Next-gen Altered FM Synthesis Meets Module Malleability
Korg’s original Opsix synthesizer debuted to critical acclaim, attaining new heights of digital synthesis in an impressively easy-to-use form factor. Now, the dark horse of FM synthesis rides into a flexible form factor that channels the sum of its 37-key sibling’s power into a 19-inch, 4U rackmountable desktop module. With the Opsix MkII Module, its polyphony is doubled from its predecessor’s 32 voices to a massive 64 voices of 6-operator FM madness. Its versatile chassis accommodates a number of desktop, rackmounted, studio, and stage configurations to support virtually any style of performance. An elegant, intuitive interface conceals a deceptive level of depth, blending user-friendly arrangements with six distinctive styles of synthesis, allowing you to get as granular as desired in your sound design, but never more than a few steps away from one of its 250 diverse presets. Analog modeling, waveshaping, additive synthesis, and more are always on tap within the synth’s time-bending architecture, and Sweetwater’s synth scholars are especially impressed with its broad range of expressive tools, including assignable, polyphonic, and channel-specific aftertouch. Plus, MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange support means even greater heights of expression to the summit via 30 built-in FX, a polyphonic motion sequencer, a randomizer, and an armature of limitless sonic virtuality begging to be explored.
Related Videos: Opsix MKII Altered FM Synthesizer Rackmountable Desktop Module
Flexible interactivity for rackmounted and desktop production
Please don’t misunderstand: Despite eschewing the 37 full-size keys of its counterpart, the Opsix MKII module boasts all the same sound design and synthesis tools, trading its keybed for an equally formidable form factor that maximizes flexibility and portability. The MKII module’s housing is designed to be completely adjustable, accommodating configurations from nearly flat to almost perpendicular to your desktop surface. Furthermore, its 19-inch profile includes a recessed rear panel to eliminate any cabling or accessibility hurdles when used with a rackmountable setup.
Six degrees of synthesis, one reality-altering synth
We don’t have to look too hard at Korg’s illustrious history to recognize their innovations in both analog and digital synthesis, as well as bridging the liminal sonic spaces between them. The Opsix MkII module channels that aural expertise through groundbreaking digital modeling technology, boasting six distinct shades of synthesis in a single instrument. By removing parts of the sound you don’t want, Subtractive hones in on precisely what you want to hear, with up to six envelopes and multi-modeled filters to channel classic to contemporary synth sounds. Semi-modular reroutes signal paths to subtly or drastically change your sound, with a handy Algorithms section to reshape your base without needing patch cables. Analog boasts a wealth of stackable waveforms alongside analog-style controls, capable of booming basses, stinging lead lines, lush pads, and more. Turn to Waveshaping for some added distortion, which is great when seeking to channel a dirtier overall sound with plentiful overtones. Additive stacks waveforms and blends harmonics for a wide range of dissonant and harmonic sounds. Classic FM rounds out the list, which is capable of many of those iconic synth sounds heard from the 1980s to the present day, all accomplished courtesy of genuine 6-operator FM architecture.
FM for the new generation
When FM synthesis was popularized throughout the 1980s, it came with an often frustrating caveat: it was incredibly difficult to use, regardless of the latent sonic potential within this harmonically rich approach to synthesis. With the original Opsix, Korg tore down that barrier to entry, and the Opsix MkII module continues its legacy of paradoxically expanding the possibilities of FM synthesis while making it more accessible than ever. Hands-on controls boast a satisfying tactility with real-time visual feedback to indicate which operators are functioning as Carrier signals and which are responsible for modulation. With Korg’s heavy-duty 12-route V.Patch virtual patching system, modulation possibilities have never been so creatively inspiring, allowing you to craft intensely complex and detailed patches across its robust 64-voice polyphony, six operator modes, 40 preset algorithms, and a trio of ADSR envelope generators. Of course, if you’re feeling lucky, throw the dice. The Randomize feature will not only allow you to conjure unique synth patches with a single click, but also let you choose to randomize specific aspects of your patch, like the algorithm, the operators, and more, for controlled chaos that’s yours to sculpt and wield.
