All user reviews for the Korg Z1

Analog modeling and physical: wind instruments, strings struck, plucked, stringed bow etc ...
I find that sometimes the multi-effect "veil" the sound a bit but you can always cut for a more raw, more direct.

UTILIZATION

Very simple thanks to the many parameters available in real time
undrinkable and at the same time when you have to scroll through the submenus via the LCD screen is slow and difficult to read.

SOUNDS

Innovation does not come from resonant filters (you can still tear the eardrum if you push them in their entrenchment) or the arpeggiator (yet powerful program but tedious), no originality comes many physics algorithms .

The drama of this synth is that the factory presets are for most unworthy of his abilities.

OVERALL OPINION

Both say clearly even not be very objective:
"This synth is a killer."

Close enough to me much more recent synth as NORDWAVE, but close in spirit that is capable of producing sounds both experimental hybrid but very playable, scalable and flexible since living with 2 buttons assignable, 2 wheels, 5 faders and a touchpad.
"Wow I must think me an extra hand transplant."

In short, tweak, triturate it will reward you a hundredfold!

I do not describe the stuff, go to the site Korg ...
In very brief summary, there are only 12 voice polyphony.
There is a bank 2x127 sounds you can change to infinity and a bank of 2 x 15 combined sounds (or lack of polyphony can be a limit).
There is a pitch, modulation and especially a pad X / Y programmable which is great.
In addition to the sustain pedal, it worth to buy a Korg pedal which is cheap and is very useful on this type of instrument.

UTILIZATION

First, in the introduction, I use the Z1 used to assist in a group of jazz / funk and more of a Fender Rhodes and a Gem mega pro. So I use the 1 / 10 of its possibilities. It was not the case when I bought it there around 5 to 6 years. It was then one of my keyboards and only at the time, I was playing alone. I was impressed at the time by the arpeggiator pad and X / Y when in fact I am using any more of these two accessories that no longer have any interest in my current use.
I use it primarily to integrate pieces of ground in our live and to take chorus when using either type of monophonic analog synth sounds, or sounds of organs or keyboards. For this use, the Korg is perfect. filters are numerous and hanging a little (this is my first synth), we just really Scult sound to his taste. The original sets are dismal for some and too loaded, especially reverb. The result is that it can mislead the store but most sounds are unusable in a real band playing real music !!!!! (The sound designers and specialists in real synths that I'm not going to cry while reading this). This criticism is for me to so many synths trade.
For the use described above, I am very very happy. I thought about selling it when I bought the Gem mega pro but looking back, I do not regret having kept because these two instruments are complementary + + +
Regarding sound, tablecloths, monophonic synths, bass, distorted sounds, keyboards and organs and guitars are very good. The brass are zero. But it is clear that no one buys a Z1 for a bank of sounds that imitate acoustic instruments but for synth sounds ...
The general configuration is not obvious, but obvious by dipping a bit in the manual, it's OK. Editing sounds is relatively easy even if the screen is a little itty bitty

SOUNDS

For sounds, see the previous paragraph.
The expression is good, the keyboard is well suited to the philosophy of the unit (this is clearly not made to play Mozart ...).
There are only 12 voice polyphony which is sufficient to use extra but can be a bit tight in the combined sounds, especially if you use the arpeggiator. There is an expansion card for a polyphony of 18 tracks. Frankly, this option is not required.
Avoid buying cards Korg sounds to have additional sets. They cost a fortune and have no interest.
However, it's worth it to buy a PCMCIA card to save your selections as you sound reworked.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had 5 or 6 years.
I do not resell, especially when used, it is virtually unsaleable.
It is found at 700 euros to 1200 euros opportunity and new. Frankly, even at 1000 euros used, it is still a steal when you see the possibilities and quality of this thing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Between Z1 at this price point and a synth nine will cost you double or even triple, there frankly hesitate.

Analog Synth has modlisation + electric keyboard, winds, strings and organ

UTILIZATION

Ergonomics somewhat complicated not always want to look in the sub menu, but plutt want to play, for Controller against many on the left of the keyboard very practical to make a keyboard matre

SOUNDS

I had bought for electric keyboards, organs and synths, I trs silent until satisfied or released on a Clavia electro north, I sold as dry Z1 and j I bought used for electro north has its output and critical Keaboard bad he was not too much hill until version 2 or sales really Get You Started

OVERALL OPINION

For the first synth I think that was the best korg, a small oasis for one low price in time.

Instructions available here: http://virtualacoustic.free.fr/HTML/downloadZ1.html

Released in 1997, the Z1 is an extension of Prophecy with more polyphony (12 voice expandable to 18), more physical models, more options, more controllers, more ... Korg fits the consumer market: a arpeggiator makes its appearance, and knobs, signs of revival current analog.

UTILIZATION

The Z1 is finally the first multitimbral polyphonic synthesizer using physical models. on the other hand, no entry is made for a breath controller, which is a shame given the number of votes of wind instruments proposed. He excels in the emulation of electric pianos. No complete construction of the instrument is proposed.

SOUNDS

Demos available here: http://virtualacoustic.free.fr/HTML/Demos.html

It retains all the physical models of Prophecy, with a total of 13 algorithms: Analog Comb Filter, VPM, Modulation (ring, sync and cross), Resonance, Organ, Electric Pianos, physical modeling of copper reed plucked and attacks bow. We use up just 6 stamps simultaneously over 6 midi channels.

OVERALL OPINION

Yamaha, Korg and Technics are the first manufacturers to attempt to use the technique of synthesis by physical models. Their business strategies are different, and distinct steps. It should be noted that all the synthesizers using synthesis by physical models employ exclusively models waveguides. If manufacturers adopt this synthesis by providing a variety of names (S / VA, MOSS, Acoustic Modelling ...) it is indeed always the same technique.

