Introduction
The Korg microKORG S is a highly innovative, modernized evolution of the world's most legendary compact virtual-analog synthesizer, engineered specifically for electronic music producers, live street performers, singer-songwriters, and traveling sound designers. While retaining the iconic, time-tested dual-oscillator DSP modeling synthesis engine that defined a generation, the "S" edition introduces a game-changing integrated 2.1-channel high-output speaker system. Wrapped in an elegant, fresh white chassis with matching natural maple wood side panels, the microKORG S provides Malaysian musicians with complete sonic independence—allowing you to design thick analog leads, deep basslines, and complex vocoder patches anywhere without needing to carry external amplifiers or headphones.
Main Features
The defining hardware upgrade of the Korg microKORG S is its built-in 2.1-channel speaker monitor array. Carefully hidden beneath the pristine white chassis is a dedicated stereo speaker pair alongside a powerful internal subwoofer that pumps out deep, punchy low-frequency tones that you can physically feel while playing. This acoustic power plant is paired with an expanded internal memory structure that introduces 64 brand-new, production-ready presets optimized for modern electronic music styles, bringing the total patch library to 192. Additionally, it features a convenient new Favorite select system, allowing you to assign your 8 top-tier performance patches to a dedicated row of front-panel buttons for instant on-stage recall.
Usage Scenarios
- Mobile Busking & Street Performing: Power the entire keyboard with standard AA batteries to perform high-energy electronic music or live vocal vocoding straight on the street with no external speaker cables required.
- On-the-Fly Hotel Room Composing: Tweak raw synth textures and sketch out arrangement ideas effortlessly on your lap while traveling, using the built-in 2.1 speakers as a true stereo reference.
- Futuristic Vocal Vocoding: Plug the included gooseneck condenser microphone into the front panel to create robot vocals, formant-shifted talk-box patches, and layered synth choir chords instantly.
- Interactive Music Education: Teach core sound design fundamentals anywhere, from small school classrooms to private tuition studios, utilizing the internal speaker system for clear group monitoring.
- Compact Studio Master Keyboard: Interface the 37 velocity-sensitive keys with your laptop via MIDI to control your favorite software VST instruments while conserving precious desk space.
Features
- Integrated 2.1-channel internal speaker array delivers surprisingly loud, full-bodied stereo imaging with dedicated low-end bass resonance.
- Striking modern white layout design is elegantly framed by premium, genuine natural maple wood end blocks.
- Expanded memory preset library loads 64 brand-new modern patches alongside 128 timeless microKorg electronic classics.
- Tactile Favorite bank buttons let you store and recall your 8 most-used performance patches with a single finger click.
- 8-Band hardware digital vocoder includes its own flexible, plug-and-play gooseneck condenser microphone for instant vocal tracking.
- Powerful virtual analog synthesis architecture allows for intricate waveform shaping across dual oscillators, resonant filters, and LFO modulators.
- Flexible 6-type built-in programmable arpeggiator lets you craft driving, syncopated chord backtracks with customizable step-on/off adjustments.
- Versatile dual-power architecture runs continuously for over 4 hours on 6 standard AA alkaline batteries or via the included AC adapter.
Technical Specs
- Device Synthesizer Type: Compact Virtual Analog Modeling Synthesizer and Vocoder with Internal Speakers
- Sound Generation Matrix: Analog Modeling Synthesis Engine (MS-2000 DSP Architecture)
- Maximum Voice Polyphony: 4 Voices total
- Multi-Timbral Performance Capacity: 2 Timbres maximum (When used in Split / Dual Mode layering)
- Acoustic Speaker Infrastructure: 2.1-Channel Internal System (3 Watts Total Output: 2 x 0.5W Stereo Speakers + 1 x 2W Subwoofer)
- Synthesizer Engine Infrastructure: 2 Oscillators + Noise Generator, Multi-Mode Filter, 2 x Envelope Generators, 2 x LFO, 4 x Virtual Patches
- Vocoder Engine Infrastructure: 1 Oscillator + Noise Generator, 1 x Envelope Generator, 2 x LFO, 8-Channel Vocoder Matrix
- Internal Factory Program Memory: 256 Programs Total (192 Presets + 64 User Blank Slots), 8 Dedicated Favorite Buttons
- Multi-Effect Digital Matrix: 3 x Modulation Effects (Chorus/Flanger, Phaser, Ensemble), 3 x Delay Effects (Stereo, Cross, L/R), 2-Band Master EQ
- Physical Keybed Action: 37 Mini-Keys with full velocity tracking
- Analog Input Interfacing Terminals: Audio In 1 (Mic/Line Switchable, 1/4 inch TS Phone jack / Mini jack input), Audio In 2 (Line Input, 1/4 inch TS Phone jack)
- Analog Output Interfacing Terminals: Main L/Mono Output, Main R Output (1/4 inch TS Phone jacks), 1 x 1/4 inch TRS Stereo Headphone Jack
- MIDI Networking Hardware Port: 5-Pin DIN MIDI Input, Output, and Thru Connections
- System Power Requirements: DC 9V Power Supply Adapter (Included) or 6 x AA Alkaline Batteries (Sold Separately)
- Hardware Frame Enclosure Size: 524 mm (W) x 232 mm (D) x 70 mm (H) / 20.63" x 9.13" x 2.76"
- Net Weight (Without Batteries/Mic): 2.5 kg / 5.51 lbs
CK Music Staff Recommendation
The synthesizer crew at CK Music highly recommends the Korg microKORG S for anyone who loves spontaneous music creation. For decades, the original microKORG set the standard for compact analog modeling, but you always had to plug it into an amp or headphones to use it. Korg solved that beautifully with the "S" model by engineering a brilliant 2.1-channel speaker system right into the chassis. Don't be fooled by its size; the internal subwoofer actually puts out a thick, satisfying low-end punch that makes playing it incredibly fun. Combined with the gorgeous white aesthetic, natural maple wood blocks, and the 8-button Favorite recall system, this is an exceptional, self-contained instrument that transitions effortlessly from your studio desk to an outdoor jam session.