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45-582: Much like Kronos' predecessor and Korg's previous flagship synthesizer workstation, the OASYS , Kronos is basically a custom software synthesizer running on an Intel x86 processor and operating system based on the Linux kernel with RTAI extensions; it includes 9 different sound engines which encompass the entire range of Korg synthesis technologies. The Kronos X was introduced in July 2012 with OS version 2 and

90-593: A 1987 issue of Keyboard . Eno used the DX7 on records he produced by U2 and Coldplay . In later years, the DX sounds came to be seen as dated or clichéd, and interest in FM synthesis declined, with second-hand digital synthesizers selling for less than analog. The development of software synthesizers such as Native Instruments FM8 led to a resurgence in the popularity of FM synthesis. According to Sound on Sound , throughout

135-501: A PCM oscillator, noise generator, audio input, two multi-mode filters, three 2-in/1-out mixers, and an input main mixer – with a patch panel for routing them together. Note: The MOD-7 and PolysixEX/MS-20EX plug-ins are only available from www.korguser.net. Owners must register their Oasys at the site in order to purchase them. This includes providing the Public ID and serial numbers of their unit. Yamaha DX7 The Yamaha DX7

180-455: A classic Yamaha DX-series synthesizer. This synth engine first appeared on Korg Oasys. 9) The STR-1 Plucked Strings engine creates sounds derived from the physical properties of struck or plucked string sounds. This sound engine is well-suited for creating sounds like guitar, harpsichord and clavinet, harp, and bell sounds, as well as other sounds based on the physics of a plucked string but not directly related to any known instrument. The STR-1

225-582: A computer digital audio workstation as a software plug-in . Korg OASYS The Korg OASYS is a workstation synthesizer released in early 2005, 1 year after the successful Korg Triton Extreme . Unlike the Triton series, the OASYS uses a custom Linux operating system that was designed to be arbitrarily expandable via software updates, with its functionality limited only by the PC -like hardware. OASYS

270-463: A decade of analog waveforms". It was praised for its accuracy in reproducing tubular bells , metallophones and the harpsichord , and took over the electric piano market. With complex submenus displayed on an LCD and no knobs and sliders to adjust the sound, many found the DX7 difficult to program. MusicRadar described its interface as "nearly impenetrable", with "operators, algorithms and unusual envelopes ... accessed through tedious menus and

315-575: A diminutive display". Rather than create their own sounds, most users used the presets. The presets were widely used in 1980s pop music. The "BASS 1" preset was used on songs such as " Take On Me " by A-ha , " Danger Zone " by Kenny Loggins , and " Fresh " by Kool & the Gang . The "E PIANO 1" preset became particularly famous, especially for power ballads , and was used by artists including Whitney Houston , Chicago , Phil Collins , Luther Vandross , Billy Ocean and Celine Dion . In 1986, it

360-560: A few early models of the Oasys, the EXB-DI is user installable. As of November 24, 2009 the latest version of the OASYS OS is 1.3.3a, featuring the following synthesis engines: The HD-1 is a sample+synthesis engine with a two "oscillator" structure. In addition to the two "oscillators," an HD-1 Program contains a Vector Envelope, Common LFO (per-program as opposed to per-voice, similar to

405-811: A separate 3-band EQ for each track is available. Kronos features the Kay Algorithmic Realtime Music Architecture, or KARMA, a complex arpeggiator that generates complex musical phrases in realtime based on the input of a performer. KARMA was developed by Stephen Kay and first appeared in the Korg KARMA keyboard workstation. Kronos is capable of sampling audio and has full sample editing functionality. Sample import and export are supported. Import sample formats supported include Korg, Akai , SoundFont , WAV and AIFF files. Kronos sounds can be computer edited using Kronos editor software. Kronos can also be integrated within

450-572: Is a synthesizer manufactured by Yamaha Corporation from 1983 to 1989. It was the first successful digital synthesizer and is one of the best-selling synthesizers in history, selling more than 200,000 units. In the early 1980s, the synthesizer market was dominated by analog synthesizers . FM synthesis , a means of generating sounds via frequency modulation , was developed by John Chowning at Stanford University , California. FM synthesis created brighter, glassier sounds, and could better imitate acoustic sounds such as brass and bells. Yamaha licensed

495-467: Is a sample library with acoustic instruments including guitars, brass, piano, strings, beside others. EXs-2 is a grand piano sampled in each key with 4 velocity levels plus damper. The 1G RAM of OASYS only permits to load 1 EXs at a time, but the user can expand it to have both working at the same time. EXs3 ($ 149) includes over 700 MB of brass and woodwind samples, perfect for orchestral and pop productions. Recorded using world-class instruments and players,

