Korg Opsix MK2

The Opsix MKII FM synthesizer, Korg's fresh and expansive reinvention of classic digital synthesis, delivers great versatility and full-spectrum, high-definition sound in an easy-to-use synth. From bells and chimes to crisp leads and woolly bass lines, the Opsix can handle it all thanks to a unique "altered" FM synthesis approach. By bypassing the often frustrating drawbacks of complex traditional 6-operator FM (Frequency Modulation) sound generation in favor of a much more musical and direct approach, the Opsix houses a stunning amount of power packed into a neat, 37-key chassis with accessible hands-on controls that give you the real-time sound-shaping you'd previously expect to find on an analog synth. At the heart of this synth's comprehensive voice is the Operator Mixer, a series of six backlit knobs and faders connected to various parameters for tonal tweaking at your discretion. Turn it on, and you're immediately presented with hundreds of presets that provide a solid foundation from which to explore.

This MK2 has become a huge synth, in terms of possibilities. Doubled polyphony, for example. Or the new backlit faders, where the color indicates whether an operator is a carrier or operator. A good number of filters are available to manage the last bit of the spectrum, which is not easily possible with FM. In that respect, you can also call the Opsix a subtractive synth, based on a complex and dynamic base tone, made with FM. That's generally where sample-based or virtual analog synths stop. You have your piano or your sawtooth, and that's where it ends. With the Opsix, you still have millions of FM sounds you can create, even before those sounds ever touch a filter.

Like having six synths at the ready

The Opsix MK2 has six different waveforms, all of which can be edited for virtually unlimited sonic options. By removing parts of the sound you don't want, Subtractive targets exactly what you want to hear, with up to six envelopes and multi-modeled filters to channel classic to contemporary synth sounds. Semi-modular redirects signal paths to subtly or drastically alter your sound, with a handy Algorithms section to reshape your basics without patch cables. Analog features a wealth of stackable waveforms alongside analog controls, allowing you to create booming basses, ripping lead lines, lush pads and more. Use Waveshaping for some extra distortion, great if you want to create a dirtier overall sound with lots of overtones. Additive stacks waveforms and blends over harmonics for a wide range of dissonant and harmonic sounds. Classic FM rounds out the list, capable of producing many of those iconic synth sounds from the 1980s to the present, all thanks to its true FM architecture with 6 operators.

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Korg's modern approach to FM

When the first digital synthesizers hit the market in the early 1980s, many keyboardists found them frustratingly complicated to use, despite their obvious potential. With the Opsix MKII, Korg has taken a fresh, modern approach to FM. Their "modified" 6-operator FM synthesis makes the hugely capable FM sound generation method accessible to any musician who has ever played a classic analog synth. Equipped with a user-friendly 6-fader operator level mixer, 6-button ratio mixer, six data entry rotary encoders, and a flexible sound engine that takes you well beyond basic FM, the Opsix broadens the possibilities of digital synthesis. Whether you're an '80s FM purist or completely new to digital synthesis, the Korg Opsix is a must-have addition to your synth arsenal.

Amazing power under the hood

The Korg Opsix MKII may be small, but it has amazing sonic power. With 250 expertly curated factory presets (and 250 user slots), you can get right to work. From there, shaping your sound with the Opsix is almost as intuitive as any analog synth you've ever held in your hands. Analog experts will feel right at home with the Opsix's 21 oscillator waveforms, three envelopes, three LFOs and 11 powerful filters, while Korg's versatile V.Patch virtual patch system keeps routing simple. Use the Opsix's 16-step polyphonic sequencer. Load notes into the 7-pattern arpeggiator. Or use the Randomize function for some delightful unpredictability. FM synthesis has never been so accessible - and fun!

Specifications:

• FM synthesizer, MKII version
• altered
• polyphony: max 32 stereo
• sound source: FM
• structure: 6 operators, 1 filter, 3 EGs, 3 LFOs, 3
• effects, step sequencer, arpeggiator
• algorithm: 40 presets + user algorithm (unique for each program)
• operator: 5 modes (FM, Ring Mod, Filter, Filter FM, Wave Folder)
• oscillator: 21 waveforms (Sine, Sine 12bit, Sine 8bit, Triangle, Saw, Saw HD, Square, Square HD, Additive Saw3, Additive Sqr3, Additive Tri3, Additive 12345, Additive 1 + 2, Additive 1 + 3, Additive 1 + 4, Additive 1 +5, Additive 1 + 6, Additive 1 + 7, Additive 1 + 8, Noise S / H, Noise White)
• filter: 11 types (LPF 12, LPF 24, LPF MS-20, LPF POLY6, HPF 12, HPF 24, HPF MS-20, BPF 6, BPF 12, BRF 6, BRF 12)
• EG: ADSR
• LFO: 23 waveforms (Triangle, Saw Down, Saw Up, Square, Sine, Sample & Hold, Guitar, Exp. Triangle, Exp. Saw Down, Exp. Saw Up, Step4 Triangle, Step6 Triangle, Step4 Saw Down, Step6 Saw Down, StepRnd: Time, StepRnd: Lvl & Time, StepRnd: Level, Random: Time, Random: Lvl & Time, Triangle +, Saw Down +, Saw Up +, Square +)
• v.patch: 12 routing options
• effects: 30 types (Chorus, Unison Ensemble, Phaser, Phaser (BPM ), Auto Pan, Auto Pan (BPM), Flanger, Flanger (BPM), Rotary Speaker, Auto Wah, Exciter, Enhancer, LFO filter, 3-band EQ, Distortion, Guitar Amplifier, Decimator, Grain Shifter, Master Limiter, Compressor , Delay, Delay (BPM), Autopan Dly, Autopan Dly (BPM), Tape Echo, Tape Echo (BPM), Early Reflection, Reverb, Shimmer Reverb, Spring Reverb)
• sequencer:
  step sequencer (up to 16 steps, up to 6 notes per step)
  motion sequencer (up to 6 lanes)
• arpeggiator: 7 patterns (MANUAL, UP, DOWN, ALT1, ALT2, RANDOM, TRIGGER)
• number of programs: 500 (250 preset programs and 250 user programs as factory settings)
• favorites: 64 (16 slots × 4 banks)
• controls:
  MODULATION wheel
  PITCH wheel
  RATIO ON 1-6 buttons
  LEVEL ON 1-6 sliders
  DATA ENTRY A-F buttons
• inputs and outputs:
  headphones (6.3 mm stereo phone jack)
  OUTPUT L / MONO and R (impedance-balanced 6.3 mm TRS phone jacks )
  DAMPER (6.3 mm phone jack, half-damper not supported)
  MIDI IN and OUT connectors
  USB B port
  power supply: AC adapter (DC12V)
• power consumption: 5 W
• dimensions: 565 × 338 × 90 mm
• weight 2.9 kg
• included: AC adapter
• optional (sold separately): DS-1H pedal, PS-1 pedal, PS-3 pedal

Included is the AC adapter.