Description

KORG opsix SE Platinum is a limited edition digital synth with a silver finish, featuring a 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard with aftertouch and an 80-voice polyphony. It employs an advanced Altered FM sound generator that revolutionizes the sonic possibilities of classic FM synthesis. It includes typical Virtual Analog elements such as: Filters, envelopes, LFOs, and effects, with immediate control based on faders and rotary potentiometers.

Highlights of opsix SE Platinum

• 61-key Natural Touch keyboard, velocity-sensitive with Aftertouch
• Metal cabinet with a robust and stress-resistant aluminum top
• High-quality backlit sliders and knobs
• Altered FM sound generator
• 80-voice polyphony
• Updated internal preset library
• Sound resource compatibility with opsix standards
• Dedicated hard case included
• Special KORG sticker set included
• Exclusive KORG T-Shirt included

The structure of opsix SE Platinum

KORG opsix SE Platinum is a digital synthesizer based on advanced 6-operator FM synthesis, a sound generation type that significantly expands the timbral potential of classic FM. Furthermore, thanks to the user interface centered on physical elements such as sliders and knobs, editing and sound exploration are much more accessible and intuitive. KORG opsix SE Platinum is a synth capable of delivering sounds suitable for any artistic need, from typical FM sounds to more innovative ones yet to be explored and experimented with.

• Full editing with 6 DATA ENTRY potentiometers
• Intuitive exploration of FM synthesis
• 6 operator configuration modes
• 40 Preset and User algorithms
• 3 envelope generators, 3 LFOs, and 12 Virtual Patches for extensive modulation
• Multimode Filter with 11 configurations, including those of the MS-20 and Polysix filters
• 30 high-definition effects, up to 3 simultaneous
• Spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope functions on the display
• Powerful 16-step polyphonic sequencer
• Randomize function for algorithmic timbre generation
• Preset and Favorite memories
• Smooth Sound Transition between sounds without interruption

The 6-operator FM Synthesis of opsix SE Platinum

opsix SE Platinum features a 6-operator sound generator developed by KORG on a proprietary hardware platform. This has allowed the implementation of elements and functionalities that go beyond classic FM synthesis, such as the ability to use a set of waveforms different from the typical sine wave, a versatile multimode filter for subtractive synthesis, high-quality digital effects, and a high-performance polyphonic sequencer. But one of the major innovations of this instrument is the musician's ability to directly control the main synthesis parameters with physical controls on the panel. In fact, 6 sliders and as many multifunctional rotary potentiometers, supported by two-color LED backlighting, help to quickly understand their correlation with the operators and the role they play depending on the selected algorithm: orange for carriers, purple for modulators. This allows for immediate and direct modifications to the pitch and volume of the carriers, and to manage the brightness and intensity of the harmonics on the modulators. Through these controls, opsix SE Platinum provides complete management of sound generation, mitigating the complexity of FM synthesis, allowing the user to subtract or add harmonic components like on a mixer or with drawbars.

Full editing with data entry potentiometers

In addition to the mixer for the 6 operators, the right section of the opsix SE Platinum panel features a group of rotary controls; with these 6 DATA ENTRY potentiometers, we have access to in-depth editing, also guided by the indications on the backlit OLED display; a system that avoids the risk of getting lost in menus, as was common in FM synthesizers of the past.

HOME/ALGO is the initial page of opsix SE Platinum where the main parameters such as algorithms, envelopes, and effects are displayed. This can always be used in combination with the mixer for sound design experimentation or for live performances.

The expanded FM synthesis of opsix SE Platinum

In addition to the sine waves of classic FM, opsix SE Platinum offers a wide range of waveforms that produce timbrally more complex sounds, usable, for example, with the filter in subtractive synthesis. It is also possible to combine these waveforms with the 6 operational modes of the operators: FM, Ring Modulation, Filter, Filter FM, Wavefolder, and Effect, to generate innovative sounds.

• 40 Preset and User algorithms

An FM algorithm represents the combination, connection, and roles between various operators. In opsix SE Platinum we have 40 Preset algorithms, much more advanced and complex than those of classic FM synthesis; with the possibility for the user to define a personal algorithm from scratch, further extending the timbral potential of this digital hardware synthesizer.

• Extended Modulation

The synthesis of opsix SE Platinum integrates additional processing circuits in the final stage of the signal chain. Such as the MOD modulation section, which operates independently of the operators, providing 3 envelope generators and 3 LFOs, with a Virtual Patch that interacts up to 12 sources with as many modulation destinations, all selectable from a vast list of parameters and functions. This allows for the generation of extremely modern and evolving timbres, but above all comparable to the most popular EDM virtual instruments currently in vogue.

• The filters of opsix SE Platinum

The FILTER section of opsix SE Platinum offers the subtractive synthesis experience typical of the analog world within advanced digital FM. The versatile multimode filter can operate as: low pass, high pass, band pass, and band rejection with 2 and 4 pole slopes and resonance, in addition to emulations of the MS-20's high pass and low pass and the Polysix's low pass to add a final vintage touch to one's sounds.

The effects of Korg opsix SE Platinum

The high-definition effects of opsix SE Platinum can also be safely used for direct recording in a recording studio. The instrument offers 3 sets of 30 effects that can be used simultaneously, these include the most classic signal processors such as: compressor, equalizer, chorus, flanger, phaser, and stereo delay; to more distinctive and unique effects: rotary speaker, grain shifter, etc... A reverb was naturally included to add spaciousness and dimension to the powerful sound generation chain.

Spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope

The spectrum analyzer integrated in opsix SE Platinum is a fundamental tool for checking the harmonic spectra generated by FM synthesis. It displays the level of each frequency band in real-time on the display, in order to verify the distribution and harmonic changes introduced by modulations. The oscilloscope function is also present, which displays the final waveform reproduced by the synthesis chain.

The 16-step polyphonic sequencer of opsix SE Platinum

The Sequencer is controlled by 16 buttons found on the bottom right of the panel; when these act as Step indicators for the sequencer, they light up green, evoking the classic colors of FM synths. In the integrated polyphonic sequencer, we can record up to 6 notes per step, modify their velocity, gate time, and length. This allows for creating musical phrases, simulating strumming or percussive rolls; functions not always available in classic 16-step sequencers. Also present is the motion sequencer mode, which allows for recording automations of 6 distinct parameters, either constantly throughout the phrase or programmed on individual steps to create sudden changes with a marked rhythmic component.

The Randomize function

The Randomize function encourages timbral experimentation. By simply pressing the button with the "dice" icon, it is possible to automatically generate a new, unprecedented sound. This function can be applied to all sound parameters, or only to operators, algorithms, or sequences. The sound generated in this way can be used directly or become the basis for further processing.

Music software bundled with opsix SE Platinum

opsix SE Platinum comes with a wide variety of music software from the well-known software house Izotope, including "Ozone Elements" which allows the creation and processing of songs using artificial intelligence algorithms, or the educational software "Skoove" which helps to improve keyboard skills, and a selection of KORG software synthesizers.

NB: AlgamEKO is NOT responsible for the technical and/or commercial support of software or music applications provided free of charge and/or via download with the distributed hardware product. For further information, please consult the website http://www.korg.com/bundle directly and contact the software manufacturers with whom you will enter into an agreement during download and/or installation.

opsix SE Platinum technical specifications

Keyboard: 61 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch

Maximum polyphony: 80 voices (The maximum number of voices may vary depending on the settings)

Sound generation: Altered FM

Structure: 6 operators, 1 filter, 3 EGs, 3 LFOs, 3 effects, step sequencer, and arpeggiator

Algorithms: 40 presets + user algorithm (unique for each program)

Operators: 6 modes (FM, Ring Mod, Filter, Filter FM, Wave Folder, and Effect)

21 oscillator waveforms: Sine, Sine 12bit, Sine 8bit, Triangle, Saw, Saw HD, Square, Square HD, Additive Saw3, Additive Sqr3, Additive Tri3, Additive 12345, Additive 1+2, Additive 1+3, Additive 1+4, Additive 1+5, Additive 1+6, Additive 1+7, Additive 1+8, Noise S/H, Noise White.

11 filter types: LPF 12, LPF 24, LPF MS-20, LPF POLY6, HPF 12, HPF 24, HPF MS-20, BPF 6, BPF 12, BRF 6, BRF 12)

3 Envelopes: ADSR

LFO (23 waveforms): Triangle, Saw Down, Saw Up, Square, Sine, Sample&Hold, Guitar, Exp. Triangle, Exp. Saw Down, Exp. Saw Up, Step4 Triangle, Step6 Triangle, Step4 Saw Down, Step6 Saw Down, StepRnd:Time, StepRnd:Lvl&Time, StepRnd:Level, Random:Time, Random:Lvl&Time, Triangle + , Saw Down + , Saw Up + , Square +)

Virtual Patch: 12 routings

Effects processor (30 types): Chorus, Unison Ensemble, Phaser, Phaser (BPM) , Auto Pan, Auto Pan (BPM), Flanger, Flanger (BPM) , Rotary Speaker, Auto Wah, Exciter, Enhancer, LFO Filter, 3-Band EQ, Distortion, Guitar Amp, Decimator, Grain Shifter, Master Limiter, Compressor, Delay, Delay (BPM) , Autopan Dly, Autopan Dly (BPM), Tape Echo, Tape Echo (BPM) , Early Reflection, Reverb, Shimmer Reverb, Spring Reverb)

Sequencer: 16-step Step Sequencer (6 notes per step), Motion Sequencer (6 lines for parameter automation)

Arpeggiator: 7 patterns (MANUAL, UP, DOWN, ALT1, ALT2, RANDOM, TRIGGER)

Program (sounds): 500 (350 preset and 150 user)

FAVORITE: 64 (16 Slot × 4 banks)

Controllers: MODULATION and PITCH wheels, RATIO OP 6 knobs, LEVEL OP 6 sliders, 6 DATA ENTRY knobs

Audio outputs: L (mono) and R on 6.3mm (1/4") TRS jack sockets

Headphone output: 6.3mm (1/4") TRS jack (stereo)

MIDI connections: MIDI IN & OUT DIN; MIDI via USB type "B"

Pedal input: Damper Jack 6.3mm (1/4"); half-damper NOT supported

Power supply: Adapter (included) AC KORG KA-390 (DC12V)

Power consumption: 5 W

Dimensions and weight: 565×338×90mm; 2.9 KG

Included accessories: AC Adapter (KORG KA-390), KORG branded hard case

Compatible accessories (sold separately): DS-1H damper pedal, PS-1 pedal switch, PS-3 pedal switch