It has preset sounds and multitimbral sets but can be programmed to create unexpected textures - it can be very deep for those who want to get stuck into programming their own unique sounds.

It can produce and isn't just a one trick pony - it can do dance, old school, soundscapes or emulate real instruments.

A synth I have come back to time and time again - software isn't quite the same....

Yes, it is hard to use at first. To be honest, its taken me years to understand it and feel comfortable using its menu system, but that is partly because it has Virtual Analog, a few different types of Physical modelling, and FM (called VPM in this synth)

I think the acoustic sounds are great, I know a lot of people think they sound fake, but if you have the patience to go in there, learn the system you can improve the presets.

You will be rewarded by having unique violin, flute, sax, trumpet and other sounds that sound both realistic and more importantly, very expressive. You do need to use the X/Y pad and other controllers a lot though to wring the most out of this synth.

Best sounds in my synth? Violin/Viola, trumpets, very realistic minimoog patches, and atmospheric stuff. Many of the atmospheric/pad presets are awesome, and easy to modify and make them your own. I've made some interesting percussion and sound effects with this synth too.

Love the keyboard too, best non weighted keyboard, feels the same as the DX7 II, which I also owned. Monophonic aftertouc feels good, although I wish it was polyphonic! Also, I wish Korg had made Z1 with a weighted keyboard! But thats just being picky! WILL NEVER SELL!

You can get just the most amazing range of sounds out of it, with over 300 modulation destinations and an X/Y pad that is far superior to many of the new ones, you can do completely mental stuff like modulate 50 parameters at once with one finger! The presets are mostly garbage, but dig in and you will find stuff that will blow your mind. Setting up the patch takes a little time, but once it's there, watch out!

This is Korg's crowning achievement in synthesis! Get one while you still can!