Le for Mac (DAW music production software)
- iZotope Ozone Elements (audio mastering plug-in software)
