NAMM 2024: Korg’s Return of the King: KingKORG NEO!

My my my – look who’s making a royal comeback? Another NAMM show pre-release and It’s none other than the KingKORG, this time, it’s back in a compact 37 full-size key model, featuring a fresh look, vocoder, and a slew of new sounds and oscillators. Korg hooked us up with a sample, have a squizz of our video below.

Under the Hood

The KingKORG NEO packs a punch with its powerful engine, utilizing the renowned KORG XMT sound engine plus, It faithfully reproduces the oscillators and filters of classic analog synths and ships with a gooseneck microphone.

In a Nutshell:

The KingKORG NEO offers a streamlined experience, allowing control through front-panel knobs. It features filters modelled after 18 renowned synthesizers, including MS-20, TB303, SEM, Minimoog, and Prophet 5. The synth lets you create unique sounds and tones with its six virtual patch systems.

Equipped with a built-in microphone, the KingKORG NEO makes vocoder effects super fun. There’s a range of sounds with 143 new programs, blending classic and contemporary tones. The original KingKORG PCM Bank has been revamped, incorporating carefully selected PCM layered with VA synths and enhanced synthesizer-like features.

Choose from 138 different oscillators, including Analog, DWGS Digital Waveform Generator System, PCM, and MIC IN, with a maximum of 24 voices. With this built design, The KingKORG NEO seems well placed for both studio work and live performances, thanks to its compact design, full-size keys, wide sonic range, and the added convenience of a dedicated vocoder mic.

Live Performance Ready:

· Split/Layer Function: Enhance your live performance with the Split/Layer function.

· Headphone Out: Convenient front-facing headphone out for personal monitoring.

· Adjustable EG/FX: Easily tweak the envelope generator and effects for on-the-fly adjustments.

· Vocoder Function: Unleash your creativity with the built-in vocoder.

· Specifications at a Glance:

· Keyboard: 37-key (velocity and release-velocity sensitive)

· Programs: 300 programs (200 preset / 100 users) across 8 categories

· Timbers: Max 2 timbers (Layer/Split)

· Polyphony: 24 voices max

· Synthesizer Type: XMT (eXpanded Modeling Technology)

More info at Korg.com.au