Operating System Updates
OASYS System Version 1.3
Korg is pleased to announce the release of system version 1.3 for Korg's flagship OASYS synthesizer, delivering the next level of the sound-creating and performance potential of this acclaimed instrument. In addition to new features and enhancements, version 1.3 includes a new version of KARMA (2.1), and makes available two more optional expansions: the MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer, and the EXs-3 Brass & Woodwinds Expansion sample library.
Main features
- The EXi MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM synthesizer takes a classic form of synthesis into new and uncharted territories. A demo version is included in OASYS system version 1.3.
- KARMA 2.1 adds support for User GEs, selectable quantization for Scene changes and Module triggering, enhancements to the Note Map feature, and many other functions.
- The optional EXs-3 Brass & Woodwinds Expansion Sample Library, available separately, provides over 700 Mbytes of expressive, natural-sounding brass and woodwind instruments.
- EXs expansion sample sets can now be loaded and unloaded immediately in OASYS memory, without restarting the OASYS, a great time-saver!
- EXs-1 and 2 are now loaded into RAM using a new, lossless compression technique. This yields a modest reduction in size: EXs-1 now uses 284 MB instead of 313 MB, and EXs-2 uses 464 MB instead of 503 MB. With 2 GB installed and both EXs loaded, this increases the available user sampling RAM by about 68 MB. You’ll notice that this is much milder than the dramatic size reductions of mp3, or the PCM compression sometimes found in other synthesizers. There is a strong advantage over these other methods, however: the OASYS compression is completely lossless, and causes absolutely no degradation in audio quality whatsoever.
Note: This compression applies only to EXs samples, and not to RAM samples.
- Each EXi in a dual Program can be transposed separately for greater sonic flexibility.
- All Step Sequencers now provide separate "smoothing" parameters for attack and decay, allowing you to create more complex tonal changes.
- In Sequencer mode, a play button has been added to MIDI Event Edit, allowing you to play back the currently-edited measure while keeping the dialog box open.
- Other improvements and enhancements have been made to the operation of and stability of the Operating System.
OASYS software version 1.3 is available as a free download from www.korguser.net. EXs-3 is available now!
Software version 1.2
OASYS software version 1.2 adds a number of features, including increased polyphony for the AL-1 and STR-1, polyphonic unison, unison stereo spread, improved parameter smoothing, and a powerful and easy- to-use chord feature. It also includes a demo of the Legacy Analog option (LAC-1), which can be enabled via an authorization code purchased from www.korguser.net.
EXi option: Legacy Analog Collection
The Legacy Analog Collection for OASYS features enhanced versions of two classic Korg analog synths, using Korg’s proprietary CMT (Component Modeling Technology): the MS-20EX and PolysixEX.
Much more than simple re-creations of their acclaimed vintage predecessors, however, these EXi take their concepts to the next level–with many features unique to the OASYS.
How to get OS 1.2
This Operating System is available for download from www.korguser.net. OASYS owners need to register their OASYS at the site, either creating a new account for first-time visitors, or adding a new product for owners of any Korg software product.
Note: OS 1.2 requires that your OASYS has already been updated to version 1.1 or higher. Read more about that update below.
Demo mode and authorization
A demo version of the Legacy Analog collection is installed with OASYS software version 1.2, and new Programs using the MS-20EX and PolysixEX are added to the FACTORY folder on the HD so the user can load them into the Bank of their choice. In demo mode, you can play, edit, and save Programs, Combis, and Songs which use the EXi–but until you purchase an authorization code, their sound will fade out periodically.
To purchase an authorization code, and to download additional, free banks of Legacy Analog sounds, go to www.korguser.net. Once purchased, you can enter the authorization code on the Plug-In Info page in Global mode.
Voice Enhancements
Increased polyphony for the AL-1 & STR-1
You can now play more AL-1 and STR-1 voices simultaneously! The updated AL-1 is capable of playing 96 voices (up from 84), and the STR-1’s max polyphony is now 48 voices (up from 32–a factor of 50%). Naturally, the full audio fidelity of the previous versions has been preserved.
Unison enhancements
Unison has been improved in several ways, for both HD-1 and EXi Programs. To begin with, you can now enable unison in Poly mode, as well as in Mono. The Unison Stereo Spread parameter distributes unison voices across the stereo field, for a more intense effect. Finally, the range of Unison Detune has been doubled, to a total width of 200 cents (100 cents up and down).
Max # of Notes
The new Max # of Notes parameter lets you model the voice-leading of vintage synthesizers, such as the Polysix, as well as control the resources required by individual Programs in Combination and Sequencer modes. Max # of Notes is available in both HD-1 and EXi Programs, as well as for each Timbre in a Combi and each Track in a Song.
Improved parameter smoothing
Since its initial release, OASYS has used several different smoothing processes to minimize "steppiness" on knobs, sliders, and controls. These processes have been further improved, via an adaptive smoothing algorithm.
Tone Adjust is now smoothed as well, so that you can use this Control Surface mode for performance as well as when editing. Many parameters are also now smoothed even when edited from the LCD.
