My first synth ever was a Korg Radias but I was far too young to have any clue what I was working with, I literally knew what only a handful of the buttons did so I could never program it beyond using the presets. Ended up finally selling because it was just too complex for me (Pretty funny now that I think back about it considering the Radias has a very straight forward interface!)
I currently own a prophet 08 (probably selling, just dont jive with it), sh201, and Studio Electronics SE-1X. I've previously owned a mopho, roland gaia, virus ti desktop and a snow, and the radias.
I decided on the KingKorg because I literally couldn't find a more smooth sound after considering all popular VA's/FM's below $1500. I compared the KK to microwave xt, blofeld, access virus, nord lead 2/3/4, radias/r3/MK, roland sh201 & gaia, studiologic sledge 2, alesis ion, and ultranova.
After objectively listening to each of these synths (I ONLY listened....I did not consider anything else beyond what I heard) the KingKorg pretty much blew the others away. The blofeld and access virus tired for 2nd place but the KK was the clear winner in my eyes. I didn't care about if it sounded "analog" or whatever. I just listened for the best sound regardless of the instruments interface or "analogness"
I've really never heard a more smooth, polished sound. Is it the onboard FX, filter, or raw oscillator tones that give the KK such a lush tone? I was honestly just expecting a mildly upgraded MMT engine but XMT actually appears to be a big step forward for the company (I wonder if they plan to use it in anymore synths beyond the mild electribe integration)
To be fair, I'm a sucker for big trancey type sounds. My objective evaluation of all the synths was from a pure electronic basis. I found the KK to be shockingly good.
I honestly didn't even want to like the KK. It's price was out of my range and I felt like the keyboard was geared towards performers and not a studio rat which is what I am. I also wasn't a very big fan of the interface having only 1 ADSR for the envelopes and a poor modulation matrix overall. I wanted to like and love the Microwave XT, but there was just no denying the KK.
So, sorry for the long rant. I just wanteed to say hello and hope to become an active member around here. I couldn't be more excited about my KK and will probably have many questions for you experienced owners if that's OK
Any tips/heads up regarding the KK? Things I need to be aware of? (Bugs, updates, must hear patch banks, etc)....
Thanks guys !!!!!
. So I did explore the trance capabilities once I got it home. I have a Roland JP-8080 and a Novation KS-Rack for these types sounds, but those synths are starting to sound "crusty" and narrow after spending some time with the KK. The unison spread parameter gives the patches amazing stereo width even with only two voices.