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540-456: Is an end-of-life product . Like its predecessor, the OASYS , the Kronos has multiple sound engines: 1) The SGX-1 Premium Piano sound engine uses continuous (not looped) stereo piano samples sampled at eight velocity layers per key to produce a Steinway -styled "German Grand" or Yamaha -styled "Japanese Grand" acoustic grand piano; an optional Bösendorfer -styled "Austrian Grand" sound set

585-477: Is another sound engine passed down from the Korg Oasys. 8) The MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer is capable of classic FM sounds and has import compatibility with Yamaha DX7 SysEx formatted sounds. The MOD-7 engine also combines Variable Phase Modulation (VPM), waveshaping, ring modulation, samples, subtractive synthesis, and modular patching to create a wider range of sounds than would have been possible on

630-542: Is available. The samples are directly streamed from the internal solid state drive by using VMT (Virtual Memory Technology). This synth engine didn't exist on Korg Oasys . With the release of Kronos 2, SGX-2 Premium Piano superseded the SGX-1 sound engine. SGX-2 adds modeled string resonance and support for soft pedal samples and 12 velocity layers per key, making possible a new Bechstein -styled "Berlin Grand" soundset which

675-501: Is carried over from the Korg CX-3 modeled tonewheel organ released in 2001 (not Korg's 1980 CX-3 based on octave-divider technology). The CX-3 engine models a classic tonewheel organ, including rotary speaker effects, vibrato and chorus effects, and tube amplifier. Nine hardware sliders on the Kronos' control panel function as organ drawbar controllers. This synth engine first appeared on Korg Oasys. A significant upgrade to this engine

720-594: Is factory installed on the Kronos 2. Older Kronos models receive an OS update which includes the SGX-2 engine. 2) The EP-1 MDS Electric Piano sound engine offers four models based on specific classic Rhodes electric pianos and two based on Wurlitzer pianos, with software control over hammers, tines, reeds, and mechanical noise elements. It also simulates amplifiers, cabinets, speakers, and effects associated with those historic electric pianos. This synth engine didn't exist on Korg Oasys. 3) The CX-3 Tonewheel Organ engine

765-611: The Kronos 2 with OS version 3 was announced in November 2014 (marketed as "new Kronos"). Updated versions have more memory and new factory sounds, but otherwise have similar hardware based on the Intel Atom processor series, so older models can be upgraded to the newer specs with user-installable OS updates and sound banks. In February 2022 Kronos System version 3.1.4 was released and is the latest version to date. As of 2022 Kronos

810-458: The keyboard expression allows for velocity sensitivity and aftertouch. The DX7 has 16-note polyphony , meaning 16 notes can sound simultaneously. It has 32 sound-generating algorithms, each a different arrangement of its six sine wave operators. The DX7 was the first synthesizer with a liquid-crystal display , and the first to allow users to name patches. The DX7 was the first commercially successful digital synthesizer and remains one of

855-585: The 6-voice Korg Polysix analog synthesizer produced by Korg from 1982-3. Similar to the MS-20EX, this engine is also an update to the version in Korg's "Legacy Collection" software, and can be found on Korg Oasys as part of the LAC-1 engine. 7) The AL-1 Analog Synthesizer models analog subtractive synthesis , with a range of modeled oscillator waveforms, filters, hard sync, analog-style FM, and ring modulation. This

900-711: The CSDX in reference to the Yamaha CS range of analog synthesizers. In late 1982, Dave Bristow and Gary Leuenberger, experts on the Yamaha CS-80 , flew to Japan to develop the DX7's voices . They had less than four days to create the DX7's 128 preset patches. Compared to the "warm" and "fuzzy" sounds of analog synthesizers , the digital DX7 sounds "harsh", "glassy" and "chilly", with a richer, brighter sound. Its presets constitute "struck" and "plucked" sounds with complex transients . Its keyboard spans five octaves , and

945-473: The bestselling synthesizers in history. According to Bristow, Yamaha had hoped to sell more than 20,000 units. Within a year, orders exceeded 150,000 units, and Yamaha had sold 200,000 units after three years. The DX7 was the first synthesizer to sell more than 100,000 units. Yamaha manufactured units on a scale American competitors could not match; by comparison, Moog sold 12,000 Minimoog synthesizers in 11 years, and could not meet demand. The FM patent

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990-453: The built-in preset PCM ROM is 314 MB. 5) The MS-20EX Legacy Analog Collection models an expanded version of the original Korg MS-20 semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer originally released in 1978. This engine is basically an update to the version released by Korg in their "Legacy Collection" software. It is also found on Korg Oasys as part of the LAC-1 engine. 6) The PolysixEX Legacy Analog Collection models an expanded version of

