Korg MicroKorg XL Portable Synthesizer and Vocoder

Introduction
The latest addition to the Korg “micro” series serves
up sampling with a powerful performance punch! The microSAMPLER
delivers multi-mode sampling, resampling, Pattern Sequencing and
over-the-top effects – and all under a fun-to-use intuitive interface.
More than just a sampler, the microSAMPLER is a complete sound design
studio for creating up-to-the minute loops and phrases.

Giant Sampling / microSIZE
The
microSAMPLER hosts a solid complement of top-end sampling features to
expand your creative potential. This full-fledged instrument offers
fourteen-voice polyphony, reverse playback, editing operations such as
Normalize and Truncate, and a Time Stretch feature that lets you change
the tempo without affecting the pitch. Selectable sample rates of 48
kHz, 24 kHz, 12 kHz, and down to 6 kHz let you sample at rates beyond
CD clarity or add in that Lo-Fi vintage vibe. Each bank contains 36
samples (a maximum of approximately 160 seconds of recording time for
monaural samples at a 48 kHz sampling rate) and sixteen patterns of
sequence data; the microSAMPLER lets you store eight such banks in
internal memory. The Keyboard mode takes a single sample and assigns it
chromatically across the keys for instant playability. With its
recessed controls, bright LEDs and informative display, the
microSAMPLER is fun to use and easy to operate – for beginners or
seasoned pros.

Swiss Army Sampling
Too many
instruments simply offer sampling as an added feature. The microSAMPLER
is all about sampling, in every creative form. Five distinct sampling
methods allow you to work the way you want, to get the results you
need. The microSAMPLER offers traditional One-Shot and Loop sampling,
plus a number of creative sampling modes – Loop, Key Gate and
Auto-Next. When it comes to sampling, the microSAMPLER has it all.

• Loop sampling for recording grooves and phrases, drum loops, etc.
• One-Shot sampling for grabbing and triggering single events such as drums, etc.
• Gate sampling for playing a sound musically across the keyboard
• Auto-Next sampling for capturing phrases as multiple samples.
  For grabbing a groove as separate samples on individual keys, choose
  the AUTO NEXT mode and use Tap Tempo to match the BPM of the source
  material. The microSAMPLER will automatically divide the sample equally
  across multiple keys. Each key can be set to capture anything from a
  64th note to a full two measures. This method lets you automatically
  perform the same type of sampling as KEY GATE.
• Key Gate sampling is best for grabbing multiple samples from
  the same source. With Key Gate, you can take multiple samples from the
  same source or phrase and assign them to different keys as you play
  them! The individual keys assign the sample and enable recording all at
  the same time. This intuitive method of sampling, editing, and mapping
  in a single step is fun, interactive and fast.

In
addition, there’s a resampling function that lets you play existing
layered samples processed by an effect and played by the pattern
sequencer – and capture it all as a new sample. You can even sample
while playing, allowing the sampling process itself to become part of
your expressive performance.

Sample anytime, anywhere – or anything!
The
microSAMPLER can run on batteries, so you can perform on the go – or
capture samples anywhere. Both line input and mic input are provided to
allow a broad range of input sources including electronic musical
instruments, CD, and voice. A gooseneck microphone is included so you
can capture sounds with ease. The convenient caddies (located beside
the mic jack) provide a cradle for your portable MP3/audio player when
using it as a sample source. Truly, the world is yours to sample
anytime and anyplace.

Pattern Possibilities
The
pattern sequencer uses an overdub operating style that lets you
continually layer your performances. You can switch between patterns
during playback for seamless performances. Up to sixteen patterns
(16,000 notes per pattern, or a maximum 64,000 notes) can be stored in
each bank.

The KAOSS Effect(s)
Developed for Korg’s KAOSS PAD
series, the effect engine serves up a great selection of effects – so
important when editing samples. The twenty-one effects include not only
traditional delay and chorus, but also ring modulator and grain
shifter, and even a Looper that’s derived from the Loop Recording
feature of the KAOSSILATOR
Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer. The effects can be applied to any sound
while resampling, allowing the effects to be used over and over again
for more sonic expression.

Made to be Played
The
microSAMPLER features our new Natural Touch micro keyboard, offering
greatly enhanced playability and expressive power. By adjusting the
proportion of the black keys and white keys, we’ve made chords easier
to finger, and the touch has been improved so that rapid phrases can be
played more easily – and with less fatigue. The box-shaped keys project
a sense of quality, and also allow smoother glides and smears. The
controllers you need for an exciting performance are laid out on the
panel for intuitive operation. The status of the samples assigned to
each key (and the item being edited) is indicated by the lit state of
the LEDs running along the top of the keyboard, ensuring excellent
visibility even on stage.

USB-eautiful
By using the
free editor/librarian software for the microSAMPLER, you can manage a
gigantic sample library that’s all your own. You can back up sample and
pattern sequence data to your computer via USB, or load samples and
patterns back in just as easily. . Importing and exporting of WAV/AIFF
data on your computer is also supported. The possibilities are endless…

Keyboard:

37 Natural-Touch mini-keys, velocity sensing

Sampling Specs:

• 48 kHz: 160 seconds (mono) per bank; x 8 Banks = 21.33 minutes (max.)

  24 kHz: 320 seconds (mono) per bank; x 8 Banks = 42.66 minutes (max.)

  12 kHz: 640 seconds (mono) per bank; x 8 Banks = 85.33 minutes (max.)

  6 kHz: 1280 seconds (mono) per bank; x 8 Banks = 170.66 minutes (max.)

Sampling Rates: 48 kHz, 24 kHz, 12 kHz, 6 kHz
Bank Structure: 36 Samples per Bank (160 Seconds max.)
Available Banks: 9 Total (8 User +1 ROM)
Sampling Time:

Polyphony:

14 voices

Sampling Modes:

One-Shot; Gate; Loop; Key Gate; Auto-Next
Resample in any mode

Keyboard Modes:

Sampling Mode: 36 Sample Playback Keys + 1 Audio Input
Keyboard Mode: Single sample assigned chromatically across the keyboard

Effects:

Structure: 1 Master FX
Effect Types: 21 (Compressor, Filter, 4-Band EQ, Distortion, Reverb, Delay, L/C/R Delay, Auto-Panning
Delay, Modulation Delay, Tape Echo, Chorus, Flanger, Vibrato, Phaser, Tremolo, Ring Modulation, Grain
Shifter, Pitch Shifter, Talking Modulator, Looper)

Pattern Sequencer:

Patterns: 16 Patterns per bank; x 8 Banks
Note Count: 64,000 notes total; 16,000 per bank
Resolution: 480 ppq (parts per quarter note)

Audio Connections:

Input: ¼” Jack (rear); XLR Balanced (top); with Mic/Line switch; Level knob
Outputs: L/Mono, R; ¼” unbalanced
Phones: ¼” Stereo Jack

Other Connections:

MIDI: In, Out
USB: Type B

Display:

Custom LCD; 37 LEDs above keys

Power Supply:

9 VDC (AC Adapter); 6 AAA Alkaline batteries – approx. 4 hours (sold separately)

Dimensions:

W x D x H: 20.31″ x 9.37″ x 2.56″
Weight: 4.19 lbs

microSAMPLER Editor Librarian Software:

Operating Requirements:

PC: Microsoft Windows XP (SP3 or later); Windows Vista (SP1 or later); USB port
MAC: OSX Version 10.4 or later; USB port