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Nicklas Fhärm « The most under rated synth? »
Published on 01/22/24 at 15:47
Value For Money :
Excellent
Audience:
Anyone
The Korg M3R is a very capable/useable/lush/musical instrument and synthesizer. It is NOT the Korg M3. Often it is decribed as a "scaled down version of the Korg M1", obviously one of the most succesful Korg instruments ever sold, while the difference largely being the M3R having one [digital] oscillator, as opposed to two oscillators in the Korg M1.
Sureley, the price/performance ratio has got to be one of the best "out there". This synth sounds the deal. I can highly recommend it as one of the hidden gems; again, especially if you take into account prices paid.
Below is my cheat sheet - including a list of all published ROM sound banks made available for the Korg M3R. Also, the 20 sound banks available/provided by "Polynominal" contains a good show case for the synth: https://polynominal.gumroad.com/l/CFTmT?fbclid=IwAR1BkxokRvzHdbA6M-UqvaPC9dfLzVAogAEptqVL8sUFvzoln1tTYPQE-FQ
Korg M3R AI Synthesis Module – Notes [updated Aug 2023]
General
“AI”: Advanced Integrated
Latest OS version: #16 (?) [needs verification pls]
Check OS version: Turn on the MR3 and keep hold EDIT + GLOBAL (my M3R: #13)
Battery Replacement: CR2032 in a simple holder (after replacement, factory reset)
Factory reset: EDIT, GLOBAL, go to page 5, RELOAD PRESET, OK
Sysex mode: In Global go to 4A MIDI DUMP (before ensure: memory protect = OFF and
sending/receiving unit midi channels are matching)
Editors: MIDIQuest, Emagic Sound Diver (reportedly works fine on Win10 x64), M3LibEd (win98),
Motu Unisyn (up to OSX 10.4), CLAB m1-3 Manager and Big Noise (both ATARI ST). Review author T.
Goldschmitz, Amazona.de (see section at end of this document) has built an M3R Editor in CTRLR.
Hardware Editor: Korg Remote Editor RE1 (rare). Used for editing with the M3R, 03R/W, A1 and
Wavedrum using a dedicated 8-pin DIN cable. You can simultaneously edit two or more M3Rs from a
single RE1. The RE1 parameters are divided into six sections:
**F1. Combination Play**
**F2: Combination Edit**
**F3: Program Edit**
**F4: Effects**
**F5: Global**
**F6: Drum Kit**
RAM memory cards: Korg MCR-03 256 kbits (said to work with Korg M1, M3R, WAVESTATION, T
Series 707, DS-8, A series; and also with Waldorf Microwave). M3R Mitsubishi Plastics Bee Card SRAM 0256SRMSP25. RAMBoy 256 von K.S.R.E Music.
Korg RAM memory card battery: CR-2016
ROM cards and Sysex file expansions
ROM cards: for the Korg M3R ROM cards were released in pairs. One card contained waveform data
(PCM: M1/M1R and M3R) and the other contained patch data (RPC: M3R unique). The PCM card is
the same as the ones used in the Korg M1, while the program/patch card is specific to the M3R.
In addition to the plastic black cheat card (boxed with the Korg M1 at purchase), the following card
sets were released from Korg, as well as from commercial third-party sound design publishers:
Publisher: Korg
RPC-00P - M1 internal pre-load data (factory presets)
RPC-12 - World omnibus
RPC-13 - Bun May - by Fumiaki "Bunmay" Ogawa
RSC-01S (MSC-01 and RPC-01) - Variety
RSC-02S (MSC-02 and RPC-02) - Synth 1
RSC-03S (MSC-03 and RPC-03) - Drums 1
RSC-04S (MSC-04 and RPC-04) - Orchestra 1
RSC-05S (MSC-05 and RPC-05) - Piano
RSC-06S (MSC-06 and RPC-06) - Fretted Instruments
RSC-07S (MSC-07 and RPC-07) - Synth 2
RSC-08S (MSC-08 and RPC-08) - Percussion
RSC-09S (MSC-09 and RPC-09) - Organ
RSC-10S (MSC-10 and RPC-10) - Ethnic 1
RSC-11S (MSC-11 and RPC-11) – Brass (“Akira”)
RSC-12S (MSC-12 and RPC-12) - Synth 3
RSC-13S (MSC-13 and RPC-13) - Ethnic 2
RSC-14S (MSC-14 and RPC-14) - Sound FX
RSC-15S (MSC-15 and RPC-15) - Drums 2
RSC-16S (MSC-16 and RPC-16) – Environment
Publisher: Key Clique Inc.
