The KORG M1 – The Workstation That Redefined a Decade

How a late-‘80s keyboard helped shape the sound of modern music—and why its legacy still resonates today.

When the KORG M1 landed in 1988, it quietly kicked off a shift in how people approached making music. Before the M1, most keyboard setups required a whole stack of gear: separate sequencers, effects units, and drum machines to complement a synthesizer. But the M1 changed that. It brought everything together into one streamlined, self-contained instrument—sounds, sequencing, effects, even drums—wrapped in a sleek design that was easy to use and surprisingly affordable for its time. Thus the ‘workstation keyboard’ was effectively born.

For many musicians and producers, it became the centrepiece of their setup. And it wasn’t just about convenience—the M1 actually sounded great. Its “AI synthesis” engine (Advanced Integrated, NOT Artificial Intelligence 😉) wasn’t analog, but it delivered surprisingly rich results using PCM samples and digital processing. It wasn’t trying to replicate the warmth of older synths; it was doing something different: crisp pianos, shimmering pads, digital bells, punchy basses, and tight, characterful drums. In short, sounds that were new, polished, and mix-ready straight out of the box.

The M1 Sound: Heard Everywhere

Chances are, you’ve heard the M1 even if you didn’t realise it. The iconic “M1 Piano” patch became a staple of early house music and turned up in countless hits through the ’90s. Programs like “Universe,” “Lore,” and “Slap Bass” were used across everything from ballads to hip hop to advertising jingles. The sound of the M1 became part of the musical language of the time.

Artists across genres embraced it. It featured on Madonna records, Mariah Carey tracks, and underground club hits alike. The M1 made its way into studios of all sizes, thanks to its affordability and versatility. It was both a workhorse and a creative tool.

More Than Just a Keyboard

What set the M1 apart wasn’t just its sound engine, but how it allowed musicians to work. With a built-in 8-track sequencer and effects section, players could sketch out full arrangements without needing to boot up a computer. For many musicians, it was their first taste of an all-in-one music-making environment—something we now take for granted with modern DAWs and production tools.

It also paved the way for a long line of workstation synths that would follow. The Triton, the Kronos, and more recently the Nautilus—all trace their lineage back to the philosophy the M1 introduced: a single instrument that could do it all.

Still Relevant, Still Usable

Even now, there’s something about those original M1 presets that feels useful. Maybe it’s the familiarity, or maybe it’s just the way they sit so nicely in a mix. Either way, the good news is you don’t need to hunt down an old keyboard to use them.

There are a few ways to bring M1 sounds into a modern setup. The KORG Collection software recreates the original M1 interface and sound engine for your computer. If you’re working on iOS, the KORG Module app now includes a new M1 Best Selection expansion pack that pulls some of the most iconic programs from the original unit and adapts them for mobile use—complete with AUv3 support so you can use them directly in your DAW. Even KORG’s Gadget 3 production app includes M1-style sounds via the Glasgow gadget.

If you’re more into hardware, a number of KORG’s modern synths—like the Kronos and Nautilus—feature legacy sound engines that include M1 programs alongside more recent tech. It’s a nice nod to the past, built into instruments that do a lot more.

Try Them Out—And Save While You’re At It

To coincide with the new M1 Best Selection pack, KORG is currently running a Summer Sale until July 15th, 2025, with up to 50% off across a wide range of software, apps, and expansions. That includes:

You can even trial the M1 Best Selection pack in Module for free for seven days, so it’s easy to test whether those classic sounds still spark something in your sessions.

The M1 was never about flashy analog tricks or modular depth—it was about getting music made, quickly and with a recognisable sound that worked across styles. Decades later, that core idea still resonates.