Chord mode
The original Polysix had a fun, cool Chord function, which let you store a chord and then transpose it by playing single notes on the keyboard. We thought this was such a good idea that we integrated it throughout the OASYS system. You can now enable Chord mode for any HD-1 or EXi Program, as well as for each Timbre in a Combi and each Track in a Song.
Chord mode is integrated with the Drum/Chord Pads. Just as before, you can store up to 8-note chords for each Pad – but now, with Chord mode, you can use the pads to select a chord, and then play it from the keyboard. A Chord SW function lets you enable and disable Chord mode from SW1, SW2, or the Assignable Foot Switch.
Chord mode can duplicate the way that the Polysix chords worked, but it can also use all of the Voice Assign options to create different effects–such as mono legato chords with fingered portamento, or poly chords that overlap one another.
Software version 1.1
OASYS software version 1.1 includes the free OASYS Expansion Instrument (EXi), the STR-1 Plucked String. This free OS also adds support for up to 2 GB of memory, as well as some significant enhancements to the OASYS voice architecture.
How to Order
To order your CDs please contact the Distributor for your country. For contact information, click here.
US Customers can order their Version 1.1 CD's from Korg USA by either:
1. E-mailing us at customerservice@korgusa.com
2. Faxing us at 800-289-5674
3. Calling us at 631-390-6800.
We just need your name and full mailing address. Expect the CD's to arrive to you within two weeks.
Voice Enhancements
OS Version 1.10 adds some powerful additions to the OASYS.
The most anticipated is support for up to 2 GB of memory. By adding an additional 1 GB DIMM memory module*, users can keep both the EXs1 and EXs2 expansion libraries in memory at the same time, with room for almost 700 MB of samples still available. Alternatively, by not loading either EXs library, approx. 1.5 GB of sample RAM will be available for loading new sounds or creating their own custom samples.
*Compatible memory specifications: 184-pin DIMM DDR SDRAM, unbuffered, non-ECC, PC2700 (DDR333 CL2.5) or PC3200 (DDR400 CL3)
An additional type of AMS Mixer has been added in OS 1.10, the Gate, supplementing the OASYS’ already vast offering of AMS (Alternate Modulation Source) choices. The Gate AMS Mixer lets you set up two different AMS sources (or fixed AMS amounts), and then switch between the two using a third AMS source. It’s similar to an audio gate with a side-chain, but with even more flexibility–since you get to choose what happens when the gate is closed (below the threshold), as well as when it’s open (above the threshold). Examples of its uses would include:
• Being able to apply pitch bend to some notes, but not to others, based on the state of a controller at note-on,
• Applying controllers to a parameter only after the controller reaches a certain threshold (using Velocity to control harmonics in the STR-1, but only once Velocity is greater than 90),
• Using a joystick, switch, or other controller to switch between two different LFOs (or any two AMS sources).
Other enhancements include the ability to set a pedal to control Inc/Dec navigation, so you can move through Programs, Combinations, or even change Sequencer tracks "hands-free," and the ability to filter out half-damping when using a sustain pedal on non-piano sounds.
To read about the installation process click here.
To read about the OS History click here.
Please note: Cosmetic and Technical specifications are subject to change without notice
Demo Songs
Ben's Brains for Joe Z. (Mp3, 8.5 Mb)
Ben's Brains uses the HD-1, CX-3, AL-1 and STR-1 engines.
by Ben Dowling
www.bendowling.com
© 2007 Visionsound Music
www.visionsound.com
All rights reserved
Red Square Sinfonietta (mp3, 5.51MB)
by Peter Schwartz
(c) 2005 Peter Schwartz
all rights reserved
This demo blends real instruments with onboard OASYS sounds to show the benefits of using both MIDI and audio recording. The audio tracks are the piccolo, flute, alto flute, oboe, english horn and viola.
Love Embraces All (mp3, 6.10MB)
by Ben Dowling
www.bendowling.com
© 2007 Visionsound Music
www.visionsound.com
All rights reserved
Teknosis (mp3, 11.3MB)
by Peter Schwartz
(c) 2005 Peter Schwartz
all rights reserved
All parts are internal OASYS sounds.
Heaven (320 bitrate) (15.1 MB, mp3)
by Andreas Gundlach
(c) 2006 Andreas Gundlach
all rights reserved
This demo is part of a CD released in Germany by Korg & More to showcase the OASYS. Everything on the demo came from a single OASYS. It is presented in two resolutions in consideration for your Internet connection speed. For the lower resolution version (192 bitrate), click here (mp3, 8.66MB).
A few production notes:
The piano is the EXs-2 Piano (503 MB), slightly edited to suit Andreas’ touch (velocity curve) and taste (filter response).
The drums were played live into the sequencer from the EXs-1 Studio-Standard Kit (I-E 004), again edited slightly to match how Andreas likes to map drum sounds for playing live (some small mistakes were edited out later, of course!).
The percussion part in the middle was generated by KARMA, then resampled and laid back into the track as an audio loop.
For more info (in German) about the CD, click here.
More Audio Demos at