All user reviews for the Korg M1

Sensory 5 octave keyboard, a sustain pedal, all the connections required.

UTILIZATION

This is not easy because it is a real synth. An enthusiast will find the answers, but editing is not obvious at all for me. I do not have the manual but is found on the internet.

SOUNDS

The sounds are amazing! Brass are incredibly realistic as percussion instruments, marimba etc., as well as organs and electric pianos. Curiously acoustic pianos are synthetic and have no interest, I must say that I use a Yamaha P120 since then the bar is a little high.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had a couple of decades and even if I use it the less I'm still amazed every time I turn it on! I certainly used far below its potential. To make models at home or even Hammond organ on stage, it's great. There are certainly better today but is found for almost nothing then ...!

Very well known and already set.
The first Workstastion: Keyboard + sounds + + sequencer effects. Everything is in the final.
Shell scrap, very solid. Keyboard very good and reliable.

UTILIZATION

The creation of sound is very simple, for which uses digital synths. In combined mode, assembling several sounds, we split ..... Complete configs are possible. Only polyphony blocks creativity.
Sequencer, like any hardware synth is an ordeal for user app. In my case, I love, because I only use my pc for load / save sysex (this on all my bikes). I like to spend hours editing footage directly on the machine. Work the old what. But I totally understand that this may deter a good number of musicians.
The manual is clear enough. The chapter sequence editing is big and boring, but no choice.

SOUNDS

Sounds, except the M1 piano world famous programming is very simple: starting with samples, the logical work on any synth filtered, cut with envelopes (ADBSSR), finally.
He has a particular grain, inimitable. One likes or dislikes. on the other hand must obtain sample cards (there is a very substantial library). The filters are very good, but not resonant. The effects section offers very good editable presets, we color the sound as you want. Even facing today's standard, it does not have to fade. Powerful, stable, solid.
Strings, pads, tablecloths: excellent.
Acoustic instruments for it, better to take an arranger keyboard.
Bass synth: not very powerful, but super cozy, did not expect the Stabb Loons.
Finally, it is better to try before you buy, because I love a buddy hated.

OVERALL OPINION

My M1, I have not kept: finance requires, sometimes life leaves us no choice. But as soon as I have a great secondhand, I bought without hesitation.
Regarding the secondhand market, is the way to € 400/450 very often it is too.
€ 250 seems a good price.
Otherwise, the Korg T3 cheaper in secondhand (?), While this is an improved M1.
So I will buy a M1 and T3: when you love ......

a keyboard 25 years ago, but still running, six octaves, a hundred sounds, two multi-effects, joystick ... the rest is history

missing knobs, but a slider value is very convenient to edit the parameters in real time (GPA Cutoff FX ...)

UTILIZATION

simple configuration, edition ultra sounds easy, especially a small sequencer, but unknown ultra fishing practice by the number of notes, but really effective!

SOUNDS

and quite frankly, it's easy, the M1 is a few tablecloths, a big organ sound of the 90s (which does not mean realistic, but immediately recognizable in hits such as Jaydee or Luv4Luv ...) and especially for a piano, which toured the dancefloors in the 90 '

the output level is strong enough, claps sec. You will understand, if your style is jazz free jazz, I think it missed. However, if your trip is a bit of electro revival then you have a few presets that will be essential

I put 10 for organ and piano, because I was looking for a long time and I had approached this without having found. the rest is spent rather

OVERALL OPINION

and of the M1, this is a keyboard that marked the spirit of musician who could not afford the full range of professional studio at the time.

First workstation, it also killed some career Wavestation, which far exceeds the level, but not in use.

M1 - Store in the Setup!!

Workstation synth 61 keys velocity sensitive and aftertouch monaural.
Released in 1988.
16 voice polyphony, 8 part multi-timbral.
AI synthesis (2 CSOs, non-resonant two digital filters, 3 envelopes, 1 LFO, 2 digital multi-effects).
8 track sequencer, 10 songs, 100 patterns, 7700 notes.
100 programs and 100 combis editable memory. 100 and 100 combis progs additional card RAM / ROM.
M1 pitch stick: Pitch bend, modulation and modulation + Y-Y.
2 inputs for foot control / switch and one input for sustain pedal.
2 pairs of stereo audio outputs.
MIDI IN, OUT and THRU.
13.5 Kg

UTILIZATION

The use of M1 is really simple. This is also the first real workstation. And it is also the basis of the architecture of all other Korg synths next ... The M1 has 8 soft keys under the screen to access most often at all values ​​of a given page. For example, the default page selection presets (Korg programs), displays a kind of quick edit with the most critical parameters (balance CSOs, filter, envelope, effect level ...). Combi mode, these buttons select the preset to play in each of the eight parts ... Very convenient! It is possible to change the sound quickly without going into publishing (especially useful for cutting effects recording ). Actually edit the sound is really not complicated, you can not get "lost" in M1. I also underlines the high quality of the keyboard (the same as the DX7) which allows him to take pride of place as a master keyboard in your config.

