The M3 heralds the third generation of Korg Workstations. The M1 started it all, first appearing in 1988 to bring the world a new concept called the "music workstation." It went on to become the best selling workstation in history, and was further expanded and enhanced through the T and O1/W series. Trinity defined a new level of innovations including touch screen technology and configurable effects, and was the forbearer of the successful TRITON range of products.

Extended information

Now Korg is poised to refine the workstation category once again - The M3 features a number of innovations distilled from the flagship OASYS including the new EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound generator derived from the HD-1 engine design, the advanced second-generation KARMA functionality, and the multi-purpose control surface. Adding innovations such as the new concept of "virtualized hardware" that allows an even closer integration with DAW systems, Drum Tracks which provide a instant groove to play along with, and the new "Korg Komponent System" concept that facilitates more flexible system construction, the M3 music workstation/sampler opens a new and exciting page in music making, and is the workstation that rightfully deserves to wear the "M" that started it all.

Technical specifications

Control Inputs:
Damper Pedal (half damper pedaling supported), Assignable Switch, Assignable Pedal

Audio Outputs:
• L/MONO, R
• INDIVIDUAL-1, 2, 3, 4
• S/P DIF (optical 24-bit, 48 kHz)
• Headphones

Audio Input:
• 1, 2 (level switch (MIC/LINE), level knob)
• S/P DIF (optical 24-bit, 48 kHz)

MIDI:
IN, OUT, THRU

Interface:
• 2 USB type A connectors(for storage devices)
• USB type B connector (for MIDI interface, USB 2.0 supported)
• 2 FireWire ports (when EXB-FW (separately sold option) installed)
• TO KYBD (for connection to keyboard assembly unit)

Tone Generator:
• 256 Mbyte (when converted to 16-bit linear format)
• 1,028 Multisamples
• 1,606 Drum Samples

Sampling:
• 16-bit, linear, 48 kHz mono/stereo sampling, resampling available (Open Sampling System)
• 64 Mbyte memory standard (expandable up to 320 Mbyte with EXB-M256 option)
• 1,000 Multisamples, 4,000 Samples, 128 indexes per sample
• supports Korg format, AIFF, WAV, AKAI S1000/S3000 (advanced Program conversion), SoundFont 2.0 reading

Polyphony:
120 voices, 120 oscillators in Single Mode / 60 voices, 120 oscillators in Double Mode

Effects:
• 5 Insert Effects (stereo in/out), 2 Master Effects (stereo in/out), 1 Total Effect (stereo in/out) are available simultaneously
• 2 effect control busses, 2 effect common LFOs
• 170 types (can be used for Insert/Master/Total)

Sounds:
- Programs, 1,664 user locations, 640 preloaded (512 EDS+128 RADIAS) (with EXB-RADIAS option installed)
- Combinations, 1,792 user locations, 384 preloaded
- Drumkits, 144 user locations, 32 preloaded
- GM, 256 GM2 programs, 9 GM2 drum kits

Sequencer:
• 16-track MIDI sequencer with 480 ppq resolution
• 128 Songs, 20 Cue Lists, 210,000 notes (max)
• 150 preset patterns, 100 user patterns (per Song)
• Standard MIDI File (SMF) format 0 and 1 available

KARMA:
• one KARMA module available in Program Mode, four KARMA modules available in Combination and Sequencer Mode
• Over 2,000 preset GEs (Generated Effect)
• 8 scenes, 8 sliders, 8 switches
• KARMA Wave Sequence, Freeze Randomize, Time Signature Control, Auto RTC (Realtime Control) Setup

Controllers:
• Control Surface (8 sliders, 8 switches)
• [KARMA ON/OFF]
• [KARMA LATCH]
• [CHORD ASSIGN]
• [DRUM TRACK ON/OFF]
• [PAD MODE]
• [KARMA MODULE CONTROL]
• X-Y Control (Display)
• 8 Pads

M3 Options:
• PS-1 Pedal Switch

Keyboard Assembly Unit:
- Keyboard, • 61-key, 73-key, 88-key (Korg’s new keyboard, semi-weighted), 88-key weighted action (RH3: Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 keyboard)
- Controllers, • Joystick, Ribbon Controller, [SW1], [SW2]
- Interface, • TO MODULE (for connection to M3-M tone generator module), • TO MODULE (second) (available on 73-key and 88-key)

System Requirements for M3 Editor:
Windows • Windows XP Home/ Professional Edition Service Pack 2 or later, Intel Pentium III/1 GHz or faster, 512 Mbyte or larger memory (1 Gbyte or larger recommended)
Macintosh • Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, G4/800 MHz or faster (Intel-based Mac supported, G5 and/or Core Duo recommended), 512 Mbyte or larger memory (1 Gbyte or larger recommended)

Plug-in version • Supported Formats: VST, RTAS, Audio Units (Mac only)