RPC101 - L.A. Studio Hits M3R Vol. 1
RPC102 - L.A. Studio Hits M3R Vol. 2
RPC103 - L.A. Studio Hits M3R Vol. 3
RPC104 - L.A. Studio Hits M3R Vol. 4
Publisher: Kid Nepro (Sysex)
KN - M3R - New Age/Soundtrack Mix
Publisher: Many Midi Products (Sysex)
ManyMIDI - 2471 - M3R - Synth Patches Set #1
ManyMIDI - 3014 - M3R - Synth Patches Set #2
Publisher: Metra Sound (today Sound Art Media - do not buy from them; the .syx files are flawed - and, unfortunately, so are the store keeper)
Soundcard I - M3R - Metra Sounds - Standards - Peter Gorges
Soundcard II - M3R - Metra Sounds - Modern Times - Ciccio Malacrida
Soundcard III - M3R - Metra Sounds - Actual - Mike Boekler
Publisher: Patch Pro Inc.
ROM3R1 - M3R - Patch Pro Inc.
ROM3R2 - M3R - Patch Pro Inc.
ROM3R3 - M3R - Patch Pro Inc.
ROM3R4 - M3R - Patch Pro Inc.
Publisher: Sound Source Unlimited (today Greytsounds - go Bob!!)
Category: Top-40, Soundtrack
M301R - Pop/Rock Collection
Category: Top-40, Soundtrack, Jazz
M302R – Multi-Timbral, Vol. 1
M303R – Radical Film Textures
Publisher: Ultra Sounds (today Sound Art Media - see above - do not buy from this flawed company - ps. same pathes as the metrasound card banks; so no new patches)
Comeback 2010 Vol. 1 - M3R - Ultra Sounds - Sound Art
Comeback 2010 Vol. 2 - M3R - Ultra Sounds - Sound Art
Publisher: Valhala Music
Category: ROM Style
M301 – Top 40
M302 – Orchestral
M303 – New Age
M304 – Rock
Category: International Gold
B301 – British Mix #1
B302 – British Mix #2
Publisher: Voice Chrystal
VC1
VC2 [some VC2 voices use the Korg Orchestra 1 PCM Data Card model MSC-04]
VC3 [some VC3 voices use the Korg Synth 1 PCM Data Card model MSC-02]
Tip!
Can't hear certain programmes output sound as you scroll through the "presets" (but perhaps only
some programmes)?
If it is the Combinations that do not output sound, you may want to check/set all included single
programme midi channels (one through eight), that together make up the “Combi”, to correspond to
the global midi channel as selected on the M3R.
Each of the max. of eight programmes comprising a Combi can be set to play on any midi channel (1-
16) of your choice [m3r is 8-part multitimbral – see technical specifications below].
Solution:
1 Press Edit+Combi
2 Press Combi four times = menu 4A "midi ch 1-4"
3 Make sure each program included in the Combi (i.e. 1-8; press page right to go to menu 4B = "midi
ch 5-8") is changed to correspond to the same midi channel as your global midi channel selection
4 Press Global (page down) four times = menu 0B “combination write” to confirm/save your changes
NB. you will have to repeat/set this, manually, for every Combi programme.
Reviews
Amazona.de, by T Goldschmitz (November 2022): https://www.amazona.de/greenbox-korg-m3rbudget-rack-version-der-korg-m1/?fbclid=IwAR3Y-GmVP5gw7kgZLvRUyWxr_ncFrN7krJQIcMmI5Y85KtvdCfog06WtCY
Muzines, by Simon Trask (September 1989): https://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/korg-m3r-andre1/134
Pricing at release
Amazona.de (November 2022): “The M1R rack cost around £1300 in the UK when it first appeared.
The M3R undercut that significantly at £900. But if you add the RE-1 Remote Programmer, which
cost £275, you're back at £1174 (all prices including VAT).”
Technical specifications
Company: Korg
Model: M3R «AI Synthesis Module»
Class: 19" module, rack HE: 1U
Country: Japan
Year: 1989
Display: 16 x 2 LCD
Technology: Korg AI synthesis [advanced Integrated]
Samples Resolution: 16 bits
ROM size: 3 MB
Polyphony: 16 voices
Multitimbric: 8 parts
Oscillator: 1 sample PCM
Filter: Digital Low pass
LFO: 2 modulators
Envelope: 3 EGs
Memory: 100 slots
Effects: 22 models
CPU: NEC D70320
DAC: BB PCM54HP
Dimensions incl. rack adapters: 48.3 (w) x 32.0 (d) x 4.5 (h) cm. Weight: 5.9 Kg excl. rack adapters
Sureley, the price/performance ratio has got to be one of the best "out there". This synth sounds the deal. I can highly recommend it as one of the hidden gems; again, especially if you take into account prices paid.