SOUNDS

Almost ALL presets have their original tube ^ ^ From Madonna (Piano PROG I41 8 ") Depeche Mode via The Orb (PROG I00 Universe), everyone used to the sounds of the M1 ... And because , samples and sound serious character (which lacks a bit today on the PCM synthesizers) and effects are fatal for some time to see beautiful (Flanger, Phaser 2, Set ...). It possible to expand the sonic palette via pairs of cards adding PCM multi-samples and presets.
It is possible to accurately mimic acoustic instruments (a reference to the brass and flute ^ ^), but excels especially in mixing sounds of hammers to strings saturated in samples flanger analogs synths or play a little sound good digital multi-diluted ... A feast for the compo!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for about 93. I've done several albums with and I love more!
It is one of those rare synths have changed how to create instruments with electronics. Just like a Mini Moog, a DX7 or D50
In short, a classic to have!

The Korg M1 is a digital synth that has been around for a long time. It has very good on board sounds and some of them I still use to this day. I really don’t pull it out much but when I do get this board out and plug it up and get right to work with these old school type of sounds. Most of them where used in music 10 plus years ago but I still love the way they sound.


UTILIZATION

Its very easy to use and navigate on this board, but I was having some issues with the sequencing on this board. A lot of people don’t like the sequencing on this board at all. Its not very good, reminds me of a sequencer that would have come on a cheap keyboard back in the 90’s. But this is not a cheap keyboard by any means, actually when it first came out it was consider a very high class board and most people couldn’t afford it. But now you can find them on eBay for pretty cheap.


SOUNDS

Sounds are great, not as good as the sounds on the M2 or M3 but still good. The good thing is if you have used all of the M line series you can really see how the keep progressing with the boards. So the Korg M’s will be a brand of boards that I will always use and purchase. With the M1 you really don’t have as much control over you sounds as you do on the M2 or M3. Seems like they just didn’t have the on board technology when they created this board to do what you can do with the next versions of it.


OVERALL OPINION

Overall, great board. Buy one used and you will love it and use it a lot then you will probably put it on ice for a while and not use it because you will run out of sounds or get board with the old school type of presets. But you will still pull it out from time to time and have a heck of a time.

Synth 5octaves with Aftertouch
Controller 1 Pitch Modulation + 1 jotystick
MIDI In / Out / Thru + + program change pedal Damper, 4 + Audio Out Headphone
Program 100 + 100 Combinations (more expansion cards) ditables either internally or on ATARI software spciaux with either PC emulator ...
Polyphony somewhat low (16 notes), but hey, given the age is right dj ... Only in Gnant layer combinations with four or more stamps

UTILIZATION

Overall, we can not say that the use is complicated trs, only the edition sounds directly through the guts of the synth is a bit difficult if you do not know yet b you. Otherwise, all is well ... (The manual is well done, but I have not read it ...)

SOUNDS

The sounds are not forcment trsralistes, but hey, each his own ... CRER For me, I do not drang, as I use the synthetic. Dynamics almost Ingala ...

OVERALL OPINION

I have this synth for 1 year, but I knew from 6 / 7. I never wanted to take another, touch is really gnial (other compartment of the same type).
I had tried many latest issue, but I always t of the lack of competitive dynamics. and then, having the opportunity to pay € 380, I think it is difficult to do much better ...
If I had the choice of buying autrechose, possibly the only one I would consider to replace it, it would be the same or possibly a Korg T3 I think ...

See the list below

UTILIZATION

I spent hours, days and weeks on all aspects of the Synth. programming not squence not (I had not the computer era and I was all squence on the M1) ... excessive grinding sounds and frankly, it's super intuitive ... easy to use despite the tiny screen ...
hat designers.

