The instrument
The Korg M1, released in 1988, is one of the most iconic digital synthesizers and considered as the first workstation in music history. It was revolutionary for integrating a synthesizer, sequencer, and digital effects in one unit, making it a versatile tool for musicians and producers. The M1's success can be attributed to its high-quality sounds, user-friendly interface, and powerful features, which set a new standard for keyboard workstations. It became widely used across various music genres, including pop, rock, electronic, and dance music. Notable artists such as Depeche Mode, The Cure, Kitaro, Kenji Kawai, Mike Oldfield, Quincy Jones, Pink Floyd and Queen utilized the M1 in their productions, contributing to its legendary status.
Details
The Korg M1 features 16-voice polyphony and utilizes AI (Advanced Integrated) synthesis, combining PCM samples with digital waveforms to create rich, dynamic sounds. It includes a 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard and a powerful onboard sequencer with up to eight tracks, enabling complex compositions. The M1's sound engine offers a wide range of instrument sounds, including pianos, strings, brass, and synthesized tones, along with the famous "Universe" and "Piano 16'" presets.
The synthesizer also boasts an extensive effects section with reverb, delay, chorus, and more. Its intuitive interface features a large LCD screen and a straightforward menu system, making it easy to navigate and program sounds. The M1 includes 100 preset patches and 100 user memory slots, providing ample space for custom sounds.
In addition to its acclaimed sound, it has a somewhat sophisticated 8-track sequencer. It holds 10 songs and 100 patterns and up to 7,700 notes, and offers full quantizing and editing. Finally, the M1's MIDI implementation ensures compatibility with other MIDI devices, enhancing its versatility in various production environments.