Something new coming from Korg?

[Mighty Motif Max]

Is that Swedish Krona for the currency? Anyone know?

[Mighty Motif Max]

Well, damn... https://www.emnordic.dk/produkter/keyboard/synther/korg-opsix-altered-fm-synth

 

The opsix represents a new and expansive reimagination of classic digital synthesis. Much like Korg did when bringing wave sequencing back in a more powerful, more musical, and more immediately accessible way with wavestate, so was the approach to FM sound generation of the opsix, resulting in another incredibly flexible and unique synth.

 

The opsix is an 'altered' six-operator FM synthesizer. With its astoundingly accessible operator mixer and flexible sound engine that goes well beyond traditional FM, this instrument widens the potential of digital synthesizers to their utmost.

 

The opsix is an instrument for players of all generationsâmodern in every way, getting back to the basics to offer you a glimpse of the future. Whether you are new to synths, looking for a completely unique addition to your sound palate, or an original FM purist, opsix will deliver on all expectations and more.

 

- True six-operator FM synthesis

 

- FM exploration, easier than ever

 

- Full editing with the DATA ENTRY rotary encoders

 

- Five operator modes that expand FM synthesis

 

- 40 preset algorithms and user algorithms

 

- Three EGs, three LFOs and 12 virtual patches offer an extensive range of modulation.

 

- Eleven powerful filters, including MS-20 and Polysix.

 

- Three series of 30 types of high-definition effects.

 

- Visually-satisfying editing with a spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope.

 

- Powerful 16-step polyphonic sequencer

 

- Adding unpredictability to sounds with the Randomize feature

 

- Favorite and smooth sound transition (SST) functions.

 

- Compact design featuring a 37-key keyboard.

 

True six-operator FM synthesis, and more

 

The opsix is a new digital synthesizer that features our newly designed six-operator sound generator. Although the instrument has a six-operator FM sound structure like classic FM synthesizers, the opsix doesn't just reproduce their soundsâit totally reimagines them! With a diversity of waveforms, operator modes that go beyond the realm of FM, and a filter that brings together a fusion of subtractive synthesis, opsix makes tames complexities of FM so that you can focus on exploring sounds instead of programming them. Simply put, opsix offers the editing simplicity of analog synths to control the power of arguably the deepest type of digital synthesis.

 

FM exploration, easier than ever Musicians today use hardware-based digital synthesizers to achieve a level of operability that just cannot be found with software-based instruments. The six sets of knobs and sliders on the opsix panel, as well as the operator mixer, are symbolic of this fact. Korg"s volca FM was the first FM reimagination that helped to bring the most dynamic parameters of FM to the surface, and we expand upon that with opsix"s workflow.

 

The knobs and sliders with two-colored LEDs on the opsix let you quickly and clearly see the relationships between operators, whose roles change with each algorithm. This lets you make direct changes to the pitch and volume for carriers, and to the brightness of the sound or the strength of the harmonics for the modulators. These controls give you sonic control over the unpredictability of FM just by subtracting and adding sounds as if you were using a mixer or drawbars!

 

Full editing with the DATA ENTRY knobs

 

To add to the six operator mixers, the opsix features several knobs on the right side of the panel. Use the six DATA ENTRY knobs for full editing without minimizing or summarizing any information. Taking a look at these controls, you might think back to the days when traditional FM synths were more difficult to operate. Back then, you had to move through massive numbers of pages, and couldn"t figure out where you were in the overall scheme of things. Rest easyâwith the opsix, we"ve taken away these worries. You can now edit without getting lost, thanks to the combination of six graphical parameters on the large OLED display at the center, and the rotary encoders.

 

The HOME/ALGO page is the starting page for everything on the opsix, and features major parameters including algorithms, EGs, and effects. Use this page with the operator mixer to get started with everything you need to do.

 

Five operator modes that expand FM synthesis

 

Of course, the opsix is a collection of everything appealing about FM synthesis... but that"s not all. Aside from sine waves, the opsix offers an expanded list of diverse waveforms in pursuit of sounds with even more complex harmonics, which can also be used as a subtractive synth offering simple filtering.