SOUNDS

Plantar view of its success, the sound of M1 is really too pronounced for me now. when you Coutes Queen's last album, well you recognize immediately the bte ... and suddenly, you hsites use it today ...

good, at the same time, I used to live, composed for 8 years and I have no doubt be super lass ...

in truth, I suporte over his piano sound and foil layers of strings .. limit the voices that e is really beautiful ... So today is unimaginable for me to put one of his M1 in my components .. So I use it as master keyboard.

OVERALL OPINION

In the era and I bought ... I do it again the same choice. c'tait the best .. o commercial success elsewhere.
but frankly, now I find the color too musical brand ... there are still guys who use it (I heard not long ago in a pub tl) ... Me, I can more, I have heard too much.

I shed a tear of nostalgia ... because he has much paul for 8 years and now he spends a cozy retreat in master keyboard.

Otherwise, in 8 years of concerts and always kind bowls mmorables ... I have 3 keys that cass and once the wheel ... all well kept ... So solid.
small precision, made the gaffe right in the super litium ... change the minimum every three years ... otherwise you paumerez everything in memory ... Finally, j'me'm actually have a time ...

Cf further notice

UTILIZATION

Gnrale simple config
Sound edition: sometimes a little stressful given the small size of the notch
manual in French and well explained

SOUNDS

Ha ben l I'll say a little more:
I got 10 years ago ert c'tait a rvolution for me before I had a Bontempi for ch'tite begets, of where I found the magical sounds of m1.
j'pourrais give you notice now, but since I had a problem pti: I did not find memory card and battery of memory has made me: I ' I lost all the sounds that I had worked: I can not redraw the sounds of my memory ... in addition to the balls.
trs good touch, better than many of today's synths

OVERALL OPINION

10 years of use, and since the death of the battery, only MIDI keyboard
The +: you can do almost everything with
the - I'm sure you can guess yourself ... and squenceur limitbr /> bought OCCAZ: very good q / p the era
again this choice: Well, no, or else with a floppy disk available ... srieusement more, there is naturally much better now, but an emotional value since it's my first real synth

16 voice polyphony, very good touch, excellent built-in effects (chorus, delay, flanger, etc. ...). 2 banks of 100 sounds, prog / combi, enough. No need to get tons of sounds in a synth to make good music ... The sounds of plants may be exceeded but if s'atarde a bit to create your own sounds then it's huge! The current synths (and I) are not better or worse! The sequencer may be a fair bit today but still recorded on the sequencer?? There's computer for that is more flexible and much simpler. Its 8 parts multitimbral is more than sufficient for me because I also use other synths to make my pieces.

UTILIZATION

Very easy to use once understood the spirit of synth there's no problems.

SOUNDS

The sounds are wonderful (I speak not of sound factory), they are very varied. We can get any kind of putting it sounds thoroughly. As well as the beautiful warm layers of leads or felted or dynamic effects breathtaking. For low against something else in ...

OVERALL OPINION

I have my Korg M1 for 13 years and I'm not about to part with it. It is beautiful, powerful, strong, and is perfect for my music. I had a lot of synth of its kind after the M1 but I sold them all because they are not better, not because the current machines include a super sampler, 36 separate outputs, 1012 sounds, 60 voices polyphonic, sequencer overpowered and 57 multitimbral parts they are "better". My Triton sold after four months, for example ...
I would do this choice without a second's hesitation. With the D-50, the M1 is inimitable and remains for me the best synth. Long live the 80s!

Typical side polyphonic synthesizer "flashy" (or rather ear) you could find the time.

UTILIZATION

Use less Way of the Cross than a DX7. Against by not practical at all to create sounds (with all those damn parameters in place of digital potentiometers).
The sequencer was useless as quickly saturated.

SOUNDS

The sounds are too Korg M1 c is stamped to say too clean, too powerful and too cold.
The pianos are completely unrealistic, for example.
The reverb of the synthesizer is particularly cold.

OVERALL OPINION

There was something wonderful in the old korg and it was unfortunate that the brand will also be put in digital synthesis.
After the next "window dressing" a demonstration of this synth there was nothing left.
To judge just listen to the demonstration plant was recorded on the sequencer ... It's grotesque.
Ideal for variety but still with bombastic sounds old-fashioned.