Below is my cheat sheet - including a list of all published ROM sound banks made available for the Korg M3R. Also, the 20 sound banks available/provided by "Polynominal" contains a good show case for the synth: https://polynominal.gumroad.com/l/CFTmT?fbclid=IwAR1BkxokRvzHdbA6M-UqvaPC9dfLzVAogAEptqVL8sUFvzoln1tTYPQE-FQ
Korg M3R AI Synthesis Module – Notes [updated Aug 2023]
General
“AI”: Advanced Integrated
Latest OS version: #16 (?) [needs verification pls]
Check OS version: Turn on the MR3 and keep hold EDIT + GLOBAL (my M3R: #13)
Battery Replacement: CR2032 in a simple holder (after replacement, factory reset)
Factory reset: EDIT, GLOBAL, go to page 5, RELOAD PRESET, OK
Sysex mode: In Global go to 4A MIDI DUMP (before ensure: memory protect = OFF and
sending/receiving unit midi channels are matching)
Editors: MIDIQuest, Emagic Sound Diver (reportedly works fine on Win10 x64), M3LibEd (win98),
Motu Unisyn (up to OSX 10.4), CLAB m1-3 Manager and Big Noise (both ATARI ST). Review author T.
Goldschmitz, Amazona.de (see section at end of this document) has built an M3R Editor in CTRLR.
Hardware Editor: Korg Remote Editor RE1 (rare). Used for editing with the M3R, 03R/W, A1 and
Wavedrum using a dedicated 8-pin DIN cable. You can simultaneously edit two or more M3Rs from a
single RE1. The RE1 parameters are divided into six sections:
**F1. Combination Play**
**F2: Combination Edit**
**F3: Program Edit**
**F4: Effects**
**F5: Global**
**F6: Drum Kit**
RAM memory cards: Korg MCR-03 256 kbits (said to work with Korg M1, M3R, WAVESTATION, T
Series 707, DS-8, A series; and also with Waldorf Microwave). M3R Mitsubishi Plastics Bee Card SRAM 0256SRMSP25. RAMBoy 256 von K.S.R.E Music.
Korg RAM memory card battery: CR-2016
ROM cards and Sysex file expansions
ROM cards: for the Korg M3R ROM cards were released in pairs. One card contained waveform data
(PCM: M1/M1R and M3R) and the other contained patch data (RPC: M3R unique). The PCM card is
the same as the ones used in the Korg M1, while the program/patch card is specific to the M3R.
In addition to the plastic black cheat card (boxed with the Korg M1 at purchase), the following card
sets were released from Korg, as well as from commercial third-party sound design publishers:
Publisher: Korg
RPC-00P - M1 internal pre-load data (factory presets)
RPC-12 - World omnibus
RPC-13 - Bun May - by Fumiaki "Bunmay" Ogawa
RSC-01S (MSC-01 and RPC-01) - Variety
RSC-02S (MSC-02 and RPC-02) - Synth 1
RSC-03S (MSC-03 and RPC-03) - Drums 1
RSC-04S (MSC-04 and RPC-04) - Orchestra 1
RSC-05S (MSC-05 and RPC-05) - Piano
RSC-06S (MSC-06 and RPC-06) - Fretted Instruments
RSC-07S (MSC-07 and RPC-07) - Synth 2
RSC-08S (MSC-08 and RPC-08) - Percussion
RSC-09S (MSC-09 and RPC-09) - Organ
RSC-10S (MSC-10 and RPC-10) - Ethnic 1
RSC-11S (MSC-11 and RPC-11) – Brass (“Akira”)
RSC-12S (MSC-12 and RPC-12) - Synth 3
RSC-13S (MSC-13 and RPC-13) - Ethnic 2
RSC-14S (MSC-14 and RPC-14) - Sound FX
RSC-15S (MSC-15 and RPC-15) - Drums 2
RSC-16S (MSC-16 and RPC-16) – Environment
Publisher: Key Clique Inc.