 

Operator modes on the opsix are used to generate sounds that are completely outside what a traditional FM sound generator can make. The operator modes let you create sounds using modulation other than FM. The opsix offers you a much wider range of sound creation, letting you combine the five operator modes (FM, ring modulation, filter, filter FM and wavefolder) and select from a wide range of waveforms.

 

40 preset algorithms and user algorithms

 

An algorithm is a combination of different operator roles and connections. The opsix goes far beyond classic FM synthesizers by offering 40 preset algorithmsand then goes on to offer a user algorithm function for exponentially greater sound possibilities which lets you construct and arrange an algorithm from scratch.

 

Wide range of modulation

 

The synthesis offered by the opsix is made even more powerful with the processors that come at the end of the signal chain. The MOD section works separate from the operators, with three EGs and three LFOs; and 12 virtual patches make a wide variety of routing possible. Use these features for a huge range of modulation to create swelling or add rapid motion to your sounds.

 

Powerful filters

 

In contrast to FM, the FILTER section follows your creation of sounds by offering analog synthesizer-like subtractive synthesis. Select from a full range of filters you want to use, from the radical MS-20 low-pass/high-pass filter, to the powerful yet soft Polysix low-pass filter that gives your sound a 'vintage' feel; as well as two- or four-pole low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band reject filters with resonance.

 

A treasure-trove of effects

 

The high-definition effects you"ll find on the opsix can be used right away in recording. The instrument offers three series (which can be used simultaneously) of 30 different effects; from including standard effects like a compressor, EQ, chorus, flanger, phaser and stereo delay, to distinctive effects like rotary speakers, grain shifters and more... as well as shimmering reverb effects that add a new dimensions to already awesome sounds.

 

Spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope

 

The analyzer built into the opsix is a must-have feature for visualizing FM synthesis. It shows output levels for each frequency band, so that you can see the distribution and changes to the harmonics at a glance that are caused by modulation. The opsix also features a built-in oscilloscope that lets you check the output waveforms. The colorful changes to the sound and visual feedback are sure to draw you into a deep 'synthesizer vortex'!

 

Powerful 16-step polyphonic sequencer

 

The 16 buttons on the bottom right-hand part of the panel glow green with the colors that evoke FM synths, while providing you with a multipurpose 16-step sequencer. With this onboard polyphonic note sequencer, you can record up to six notes per step, and edit the velocity, gate time and playback timing for each note. This lets you create long phrases or make subtle shifts in timing to emulate strums or drum rolls, something that"s not possible on a typical 16-step sequencer. Also, the motion sequencer of the opsix lets you record changes of up to six parameters, creating smooth motion changes in sound within a phrase, or building rhythms that change dramatically with each step.

 

While the opsix has an easy-to-use 37-note keyboard, it also features a sequencer that rivals that of grooveboxes. Just press the PLAY buttonâyou"ll be floored by the power that this sequencer lets you unleash.

 

Adding unpredictability to sounds with the Randomize feature

 

Use the Randomize feature as found on the wavestate if you"re in the mood for unexpected sonic discoveries. Press the button marked with the die icon to generate a newly randomized sound. You can use the Randomize feature for the entire sound, or just for the operators, the algorithm or the sequences. Use the randomized sounds as-is or edit them as you likeâthe sky"s the limit.

 

Free bundle of music software

 

The opsix comes with a diverse variety of music software from Izotope including 'Ozone Elements' which lets you not only create songs but also master them using AI, 'Skoove' which will help you improve your keyboard playing skills, 'Reason Lite' DAW software, as well as software synths from KORG and other brands.

 

In other words, the moment you get your hands on this synthesizer you'll have a variety of tools to help you take your music to the next level.

