RE : Korg M1 (Programing & Questions?)

monsterjazzlicks · Post by **monsterjazzlicks** » Fri Jun 12, 2015 9:47 pm

T3,

So, do you think one should go for the M1 or the M3R? I am not sure if there is an M1R as such?

I am wanting to learn about PROGRAMMING the M1, but I keep getting outbidded on eBay and they seem to still fetch over 200 quid. Looking thru the MANUAL, the PARAMETERS look more or less identical as far as I can tell? I would like to learn/study AI SYNTHESIS as it is so called.

Therefore, it would be for home/study usage only.

Paul

T3owner · Post by **T3owner** » Fri Jun 12, 2015 10:05 pm

I prefer keyboard models, but that's a personal choice.

Yes, there's an M1R, and there are EX versions of the M1 and M1R, which include all the ROM sounds of the T-series. However, unlike the T1/T2EX/T3EX, they don't include PCM RAM - all PCM data is accessed from the cards.

See http://www.kinneticfx.com/korgmt/m1.htm
--- and ---
http://www.kinneticfx.com/korgmt/m1rex.htm

monsterjazzlicks · Post by **monsterjazzlicks** » Fri Jun 12, 2015 11:57 pm

T3,

The LINKS won't connect for me unfortunately for some reason?

Do you think it will be ok to PROGRAM the M3R via the unit itself? Or would it be better done via PC software (if such a one exists)? It can't be anymore fiddely than the DX7 display! lol

Why do you prefer the keyboard version? Is it because you need the SEQUENCER etc? Though I have to say, the M1 KEYBOARD has an amazing feel.

Paul

T3owner · Post by **T3owner** » Sat Jun 13, 2015 12:52 am

monsterjazzlicks wrote:The LINKS won't connect for me unfortunately for some reason?

I don't know why. You might try another browser.

monsterjazzlicks wrote:Do you think it will be ok to PROGRAM the M3R via the unit itself? Or would it be better done via PC software (if such a one exists)? It can't be anymore fiddely than the DX7 display! lol

The Yamaha YS200 (4-op FM) has a small display and such poor/limited on-board editing that I wrote my own editor/librarian program for it, so I know why you're asking. I haven't used an M3R - I don't know how easily it can be programmed from the front panel. Since you downloaded the manual, I'd suggest seeing if moving through the menus seems reasonable.

monsterjazzlicks wrote:Why do you prefer the keyboard version? Is it because you need the SEQUENCER etc? Though I have to say, the M1 KEYBOARD has an amazing feel.

In general, I like keyboard versions because I don't have to think about possible MIDI communication issues. I deal with MIDI frequently (and I'm quite comfortable with it), but I don't mind not having to when it isn't necessary. :-)

I like the T-series because the larger display makes programming easier.

The M1, T3, and T2 (as well as several other Korg models) use the Yamaha FS keybed, and I agree that the feel is nice. The two Motifs I own use the FSX action, which is the lead-free version of the FS.

monsterjazzlicks · Post by **monsterjazzlicks** » Sat Jun 13, 2015 3:02 pm

Hi,

T3owner wrote:I don't know why. You might try another browser

I tried it with MOZILLA and GOOGLE CHROME but it kept saying "Timed out". Not to worry.

T3owner wrote:The Yamaha YS200 (4-op FM) has a small display and such poor/limited on-board editing that I wrote my own editor/librarian program for it, so I know why you're asking. I haven't used an M3R - I don't know how easily it can be programmed from the front panel. Since you downloaded the manual, I'd suggest seeing if moving through the menus seems reasonable.

Ok, that's very clever! I have heard of the SY series but not the YS?

T3owner wrote:In general, I like keyboard versions because I don't have to think about possible MIDI communication issues. I deal with MIDI frequently (and I'm quite comfortable with it), but I don't mind not having to when it isn't necessary.

I was thinking it was because it is physically more comfortable to sit down at a keyboard and program it (horizontally) via the display, than to have to raise a module to eye level and program it (vertically).

T3owner wrote:I like the T-series because the larger display makes programming easier.

Ok, fair enough. But the M1 DISPLAY is more than adequate I would say. Plus, the KEY WINDOWS page(s) make life quite easy!

