Korg Radias Analog Synthesizer
By Dan on Sep 17, 2009 with Comments 2
Today we’re going to talk about the Korg Radias 49 key virtual analog synthesizer. The really cool and exciting thing about this synthesizer is that it combines some of the innovations of the past, present and the future all in one small analog package.
The Korg Radias synthesizer is based on the Korg MMT engine technology which features a 24 voice synthesizer complete with multiple effects and the latest wave shaping technology and comb filter which help to enhance sample recording i.e. vocoding into what Korg calls new formant-motion vocoding.
At the heart of Korg’s synthesis is the MMT technology (which stands for multi-modeling technology) is the driving force behind this engine. The MMT technology stems from Korg’s OASYS architecture synthesis which also eliminates aliasing noise even in the upper frequency ranges providing you with the purest of waveforms.The Korg Radias comes with two oscillators for each timbre.
These oscillators not only provide the means to create analog waveforms but also also formant waveforms, noise, also pulse width modulation, and of course Korg’s proprietary variable phase modulation or cross modulation technology. All of these features can be used to create some incredibly complex sounds.
The Radias also features dual filter architecture with each of these filters operating in independently, side-by-side or can be chained in series creating maximum effect. The first filter on the Radias is a continuous variable multimode filter which can be used as a low pass, band pass or high pass filter.
The radius also features three envelope generators which can be used to apply time delay changes to the pitch, filter cutoff and the amplifier level including a host of other parameters as well.
The Korg Radias comes also with a headset and microphone that can be used to record your voice or what is often referred to as vocoding, using your voice to modulate another sound.
The effect section of the Radias comes with a 2-band equalizer which features 2 insert effects for each timbre, master effect which can be used against a complete program for a total of nine possible simultaneous sound effects.
The Radias also includes an arppegiator which can be applied against each of the individual timbres. The arppegiator in itself is limited to six patterns which is not very expansive. The Radias also features a two-step sequencer which can also be used as a drum machine.
One of the features that I like about the Radias is that it comes complete with 256 programs, 32 drum kits and 16 formant motion sets. All of these were created by synthesizer experts located around the world.
All in all this is a fairly good vocoder synthesizer.
Filed Under: Korg Keyboards
Hi Dan,
Just curious about durability of keyboards – do you have any advice about that? My current keyboard (a KORG) has buttons that pop off, and plastic fittings that cracked (where the quarter-inch cable plugs in) I’m ready to buy a new one!
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Dan Reply:
January 1st, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Hi Diane,
In general if you take good care of your keyboard then it shouldn’t be an issue. I had a Korg M1 years ago and didn’t put a dust cover on it and as a result some of the buttons would no longer work. Hence, dust is the worst enemy of electronic keyboards. The best advice i can offer is to protect it from dust and your keyboard should last quite some time. Of course, the more you play, like any other electronic equipment, the more likely it will break down. You may want to research the Internet for “duty cycle” of your keyboard.
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