 

Apps for iPad/iPhone

 

KORG Gadget 2 Le (music production studio DAW app)

 

KORG Module (piano/keyboard sound module app)

 

Software for Mac/Windows

 

KORG Collection - M1 Le (synthesizer sound module)

 

UVI Digital Synsations (synthesizer sound module)

 

AAS Ultra Analog Session (synthesizer sound module)

 

AAS Strum Session (acoustic guitar sound module)

 

AAS Lounge Lizard Session (electric piano sound module)

 

Reason Studios Reason Lite (DAW music production software)

 

Skoove free 3 month trial of Skoove Premium (online piano lesson)

 

KORG Gadget 2 Le for Mac (DAW music production software)

 

iZotope Ozone Elements (Audio Mastering Plug-in Software)

 

[Mighty Motif Max]

Specifications:

 

Keyboard: 37 keys (velocity and release-velocity sensitive)

 

Maximum Polyphony:32 voices (or a max. of 24 voices, depending on the settings)

 

Sound generating system: Altered FM sound generator

 

Structure: 6 operators, 1 filter, 3 EGs, 3 LFOs, 3 effects, step sequencer, arpeggiator

 

Algorithm: 40 presets + user algorithm (unique to each program)

 

Operator: 5 modes (FM, Ring Mod., Filter, Filter FM, Wave Folder)

 

Oscillator waveform: 21 waveforms (Sine, Sine 12bit, Sine 8bit, Triangle, Saw, Saw HD, Square, Square HD, Additive Saw3, Additive Sqr3, Additive Tri3, Additive 12345, Additive 1+2, Additive 1+3, Additive 1+4, Additive 1+5, Additive 1+6, Additive 1+7, Additive 1+8, Noise S/H, Noise White)

 

Filter: 11 types (LPF 12, LPF 24, LPF MS-20, LPF POLY6, HPF 12, HPF 24, HPF MS-20, BPF 6, BPF 12, BRF 6, BRF 12)

 

EG: ADSR

 

LFO: 23 waveforms (Triangle, Saw Down, Saw Up, Square, Sine, Sample&Hold, Guitar, Exp. Triangle, Exp. Saw Down, Exp. Saw Up, Step4 Triangle, Step6 Triangle, Step4 Saw Down, Step6 Saw Down, StepRnd:Time, StepRnd:Lvl&Time, StepRnd:Level, Random:Time, Random:Lvl&Time, Triangle + , Saw Down + , Saw Up + , Square +)

 

V.Patch: 12 routings

 

Effect: 30 types (Chorus, Unison Ensemble, Phaser, Phaser (BPM) , Auto Pan, Auto Pan (BPM), Flanger, Flanger (BPM) , Rotary Speaker, Auto Wah, Exciter, Enhancer, LFO Filter, 3-Band EQ, Distortion, Guitar Amp, Decimator, Grain Shifter, Master Limiter, Compressor, Delay, Delay (BPM) , Autopan Dly, Autopan Dly (BPM), Tape Echo, Tape Echo (BPM) , Early Reflection, Reverb, Shimmer Reverb, Spring Reverb)

 

Sequencer: Step Sequencer (up to 16 steps, up to 6 notes per step) , Motion Sequencer (up to 6 lanes)

 

Arpeggiator: 7 patterns (MANUAL, UP, DOWN, ALT1, ALT2, RANDOM, TRIGGER) fault)

 

Number of programs:500 (250 preset programs and 250 user programs as the factory-set de

 

FAVORITE: 64 (16 Slots à 4 Banks)

 

Controllers:MODULATION wheel, PITCH wheel, RATIO OP 1â6 knobs, LEVEL OP 1â6 sliders, DATA ENTRY AâF knobs

 

Inputs/outputs: Headphone (6.3 mm stereo phone jack), OUTPUT L/MONO and R (impedance-balanced 6.3 mm TRS phone jacks), DAMPER (6.3 mm phone jack, half-damper not supported), MIDI IN and OUT connectors, USB B port

 

Power supply: AC adapter (DC12V)

 

Power consumption: 5 W

 

Dimensions (W Ã D Ã H): 565 Ã 338 Ã 90 mm / 22.24" Ã 13.31" Ã 3.54"

 

Weight: 2.9 kg / 6.93 lbs.

 

Included items:AC adapter, Precautions, Quick Start Guide

 

Accessories (sold separately): DS-1H damper pedal

[Mighty Motif Max]

Pictures of the opsix:

 

[Mighty Motif Max]

Ha, what do you know...ALL the links are now dead - Nautilus 61/73/88 *and* the opsix. Figures. That's exactly why I copied all the good stuff over here already. I also have the spec sheet and nine sound engines document from the downloads section for the Nautilus. There were no downloads for the opsix.

