MESSE10: Korg Introduces microSTATION

US Mini-key synth/sequencer launched at the show 24/03/10

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Here's the Korg press release...
Korg once again re-defines the creative songwriting process with its new microSTATION. At a size and price usually reserved for performance synthesizers, the microSTATION also includes the additional benefits of a quick and intuitive onboard sequencer. Compact and portable, the microSTATION features Korg's 61-key Natural Touch mini keyboard, numerous effects, dual arpeggiators and 16 tracks of MIDI recording power to transform musical ideas into polished productions.
The microSTATION is an ideal first keyboard, plus a welcome addition to any studio or keyboard rig. To benefit novice sequencer users, new features such as easily accessible Loop Recording and Visual Grid Sequencing have been added to jump-start any type of music production.
The 61-key Natural Touch Mini-Keyboard has been acclaimed for its ease of playing. The proportion of the black keys and white keys has been adjusted so that chords are comfortable to play, and the feel is designed to allow rapid phrases to be performed with ease; the waterfall-style keys make glissandos easy to play.
The microSTATION features the new EDS-i (Enhanced Definition Synthesis â€“ integrated) engine, derived from the EDS system found on Korg's acclaimed M3 XPanded and M50 professional instruments. The effect section adds up to five Insert effects (including Korg's proprietary "REMS" amp modeling technology) two Master effects and one Total effect.
Korg's world-class programming is second to none. In addition to the 480 Programs and 25 Drum kits, the microSTATION provides 256 Combinations, each of which combines up to sixteen programs as layers, splits or velocity-switched elements. Finding the right sound is easy. The 383 audition riffs play a repeating phrase so the selected sound can be heard in context. Every sound can be edited, tweaked and re-written, with plenty of room for saving custom Programs, Combinations and Drum kits. For compatibility with other MIDI instruments, there is also a full GM2 compatible sound set. The microSTATION provides an SD card slot, allowing users to save their Programs, Combinations and song data directly onto an SD/SDHC card.
The microSTATION's knobs and controllers are located for easy use. Frequently used parameters can be assigned to the four realtime control knobs for convenient sound editing or for performing with the arpeggiator. With the External switch on, these four knobs can be used to control an external MIDI device. A joystick is provided for even more expressive potential. For detailed editing of Programs, Combinations, Drum kits and Arpeggio patterns, the microSTATION is bundled with the "microSTATION Editor" and "microSTATION Plug-In Editor" software. The "microSTATION Editor" is a stand-alone program, while the "microSTATION Plug-In Editor" allows the microSTATION to be used as a VST, AU or RTAS plug-in instrument inside a DAW or other host application on a personal computer.
Pricing and Availability:
The Korg microSTATION will be available July 2010 with an MSRP of $850.00. More information: