Korg Forums

[AEJOTZ]

If I understand correctly, all patches for the original Microkorg can be loaded into the XL. My question is, how does the sound of such a patch when played on the XL compare to the sound when played on the original MK?

I love my MK. I'm tempted by the big library of patches for the XL and by the 640 Korg patches available for the XL+. I'd like to add an XL+ to my rig but I like to keep things physically small. I'd consider retiring the MK if I could get all the MK, XL and + sounds from a single unit.

I'm told that the MK and XL engines sound different and each have their fans. I adore the sound of the original MK.

Now that I think about it, I bet the question of whether an MK patch sounds "better" on the MK or XL depends as much on the specific patch as on the listener's taste. I'll probably have to expand my rig.

I'd still love some feedback from someone who has experience with this.
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[X-Trade]

No, they can't be loaded. you can spend time painstakingly reprogramming them, but they won't sound identical. The two synthesizers are vastly different in sound quality. The newer XL is derived from the R3 which is cut down from the Radias. They have by nature quite a clean and modern sound.

The original MK was an almost 1:1 copy of the MS2000 in a smaller package. The sound engine was intended to celebrate the harsher grittier qualities of the old MS 20.


In my opinion (I have the Radias), you can get close if you know what you're doing, but it needs to be tuned by ear because for example a value of 25 for cutoff on the MK does not sound the same as a value 25 on the Radias/R3/etc.
Also correctly choosing the right amount of drive and the correct waveshaper to use in some cases - the per-voice distortion on the original MK is rather unique if not very adjustable.

Korg did some conversion at some point for the original MK and MS2000 factory presets, that I think are available to download for the R3 and MicroKorg XL. Perhaps this is what you heard about before.

Ultimately they are just two different synths. They aren't related at all. The only reason the new MicroKorg XL and XL+ are named 'microKorg' is because of the formfactor and presumably trying to cash in on the popularity and cult status of the original. The newer sound engine is more complex though, more programmable, and more flexible. Which is why I say that the XL can get close to the original MK sound if programmed right, but additionally take you to sounds that you'd never get out of the original.
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Current Gear: Kronos 61, RADIAS-R, Volca Bass, ESX-1, microKorg, MS2000B, R3, Kaossilator Pro +, MiniKP, AX3000B, nanoKontrol, nanoPad MK II,
Other Mfgrs: Moog Sub37, Roland Boutique JX03, Novation MiniNova, Akai APC40, MOTU MIDI TimePiece 2, ART Pro VLA, Focusrite Saffire Pro 40.
Past Gear: Korg Karma, TR61, Poly800, EA-1, ER-1, ES-1, Kawai K1, Novation ReMote37SL, Boss GT-6B
Software: NI Komplete 10 Ultimate, Arturia V Collection, Ableton Live 9. Apple OSX El Capitan on 15" MacBook Pro

[AEJOTZ]

Wow! Thanks for the great info!

I'll probably spring for an XL+ before this time next year. I just blew my seasonal synth "allowance" on a Minibrute.

The 'brute is a blast but my MK is till my favorite. It's almost a chore sometimes to play some of my other boards but the MK is always like playing with a new Xmas toy.
_________________
electronics = magic

retro-futurism now

hear my retro-futurist synth music at http://aejotz.bandcamp.com

listen to, join Satellite 5 by visiting sat-5.com