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WinningDays « Korg X-911: A Unique Synth That Still Inspires »
Published on 05/10/25 at 01:05
Best value:
Correct
Audience:
Advanced Users
I mainly use the Korg X-911 with my synths, controlled via CV/gate through a Korg SQ-1, which supports the Hz/oct standard. Occasionally, I also use it with a guitar or bass, but that’s more the exception.
What consistently impresses me is the oscillator’s stability. Tuning is reliable, quick, and ready to go almost immediately. All the presets are well-designed and very easy to adjust, which makes jamming intuitive and fluid. Being able to modulate the filter frequency is also a big plus. I use CV for that, and with an added expression pedal, it turns into a kind of Jonny Greenwood-style wah — much more original than a traditional wah pedal.
There are a few downsides. When using a guitar or bass, tweaking the sensitivity and polarity takes some time to get right. And as is often the case with vintage Korg gear, it uses two voltage standards: Hz/oct for pitch and V/oct for modulation. It’s manageable, but it adds a layer of complexity when integrating it into a fully modern setup.
That said, I really don’t have anything to complain about. The secondhand market price is going down, which is great news — the value for money is becoming more reasonable. It remains a unique, solid, and inspiring piece of gear, especially in a semi-modular context.
What consistently impresses me is the oscillator’s stability. Tuning is reliable, quick, and ready to go almost immediately. All the presets are well-designed and very easy to adjust, which makes jamming intuitive and fluid. Being able to modulate the filter frequency is also a big plus. I use CV for that, and with an added expression pedal, it turns into a kind of Jonny Greenwood-style wah — much more original than a traditional wah pedal.
There are a few downsides. When using a guitar or bass, tweaking the sensitivity and polarity takes some time to get right. And as is often the case with vintage Korg gear, it uses two voltage standards: Hz/oct for pitch and V/oct for modulation. It’s manageable, but it adds a layer of complexity when integrating it into a fully modern setup.
That said, I really don’t have anything to complain about. The secondhand market price is going down, which is great news — the value for money is becoming more reasonable. It remains a unique, solid, and inspiring piece of gear, especially in a semi-modular context.