Korg Forums

CD's that teach how to use it.

The funny thing is Korg wouldn't have to spend a penny on making it either if they asked people to email videos of explaining how things really worked. And to all the "read the manual" people out there. I'm tired of spending 6-8 hours trying out all the different possibilities (because the manual does not cover what I am trying to do) before I stumble on what I need to write a song that I started this morning but had to do this stuff instead.

And the Rich Formadoni glossing over stuff isn't really helping me much either.

Level 1: Intro to all the features
Level 2: Using a feature and showing three different applications ( instead of just one) of it so people can better understand the application range of a function (even if this is a 10 CD level)
Level 3: Synthesizer demonstrations
Level 4: Song writing demonstrations including adding layers, tracks, changing programs, How to use RPPR to shift music back grounds (combi's) on the fly without skipping a beat...

There is a HUGE difference between a manual that is about the M50 technical aspects and a DEMONSTRATION manual that HELPS YOU ACCOMPLISH THINGS which is why I bought a M50, to use it make music not to learn all the technical stuff about the M50 !!!!!!!!!!!!! No! These are NOT the same thing!

SayerAve,

At the risk of being labled a "RTFM-Geezer", here are a couple of things that might help you... really. [If this seems over-simple, its also intended for others as well.]

First, see if you can find a searchable PDF manual -- it should be a reasonably short process to search for a phrase or function, even if it appears in several places. "that aint it, that aint it, a-ha"

Korg.com usually has PDF manuals even for way old gear, so the m-50's should be there for some time. Just use the [find] button in the upper right of the tool bar. Korg manuals being what they are, you may want to jot down several possible ways to ask about or refer to the desired function.

Also, there is a difference between the operation manual and the parameter guide. I suspect that most of your "real use" issues will be covered in the operational manual.

-----------------

Next, except for minor changes, the basic sequencer use and functions for the M-50 are pretty close to those of other recent Korg gear -- so some of what you want to learn may be covered under tutorials (home grown, 3rd party or Korg Official) that've been posted under other synth by-lines, like Triton, M-3 and possibly even Oasys. Button-for-button there may be some differences, but they should be very close -- and since all are Korg, the terminology used in the tutorials should remain consistent across several different platforms. So giving some of those older tutorial videos a look may still pay off for you.

Same for RPPR functions, which go back several models. The basic principles of composition and application will hold true, regardless of the platform.

----------------

We might well see some of your wish list covered for Kronos - especially considering that it's got 9 engines -- even a simple learning curve becomes daunting multiplied by 9. And simple Kronos aint.

However, I suspect that the M-50's got too short or a half life to make a truly in-depth tutorial something that you'll see any time soon.




BB

SA,

Forgot one more.

Ask, in as much detail as you can, here. Sometimes you get lucky... in less than 6 hours.

BB

*sigh* I thought I covered the "Read the manual" People in my original post but I guess not.

I do have a searchable PDF manual. It came with the piano. I guess I still didn't make myself clear, INTRODUCTORY Video's and HOW TO are not the same as a technical manual.

I will look for the other videos. as I spend much of my time looking at stuff that does not apply to what I am trying to do already.

It appears we have someone here who wants the lazy way to achieve something - get someone else to show how!

And before you start I know this is about the M50.

But the M50 is actually a fairly simple machine. You need two things to get to where you want to go - First, technical knowledge of the machine; comes from the manual whether you like it or not. Second, imagination. Know what sound you want before you start. Then use your technical knowledge to get there (or at least close).

There is a third thing, I admit. Just playing aroung with the settings. Yes, you need to be careful and back things up beforehand. But seriously, tons can be discovered that way.

The combination of those three things is hugely powerful. Think about it and stop looking for tuts.

Edited to add - this forum is a great place to get help and advice and encouragement and inspiration. Instead of telling people what they're doing wrong, perhaps consider asking for assistance to get to where you want to be might be an idea?

If you can't find anything on the M50, you might try looking for the Triton Extreme's VIDEO manual. The M50 works very similarly to the Triton Extreme, specifically the sequencer, program mode, combination mode, RPPR and the Arpeggiator. The sounds, multisounds, and polyphony might be different, but the basic features work almost the same. Sorry you can't find what you're looking for, i'm kinda ticked off that i can't own a flying car (seriously, they said we'd have flying cars by 2000)... but such is life.

"These children that you spit on... are well aware of what you're going through" - David Bowie

Yeah, I know - you hate manuals. You're pissed that they're obtuse (and they are). You hate that there are no instructional DVD's (there aren't). It would be way easier if there were (it would). Seeing it done and mimicking is way more efficient way to learn than reading any day (yep, dead on).