When you consider all that is missing in these synthesizers, physical models seem to be a beautiful place in the market.

There are many different opinions that will provide information on this wonderful synth. Whether you actually clear ... KORG Z1 is the synthétisuer is not a sound generator. The biggest problem: the sounds of plants. I even got my period "this synth sucks" and then one day I went back on it really .. program ... In short it's a real synth. The digital filter that a single color that is present in any other Korg (the date of 2006).

No one speaks but the effects are very good for me is very creative the Decimator CHORUS not too bad reverb gives more significant.

UTILIZATION

Edition: write as below ... not easy for me especially since I had a long German version of the manual.

Nobody has really explained that the vast inovation of this synth is to work with mathematical models of string instruments, piano ... not to the sounds of violins, but the synth sounds that behave like real physical instruments.

The sounds are much more than they are no longer living and dead, and fix may perform incredible. Many use a controller for wind synth to get the max of its vitality

SOUNDS

Sounds ... The filters are not very aggressive in the low fat, but rather pleasant. I really find the sound of the filters is not common. Rode the pianos and organ are beautiful just for the quality you should buy or découvrire. The classic setting strings are not too bad but in experimental settings c real treat. We control speed of the bow, the last position, the weight applied above, the resonator ... I am a violinist and I found my foot paramettres applied these to a synthetic sound. The same type of settings are possible for brass, woodwinds, percussion and keyboard. I bought a PCMCIA card with a 1000 sound designer KORG. I thought découvrire the limt of my synth sounds but none is identical. The atmo is incredible, the lead and fine textured, low fat ... I do not know if there is a style against all depends on what synth sounds that he makes out

OVERALL OPINION

Use for 7 years I believe (déja. ..) I have the option of 18 poly effectivemment I rarely felt to blow the machine instead. The menus are slow. Many publishers are free or not for this synth. I DO NOT sold it because it already is for me the best product KORG since 10 years. This synth is sold 650euros c frankly a c. .. r.. I no less than 750euros ... c future synth collection ... I am sure. there is no equivalent of weight since its release (the KARMAMA has nothing to do). One last thing the editions ezst sounds simple but really can not take you on beautiful grounds. I hope soon be able to sound so that finally no factories that sell it immediately stops and says he made the biggest mistake of their lives.
To give you a comparison of weight, I NEURON VS HARTMAN and really not getting the same feeling as the Z1. The z1 is more alive lergonomis is very well thought out.
KEEP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Analog modeling synthesizer. No reader pcm samples, only modeling waveforms strings, brass, winds, ...

_

UTILIZATION

The Z1 does not involve use of no real surprises when one knows the Korg machines, including the most recent. The menus are essentially identical and architectures (menus, submenus) also.

I hoped a manual a thicker, falling more into detail.

SOUNDS

My-stru-keynote speakers.

After purchasing a TR, I got the Z1. It was in reading the review below a year ago and a half, I ordered my big gray beast. The word of experimentation I found in these reviews specifically challenged like me.

The name that its designers have given already speaks for itself. The Z1 can have no successors alphabetically. It's really a synth part, which probably was not built just to explode sales ... It is a small and confidential appendix in the collection but what Korg appendix!

I just wish the effect section which is somewhat restricted. That said, I'm using and I'm delighted. I do not really feel the boundaries.

OVERALL OPINION

I use the Z1 to the atmosphere. Yes yes yes, ten thousand times yes, it is a pure synth experimentation. In my humble opinion, it is rare to be able to modulate many parameters on a synth. All the power of the Z1 comes right away, its infinite possibility of modulation. Seriously, every time I fiddle with the menus, I came across bodies of rare depth and that certainly can not fit easily into a mix, but in my case my fill and it is as low expression.

I wonder every day of his potential. I love this synth. It is built for exactly what I love to create.

I love him so much that I can not be objective. I would just add that if you like to do everything in modulating synth, try it and if you fall in love with this round presence to him, then get you.

see below

UTILIZATION

see below

SOUNDS

see below

OVERALL OPINION

everything was pretty much says it, so I'm just an overall opinion on this machine that I have gained over the past few days ...
it's been a while since I had not touched a product from Korg, a little confusing at first but it soon returns, although I must admit .. sometimes it is very long to get a sound that makes you trip, but when you got time you forget the past ..
at first and the first test, I will repeat with respect to my colleagues, but you will not feel nothing transcendent that emanates from this synth, short the next day I decide to seriously consider me, I get an option card, I begin to tinker and there I begin to understand the enthusiasm that surrounds the first Korg ... slap! I can assure you that all opinions on the sound capabilities of this UFO were confirmed and despite that I am just babbling.
It may sound very conventional as well sounds tortured and even disturbing, and this is the whole point of this machine. If you want to make sounds dirty and the Basic Channel dub is not necessarily what you need but if you want to take for Aphex Twin, Autechre, Amon Tobin, Thomas Brinkmann, Jan Hammer for the more conventional it will more effectively in its own juice, but in my mind it should be understood that the korg z1 be enclosed in a nice set-up of keyboards, complementarity in itself.
Not later than yesterday I tried it with a Yamaha KX-5 connected in midi on the Korg for a session rather classic funk by playing a few bass keyboard presets, I really loved it! makes me want to throw all your plugs
In short you'll understand what Korg has nothing to be ashamed face synth 10 times more expensive, it offers countless possibilities and under its false air of newts lurks a killer with a sound all his own imprint, for note of humor and if you are depressed forget, because dark moods he can get your fix will not be wrong!.
For my part I bought 475 euros including shipping with 3 additional maps and as new, a board at this price there's hesitation is not heard .. no regrets .. plus it imposes, c ' is massive, solid, heavy.