T3owner wrote:The M1, T3, and T2 (as well as several other Korg models) use the Yamaha FS keybed, and I agree that the feel is nice. The two Motifs I own use the FSX action, which is the lead-free version of the FS.

I have a NORD STAGE CLASSIC and I think someone said it is the SAME one (which is made by FATAR)?

Paul

monsterjazzlicks · Post by **monsterjazzlicks** » Sat Jun 13, 2015 3:15 pm

Hi,

Also, do you think that the TRITON series is superior to the M1 type models? Obviously the latter is OLDER.

I would guess the the TRITON still uses Korg's AI SYNTHESIS, albeit a more sophisticated version?

If this is so, then would the obvious/recommended pathway be for the learner to study the M1/M3R before graduating to the TRITON series?

Ta,

Paul

T3owner · Post by **T3owner** » Sat Jun 13, 2015 4:35 pm

monsterjazzlicks wrote:[...] I have heard of the SY series but not the YS?

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_YS200

monsterjazzlicks wrote:
T3owner wrote:In general, I like keyboard versions because I don't have to think about possible MIDI communication issues. I deal with MIDI frequently (and I'm quite comfortable with it), but I don't mind not having to when it isn't necessary.
I was thinking it was because it is physically more comfortable to sit down at a keyboard and program it (horizontally) via the display, than to have to raise a module to eye level and program it (vertically).

That too.

monsterjazzlicks wrote:
T3owner wrote:The M1, T3, and T2 (as well as several other Korg models) use the Yamaha FS keybed, and I agree that the feel is nice. The two Motifs I own use the FSX action, which is the lead-free version of the FS.
I have a NORD STAGE CLASSIC and I think someone said it is the SAME one (which is made by FATAR)?

The Nord might well use a Fatar, but Yamaha has made their own keybeds - the FS was first used on the DX7.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korg for why Yamaha parts are found in some Korg products.

monsterjazzlicks · Post by **monsterjazzlicks** » Sat Jun 13, 2015 5:00 pm

Hi,

T3owner wrote:See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_YS200

Ok, I never seen those before. A strange looking device! lol Something like a DX21 with a SEQUENCER and DRUM MACHINE?

T3owner wrote:The Nord might well use a Fatar, but Yamaha has made their own keybeds - the FS was first used on the DX7.

DX7 (Mark 1) has a superb action!

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korg for why Yamaha parts are found in some Korg products.

Cheers, I see now.

Paul

T3owner · Post by **T3owner** » Sat Jun 13, 2015 8:55 pm

monsterjazzlicks wrote:
T3owner wrote:See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_YS200
Ok, I never seen those before. A strange looking device! lol

See http://art.yale.edu/MasamichiUdagawa
http://www.dedeceblog.com/2010/06/03/knoll-antennae/

Apparently some people have a different design sense than others. :-)

monsterjazzlicks wrote: Something like a DX21 with a SEQUENCER and DRUM MACHINE?

The YS200 does have a sequencer, but although the Wikipedia article mentions a "rhythm machine", there's no drum machine built in. The closest thing it has to "rhythm" is the sequencer's metronome (click).

Maybe I should edit the Wiki article...

monsterjazzlicks · Post by **monsterjazzlicks** » Sat Jun 13, 2015 9:27 pm

Hi,

The eBay seller sent me some pic's of the M3R. It was well gigged and has many scratches. But he assures me it is all working fine and he replaced the battery about 3 x years ago.

I have asked him to check to see if the MIDI PORT's wobble when you plug in a lead and move it slightly. This is a common problem on gigged rack-mounts (as you will probably already know).

No one has bidded on it yet and so it is still on 10 quid.

There is an M1R also for sale (in mint condition) but the seller will not post it unfortunately. Otherwise, I would probably have gone for it instead.

Paul

T3owner · Post by **T3owner** » Sun Jun 14, 2015 1:47 pm

Best of luck in getting what you're looking for at a reasonable price.

I've had mixed results in buying used gear that was shipped to me. If well packed, it arrived in good condition, but some wasn't and suffered significant damage. The M1R seller might be concerned about that.

monsterjazzlicks · Post by **monsterjazzlicks** » Sun Jun 14, 2015 1:57 pm

Hi,

The M3R seller is only a few miles away so I could easily pick it up. But not so for the M1R.

Paul