Keyboard 61 keys very tough
checkers

UTILIZATION

nickel

SOUNDS

Pooh disagree with the opinion below, except about the m1 is like the DX7 D50 or a legend.
not for those who spend their time paw on the number of sample per square meter.
The m1 has a very large bank syssex sounds very good and certainly not the piano multisample or the rope hear you pete and the trunk of the Steinway that opens with the squeaky hinge.
apart in the audio bumps (mode prog / combi) have much to do following your pattern, I love the pop eignthies dedious and its fit next to my nickel Wavestation EX, d-50, and when dx7IIfd even more recent of bikes I would change for reasons not his or xf grononos who do everything and anything .....
would do well to listen to albums such as Calling All Stations Genesis (after the departure of Collins, phew!) and also the solo albums collins elsewhere, and I could cite many other sounds or M1, Wavestation, d-50 etc ... recognize.
While it should not be the dominant synth but it has in the bank always the little sound that stands as the Wavestation also

OVERALL OPINION

so expensive 350 euros for an m1 but it was in a near new (remy thank you ...)
I could have paid me more, I love my rack but I wanted the keyboard
It is enthroned in the collective side of my comrades as popular .....

Synth 61-key (5 octaves = control modulation and pitch with a 'joystic'. MIDI (in out through). 2 inputs assignable pedals entrepdale + 1 sustain .

Sounds are two spars catgories:
- 100 'programs' ditables: these are the sounds of bases
- 100 'combis' ditables: they are combinations of sounds (8 maximum), labor from the 'Programs'

Polyphony: 16 channels

UTILIZATION

The config is very simple and intuitive. Concerning the edition of sounds, all is very well Dfine in the pages of menus, with the possibility Obviously to compare the changes with the original sound at the touch of the button ... 'compare' !
The manual provides only basic information, but the shipping is really simple trs.

by against the squenceur Intgr no point - these days - nothing, it is totally Exceeds and really does not have enough memory (8800 notes), but n'ach not what you keyboard sounds squenceur any fawn!

SOUNDS

Oh la la ... ... the sounds of the M1 and Piano .... if spcial!
What is certain is that this is not a sound of a Stainway but sincrement for someone looking for a first synth is the IDAL: full of sound DIFFERENT , from the natural sound (piano, organs, guitars ...) to the analog type sounds.
The sounds are a little old Obviously - hence the rating I give this section - but we're talking about a machine that has 20 years, let Tolra!
The keyboard is an excellent quality of the semi-weighted keys is perfect for use as a keyboard matre.

OVERALL OPINION

I had my first in 90, I sold a WAS before buying one again. I am then re-re-spar in 95 ... before buying one this year (so this is the time troisime j'achte this synth.
As you can see, for me it's now a matter of feeling with this synth mythical Has a real rvolution the late 80's.
The rating is low for extrmmement synthesis of this class, and even for a simple use of the master keyboard type dpense worth.

I know this synth because many of my friends have a possder and I had the opportunity to use and tinker it.
What in the top of M1 is dynamic! it's a slap Pette really.
His point is not whether ngatif ngatif that he found so useful does color sound in a package of production during the 90's.
The sounds are really used in certain contexts.
c for guitars pretty bad, the M1 piano sound is big trs effective fishing
used for the house or live to play Rock stuff, you can make nice with Rhodes by hacking or by using the waveforms of the PCM cards optional. the sounds of pan flutes, oboes, it is excellent, we do not forcment better today.
Another weak point is the filter of M1 is almost nonexistent and ineffective, is still not doing good things. When comparing this with a casio synth hours of anything is when I see the opinion that t post below.
The keyboard is trs enjoyable to play, too bad korg this grain is not preserved and this momentum to develop the newt and other current driver.
If the Ensoniq VFX of t was more reliable and better marketed the M1 would never have had the success he had.

UTILIZATION

I know this synth because many of my friends have a possder and I had the opportunity to use and tinker it.
What in the top of M1 is dynamic! it's a slap Pette really.
His point is not whether ngatif ngatif that he found so useful does color sound in a package of production during the 90's.
The sounds are really used in certain contexts.
c for guitars pretty bad, the M1 piano sound is big trs effective fishing
used for the house or live to play Rock stuff, you can make nice with Rhodes by hacking or by using the waveforms of the PCM cards optional. the sounds of pan flutes, oboes, it is excellent, we do not forcment better today.
Another weak point is the filter of M1 is almost nonexistent and ineffective, is still not doing good things. When comparing this with a casio synth hours of anything is when I see the opinion that t post below.
The keyboard is trs enjoyable to play, too bad korg this grain is not preserved and this momentum to develop the newt and other current driver.
If the Ensoniq VFX of t was more reliable and better marketed the M1 would never have had the success he had.