RPC101 - L.A. Studio Hits M3R Vol. 1
RPC102 - L.A. Studio Hits M3R Vol. 2
RPC103 - L.A. Studio Hits M3R Vol. 3
RPC104 - L.A. Studio Hits M3R Vol. 4
Publisher: Kid Nepro (Sysex)
KN - M3R - New Age/Soundtrack Mix
Publisher: Many Midi Products (Sysex)
ManyMIDI - 2471 - M3R - Synth Patches Set #1
ManyMIDI - 3014 - M3R - Synth Patches Set #2
Publisher: Metra Sound (today Sound Art Media - do not buy from them; the .syx files are flawed - and, unfortunately, so are the store keeper)
Soundcard I - M3R - Metra Sounds - Standards - Peter Gorges
Soundcard II - M3R - Metra Sounds - Modern Times - Ciccio Malacrida
Soundcard III - M3R - Metra Sounds - Actual - Mike Boekler
Publisher: Patch Pro Inc.
ROM3R1 - M3R - Patch Pro Inc.
ROM3R2 - M3R - Patch Pro Inc.
ROM3R3 - M3R - Patch Pro Inc.
ROM3R4 - M3R - Patch Pro Inc.
Publisher: Sound Source Unlimited (today Greytsounds - go Bob!!)
Category: Top-40, Soundtrack
M301R - Pop/Rock Collection
Category: Top-40, Soundtrack, Jazz
M302R – Multi-Timbral, Vol. 1
M303R – Radical Film Textures
Publisher: Ultra Sounds (today Sound Art Media - see above - do not buy from this flawed company - ps. same pathes as the metrasound card banks; so no new patches)
Comeback 2010 Vol. 1 - M3R - Ultra Sounds - Sound Art
Comeback 2010 Vol. 2 - M3R - Ultra Sounds - Sound Art
Publisher: Valhala Music
Category: ROM Style
M301 – Top 40
M302 – Orchestral
M303 – New Age
M304 – Rock
Category: International Gold
B301 – British Mix #1
B302 – British Mix #2
Publisher: Voice Chrystal
VC1
VC2 [some VC2 voices use the Korg Orchestra 1 PCM Data Card model MSC-04]
VC3 [some VC3 voices use the Korg Synth 1 PCM Data Card model MSC-02]
Tip!
Can't hear certain programmes output sound as you scroll through the "presets" (but perhaps only
some programmes)?
If it is the Combinations that do not output sound, you may want to check/set all included single
programme midi channels (one through eight), that together make up the “Combi”, to correspond to
the global midi channel as selected on the M3R.
Each of the max. of eight programmes comprising a Combi can be set to play on any midi channel (1-
16) of your choice [m3r is 8-part multitimbral – see technical specifications below].
Solution:
1 Press Edit+Combi
2 Press Combi four times = menu 4A "midi ch 1-4"
3 Make sure each program included in the Combi (i.e. 1-8; press page right to go to menu 4B = "midi
ch 5-8") is changed to correspond to the same midi channel as your global midi channel selection
4 Press Global (page down) four times = menu 0B “combination write” to confirm/save your changes
NB. you will have to repeat/set this, manually, for every Combi programme.
Reviews
Amazona.de, by T Goldschmitz (November 2022): https://www.amazona.de/greenbox-korg-m3rbudget-rack-version-der-korg-m1/?fbclid=IwAR3Y-GmVP5gw7kgZLvRUyWxr_ncFrN7krJQIcMmI5Y85KtvdCfog06WtCY
Muzines, by Simon Trask (September 1989): https://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/korg-m3r-andre1/134
Pricing at release
Amazona.de (November 2022): “The M1R rack cost around £1300 in the UK when it first appeared.
The M3R undercut that significantly at £900. But if you add the RE-1 Remote Programmer, which
cost £275, you're back at £1174 (all prices including VAT).”
Technical specifications
Company: Korg
Model: M3R «AI Synthesis Module»
Class: 19" module, rack HE: 1U
Country: Japan
Year: 1989
Display: 16 x 2 LCD
Technology: Korg AI synthesis [advanced Integrated]
Samples Resolution: 16 bits
ROM size: 3 MB
Polyphony: 16 voices
Multitimbric: 8 parts
Oscillator: 1 sample PCM
Filter: Digital Low pass
LFO: 2 modulators
Envelope: 3 EGs
Memory: 100 slots
Effects: 22 models
CPU: NEC D70320
DAC: BB PCM54HP
Dimensions incl. rack adapters: 48.3 (w) x 32.0 (d) x 4.5 (h) cm. Weight: 5.9 Kg excl. rack adapters
