The KORG Legacy Collection – Digital Edition offers stunning software versions of two Korg digital synthesis masterpieces – the M1 and WAVESTATION – plus the MDE-X multi-effect plug-in. Now you can get the classic sounds of these two ground-breaking synth legends updated for the 21st century and ready to rock your computer, in VST, Audio Units and RTAS-compatible formats!
The KORG Legacy Collection delivers classic Korg synthesizers reborn as software. Taking advantage of the technical know-how uniquely available to the original manufacturer, Korg has received high acclaim for turning some of their most legendary instruments into software while adding modern parameters and up-to-date ideas. Now, joining the KORG Legacy Collection is the all-new Digital Edition, featuring the software incarnation of the legendary M1 and an enhanced version of the WAVESTATION software synthesizer.
M1 Software Synthesizer
Back by popular demand: the definitive software version of the classic M1, the Korg synthesizer that established the PCM synth sound.
Introduced back in 1988, the M1's popularity steadily grew to exceed an amazing 100,000 users. As the first workstation synthesizer, it was a definitive element in the sound of the late ‘80s through early ‘90s. Along with its innovative workstation concept, the M1's AI (Advanced Integrated) synthesis system used PCM waveforms and digital effects to deliver polished, production-ready Program and Combination sounds. As a pioneer of PCM tone generation, it was notable not just for the reality of its sound, but also for the distinctive tonal character that demonstrated the high level of Korg's voicing technology. From the famous “M1 Piano” sound through electric pianos, organs, synth pads, drums, and picked basses, numerous sounds available only from the M1 were taken up by musicians and producers around the world, and are still in use today. 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 nineteen optional ROM cards. This represents the complete “world” of M1 sounds that Korg released over a ten year period!
In addition, the Version 1.5 free update added all of the PCM data of the successor to the M1 - the T Series - including the piano PCM that was included only on the flagship T1. Along with the Programs and Combinations of the T-Series instruments, the entire contents of the optional TSD-01 through 05 disks are also included. Each of the TSD disks contains additional PCM data and Programs and Combinations using those new samples.
For additional information about the T-Series PCM Library, click here.
Finally, the software M1 contains new PCM Drum, Program and Combination data that are ideal for contemporary music production. With a total of more than 2,900 preset sounds, this is truly the ultimate M1. Of course, original M1 and T-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, and we've also added 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 – including “Hardware Innovation Of The Year” from U.S. Keyboard Magazine – 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 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 – which have been hard to find for many years now.
Plus, the recent WAVESTATION Version 1.6 free upgrade adds a resonant filter, long sought after by WAVESTATION hardware and software users, opening new sound programming territory. To take advantage of the resonant filter, 50 new Performances, 35 new Patches, and 32 new Wave Sequences are included. Saving and Loading by Bank has also been added in Version 1.6, greatly simplifying sound management.
In total, the WAVESTATION software synthesizer provides more than 1,450 preset sounds plus a massive collection of additional PCM waveforms and Wave Sequences. Best of all, the WAVESTATION software synthesizer is able to import original WAVESTATION series data via SysEx (SYX) files, opening up the world of user and third-party sounds to be found on the Internet.
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.
For more info on the Wavestation soft synth click here.
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!
Macintosh/Windows Support for
Stand-alone and Plug-in Operation
All of these software synthesizers can be used on Macintosh/Windows in stand-alone form, and also as VST/Audio Units/RTAS plug-in instruments within a compatible host application. The effects can be used as VST/Audio Units/RTAS effects plug-ins within any compatible host program.
All software is optimized for the Apple G4 Velocity Engine and Intel Pentium 4 SSE2 to obtain maximum performance.
For more detailed system requirements click here.
Mac users: This software does not currently run on Intel-based Macs, either under Rosetta or as Universal Binary. When this changes we will make a public announcement on this page.
Current KORG Legacy Collection Owners Take Note:
Korg is offering a special “Preferred Owner” price for our valued current owners to add Legacy Collection – DIGITAL EDITION to their sonic arsenal. If you are a currently registered owner of the original Legacy Collection in the UK & R.O.I. you can add the DIGITAL EDITION for only £69 (GBP) directly from Korg UK. Call 01908 857101 or email sales@korg.co.uk
Current owners outside the UK & R.O.I. should contact their local distributor.
Specifications and features are subject to change without notice.
