M1

Reborn Through Software. Music Workstation M1

The M1, released in 1988, is an epoch-making synthesizer that defined the music scene of the late 80’s and the 90s. Its synthesis system with digital multi-effects, based on high-quality PCM, featured a unique sound which was epoch-defining. In addition, as the original music workstation “all-in-one unit”, it came with an 8-track sequencer, drastically changing the composing and production style of musicians everywhere.

The KORG Collection M1 V2 is an upgrade of the M1 software from 2005, and has been refined for modern production environments. KORG added the much requested high-resolution and scalable interface. The preset sounds include all 3,300 programs, including those from the expansion ROM cards, giving the legendary sounds of the M1 through the latest software as a plug-in.

A Complete Reproduction of the AI Synthesis System

The M1 was equipped with the ai (advanced integrated) synthesis system that used PCM waveforms and digital effects processor. While many of the preset sounds were based on PCM sounds, they not only possessed the realness of those sounds but also a unique sounding character, which shows us how advanced the KORG voicing technology has always been.

In the KORG Collection M1, the PCM data provides the library of the original M1. For the hardware, KORG analyzed the circuit diagrams of the original design, and completely replicated the circuitry in software down to the last detail. Engineers with an exhaustive knowledge of the M1 made careful adjustments in order to obtain the sound of the original instrument, something that cannot be obtained simply by sampling the original sounds. KORG have also designed the M1 so that programs and combinations are entirely independent – a capability not possible on the original unit.

High-Resolution Interface for Retina and 4K

Major GUI refinements have also been made to the KORG Legacy Collection DIGITAL EDITION M1 software released in 2005. The high-resolution graphics allow it fit into modern Retina & 4K environments. By supporting six levels of scalability, usability has been drastically improved. Enjoy features that are easy to use and give the satisfaction unique to the M1 and control the many parameters at a high resolution.

A Massive Collection of Over 3,000 Preset Sounds

Sounds such as the “M1 Piano” and “M1 Organ” are instantly recognizable and have appeared on countless hit records over many years, and yet these are sounds that could only be produced by the M1. Numerous unique M1 sounds were taken up by musicians and producers around the world, and are still in use today. KORG Collection M1 has all of the M1’s preset sounds. In addition to all of the 19 PCM ROM cards originally released for the M1, KORG Collection M1 also covers the sounds of the M1EX that expanded the internal PCM of the M1, as well as the sounds of the KORG T1/T2/T3 synthesizers which KORG released as an evolution of the M1. It comes with 3,300 preset sounds, as well as the massive collection of the sounds from the 34 ROM cards.

Program Browser for Quickly Searching Sounds

When you have vast numbers of preset programs, you might lose yourself trying to find that perfect sound, wasting time that you could be making music. The KORG Collection M1 comes with an easy-to-use program browser that allows you to filter by musical instrument category and sound character. These two types of tags will lead you to the sound you are looking for instantly.

The EASY Mode That Gives You Instant Access to Important Parameters

The KORG Collection M1 comes with the characteristic vast number of parameters to meet your most specific needs. For when that level of control is a bit too much, the newly designed EASY mode will allow you to shape your sound on a single page. You can quickly access frequently used parameters like oscillator and effect selections, as well as filters and EQ adjustments, so that making rough edits of sounds and minor adjustments of presets is an effortless process.

Resonance, Vda Modulation, 18 Master Effects

Not content with simply reproducing the original, the new KORG Collection M1 provides further evolutionary developments. Synth parts now have the filter resonance missing from the original M1 as well as VDA modulation. The effect section, originally consisting of only two master effects, have been powered-up to 18 insert effects which include a compressor effect that’s ideal for balancing out the sound.

Interoperable With Original M1s and IM1 for iPad

Sounds created with KORG Collection M1 maintain compatibility with the original M1. By transferring data via SYS EX (in the system exclusive format) you can make your dreams come true as you play nostalgic sounds through the plug-in, even as your original M1 might be in storage!

Features

• A complete reproduction of the ai synthesis system.
• High-resolution interface for Retina and 4K.
• A massive collection of over 3,000 preset sounds.
• Features a new sound browser for quickly searching by instrument/character.
• Includes an EASY mode that gives you instant access to important parameters.
• Resonance, VDA modulation, 18 master effects.
• Interoperable with an original M1 and iM1 for iPad.

System Requirements

Mac

• Mac OS X 11 or higher (latest update)
• Intel Core i5 or better (Core i7 or better recommended) (Apple Silicon Native supported)
• 8 GB RAM (16 GB or more recommended)
• 8 GB free disk space (SSD recommended)
• AU, VST, VST3, AAX (Supported 64bit plug-ins only)
• An internet connection is required

PC

• Windows 10 64bit or higher (latest update)
• Intel Core i5 or better (Core i7 or better recommended)
• 8 GB RAM (16 GB or more recommended)
• 8 GB free disk space (SSD recommended)
• VST, VST3, AAX (Supported 64bit plug-ins only)
• An internet connection is required