F*#% me. I know dick. My recommendations are worthless.

I get it.

But when you've got nothing else, maybe, just maybe, finding a smoother way to navigate a manual, or an oblique approach to the material, or something that's like what you want; close to what you've asked for is as good as it's gonna get. Maybe some assurance that you're on the right track is encouraging if not directly helpful.

I hope you're encouraged.

That's it. No parting shot.

Keep working on it, it'll get easier.

BB

@ Gargamel314

thank you, at least your answers are trying to be helpful. How do I block Cello? I've only been on here two days and I already know he's a malcontent prick.

The thing I like about Korg manuals is that it tells you all of the functions of the machine, not the functions of the user

It is a true workman's tool, in that it will do many things, and is designed to be flexible and bent to your will.

Like when a software programmer learns a computer language, the language doesn't come with instructions on how to make every program ever possible - that is up to the user/programmer and his imagination. There are sometimes a few tutorials, just like there are in the M50's operations guide. Telling you how to record a song, how to write changes to a combi, how to set up a key split, etc.

As with any technology it is really up to you as the user to use some intuition to figure out what each button does. You can read the manual for further details, but normally the name of a function is quite self explanatory. If nothing else, then just push that button and see what happens. Its not going to break your whole keyboard, otherwise they wouldn't have put it in there. The factory settings can always be restored. Of course if you have your own patches then always keep a backup.

No offence intended, but if you can't look at a feature and (assuming you at least understand what it does) see the potential applications for your own purposes, then either you're not trying hard enough or you're seriously lacking imagination.

Again, these 'technical stuff' that you talk about and seem so adverse to are the details of actually using the tool. Making music is a technical business, especially if you want it to sound good. Otherwise I suggest to you a piano or bass guitar.

i much prefer korg m50 did put the parameter guide from the cd rom editor instead with the booklet owner manual

It really depends on how deep you want to get.

If you just want to play and not worry about the technical details, the M50 comes with hundreds of presets. Just explore the Program and Combi modes and you won't have to worry about reading any manuals.

If you want to make your own sounds or modify/combine sounds for live sets, you'll need to delve deeper.

Not everyone learns best by reading technical manuals. A lot of people don't realise this - it took me ages. Just because someone doesn't like reading manuals, doesn't mean they're lazy or stupid. They just learn in a different way. Some people learn best by watching videos. Some people prefer to be shown in person. Other people learn best by getting their hands dirty and playing around.

If you don't learn best by reading, and the Youtube videos online aren't satisfying your needs, you'd probably find a lot of value in seeking out a local guru who can show you exactly what you want to know. It's a bit like hiring a teacher or mentor. It won't be cheap, but you'll get dedicated guidance and advice that's specific to your needs.

-Kim.

I am another who would like more examples on how to do things.
The videos on youtube are good, and the manuals do go over so much (although I have come across a typo or two which leads to a frustrating, time!) but they are a bit too technical.
I find the manual tends to be aimed more at the person who has good synth or music workstation know how. The complete noob (like me) is submerged well over his/her head. The videos are good but following an example and actually UNDERSTANDING the example (and WHY it works) are two different things.
Maybe someone will put out a "M50 for Dummies".
another option someone might look into...
I also have an axe-fx. There is a wiki site with all sorts of how-to's that has been developed for this processor which is really very good.
Maybe something similar could be started for the M-50 (and other synths/workstations).

Alp

I miss the old days were Ensoniq Manuals title read: Manual For Musicians. (Not for geeks or computer nerds)

may i recommend u to go thru m1 or the x 50 manual...they r most lucidly written and dont have too much of tecnical things in them particularly the m1 manual...it is a blessing indeed.
search torrentz.com with keyword korg m1 everything or m1 everything.

u will get the knowledge of how synth works.being a nu owner of this machine with experience of playing arranger from yamaha and ac grand piano i found the param guide very poorly written to the xtent that it will eat up precious time and enrgy with lots of cross refernces to some other pages.....it might be fine for any1 who is familiar with korg since early 90s since there has been insidious transition from simpler machines that existed earlier to the super complex ones that are now in market.so if u r purchasing korg gear in 2011 u will have headache dealing with frustrating manual and the interface as well....like i am having and so many others who complaind about this manual in the forum.

kikedeolivos wrote:I miss the old days were Ensoniq Manuals title read: Manual For Musicians. (Not for geeks or computer nerds)

Well, those where the days when keyboards looked more like music instruments than computers, which seems the trend this thing are going this days