1035-660: The collection features piccolo, flute, alto flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, oboe, English horn, bassoon, contrabassoon, soprano sax, alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, trumpet, piccolo trumpet, cornet, flugelhorn, trombone, French horn, bass tuba, contrabass tuba, dual-trumpets, dual-trombones, and brass ensemble. Designed to be richly expressive, the samples include multiple dynamics, straight and vibrato versions, breathy and overblown tones, legato, staccato, trills, flutter, growl, sforzando, glissando up/down, falls, doits, voice, breath, attack elements, grace notes, and key noise elements. 128 Programs and 64 Combinations take full advantage of

1080-467: The deal. Kakehashi later said Yamaha were the natural partners in the venture, as they had the resources to make FM synthesis commercially viable. Yamaha created the first hardware implementation of FM synthesis. The first commercial FM synthesizer was the Yamaha GS1, released in 1980, which was expensive to manufacture due to its integrated circuit chips. At the same time, Yamaha was developing

1125-500: The digital domain, so he knew exactly what I was saying." Yamaha licensed the technology for one year to determine its commercial viability, and in 1973 its organ division began developing a prototype FM monophonic synthesizer . In 1975, Yamaha negotiated exclusive rights for the technology. Ikutaro Kakehashi , the founder of the Japanese company Roland , was also interested, but met Chowning six months after Yamaha had agreed to

1170-523: The first generation having first appeared in the Korg KARMA ). It has either a 76 key synth-action, or 88 key hammer-action keyboard. EXB-DI (Digital interface board) The optional EXB-DI adds 8 channels of ADAT Optical format 24-bit 48 kHz digital output, as well as a word clock input. The EXB-DI was first made available for the Korg Triton Studio keyboard and Triton Rack module - on these units only 6 outputs are available via ADAT. Bar

1215-590: The first sample, voice B plays the second sample, voice A plays the third sample, and so on. Other synthesizers have featured concepts which are similar in some aspects, such as PPG , Waldorf , and Access Virus wavetables, Synclavier resynthesis, and Ensoniq Transwaves and Hyperwaves (see the Ensoniq TS 10 ). In the lists below, features new to the OASYS (in comparison to the Wavestation) are noted. OASYS Wave Sequences include, for each step: And, for

1260-465: The means to manufacture very-large-scale integration chips. These allowed the DX7 to use only two chips, compared to the GS1's 50. Yamaha also altered the implementation of the FM algorithms in the DX7 for efficiency and speed, producing a sampling rate higher than Stanford's synthesizers. Chowning felt this produced a noticeable "brilliant" sound. Yamaha displayed a prototype of the DX7 in 1982, branded

1305-620: The mid-1980s, "Yamaha flooded the market with a plethora of low-cost FM synths." In 1987, Yamaha released the DX7II, which did not match the success of the DX7. Further successors included the TX81Z , DX1 , DX11, and DX21 . Yamaha manufactured reduced versions of the DX7 sound chip , such as the YM2612 , for use in technologies such as the Sega Genesis game console. In 2015, Yamaha released

1350-473: The mid-20th century, frequency modulation (FM), a means of carrying sound, had been understood for decades and was widely used to broadcast radio transmissions . In the 1960s, at Stanford University , California, John Chowning developed FM synthesis , a means of using FM to generate sounds different from analog synthesis . In 1971, to demonstrate its commercial potential, Chowning used FM to emulate acoustic sounds such as organs and brass. Stanford patented

1395-478: The modulation LFOs in some early polyphonic analog synths), two common key tracking generators, KARMA settings, and effects. Each "oscillator" consists of a sample playback oscillator, dual multimode filter, nonlinear "drive" and low boost section, amp, and pan. The sample playback oscillator has four velocity zones, each of which can play a mono or stereo sample or a Wave Sequence. Velocity zones can overlap or crossfade. Korg claims very low aliasing distortion, due to

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1440-598: The new sounds. EXi is a Korg acronym for "EXpansion Instrument". It refers to all OASYS synth models other than the HD-1, including the AL-1, CX-3, etc. This is the Program structure for playing EXi. It is similar to that of the HD-1, but differs slightly in a few ways, such as: Virtual analog synth engine. A modeled tonewheel organ based on Korg's dedicated CX-3 organ keyboard. This organ mimics and in many ways enhances

1485-473: The sequence as a whole: Additions to the original Wavestation implementation include time/tempo modes, sample-locked tempo sync, constant-time crossfades in tempo mode, fade-in and fade-out shapes, swing, trigger quantization and key sync, note advance, real-time duration modulation, control of reverse and sample start point per step, and modulation outputs. EXs is a Korg acronym for "EXpansion Sample". They are sample sounds that come pre-loaded with OASYS. EXs-1

