New XPanded Free update for the M3!!
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 3:09 am
M3 XPanded Music Workstation / Sampler
(courtesy of Korg USA)
“That’s one giant step…”
With the largest major upgrade in Korg history, the M3 has just leapfrogged to head of the class.
The M3 XPanded Music Workstation / Sampler is now the “go-to” keyboard for all of your performance,
keyboard and workstation sessions. This power-packed upgrade offers an updated ROM, three
PCM Expansion volumes, DAW-derived editing tools, advanced KARMA implementation, plus
enhanced TouchView functionality and features. All new M3s contain the XPanded feature set,
and existing M3 owners can supercharge their instruments with this powerful upgrade free of charge!
In-Demand Sounds at Your Fingertips
Careful examination of the 256 Mbyte internal ROM has allowed Korg to embellish and add many
new sounds – without sacrificing any existing ones. And, as always, Korg’s renowned team of
programmers have used every inch of the M3 XPanded’s EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis)
technology to create programs that use this new data to its fullest.
- We’ve added a new set of electric pianos – both reed and tine – sampled at four velocity
levels for natural expression. These programs also use the M3 XPanded’s REMS amplifier circuit
modeling effects for enhanced realism and authentic tone character. - Also on board is a robust acoustic piano – sampled in stereo at three dynamic levels; and including
damper resonance sample layers – that has replaced the original M3 piano. - At Korg, we’re always taking requests, and one of the most requested sounds ever - the classic
KORG SG-1D stage piano – has been added. This refined sampled piano sits nicely in the stage
mix and remains popular in many musical genres. - Classic keyboards also include that funky Clav. Here it has been authentically recreated with
all of the tab/pickup combinations (AC, AD, BC, BD), sampled at multiple velocity levels for a natural
feel that really responds to your playing dynamics. - Flute and string sounds taken from those mechanical nightmare tape-driven keyboards of days
gone by are back, giving a truly vintage vibe to your music. - Last but not least, another popular request has been added - a mono piano for playing live throug
a mono system with no cancellation or sonic loss.
Originally planned as separate M3 options, all three volumes have been added to the M3 XPanded
in their entirety, free of charge! Each one contains 128 Mbytes of finely sampled top-ranked
instruments, for a total of 384 Mbytes of bonus data. The M3 XPanded features two volumes of
Brass & Woodwind data, and an enormous 128 Mbyte Grand Piano that is absolutely superb.
- Brass & Woodwinds (EX-USB-PCM01/02): Derived from the expansive OASYS option
library, these sounds were crafted to allow expression, articulation and natural sounding playability.
Combined, they offer 128 new programs and 32 new combis ideal for a wide range of musical
production – from pop and sweetening to full-out orchestra. All of the solo instrument “ornaments”
have been captured as well – trills, falls, growls, staccato notes and more – all adding to the
authenticity, especially during solo instrument performances. Each family of instruments includes
enough variations for a full instrument range; Flutes, alto flutes, piccolos; trumpet, cornet, piccolo
trumpet; clarinet, bass clarinet; etc. - Concert Grand Piano (EX-USB-PCM03): Studio sampled using a traditional “minimum mic”
set-up to preserve the natural stereo imaging, this concert grand has been captured at four
dynamic levels, with additional samples for realistic sympathetic string resonance, ensuring a
truly superb performance – even for the pedal heavy performer. With 128 Mbytes devoted
simply to piano, the samples are long and natural sounding. Six programs and six combinations
provide ample variety to work with nearly any musical genre and style.
will allow all three volumes to be loaded simultaneously, and still have 128 Mbytes available for
user sampling. This will provide a total of 640 Mbytes of ready-to-use data. Combined with the
program data in M3 Version 1.2, the player has instant access to 1,216 programs and 416
combis – and 32 vocoder programs!
DAW – Derived Sequencer Editing
The M3 XPanded uses the TouchView display to its fullest! Three new screens have been
added to the sequencer page, allowing you to view and manipulate data on-screen as graphic
elements. Many users have learned this editing style from computer-based DAW (Digital Audio
Workstation) software programs, and prefer the graphic convenience. Once again, Korg listens
and delivers!
• Piano Roll Edit Screen: So called because individual data can appear as individual squares –
similar to the holes in an old player piano roll. In this screen, elements such as note number,
duration, velocity and more can be edited, deleted or created using intuitive “touch-drag” and
draw operations.
• Track View Screen: Also new, this screen graphically shows all the data for a group of tracks,
giving you an overview look at your music. As in the previous example, here too you can move,
copy , paste, and delete measures using “touch-drag” techniques.
• MIDI SysEx Editing: Previously, all System Exclusive (SysEx) data simply showed up in the event
edit screen as an undefined and inflexible data packet. With the M3 XPanded, SysEx events show
up on screen using their native (M3 Exclusive) parameter names, so you can clearly identify each
event - no secret decoder ring needed! This allows you to edit and work freely with these events,
providing an exacting level of precision editing.
KARMA Version 2.2 Takes Off
M3 XPanded users can now take more control of the KARMA features. KARMA Version 2.2 adds
new and musically useful features such as quantizing the timing of scene changes and module
triggering. For the first time ever, you can switch GE (Generated Effects) in realtime as KARMA is
playing, with seamless transitions. Support for User GEs allows new Generated Effects to be loaded
into the M3 XPanded, and users who purchase the KARMA M3* software (Mac or Windows) can
edit and create their own Generated Effects on their computers, and store them in the M3 XPanded.
Eight banks of 128 GE locations (1,028 total) are available.
Read What's New in KARMA 2.2 for M3 XPanded
*Produced by Karma-Lab (www.karma-lab.com); English Version Only
700 Effect Presets
Each of the effect algorithms in the M3 XPanded now come equipped with high-quality presets,
created by professional sound designers and audio engineers. With 700 effect presets instantly
accessible, M3 XPanded makes it easy to quickly get the right sound from any and all of the
onboard effects.
Tons o’ Drums
M3 XPanded adds an additional 149 new and realistic drum grooves, bringing the total number
of patterns to over 670. These professionally created patterns can be used to build tracks from,
played back from keys using the RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play/Recording) feature, or used to
enhance any live performance or song production session.
Touch –more TouchView
As if it wasn’t cool enough, the M3 XPanded’s color TouchView display now does even more. In
the Sequencer and Combi modes, each track features a velocity meter, making it easy to quickly
see which tracks/timbres are playing, and which one is playing which part. On screen knobs and
sliders can by operated by simply touching one and dragging it to the correct value – a convenient
time-saver! This is the same intuitive touch/drag operation featured in the new editing pages.
How To Get It!
Current M3 Users:
You can upgrade your unit to M3 XPanded status by simply downloading the data – free of
charge – from your local distributor’s website starting in mid-September. All you need is a USB
stick and you’re ready to go!
New M3 purchasers:
Your unit may have the upgrade materials in the box; if not, you can request them for free from
your dealer or local Distributor.