SOUNDS

I know this synth because many of my friends have a possder and I had the opportunity to use and tinker it.
What in the top of M1 is dynamic! it's a slap Pette really.
His point is not whether ngatif ngatif that he found so useful does color sound in a package of production during the 90's.
The sounds are really used in certain contexts.
c for guitars pretty bad, the M1 piano sound is big trs effective fishing
used for the house or live to play Rock stuff, you can make nice with Rhodes by hacking or by using the waveforms of the PCM cards optional. the sounds of pan flutes, oboes, it is excellent, we do not forcment better today.
Another weak point is the filter of M1 is almost nonexistent and ineffective, is still not doing good things. When comparing this with a casio synth hours of anything is when I see the opinion that t post below.
The keyboard is trs enjoyable to play, too bad korg this grain is not preserved and this momentum to develop the newt and other current driver.
If the Ensoniq VFX of t was more reliable and better marketed the M1 would never have had the success he had.

OVERALL OPINION

I know this synth because many of my friends have a possder and I had the opportunity to use and tinker it.
What in the top of M1 is dynamic! it's a slap Pette really.
His point is not whether ngatif ngatif that he found so useful does color sound in a package of production during the 90's.
The sounds are really used in certain contexts.
c for guitars pretty bad, the M1 piano sound is big trs effective fishing
used for the house or live to play Rock stuff, you can make nice with Rhodes by hacking or by using the waveforms of the PCM cards optional. the sounds of pan flutes, oboes, it is excellent, we do not forcment better today.
Another weak point is the filter of M1 is almost nonexistent and ineffective, is still not doing good things. When comparing this with a casio synth hours of anything is when I see the opinion that t post below.
The keyboard is trs enjoyable to play, too bad korg this grain is not preserved and this momentum to develop the newt and other current driver.
If the Ensoniq VFX of t was more reliable and better marketed the M1 would never have had the success he had.

I have my M1 for 19 years. He took chips because I moved a lot, including to overseas, my squirrels have urinated on the keyboard and it still works nickel.

UTILIZATION

Obviously, the changes of the patches is not obvious.

SOUNDS

The sounds are great for some and for others rather than zero. The sequencer contrary to what I read below is entirely correct. The average effects.

OVERALL OPINION

So now, 19 years my M1 throne in my home studio. I only used now only as a master keyboard, because the sound might suit me are exceeded. However there are lots of other realistic but I do not like for subjective reasons. When there is an instrument, it must be viewed in context. This is a synth that almost 20 years should not be forgotten. Some critics do not seem to be aware of this fact. So they spend comment.

Already listed by others,
see also the sites that refers to ...
Beautiful finishes, keyboard master reference today!

UTILIZATION

The M1 is the simplification of the synthesis par excellence ...

The ergonomic design is perfectly suited to its capabilities,
Everything is done to make it as musical as possible approach.

We feel that the musicians contribute to make this workstation (see references in the net), often compared with the Roland D-50:
In fact, even if the AI ​​synthesis of M1 is very close to the LA D-50 (but simpler, fewer parameters), we have two quite different instruments:
The M1 features a "double" multi-effects (such as a flanger + reverb, or more complex)
a system of combinations of sounds very intuitive, a small but very effective filter ...
A sequencer which will be useful if you use it other than to compose whole pieces.

The M1 is a reference to an ergonomic all-digital synthesizer!

SOUNDS

The M1 sounds of beauty, a unique expression!
The original patches are great but very marked late 80's,

Of course, once programmed his desire, he may lose some of their Type 80's ...
I definitely want to stress that it is a synthesizer: a customizable tool!
I really feel that some did not understand that, and they just judge the pre-recorded sounds without having seen the potential of the instrument to create their own sounds.

The PCM's internal covers both the analog (square waveforms, etc ...) and acoustic instruments (the superb fretless bass ...)

It is the only one that generates choirs of this type, I think that's the main reason that made me want to buy it
Sounds very clean, very smooth, no grain sexy, but a presence like no other face of current workstations.

