M3 XPanded features updated internal PCM, plus 412 MB of free sample expansion, delivering a staggering number of sound variations. New piano and classic keyboard samples — including three acoustic pianos, 3-way tine and reed electric pianos and four velocity-switched clavs, plus vintage tape-playback strings and flutes — have been added to the internal ROM, along with 160 new Programs and 32 new Combinations, bringing the total to 1,215 (EDS) onboard Programs and 416 Combinations available for use.
Three sample expansion libraries have been included on a USB memory stick for loading into sample RAM. The first two collections, EX-USB-PCM01/02 (128 MB each), adapt and customize the EXs3 “Brass and Woodwinds” sample library (first developed for Korg’s OASYS music workstation) for the M3’s EDS synthesis engine, delivering remarkably natural brass and woodwind sounds. The third library, EX-USB-PCM03, features a stereo grand piano lavishly sampled at four velocities plus ambient damper resonance to realistically deliver the richness and natural spaciousness of a top-level full concert grand.
Finally, an additional sound library offers a collection of “Pro Vintage Keys” – available for both the M50 and the M3. This collection of 32 classic keyboard sounds includes in-demand reed and tine electric pianos, clavs, tape-o-trons and other keyboard staples. Programmed by Korg USA Senior Voicing Manager Jack Hotop, these sounds provide more expressive, natural sounding programs, with improved velocity switching (up to 8-way switching!). Constantly referring to classic recordings by top artists across many genres of music, special attention was paid to Controller Modeling for accurate Stereo Panning, Tremolo, Key Off, String Muting and Tone Control.
The new M3 XPanded upgrade is available for free in the box with all new M3 purchases, with a USB memory stick included containing the new OS and 640 MB of PCM (USB-PCM-04 is available for download only). The complete M3 XPanded upgrade is also available for download at www.korg.com/M3 for existing users.
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