[AnotherScott]

I'm thinking this is the Krome replacement? It's awfully light on controllers for a Kronos replacement.

There's a big price gap between the Krome and Kronos, which could be filled by something like this. I think it's gott too much Kronos capability to be sold at a Krome price point, and I also don't think they would give up on having a lightweight board in that $1k-$2k range.

[Bif_]

IMO 50# for the 88 says this is the Kronos replacement.

[Lady Gaia]

The OpSix would seem to join the Wavestate in the category of synths that could be compelling desktop units until bottom-of-the-line keyboard actions were grafted to them. No doubt that's where the market is, but it makes both sadly uninteresting from my perspective.

[Moonglow]

Looks like the Nautilus lost the numeric keypad and faders of the Kronos. Yeah, I know, 'Let the bitching begin!'

 

Huge thanks to KCSawzallSlinger for grabbing the info and posting it here.

[AnotherScott]

Looks like the Nautilus lost the numeric keypad and faders of the Kronos. Yeah, I know, 'Let the bitching begin!'

Mu hope would be that the software aspects would be added to Kronos in an OS upgrade, and the Kronos would be maintained at the top of the line, and this would be a lower cost (and somewhat lighter) version. In hardware, this seems far below the Kronos.

[Docbop]

Nautilus makes me think of the Montage - Modx relationship. Modx has all the same electronics as Montage, but cheaper everything else.

[Dockeys]

Yeah, less controllers makes it look very like Korgs answer to Modx but 23.5kg for the 88 note? Yikes I know it"s the RH3 action but that still waaaayyyyy to heavy for many people.

[ElmerJFudd]

The Nautilus looks more like a trickle down Kronos to me... like what the MODX is to the Montage.

I think they realize they need to sell a capable synth in the sub $2k area.

Just a guess.

[Bif_]

The Nautilus looks more like a trickle down Kronos to me... like what the MODX is to the Montage.

I think they realize they need to sell a capable synth in the sub $2k area.

Just a guess.

 

Montage 88 weighs 63#

MODX 88 weighs 30#

Kronos 88 weighs 53#

Krome 88 weighs 32#

Kurzweil Forte 88 50#

Kurzweil PC4 88 28#

Nautilus 88 weighs 50#

 

 

 

I know we don't buy keyboards by the pound but cheaper boards are lighter, more plastic to keep the weight down. The weights I listed tell a story.

[xp50player]

They dumped the original Japanese, German and Berlin grands in favor of some of the newer ones from the GrandStage. The patches are still there, but not the EXS files. The old libraries will be optional(paid?) Too bad they did not enhance the OS to allow for more RAM.

 

One thing we don"t know is, if the sample storage is still streaming from an SSD, or some kind of flash RAM, or whatever is in the GrandStage. Hopefully it will have an improved boot time.

 

The Nautilus 88 price on em-Nordic was 17% less than the Kronos 88, so it puts possibly @ $3000-$3200.

 

I really like the new wood ends, much better than the New Kronos. The rear profile of the 61/73 models looks pretty skinny on the bottom. I doubt they have the heavy particle board construction.

 

Anxious to see the new GUI, with the claimed dark mode. It may be totally different from the Kronos, working with the different aspect ratio of the Krome display. They also seem to claim an improved workflow, but the specs indicate Kronos OS 3.0, and the current Kronos OS is 3.1.3(???). I don"t entirely expect the Nautilus firmware and OS to be retro compatible with the Kronos.

 

Also unanswered is if the Nautilus may now have a piano-roll sequencer, if is indeed running an evolved new Kronos OS.

[CEB]

All your Kronos are belong to us.

[David Emm]

I view both the Wavestate and Opsix as examples of the old Keyboard MicroX review: "A sound module featuring a COURTESY keyboard." My caps. I understand the economics of smaller gear, which can partially depend on market whims. In this case, though, its a head-scratcher to make a 'Wavestation' that spartan and doubly so with an FM take of the same size. I see both synths in a very positive light from a musical-power perspective, but I agree with Lady Gaia. If you're going to tackle such detailed methods in hardware, they really do deserve more sensible displays and a few more controls, that's all. I also love software editors for most things, but these two should be more tactile, said Old Prog Dino.

