Korg has officially announced the Opsix, which leaked earlier this week. The Opsix is a new digital synthesizer that features a newly designed six-operator sound generator from Korg. Although the instrument has a six-operator FM sound structure like classic FM synthesizers, the Opsix doesn’t just reproduce those sounds, Korg claims: “it totally reimagines them!”
With a diversity of waveforms, operator modes that go beyond the realm of FM, and a filter that brings together a fusion of subtractive synthesis, Opsix claims to simplify the overly complex programming of FM so that you can focus on exploring sounds instead of arduously dialing them in. Simply put, opsix offers the editing simplicity of analog synths to control the power of arguably the deepest type of digital synthesis.
The knobs and sliders with two-colored LEDs on the Opsix let you quickly and clearly see the relationships between operators, whose roles change with each algorithm. This lets you make direct changes to the pitch and volume for carriers, and to the brightness of the sound or the strength of the harmonics for the modulators. These controls give you sonic control over the unpredictability of FM just by subtracting and adding sounds as if you were using a mixer or drawbars.
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Korg Opsix
Korg Opsix Details
Five operator modes that expand FM synthesis
Aside from sine waves, the Opsix offers an expanded list of diverse waveforms in pursuit of sounds with even more complex harmonics, which can also be used as a subtractive synth offering simple filtering. Operator modes on the Opsix are used to generate sounds that are completely outside what a traditional FM sound generator can make. The operator modes let you create sounds using modulation other than FM. The Opsix offers you a much wider range of sound creation, letting you combine the five operator modes (FM, ring modulation, filter, filter FM and wavefolder) and select from a wide range of waveforms. In addition, the Opsix goes far beyond classic FM synthesizers by offering 40 preset algorithms and then goes on to offer a user algorithm function for exponentially greater sound possibilities which lets you construct and arrange an algorithm from scratch. An algorithm is a combination of different operator roles and connections.
Easy Editing
To add to the six operator mixers, the Opsix features several knobs on the right side of the panel. Use the six data entry knobs for full editing without minimizing or summarizing any information. Taking a look at these controls, you might think back to the days when traditional FM synths were more difficult to operate. Back then, you had to move through massive numbers of pages, and couldn’t figure out where you were in the overall scheme of things. You can now edit without getting lost, thanks to the combination of six graphical parameters on the large OLED display at the center, and the rotary encoders.
Wide range of modulation
The synthesis offered by the Opsix is made even more powerful with the processors that come at the end of the signal chain. The Mod section works separate from the operators, with three EGs and three LFOs; and 12 virtual patches make a wide variety of routing possible. Use these features for a huge range of modulation to create swelling or add rapid motion to your sounds.
Filters
In contrast to FM, the Filter section follows your creation of sounds by offering analog synthesizer-like subtractive synthesis. Select from a full range of filters you want to use, from the radical MS-20 low-pass/high-pass filter, to the softer Polysix low-pass filter that gives your sound a vintage feel; as well as two- or four-pole low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band reject filters with resonance.
Effects
The high-definition effects you’ll find on the Opsix can be used right away in recording. The instrument offers three series (which can be used simultaneously) of 30 different effects; from including standard effects like a compressor, EQ, chorus, flanger, phaser and stereo delay, to distinctive effects like rotary speakers, grain shifters and more… as well as shimmering reverb effects that add a new dimensions to already awesome sounds.
16-step polyphonic sequencer
The 16 buttons on the bottom right-hand part of the panel glow green with the colors that evoke FM synths, while providing you with a multipurpose 16-step sequencer. With this onboard polyphonic note sequencer, you can record up to six notes per step, and edit the velocity, gate time and playback timing for each note. This lets you create long phrases or make subtle shifts in timing to emulate strums or drum rolls, something that’s not possible on a typical 16-step sequencer. Also, the motion sequencer of the Opsix lets you record changes of up to six parameters, creating smooth motion changes in sound within a phrase, or building rhythms that change dramatically with each step.
Randomize
Use the Randomize feature as found on the WaveState if you’re in the mood for unexpected sonic discoveries. Press the button marked with the die icon to generate a newly randomized sound. You can use the Randomize feature for the entire sound, or just for the operators, the algorithm or the sequences. Use the randomized sounds as-is or edit them as you desire.