Texturizing FX and multidimensional sound shaping
For all of the Opsix MkII moudle’s synthesis capabilities, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how much power Korg has packed under the hood for near-endless sonic sculpting. With oscillators alone, 21 waveform options ranging from basic shapes and multi-bit-rate variants to complex additive options and multiple noise types provide extensive potential for unruly, dynamic sound design. Each program up to three simultaneous effects to be deployed from a voltaic pool of 30 malleable, tempo-syncable options, including multiple hues of flangers, reverbs, echoes, and delays, alongside distortion, EQ, LFO filtering, a guitar amp, and plenty more. Moreover, 11 types of onboard filters allow you to shape your sound with precision and style, including meticulously modeled, analog-style recreations from Korg’s lauded PolySix and MS-20 synth icons. Toss in another 23 LFO waveforms that range from conventional to experimental, stepped, or randomized, and one patch can instantly transform into a reactive sonic ecosystem.
Groovebox-level rhythmic control
In addition to the Opsix MkII module’s deluge of sound design and synthesis tools, expressive opportunities continue to expand the scope of the instrument’s armature of aural firepower. The sum of its synth tools can be deployed through the MkII’s comprehensive Polyphonic Motion Sequencing, which supplies not just a 16-step sequencer with up to six notes per step and six lanes of composition, but an uncompromising level of high-definition detail with per-note velocity, gate-time, and playback-time values individually adjustable. Motion tracking lets you seamlessly record and implement real-time changes to all or part of your sequence, too, ensuring not a single nuance of your performance is lost. An onboard arpeggiator houses seven patterns of rhythmic potential, while the Tap Tempo function ensures real-time adjustments are a breeze in studio and stage scenarios.
Flexible expression and streamlined connections
Across its 40 synthesis algorithms and near-endless supply of FX, rhythm, and modulation tools, the Opsix MkII module introduces more than 100 new presets that are accompanied by those found on the original, resulting in 250 foundational sounds that have been professionally designed to capture the full scope of each type of synthesis for any lead, bass, pad, or further part. You also have access to another 250 user preset slots to save your painstakingly engineered sounds, with four 16-slot banks accessed via backlit, numbered buttons above the keybed to keep 64 of your favorite sounds on tap. Plus, the USB-B port can be used to connect your Opsix MkII to a computer to supplement and manage your sounds through Korg’s dedicated Sound Librarian software. Pitch and Modulation wheels extend your expressive reach, taken even further with support for polyphonic and per-channel aftertouch, as well as velocity- and release-velocity sensitivity to preserve even the faintest nuances. With the onboard 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O, the Opsix MkII is ready to serve any role in your sonic setup, out at the edge or the central nervous system, controlling or being controlled. Seize your sound with Altered FM.
Korg Opsix MkII Altered FM Synthesizer Module Features:
- Next-gen Altered FM Synthesizer double polyphony to 64 voices of expansive tone-crafting and multidimensional soundscapes
- Versatile form factor supports flexible desktop configurations for studio- or performance-optimized arrangements, fully removable for rackmounted use
- 4U, 19-inch profile and recessed rear panel streamline cable management and accessibility for painless use as a rackmountable module
- Six distinctive styles of synthesis include 40 algorithms and a 6-operator architecture for detailed, diverse sound design
- Operator Mixer section includes per-operator rotary encoders and faders, with color-coded lighting to painlessly distinguish Modulator and Carrier operators
- 250 onboard presets include 100 brand-new patches not found in the original Opsix span all onboard synth styles for pro-grade foundations and radio-ready sonics
- 250 user preset slots let you save your meticulously-designed patches, with up to 64 of your favorites instantly accessible from four 16-patch banks
- V.Patch virtual patching system comprises 12 routing options for highly-nuanced modulation and expressive capabilities
- 21 oscillator waveforms support versatile and exploratory sound design without compromising core FM identity
- Cutting-edge analog modeling means 11 musical filter types, including meticulous recreations of those found on the iconic Korg PolySix and MS-20 synthesizers
- Up to three ADSR envelop generators, three LFOs, and three effects run simultaneously with each program means near-endless customization in your sound
- 23 LFO waveforms ranging from conventional shapes to randomized and stepped let you take modulation vectors to dazzling and experimental spaces
- 30 onboard, editable FX supply boundless opportunities for texturization and sound shaping in studio and performance settings
- Pitch and modulation wheels, alongside a 4-octave transposition range and support for both channel and polyphonic aftertouch, expand expressive potential with any setup
- Comprehensive 16-step sequencer includes per-note editing and up to six lanes of Polyphonic Motion Sequencing
- MIDI I/O allows you to place the Opsix Mk II virtually anywhere in your studio or stage rig
- USB-B port lets you connect your instrument to your computer for use with Korg’s dedicated Sound Librarian
- Flexible connectivity includes 1/4-inch stereo output pair, 1/4-inch headphone output, and pedal jack
