KingKorg action?

[zeronyne]

In my continuing search for a simplified, affordable keyboard to control an Integra (among many other things, but I would really like to able to gig easily with just a lightweight board and the Integra on very rare occasions.) but also has decent sounds, I've come across the KingKorg. If anyone owns one, I have a few quick questions.

 

1) I know the keys do not have aftertouch, but is the action decent?

2) Have you managed to find a cable for the 4 pin CV/Gate to use with Eurorack?

3) Do you like it?

 

 

[The Piano Man]

In my continuing search for a simplified, affordable keyboard to control an Integra (among many other things, but I would really like to able to gig easily with just a lightweight board and the Integra on very rare occasions.) but also has decent sounds, I've come across the KingKorg. If anyone owns one, I have a few quick questions.

 

1) I know the keys do not have aftertouch, but is the action decent?

2) Have you managed to find a cable for the 4 pin CV/Gate to use with Eurorack?

3) Do you like it?

 

 

1) no

2) no

3) no

 

I really dont think it is a good choice as a controller. The keyboard action is plastic and flimsy. I would say second hand might be the way to go. If you want a Korg, the Triton or M3 would be a better option in my opinion.

[zeronyne]

Thanks. That was what I was afraid of. It was just so inexpensive second hand, I was suspicious (it's still under warranty).

 

[MojoGuyPan]

Trying to use King Korg as a controller... hahahahahah

[RudyS]

If you see Cory Henry pull of the Lingus solo on it, it doesnt look like crap! But I agree with the piano man. Played it in a store one time. I really dont like the action!

[AnotherScott]

King Korg has the typical current low-end Korg action, where there is a lot of resistance toward the rear of the keys, How much it affects you depends on how you play and how velocity-dependent your sounds are. I think it's among the best VAs in terms of sonic characteristics. Control can be a bit awkward, as there is more menu diving than you might expect, including having to hold a button with one hand while turning a dial with the other, leaving you playing with your nose. ;-) There's a cool iPad app, though, called Patch Morpher, that gives you easier access to a wider range of possibilities.

 

As an Integra controller, if possible I would look for a board wth 16 front panel buttons that can be used to select the 16 MIDI transmission channels. That would give you easy, instant access to the 16 sounds in an Integra Studio Set. Some moderately priced and reasonably lightweight boards that should do this include Korg Microstation/Kross/Kross2, Kurzweil SP4/Artis 7, Yamaha MX/MOX/MOXF, maybe Roland FA.

[CowboyNQ]

I own one and gig it regularly. It is an excellent VA synth.

 

It would not be my choice as a midi controller.

[Throbert]

All synth action keybeds have plastic keys, guess dumb ass hasn't figured that out yet.

Korg used to have great synth action keybeds that came from Yamaha, but since the little idiot what's his face,

took over they're all crap now. They have no clue what a good synth action keybed should be and don't seem

to think they should be any longer than 61 keys.

[J. Dan]

Tell us what you really think, LOL!

 

Agreed on most parts though. I mean plastic is plastic but there is still a wide variety. I still own an Triton Pro and despite having one broken key, always felt it was a decent action. The felt wore out to the point that in my practice space, the click of the keys are audible over my monitoring. Not a stage problem, though. I'm happy with the Kronos Action. Prior to all this my Roland JV-30 was horrible. Not necessarily horrible to play but I broke Keys left and right. XP-50 seemed better. Alexis Fusion was supposed to be "semi-weighted". It was solid but a bit sluggish and I never really liked it. I still use A70. I used to love it but like it less and less as time goes on. My biggest problem I think is the shallow throw of the keys. Just bothers me.

 

Hey Throbert - what part of CO? I'm frequently in Boulder (Flying in/out of Denver, which is of course not actually Denver, LOL)

[Moonglow]

I still use A70. I used to love it but like it less and less as time goes on. My biggest problem I think is the shallow throw of the keys. Just bothers me.

Dan, Ive always wondered about the A70 in your rig. I know its a fantastic MIDI controller, but why not something that reasonably satisfies this requirement and makes its own sounds (a Kurzweil initially comes to mind)? In addition to providing another sonic palette, you would have a backup in case your K61 goes to the zoo on a gig. I apologize for the de-rail.

[Throbert]

Hey Throbert - what part of CO? I'm frequently in Boulder (Flying in/out of Denver, which is of course not actually Denver, LOL)

North west, not far from the turnpike.

DIA used to be Aroura, but Pena made money with some screwy deal and got the area annexed into Denver when

Stapleton was the IA. I went to Avionics and A&P school here and was working on my multi commercial before I

lost my med. I've flown all over this damn place from here out to the west coast, but I'm not gettin into one of

those sardine cans to go any where.

[Tusker]

King Korg is one of those instruments I would have loved to see in tabletop format. I guess the market research didn't support it....

[Bill H.]

King Korg is one of those instruments I would have loved to see in tabletop format. I guess the market research didn't support it....

 

Yeah... a fantastic synth coupled to the worst action I've ever experienced on a keyboard costing over $1000. A real shame...

[EscapeRocks]

While I wouldn't use a KingKorg as a controller, it is a fine VA synth.

 

Try not to fall into the typical group think here, and try one out for yourself to see how the keys feel to you.

 

I've spent a lot of time with one. I also used to own a Krome, which apparently has keys everyone here hates

 

I had no issues with either.

 

Personally I think talk of keybeds is much too subjective.

One one like, another doesn't. Both are valid opinions.

[zeronyne]

Thanks for all the responses. To be clear, I have a weighted controller (Triton Pro X) and an NI Kontrol 61, but I wanted a keyboard that I could take out with just the Integra but also had some sounds. I didn't want to spend a lot of money on this or I would just get a Montage or Kronos instead of the Controller/Integra setup.

 

The search continues.

[jeffincltnc]

Studiologic Sledge 2.0 Black might check the boxes here and looks good. It's a little bulky front to back, but has a nice Fatar TP9s action. I would take this over a King Korg for sure.