 

IMO, Korg will sell X amount to casual hobbyists and 'the kids,' but they'll lose out on more seriously committed players with long-haul goals. In fact, I'd go for a Wavestate and possibly even an Opsix *module* version of each. I'd love to work the knobs, but I'm full-up on actual keys now.

[David Emm]

>>> Software for Mac/Windows

 

KORG Collection - M1 Le (synthesizer sound module)

UVI Digital Synsations (synthesizer sound module)

AAS Ultra Analog Session (synthesizer sound module)

AAS Strum Session (acoustic guitar sound module)

AAS Lounge Lizard Session (electric piano sound module)

Reason Studios Reason Lite (DAW music production software)

Skoove free 3 month trial of Skoove Premium (online piano lesson)

KORG Gadget 2 Le for Mac (DAW music production software)

iZotope Ozone Elements (Audio Mastering Plug-in Software)

 

With all of this, you have a pretty meaty studio in-hand and don't need the Opsix nearly as much.

[mate stubb]

"A sound module featuring a COURTESY keyboard."

 

Korg marketing guy: "I need to come up with a new product, but don't have any budget for R&D. Whatta ya got laying around?"

 

Korg engineer: "I got my current synth engine software, and I got a bunch of these cheap manuals."

 

Korg marketing guy: "Perfect! The bedroom studio guys will love it, and as an added bonus it will piss off all those KC players. Ship it!"

[Fleer]

There"s talk of a 'gigantic SSD' in the Nautilus for open sampling ...

[BRW]

That projected price doesn"t make any sense for a 'Kronos lite'. Especially after the recent price drop. And I think you can get a lightly used second-hand Kronos (2, 61 keys) for about $2000.

[Fleer]

Should be more in line with Yamaha MODX indeed.

[tunaman]

Looks like the Nautilus lost the numeric keypad and faders of the Kronos. Yeah, I know, 'Let the bitching begin!'

 

Huge thanks to KCSawzallSlinger for grabbing the info and posting it here.

 

Definitely thanks for grabbing the info before it was pulled and posting the data!

 

Not going to bitch myself, but no physical faders would be a non-starter for me regardless what they did in the UI. This won"t be a replacement for my two K2s. I eagerly await news of a real Kronos replacement, and as conjectured above figure this would be a niche board to fit in a slot. In the mean time, I"m satisfied to continue to use my K2s into perpetuity.

[tunaman]

That projected price doesn"t make any sense for a 'Kronos lite'. Especially after the recent price drop. And I think you can get a lightly used second-hand Kronos (2, 61 keys) for about $2000.

 

K2 61/73/88... there are great deals to be had if one is patient and keeps an eye out. I got my first mint K2 73 for just over $2k a little over a year ago, bought a mint K2 88 in March for the same, then sold it and bought another mint K2 73 in June for the same price point. Every one of them were barely broken in, at most.

[David Emm]

"A sound module featuring a COURTESY keyboard."

 

Korg marketing guy: "I need to come up with a new product, but don't have any budget for R&D. Whatta ya got laying around?"

Korg engineer: "I got my current synth engine software, and I got a bunch of these cheap manuals."

Korg marketing guy: "Perfect! The bedroom studio guys will love it, and as an added bonus it will piss off all those KC players. Ship it!"

 

HA! I'm largely past being pissed off at these things. If the sound grabs you enough, you'll grumble a bit at the outset and then adapt. I'm simply spoiled by sitting upright at a DAW, much like I felt sitting at a baby grand. No more extended bending over displays for a proper view and then walking around like a human comma from the back strain. The various ergonomics have mattered more as I age/decay. Now if Korg wants to offer an AU/VST Wavestate, sign me up yesterday. Its part vintage vault and part dance box, but there's also a unique swath through the middle that appeals to me.

 

The Nautilus is no doubt capable, but I was an early workstation adherent and even I see the form as a dinosaur now. Not useless at all, but just too, um, overstuffed? Roland's new flagship Fantom is a thing of beauty all around, but it also smells like a proof-of-concept item with "trickle down" models hovering right behind it. I can imagine several types of young players scraping up $2k and marrying a nice mid-line model, but its more common to see controllers and an iPad on top of a NORD LEAD, or close to it.

