Ahead of the curve
The advent of an amazing synthesizer whose sound, form, and features will attract all manner of musicians and producers, whether beginner or professional --- the new R3.
Watch the R3 introduction Video
Main features
- Full-fledged analog synth sound in a compact body weighing less than 3 kg.
- RADIAS-based MMT (Multi Modeling Technology) delivers stunning sounds.
- 37 full-size, velocity sensing keys.
- Maximum 8-voice polyphony.
- Split, layer or play two timbres at once.
- 128 programs grouped by category for immediate use.
- Bank Select dial lets you quickly find the sounds you want.
- Individual displays and knobs surrounded by LED halo indicators guarantee excellent visibility.
- Two-band equalizer and two Insert effects provided for each timbre.
- Modulation sequencer lets you apply time-varying change to the sound parameters.
- Six virtual patches for even greater sound-creating freedom.
- Step Arpeggiator allows each step to be toggled on or off for more rhythmic variation.
- Process any external signal through the filters, effects, and more.
- Sixteen-channel vocoder with Formant Motion function.
- USB port provides convenient single cable connection to your computer.
- Editor/librarian software for graphic editing of all of the R3's parameters on your computer.
- Dedicated gooseneck microphone (XLR) is included.
Compact synthesizer with full-size keys, ideal for enjoying sound creation or performance
The R3 is a full-fledged synthesizer that provides an easy way to enjoy the delights of sophisticated synthesis and advanced sound creation. In a compact and light-weight body, it packs 37 fullsize, velocity sensing keys, along with two-timbre/eight-voice performance power.
The sound generator section uses the same acclaimed MMT (Multiple Modeling Technology) used by the KORG RADIAS, delivering thick, gutsy, and crisp analog sounds. With quality that will satisfy both professionals and beginners, the R3 is a great choice for adding synth sounds on stage or in music production.
Amazing sonic power from Korg's MMT analog modeling sound generator
The versatile range of built-in oscillator algorithms covers everything from familiar analog synthesizer waveforms, to the unique formant waveform, noise, DWGS PCM waveforms and even live audio input. Starting with these oscillator algorithms, you can use a powerful synth engine coupled with simple operations to produce an enormous range of tonal variation. Each timbre can use up to two Insert effects plus EQ, and a global Master effect can be used to process the sound of the entire R3. Add an ultra-powerful formant-recording vocoder, and the R3 gives you plenty of possibilities to enjoy creating synthesizer sounds.
Editing sounds is quick and intuitive; simply select a page and turn the four knobs. You can also use these knobs to modify the sound while you perform.
A versatile oscillator section
For each voice, the R3 provides two oscillators. Oscillator 1 (OSC1) gives you a choice of seven waveforms including sawtooth, pulse, formant, noise, and DWGS, as well as allowing you to select an external audio source connected to the AUDIO INPUT 1 and 2 jacks. To enhance the basic analog synthesizer waveforms such as sawtooth wave and triangle wave, you can apply cross modulation, unison, or VPM (Variable Phase Modulation). Oscillator 2 (OSC2) gives you a choice of four waveforms such as sawtooth and sine, and can also be used as a modulation-type oscillator to apply sync modulation or ring modulation for distinctively analog synthesizer sounds. The noise generator (NOISE) produces white noise, and provides a useful way to create breath noise for wind instrument sounds, or to produce evocative sound effects. The sawtooth wave and pulse wave use the same basic design as the AL-1 Analog Synthesizer found in Korg's flagship OASYS synthesizer. These clean and pure waveforms are free of aliasing noise, even in the high-frequency range.*
* Oscillator 1's sawtooth wave and pulse wave (used in Unison MOD) and Oscillator 2's square wave are excepted.
Oscillator 1:
Waveforms: Saw, Pulse, Triangle, Sine, Formant, Noise, DWGS, Audio In
Modulation: Waveform, Cross, Unison, VPM
Oscillator 2:
Waveforms: Saw, Square, Triangle, Sine
Modulation: Ring, Sync, Ring+Sync
Two filters with selectable routing
The R3 features a dual filter structure that can be configured in series, parallel or an individual structure allowing each oscillator to have its own dedicated filter. Filter 1 is a multi-mode resonant design that lets you continuously vary between various low-pass, high-pass and band reject characteristics. Filter 2 has a switchable, multi-mode resonant design that also includes comb filtering, which can be made to feed back in order to boost multiple series of overtones, giving you amazing potential for generating unique tonal changes. You can also adjust the resonance to boost the overtone structure, allowing you to create everything from traditional fat sounds to sharp dance-type sounds.
Amp section with a Drive/Waveshaping circuit
The Drive circuit lets you create the distinctive distortion typical of an analog synthesizer, or generate new overtones by deeply overdriving the sound. The Waveshaping circuit gives you twelve types of transformation including hard clipping, and can be used as a decimator to produce typically digital roughness by converting the sampling frequency, or even as a sub-oscillator, opening up new sound-making possibilities not available on previous synthesizers. The Drive/Waveshaping circuit can be placed either before the amp section or immediately before Filter 1 to give you different nuances of sound. With additional parameters - such as the Punch Level setting that emphasizes the attack, giving greater impact to percussive sounds - you have the tools to enjoy radical creativity that's not restricted by concepts of the past.
Specifications subject to change without notice
