microkorg vs. microkorg xl
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microkorg vs. microkorg xl
i know this has been done to death, and ive searched just about every thread of every forum for information. i just need someone to outline the main pros and cons of each. so i can see which one is right for me.
Just so you know:
I would consider the R3 over the MicroKorg XL in almost every situation. Unless you are specifically after the portability (read battery power), or possibly the really cheap piano sample, the R3 is vastly superior to the microKorg XL, particularly when you consider the cost difference. For not much more money you get a lot more features.
Primarily: You get a better more professional build, more comprehensive effects selection, and just more simultaneous effects in general (effects are very important to the sound of a program), you get a few more hands on controls, and you get full size keys.
The XL and the R3 have the same engine and polyphony, but the additional controls on the R3 make it much easier to get into. Obviously this doesn't matter if all you do is use the software editor.
As for the microKorg, it is a great little synth, but can sometimes be a bit limiting. It is only four-voice polyphonic whereas the XL and R3 are 8-voice. That means you can play eight notes at once versues four notes at once (or four notes at once versues two notes at once when you are playing in layered mode).
It only has one filter whereas the XL/R3 have two filters. The XL/R3 also has an additional envelope generator and more modulation slots, and the waveform modulation is more flexible.
Basically, I used to own a microKorg, and it is a great little synth to start out with, however the R3 is more modern but offers a similar format (design, layout, etc). I would consider the XL to be mostly inferior to the original microKorg due to the user interface. There just aren't enough knobs to make it useful.
From the perspective of someone who used to own a microKorg, the R3 (and I suppose the XL) sound engine offers everything that was a problematic limitation on the original microKorg - more filters, more EGs, better effects, more polyphony, ability to choose the type of modulation for the oscillator.
I would consider the R3 over the MicroKorg XL in almost every situation. Unless you are specifically after the portability (read battery power), or possibly the really cheap piano sample, the R3 is vastly superior to the microKorg XL, particularly when you consider the cost difference. For not much more money you get a lot more features.
Primarily: You get a better more professional build, more comprehensive effects selection, and just more simultaneous effects in general (effects are very important to the sound of a program), you get a few more hands on controls, and you get full size keys.
The XL and the R3 have the same engine and polyphony, but the additional controls on the R3 make it much easier to get into. Obviously this doesn't matter if all you do is use the software editor.
As for the microKorg, it is a great little synth, but can sometimes be a bit limiting. It is only four-voice polyphonic whereas the XL and R3 are 8-voice. That means you can play eight notes at once versues four notes at once (or four notes at once versues two notes at once when you are playing in layered mode).
It only has one filter whereas the XL/R3 have two filters. The XL/R3 also has an additional envelope generator and more modulation slots, and the waveform modulation is more flexible.
Basically, I used to own a microKorg, and it is a great little synth to start out with, however the R3 is more modern but offers a similar format (design, layout, etc). I would consider the XL to be mostly inferior to the original microKorg due to the user interface. There just aren't enough knobs to make it useful.
From the perspective of someone who used to own a microKorg, the R3 (and I suppose the XL) sound engine offers everything that was a problematic limitation on the original microKorg - more filters, more EGs, better effects, more polyphony, ability to choose the type of modulation for the oscillator.
Current Gear: Kronos 61, RADIAS-R, Volca Bass, ESX-1, microKorg, MS2000B, R3, Kaossilator Pro +, MiniKP, AX3000B, nanoKontrol, nanoPad MK II,
Other Mfgrs: Moog Sub37, Roland Boutique JX03, Novation MiniNova, Akai APC40, MOTU MIDI TimePiece 2, ART Pro VLA, Focusrite Saffire Pro 40.
Past Gear: Korg Karma, TR61, Poly800, EA-1, ER-1, ES-1, Kawai K1, Novation ReMote37SL, Boss GT-6B
Software: NI Komplete 10 Ultimate, Arturia V Collection, Ableton Live 9. Apple OSX El Capitan on 15" MacBook Pro
Other Mfgrs: Moog Sub37, Roland Boutique JX03, Novation MiniNova, Akai APC40, MOTU MIDI TimePiece 2, ART Pro VLA, Focusrite Saffire Pro 40.
Past Gear: Korg Karma, TR61, Poly800, EA-1, ER-1, ES-1, Kawai K1, Novation ReMote37SL, Boss GT-6B
Software: NI Komplete 10 Ultimate, Arturia V Collection, Ableton Live 9. Apple OSX El Capitan on 15" MacBook Pro
initially i was looking for something portable and easy because im going on holidays just after im able to purchase it and i wanted to be able to make some tunes while travelling. but considering all the things that you said, i will save up for the r3. also it is just so i have a synth to work with for the next yearish before i can afford a virus ti keyboard
remember, none of them have speakers, so consider that for holidaysdafthuman wrote:initially i was looking for something portable and easy because im going on holidays just after im able to purchase it and i wanted to be able to make some tunes while travelling. but considering all the things that you said, i will save up for the r3. also it is just so i have a synth to work with for the next yearish before i can afford a virus ti keyboard
Current: MS-20 Mini, Minilogue, SY77
Past: Korg R3, Volca Bass, X50, Mg Slim Phatty, Rld Gaia SH-01, Yamaha TX81Z
Have my freebie granular plug-in: https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewt ... p?t=192886
Past: Korg R3, Volca Bass, X50, Mg Slim Phatty, Rld Gaia SH-01, Yamaha TX81Z
Have my freebie granular plug-in: https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewt ... p?t=192886