We know immediately or you will when you create a sound unlike this same concept today (eg M3)

Its internal sounds contain everything you need to combine a wide range of sounds, the key is there (the expansion cards, except one that increases the polyphony, are in fact no real interest)

The M1 is especially interesting to get if you search this end his 80's, but beyond that is more than a vulgar ROMpler (I do not even have that term)

A workstation with high Identities

OVERALL OPINION

The M1 has its own reason for becoming a legend

a superb workstation, aesthetically
and technically very homogeneous (sounds, parameters) without the current devices.

polyphonic digital synthesizer type "workstation"

UTILIZATION

Austere facade, while drop-down menu. The sound editing is a nightmare.
The factory sounds are dated late 80's to say that you can fear the worst. Watch the TV series of the time we hear it everywhere.

SOUNDS

The most laughable in retrospect is the piano.

OVERALL OPINION

At the time they sold the M1 with an overpriced demo hyper flashy performed on the sequencer filled block. At the time there could still be impressed, but now it is clear that this synth has become so useless as its rating is 200 euros. The M1 is a bit of DX7 90 years if you know what that means.

The Korg M1 is a board that has been used all over the world and still is used today even though it’s the old model of the M versions from Korg. The M1 has great control with the pitch bend and modulations not to mention card slots and expansions. You don’t have expansions too much on other boards such as this one.

UTILIZATION

Great board, sequencing isn’t anything spectacular just the basics and you probably wont like it too much like most people. I suggest upgrading to the most recent korg board because it puts this one to shame.

SOUNDS

Sounds pretty good, Korg always keeps good solid soundsets when they come out with a board or module. At first glance with this board you will be blown away by some of the synths and piano’s, but keep in mind that these are very old. Then being very old is probably what will blow you away, that the synths sounded this good back in the day. But if you used this board today, im sorry to say your sounds will be out dated. Most all musicians at a higher level have messed with the M1 to some extent and can probably tell you when they hear a sound off the top of their head if its from the m1 or not.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall a great board, but its very outdated. Today I wouldn’t pay more than 250 for it used. Mine as well save up the money and just get the Korg M3 because it has better sounds that are up to date and it’s a monster all around from the sounds to the parameters and editing options. Plus the Korg M3 isnt too expensive anyways, but if you have the M1 already keep it, or if some one is offering you a great deal on it I would get it because it’s a classic board.

The Korg M1 is a board that has been used all over the world and still is used today even though it’s the old model of the M versions from Korg. The M1 has great control with the pitch bend and modulations not to mention card slots and expansions. You don’t have expansions too much on other boards such as this one.

UTILIZATION

Great board, sequencing isn’t anyting spectacular just the basics and you probably wont like it too much like most people. I suggest upgrading to the most recent korg board because it puts this one to shame.

SOUNDS

Sounds pretty good, Korg always keeps good solid soundsets when they come out with a board or module. At first glance with this board you will be blown away by some of the synths and piano’s, but keep in mind that these are very old. Then being very old is probably what will blow you away, that the synths sounded this good back in the day. But if you used this board today, im sorry to say your sounds will be out dated. Most all musicians at a higher level have messed with the M1 to some extent and can probably tell you when they hear a sound off the top of their head if its from the m1 or not.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall a great board, but its very outdated. Today I wouldn’t pay more than 250 for it used. Mine as well save up the money and just get the Korg M3 because it has better sounds that are up to date and it’s a monster all around from the sounds to the parameters and editing options. Plus the Korg M3 isnt too expensive anyways, but if you have the M1 already keep it, or if some one is offering you a great deal on it I would get it because it’s a classic board.

Everything has already been listed. Mine is an expansion + one (very rare). Perfect for the times we are in 1988 ... Don't forget that some compare the M1 to actual complete workstations, which is completely, stupid.

UTILIZATION

Perfect for those days, 1988 ...

SOUNDS

The sounds are not outdated, they are beautiful tablecloths and the leads are very powerful in creating their own sounds of course, some cool effects too. I do not talk about the factory sounds that can be heard too. The effects are just but sufficient!  It has a strong personality, a grain that we no longer hear.

OVERALL OPINION

Very good synth, sounds warm and powerful. Very strong, very beautiful appearance simple and original. As time passes we arrive at very satisfactory results. Those who buy it to "own" a Korg M1 and not looking further than the factory sounds they will be a little disappointed ...  When we see the comments of the type "the sounds of the M1 sounds like casino" I am shocked, really there are people who know nothing about synthesizers and the music and who still give their advice!

already described by others.

