microKORG synth plugin interface by KORG

microKORG: Modeled Analog Synthesizer Plugin by KORG

Rated 4.9/5 on Plugin Boutique (20 ratings)

microKORG is a software synthesizer plugin by KORG that recreates the sound, behavior and look of the original hardware microKORG, including its analog-modeled oscillators, filters, effects, vocoder and arpeggiator.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

microKORG is KORG's software version of its best-selling compact synthesizer, the original hardware microKORG. The developer says the plugin reproduces the analog modeling oscillator, filter and amp sections, along with the effects section and arpeggiator. It also brings back the vocoder, one of the original's main features. The interface is designed for ease of use while keeping the benefits that software offers, so producers can build familiar hardware-style patches inside their DAW.

Best for

Analog-style bass
Vocoder vocal effects
Arpeggiated synth lines
Pads and layered tones
Modeled analog sounds

Developer: KORG
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Modeled analog sound with oscillator, filter and amp sections
Oscillator 1 with 8 waveforms plus 64 DWGS waveforms
Oscillator 2 with ring, cross modulation and hard sync
Low-pass filter with sharp 24 dB mode
Two ADSR envelopes with a visual envelope display
Two LFOs with tempo sync and sample and hold waveforms
Four modulation routings with adjustable depth
8-band vocoder with formant HOLD recording
Arpeggiator with six patterns and adjustable steps

03In depth

Sound Engine: Oscillators, Filters and Modulation

Two oscillators are available per voice. Oscillator 1 offers eight built-in waveforms, including sawtooth, square and audio input, plus a DWGS option with 64 built-in waveforms. Two CONTROL knobs shape each waveform, and an oscilloscope shows waveform changes in real time. Oscillator 2 provides sawtooth, square and triangle waves and supports ring modulation, cross modulation and hard sync.

The filter section includes four filter types, and the low-pass filter offers a sharp 24 dB mode. A distortion switch in the amp section adds heavy distortion. There is one envelope for the filter and one for the amplifier, both ADSR, with a display showing the envelope shape. Two LFOs handle vibrato, wah and tremolo and can be tempo-synced. Four modulation routings connect eight sources and destinations, with adjustable depth.

Vocoder and Arpeggiator

The vocoder synthesizes the audio input with the sound of Oscillator 1 to create speech-like effects. It uses eight bands, and the developer notes that the vocoder can shift the filter bank, adjust each band's level and panning, and record the formant of the input audio with the HOLD button. Graphical displays show band levels for input and vocoder.

The arpeggiator works in both synth and vocoder modes, with six built-in patterns, adjustable octave range, resolution and step count, and switchable steps for custom rhythms. In synth mode, you can choose which timbre plays the arpeggio, so it can run over a pad layer.

Note that FL Studio, Studio One, GarageBand and Komplete Kontrol do not currently support the vocoder feature.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	KORG
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats and operating systems does microKORG support?

microKORG is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS and is a 64-bit plugin.

What do I need to run microKORG?

On Mac, the system requirements list macOS 10.14 Mojave or higher, an Intel Core i5 or better (Apple Silicon is supported), 8 GB RAM and 8 GB of free disk space. On PC, Windows 10 64-bit or higher is required with similar specs. An internet connection is required.