"If Looks Matter To The Music You Create, YOU Will Get Heads Turning With The Cool Neo-Vintage Music Synth Power Of The KORG microKorg XL!"
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Korg microKorg XL Review
Over All Rating: 
Price: $453.47 (currently priced/price may change) Return Policy: The Korg microKorg XL has a 30-day FULL money back guarantee. The product also comes with a warranty on the following: Parts and Labor - 1 year ( plus extra 1 year warranty if product registered within 90 days of purchase) Brand: Korg Model #: MICROKORGXL Recommended Merchant: www.amazon.com About The Product: Together with the microKORG and R3, the 37-note velocity-sensitive Korg microKorg XL Analog Modeling Synthesizer with Vocoder joins the ranks of Korg's topselling original models. The microKORG XL comes with full 8-voice multi-modelling technology, a 16-band vocoder, on-the-fly parameter editing and USB MIDI connectivity packaged into one great lightweight and portable keyboard. Korg's legendary analog modelling is most sought after in the industry and this one offers such in a user-friendly ergonomic interface plus superb Natural Touch keyboard action. The Multi Modeling Technology sound engine is patterned from the R3 synthesizers and offers traditional analog waveforms, while the dual effects processors follow the famous KAOSS line. Chording comes easier with adjusted black and white key proportions while cross-modulation and Variable Phase Modulation (VPM) enables you to explore sound facets that are limited or non-existent in a conventional PCM synthesizer. You also get a wider parameter range for serious sound synthesis with two multi-mode filters, a drive or waveshaping circuit for distorted sounds and EG and LFO for crafting time-varying tonal alterations. It's the same great microKORG plus sensational added features! |
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The Good Stuff:
 Powerful RADIAS/R3 derived MMT Multi Modeling Technology and powered-up vocoder
Updated ROM includes PCM data for recreating in-demand vintage keyboards such as piano, electric piano, and clav
Greatly enhanced interface plus dial and knob controlled user parameters for added ease
Newly-developed mini-keyboard is firmer and more responsive
Advanced dual effect processors deliver powerful algorithms beyond the traditional delay and chorus effects
Completely new vintage design with a textured black body and industrial silver panel
Comes with its own gooseneck microphone, power adapter and can also operate on batteries
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The Bad Stuff:
 No reverb
Plastic used on casing appears cheap and flimsy
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Product Specifications:
The KORG MicroKorg XL includes the following standard specifications:
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Product Features:
Listed below are some of the features that come with this Synthesizer. Take a quick look below...  Fresh and nostalgic vintage design Korg's renowned Optimized MMT Multi Modeling Technology
Sixteen band vocoder for voice controlled effects
128 built-in and ready to use powerful sounds
Intuitive sound selection on an easy to use category function
Newly developed and adjusted natural touch mini keyboard
Battery powered for on-the-go enjoyment
Gooseneck microphone included
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Our Verdict:
The MicroKORG XL is actually a beefed-up version of the highly acclaimed microKORG, plus a few additions - that's why they call it the microKORG's big brother. The XL version offers 128 sound polyphony, a great improvement from the original 64, and a 16-voice vocoder compared to the original 8. The casing appears a bit cheap though. People had loved the original microKORG for its vintage look, and most are saying that with the entry of the XL version, prices of the original microKORG might just shoot up. This one sports a neo-vintage look, so if you're looking for a more updated look you might like this one. For a little more on cost however, you'll be better off stretching further for an R3 instead. However, if size and battery operability are what you're looking for, the XL becomes a much more attractive option. |
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Customer Feedback-
"Whereas the original MicroKorg shared a synth engine with the MS-2000, this one uses the engine found in the R3 and Radius. Also, while the sound editing is arguably better than the oddball matrix on the original MicroKorg, it pales when compared to the easy editing on a R3. Basically, this is not a bad board soundwise, but you'd be better off saving $100 with an original MicroKorg or putting in an extra $100 for an R3." - Actual User Review - Amazon.com "At this price point we would have expected much better polyphony (the XL only has eight notes at best) alongside better multi-timbral capabilities and a reverb effect." - Actual User Review - Musicradar.com "Despite its toy-ish looks, the XL (as with the original microKORG) is an extremely good synth for both pros and amateurs...The Microkorg XL seems much easier to edit sounds, though there is still a learning curve..." - Actual User Review - Retrevo.com "I think it's worth the price. I've been playing as a hobby for a couple of years now. I've also got a korg nanoKEY, for y softsynth stuff. I love the keyboard (which feels better than the old one), but the keys are still quite small. I chose it over the original MK because Korg have basically sorted out all the problems people had with it." - Actual User Review - Harmony-central.com |
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See Also -
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