[Mark Schmieder]

Cool! I didn't look at this thread at first, until I saw it getting a lot of attention, because I assumed at first that it was about the announcement of another Korg product that would be deemed boring to most on this forum (mostly a sequencer, without a real "proper" keyboard). Like the Wavestate though, I see that it doesn't support aftertouch, which I find so essential to proper expression with synth sounds. So maybe this is the product I saw briefly described on Gearslutz (with no pictures at the time) after all.

 

This one looks beautiful at least; I'm definitely going to hunt down some audio demos and look into its specs now. Korg has always been known to surprise!

[Docbop]

As the OP on this thread is has been a very interesting read. My reason for starting this thread was I was wanting to buy a workstation to supplement my stage piano for more sounds and to do some sequencing. Initially I was interested in Kronos because so many my hero piano players are Kronos users and endorsers. I wasn't planning on buying right now but see the sale price for Kronos at all the major stores. So I talking to the one store I deal a lot with and they start to push me towards Montage instead. They had some good points and started me doing more research. I call another store and they aren't really pushing one over the other. I mention I see more used Montages for sale than Kronos, they say it because they sell Yamaha two to one versus Korg. Both stores say they have no info on any new Korg workstations and nothing indicating Kronos is being discontinued.

 

So getting confused to track down a YouTuber who's video I like and he has both. He said Kronos is his desert island choice there is nothing it can't do it's like recording studio in one box. So I'm back leaning toward Kronos but continue to research. Watching tons of videos and reading reviews and see where workstations and synths your not just buying a board you're joining a cult of Korg, Yamaha, Roland, etc. One thing they all say the learning curve on Montage is big, but on Kronos it's gigantic. Then I started checking into the keybeds and that's a big can of worms seems no one is doing backflips over Montage keybed and Kronos only a little more like it. Some say they both sucks, but they all turned out to be members of the Nord cult.

 

So then I do what I did when buying guitar gear and trying to find out what my heros actually use when in the studio and not endorsing . My hero #2 who is a Krono endorser is an old Yamaha Motif fan and on current gig has his Kronos up front, he still has his Motif sitting next to it. He uses the Kronos for acoustic piano sounds and Motif for synth sounds. In general most where using Kronos for live and real acoustic piano in the studio and assorted boards. I did notice more Kronos for live use than Montage. Except for the Nord cult who are main playing piano and organ sounds and a separte synth if they want synth.

 

Okay now I'm going back to my original thought months ago I mainly want to record and go back to looking at film composers and other writers setups. They are mainly working with their DAWs and outboard classic synths. Since my main interest is AP, EP, and Tonewheel maybe a workstation is not what I really what I should get. Then I watch a Youtube comparing Montage, Fantom, Nord, and others for piano sounds with one controller and Keyscape. The controller with Keyscape has the most real sound of all the them. So after all this I feel I'm back to where I was initially and that's just get a good MIDI controller. I have a second computer I can setup up for music only and can put a DAW and Keyscape on there and be a happy camper. I know my back will be happy I'm not getting a 50-60 pound workstation. I'll save enough money to put into a nice desk with 88-key drawer and some good monitors.

 

Once again I wrote a novel length reply sorry, but I wanted to outline what I've learned from this project. Thanks all your your posts.

[Mark Schmieder]

None of the links are working for me; maybe they got pulled and were premature? I only see a long-keyboard OpSix prototype from NAMM with no sound demos.

[Mighty Motif Max]

None of the links are working for me; maybe they got pulled and were premature? I only see a long-keyboard OpSix prototype from NAMM with no sound demos.

 

ALL the links got cut the night I posted this. But...here ya go. I saved the Nautilus and opsix pages to the Wayback Machine.

 

NAUTILUS-61

NAUTILUS-73

NAUTILUS-88

opsix

[Fleer]

Checking that EM Nordic page which appears to be Norwegian rather than Swedish or Danish (although they also have stores there) it seems the price for Nautilus 61 (18680 NOK) would add up to $2000 US. Now if that"s the regular US price, then I guess we"ll be able to get them for $1699 after 15% rebate.

Not bad for a baby Kronos, if a large SSD is indeed included