1530-605: The sound of the Hammond organ and Leslie speaker with amplifier simulation and other enhancements. A plucked string physical model that allows you to pluck, strike, scrape, or otherwise "excite" the string with 16 different "pluck" types, noise, or any of the onboard or RAM-based PCM waveforms. The optional LAC-1 Legacy Analog Collection($ 249.00) EXi adds the MS-20EX and PolysixEX virtual analog synthesizers. The MOD-7 ($ 249.00) includes six oscillators which combine simultaneous VPM (aka FM), Waveshaping, and ring modulation, plus

1575-562: The technology and hoped to license it, but was turned down by American companies including Hammond and Wurlitzer . Chowning felt their engineers did not understand FM. At the time, the Japanese company Yamaha was the world's largest manufacturer of musical instruments but had little market share in the United States. One of their chief engineers visited Stanford to view the technology. According to Chowning, "In ten minutes he understood ... I guess Yamaha had already been working in

1620-553: The technology to create the DX7, combining it with very-large-scale integration chips to lower manufacturing costs. With its complex menus and lack of conventional controls, few learned to program the DX7 in depth. However, its preset sounds became staples of 1980s pop music ; in 1986, it was used in 40% of the number-one singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 . Its electric piano sound was particularly widely used, especially in power ballads . The English producer Brian Eno

1665-466: The use of band limited interpolation. Wave Sequences were first introduced on Korg's Wavestation synthesizer, released in 1990. Wave Sequences allow a single note to play through a list of samples, one after the other, with or without crossfades, with other associated parameters changing for each sample, as listed below. This can create smooth, evolving timbres, or rhythmic effects. Internally, Wave Sequences are implemented by using two voices; voice A plays

1710-540: Was a software implementation of the research project that ultimately resulted in the OASYS PCI , a DSP card which offered multiple synthesis engines. The original OASYS keyboard concept had to be scrapped because of excessive production costs and limitations of then-current technology. Production of the OASYS was officially discontinued in April 2009. Korg sold just over 3000 units worldwide. The final software update

1755-518: Was first released as an expansion to the Korg Oasys. There are 61-, 73-, and 88-key versions of the Kronos, with the latter two employing graded hammer action keys, and the former synth action keys. The Kronos has a 16-track MIDI sequencer combined with a 16-track 24-bit audio recorder. The recorder can record up to four tracks simultaneously. 197 effect types are available. They can be applied as 16 internal effects, 12 insert effects, 2 master effects, & 2 total effects. In addition to these effects,

1800-470: Was for years one of Stanford's highest earning. Chowning received royalties for all of Yamaha's FM synthesizers. According to Dave Smith , the founder of the synthesizer company Sequential , "The synthesizer market was tiny in the late 70s. No one was selling 50,000 of these things. It wasn't until the Yamaha DX7 came out that a company shipped 100,000-plus synths." Smith said the DX7 sold well as it

1845-458: Was made in November 2013 with OS 2.1 which improved both the organ model and the Leslie speaker simulation, and was accompanied by two extra banks of organ patches. 4) The HD1 High Definition Synthesizer , which Korg first introduced in the OASYS , uses sample-based synthesis and wave sequencing to generate sounds from the multisamples stored on an internal solid state drive . The capacity of

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1890-462: Was proficient at programming his own sounds, and it was instrumental to his work in ambient music . Chips based on the DX7 sound chip , such as the YM2612 , were used in technologies such as the Sega Genesis game console. The DX7 was succeeded by FM synthesizers including the DX1 , DX21 , DX27 and DX100 . In later years, the DX7 sounds came to be seen as dated or clichéd and its use declined. By

1935-505: Was reasonably priced, had keyboard expression and 16 voices, and was better at emulating acoustic sounds than competing products. Chowning credited the success to the combination of his FM patent with Yamaha's chip technology. At the time of release, the DX7 was the first digital synthesizer most musicians had used. It was very different from the analog synthesizers that had dominated the market. According to MusicRadar , its "spiky" and "crystalline" sounds made it "the perfect antidote to

1980-441: Was released on November 24, 2009. In 2011, Korg Kronos , a successor of Korg OASYS, was introduced at that year's NAMM Show . The standard Oasys comes with hardware similar to many personal computers : It features Korg's OASYS ( acronym for O pen A rchitecture SY nthesis S tudio) technology, which allows multiple synthesis engines to be used simultaneously. The OASYS also includes second-generation KARMA technology (with

2025-598: Was used in 40% of the number-one singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 , 40% of country number ones, and 60% of RnB number ones. The preset imitates a Rhodes piano , prompting some to abandon the Rhodes in favor of the DX7. A few musicians skilled at programming the DX7 found employment creating sounds for other acts. The English musician Brian Eno learned to program the DX7 in depth and used it to create ambient music on his 1983 album Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks . He shared instructions for recreating his patches in

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