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WinningDays « Korg DS-10: a pocket-sized sonic lab »
Published on 05/09/25 at 11:11
Best value:
Correct
Audience:
Advanced Users
I use Korg DS-10 either on its own or routed through effects pedals. The Nintendo DS comes with obvious limitations, and as far as I know, there’s no MIDI support. But honestly, that doesn’t stop this thing from being seriously fun and inspiring. I’m a longtime Korg fan, so maybe I’m biased, but the sound is there—distinct, digital, and proud of it.
I first messed around with Korg DS-10 about ten years ago when I knew nothing about synthesis. It didn’t click at the time, and I quickly moved on. Fast forward to now: I’ve been using it seriously for the past year, and it’s a totally different experience. The sound engine is excellent and has real personality. It may run on a handheld console, but it’s far from being a toy.
The semi-modular aspect is a great touch. It lets you experiment, patch, and learn without getting overwhelmed. The built-in effects are surprisingly solid and add depth and character to the sound.
On the downside, there’s no tutorial, and the interface isn’t the most intuitive at first. It takes some effort to get used to, especially for beginners. And let’s talk about the current resale prices—it’s ridiculous. Fortunately, there are still alternative ways to get your hands on it.
All in all, Korg DS-10 is a highly engaging tool for sound exploration and out-of-the-box music-making. It’s not perfect, but it’s incredibly charming.
I first messed around with Korg DS-10 about ten years ago when I knew nothing about synthesis. It didn’t click at the time, and I quickly moved on. Fast forward to now: I’ve been using it seriously for the past year, and it’s a totally different experience. The sound engine is excellent and has real personality. It may run on a handheld console, but it’s far from being a toy.
The semi-modular aspect is a great touch. It lets you experiment, patch, and learn without getting overwhelmed. The built-in effects are surprisingly solid and add depth and character to the sound.
On the downside, there’s no tutorial, and the interface isn’t the most intuitive at first. It takes some effort to get used to, especially for beginners. And let’s talk about the current resale prices—it’s ridiculous. Fortunately, there are still alternative ways to get your hands on it.
All in all, Korg DS-10 is a highly engaging tool for sound exploration and out-of-the-box music-making. It’s not perfect, but it’s incredibly charming.