Korg M1
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Korg |
| Year released | 1988 |
| Synthesis type | Sample-based (PCM) workstation |
| Architecture | Digital |
| Polyphony | 16-voice polyphonic |
| Notable users | The Orb, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys |
| Known for | The best-selling workstation and its ubiquitous 'M1 piano' |
Overview
The Korg M1, released in 1988, is a digital synthesizer and music workstation that combined sample-based sound generation with a built-in sequencer and effects. It was one of the first keyboards to offer a complete production environment in a single unit, allowing musicians to compose, arrange, and perform without additional equipment. Its 16-voice polyphony and extensive sound library made it a versatile tool for both studio and stage. The M1 is often credited with popularizing the term 'music workstation' and became a staple in pop, electronic, and film music throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. Its most recognizable sound, the 'M1 piano,' a bright, slightly compressed acoustic piano sample, appeared on countless recordings and remains a cultural touchstone. Despite its digital nature, the M1's warm, punchy character and user-friendly interface endeared it to a generation of musicians. Today, it is remembered as a landmark instrument that helped define the sound of its era.
History & design
Korg introduced the M1 in 1988 as a follow-up to its successful DW-8000 and as a response to the growing demand for all-in-one digital workstations. The project was led by engineers who aimed to create a keyboard that could replace multiple pieces of gear. The M1 featured a 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard (later expanded in the M1R rack version) and a large backlit LCD for navigating its menus. Its design was sleek and modern, with a dark gray casing and clearly labeled buttons. The internal architecture was based on Korg's AI (Advanced Integrated) synthesis, which used PCM samples as the basis for sound generation. The M1 also included a 16-track sequencer, digital effects, and a card slot for additional sounds. It was an immediate commercial success, becoming a best-seller and solidifying Korg's position in the digital synthesizer market. Its design influenced many subsequent workstations from Korg and other manufacturers.
How it works
The Korg M1 uses sample-based synthesis, specifically Korg's AI (Advanced Integrated) synthesis. Unlike analog synthesizers that generate waveforms electronically, the M1 stores short digital recordings (samples) of real instruments and other sounds in its memory. When you press a key, the M1 plays back the appropriate sample at the correct pitch. Each sound, or 'program,' can consist of up to two oscillators, each playing a different sample. These samples can be layered, split across the keyboard, or set to velocity-switch for dynamic control. The signal then passes through a digital filter (a low-pass filter with resonance) and an amplifier, both of which can be modulated by envelopes and LFOs. The M1 also includes a digital effects processor offering reverb, chorus, and delay. The 16-voice polyphony means up to 16 notes can sound simultaneously, though layering reduces this number. The built-in sequencer records performances as MIDI data, allowing editing and playback. This combination of sample playback, synthesis parameters, and sequencing forms the core of the workstation concept.
Signature sound
The M1's most famous sound is undoubtedly the 'M1 Piano,' a bright, slightly compressed acoustic piano sample that became ubiquitous in late 1980s and 1990s pop, R&B, and house music. It is characterized by its crisp attack and a certain digital sheen, often used for chords and melodies. Another iconic sound is the 'Universe' pad, a lush, evolving texture used in ambient and new age music. The M1 also offered a wide range of other sounds, including electric pianos, organs, strings, brass, and drums. Its drum sounds, particularly the kick and snare, were widely used in dance music. The M1's effects, especially the reverb, contributed to its spacious sound. While the piano sample is often criticized for being artificial, its distinct character has made it a nostalgic favorite. The M1's sound palette was versatile enough to cover many genres, but its piano and pad sounds are the most enduring.
Notable users & recordings
The Korg M1 was used by a diverse range of artists across multiple genres. The Orb, known for ambient house, utilized the M1's pads and textures in their early work. Depeche Mode incorporated the M1 into their setup during the late 1980s and 1990s, using it for both studio recordings and live performances. Pet Shop Boys also employed the M1, notably for its piano and synth sounds. Other users include Vangelis, who used it for film scores, and many pop producers of the era. The M1 piano can be heard on numerous hit records, though specific attributions are often debated. Its sounds were also common in TV themes and commercials. The M1's influence extends to electronic dance music, where its piano and organ sounds were staples in house and techno tracks. While not always credited, the M1's presence in popular music of the late 20th century is significant.
Legacy & influence
The Korg M1 is considered a landmark instrument that helped define the music workstation category. Its commercial success demonstrated the demand for all-in-one production tools, leading other manufacturers to develop similar products. The M1's sample-based synthesis approach became a standard for digital synthesizers in the 1990s. Its piano sound, in particular, became a cultural icon, often associated with the sound of the late 80s and 90s. The M1 also paved the way for Korg's later workstations, such as the Trinity and Triton series. In recent years, the M1 has been reissued in software form, allowing a new generation to access its sounds. Its influence can be heard in retro-style music and in the continued use of its signature presets. The M1 remains a beloved instrument among enthusiasts and a testament to Korg's innovation in digital synthesis.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 'M1 piano' and why is it famous? The M1 piano is a preset sound on the Korg M1 that uses a digital sample of an acoustic piano. It became famous for its bright, slightly artificial tone that was used on many hit records in the late 1980s and 1990s, making it one of the most recognizable keyboard sounds of that era. How many voices does the M1 have? The M1 has 16-voice polyphony, meaning it can play up to 16 notes at once. However, when using layered sounds or the built-in effects, the available polyphony may be reduced. Can the M1 be used as a MIDI controller? Yes, the M1 has MIDI in, out, and thru ports, and its keyboard can transmit MIDI data to other devices. It can also receive MIDI to play its internal sounds. Its sequencer can record and play back MIDI data, making it a capable controller for external gear.