The KingKORG is Dead, Long Live the KingKORG Neo!
When Korg introduced the KingKORG synth in 2013, it meant two things: the debut of the company's proprietary, virtual analog eXpanded Modeling Technology (XMT) Sound Engine and a bold foray into bridging the physical and virtual divide that’s plagued synthesists and sound designers for as long as the debate has existed. Just over a decade later, the KingKORG Neo has appeared to don the mantle left dormant in the wake of its predecessor’s absence. Sweetwater’s synth scholars are in staunch agreement that the KingKORG Neo has more than earned the title of a worthy successor. Paradoxically, Korg’s packed a more formidable feature set into an instrument half the size of its older sibling, with over 100 new sounds to total a whopping 300 programs that are spread over eight distinctive categories, 24 voices of polyphony, and a suite of effects and sound design tools. Of course, the vocoder returns, powered by a revamped XMT virtual analog sound engine with a 3-oscillator architecture and over 100 choices of oscillator styles. With 37 keys of time-bending synthesis possibilities, we’ve only just scratched the surface.
Related Videos: KingKORG Neo 37-key Virtual Analog Synthesizer and Vocoder
Limitless virtuality and versatile vocoding
Like its predecessor, the KingKORG Neo sports a 3-oscillator bi-timbral architecture to support the virtual analog XMT engine, supplying ample opportunities for vintage-style grit, modern digital wave-crushing, and a menagerie of modulation methods, including six versatile virtual patch systems. Its 24-voice polyphony is supplemented by 18 distinctive filters; meanwhile, up to 138 oscillator types support extensive combinatorial permutations across modeled analog, DWGS, PCM, and noise variants to explore nuanced sound-crafting possibilities. With the synth’s split and layering options, an additional dimension of sonic sculpting is revealed, with detailed configurations that allow for simultaneous use with the built-in 16-band vocoder, like assigning one layer for playback with another for vocoding. Toss in the functionalities, and your vocoded sonics transform yet again, all from the convenience of the detachable gooseneck mic.
Performance-ready, hands-on sound shaping
The KingKORG Neo’s interface was thoughtfully crafted to encourage and inspire you to seize your sound — literally — with its vivid OLED screens and streamlined arrangement. Three categories of powerful onboard effects can be deployed at the Program and Global levels, ranging from distortions, ring mods, and guitar amps to flangers, reverbs, tempo-syncable delays, and much more. In addition to the 2-band EQ, effects can be stored within your custom-crafted programs, as well as modulated within the virtual patching architecture, empowering you to devise reactive, dynamic sound-spaces with evolving patches and real-time control. What’s more, the KingKORG Neo’s got expressivity in spades, thanks to its multi-axis Joystick that allows you to assign and modify countless parameters, including simultaneous use that maximizes your sonic control. A pair of ADSR envelope generators are pre-routed for use with the synth’s Filter and Amp sections, respectively, with EG-specific velocity sensitivity introducing an added layer of expression and nuance. Its dual LFOs follow a similar structure, with Filter and Pitch vectors that feature a diverse selection of waveform choices that can be independently selected for maximum sonic flexibility.
Formidable filtering and robust rhythms
Korg’s state-of-the-art XMT engine fuels far more than its versatile spread of oscillators, applying the same degree of meticulous precision to support 18 different filters across low-, high-, and bandpass varieties. Korg’s even gone as far as to meticulously model the uniquely musical filters from legendary synths to serve as the foundations for the KingKORG Neo’s onboard sound-shaping, including the lauded MS-20. If you want to inject rock-solid rhythms into your synthesis, look no further than the powerful arpeggiator, featuring six styles and up to eight modifiable steps.
Comprehensive connectivity
Whether you’re laying down tracks in the studio or ripping up the stage with a bi-timbral, hybrid synth-lead and vocoder solo, the KingKORG Neo was engineered to support any sonic setup, whether that’s out on the periphery or working as your rig’s central nervous system. Its 1/4-inch stereo output pair is accompanied by dedicated connectors for a damper pedal (not included) and a fully assignable switch, letting you mold your sound with more than just the Joystick or virtual patching. Extensive MIDI compatibility makes easy work of sending and receiving detailed information throughout your setup, with the USB-B port doubling for USB-MIDI use that will automatically detect and adapt when you plug in your gear.
Korg KingKORG Neo Features:
- Designed with 37 velocity-sensitive, full-size keys to capture every nuance of your performance
- Virtual Analog synthesis is powered by Korg’s cutting-edge XMT engine to faithfully reproduce digital and analog-inspired sonics
- 3-oscillator structure offers 138 distinct oscillators to be selected for each, with modeled-analog, DWGS Digital Waveform Generator System, PCM, and noise options
- 24-voice polyphony provides ample room for constructing nuanced, original presets with 100 user program slots to easily store and recall your hard work
- 200 onboard presets include 143 new to the KingKORG NEO to provide versatile foundations and pro-grade patches ready for any studio or stage purpose
- Streamlined interface encourages hands-on control and experimentation while minimizing menu diving
- Dual OLED display screens provide vivid, detailed information without distracting during play
- 16-band vocoder expands your creative toolkit with an included gooseneck mic that’s easily detached to be used with your preferred microphone
- Multi-stage FX comprising delays, reverbs, distortions, flangers, and additional texturizing tools grant uncompromising access to sound-shaping at multiple points in your signal path
- Virtual patching with 6 distinct systems, 2 envelope generators, and 2 LFOs supports extensive modulation opportunities with endless possibilities for expression
- Versatile filtering via 18 total LPF, HPF, and BPF options have been re-created from iconic synths with the power of the XMT engine
- 6 arpeggiator modes each feature eight individually modifiable steps for nuanced rhythms
- Multi-axis joystick accommodates simultaneous mapping and control of multiple parameters to augment your expressive potential
- Flexible MIDI connectivity via auto-detecting USB-B or 5-pin DIN I/O ports ensures seamless interoperative integration into your studio or stage rig