UTILIZATION

Ergonomics is outdated, but in the 90's, it was pretty good.
the edition is rather well done, but does not go very far.
there are more parameters for the multis than for the synthesis itself!
is the biggest defect of this synthesis, it is not really a synthesis of sound exploration!

SOUNDS

course, the sounds are not so pleasing to my ears, they are powerful, but the filter is too limited the M1 is more a samples reader than a synth!

At the same era, I have not liked any of this machine, it was so known and so I bought it, but I sold it shortly after three or four months. But I had already toured the synthesis.

OVERALL OPINION

I no longer use it for a very long time now, since I bought a korg NANOPAD, and receiving a license for the M1 that I'm back into this using synth.
Its  virtual identities is rather well done, but I still do not like the M1!

for more money (and no sequencers or as many multitimbral) the korg WS, WAVESTATION was much more attractive, even though it is equipped with the same limited filter. 

my notes are harsh on the sound because I do not like this synth, but put it in context, we must admit that this precursor to large workstations was well done!

it just does not have what I always look for in a synthesizer!

see other reviews

UTILIZATION

Easy to use!

SOUNDS

see below

OVERALL OPINION

I just got the M1 not long ago ... For now I am just getting to know this synth!

And I must say that the sounds are superb!
Compared to many other synths (even newer), the sound is clear, clean, spatial (stereo), very professional, it "sounds" direct (thanks to the effects included).

I never get tired of scrolling the presets ... I feel that each preset reminds me of a half-dozen TV ad spot, generic, etc.. for which the M1-without doubt has been used for. It sounds direct, it is usable (for my taste) in a immediately in a piece, almost without touching anything.

Waw!

See what has been said before.

UTILIZATION

Easy navigation, 80s style, but to turn pages must access with the keypad. Each parameter set is visible on the screen, by category (filter, envelopes, oscillators, effects ...).

SOUNDS

Sounds are agreeable like with any synth: on condition that we roll up our sleeves. Just one example: the remake of Queen's "Show Must Go On" in a round of hands from waveforms "saw", open the filter to 3 / 4, with an envelope pretty fast and short, not too much reverb and the effect "symphonic", slight detune osc between 1 and 2 and voila! Ah yes! Do not neglect the parameter "delay" on the Oscillator 2: 4 or 5, we get a slight phase shift which is by itself a nice chorus effect with acyclic absolutely superb!
Everything is valid or almost. Just let go and play!
I do not use the factory sounds. They impressed me at the time of its release, and I was somewhat baffled by the programmability (ergonomics typical 80s). Today, I program at 100%, virtually from scratch, and this is a  serious fact, and with pleasure I find more!
Think of the M1 as a synth in its own right, meaning that its boundaries and limits do not necessarily come from itself, rather think about your imagination and emotions that you want to restore. Reducing a  synth to its imitative abilities has always been nonsense. John McLaughlin had quite well understood leaving the album "Bello Horizonte" in there using the Prophet 5 as an instrument in itself. I do not compare the Prophet to the M1, but really any use of a musical synthesizer is noticeable every time ...

OVERALL OPINION

It is an old story, as usual, starting with a misunderstanding and a warm reunion. I would say that today it is a must, as the DX, the ESQ1 the Wavestation, etc. ...
Given the price, hurry up to buy all this stuff 80-90 years before it is useless, because I must say that in concert, the audience connected to it and it's nice to see and hear!

See Overall Opinion.

UTILIZATION

See Overall opinion.

SOUNDS

See Overall Opinion.

OVERALL OPINION

Released in 1988, the M1 is the  the world's best selling "synth".

This commercial success is probably because the M1 appeared to many musicians as sufficient in itself.

Its internal sequencer of 7700 notes (admittedly limited capacity but still allowing them to record a sequence of bases), its effects and 4 MB of sounds made the M1 workstation quite comprehensive and fairly easy to use .

Even if its technical features are now somewhat outdated, the M1 is an excellent "sample player (or synthetic) that deserves a prominent place in every home studio.

User review: The M1 is one of the essential parts of the studio B "New Sources Musicales." We use it mainly to create maps, an area where this synth excels.

Despite the small number of core samples (in the terminology Korg PCM), it is possible to program the sound textures that stray from the same sample base. Subtractive synthesis of M1, although brief, is nevertheless effective.

We regret in particular the absence of a more powerful filter that could greatly contribute to broadening the horizon of the sound program of the M1.