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Korg Z1
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Korg Z1

Digital Synth from Korg

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Anonymous
Published on 05/05/04 at 15:04
I do not describe the stuff, go to the site Korg ...
In very brief summary, there are only 12 voice polyphony.
There is a bank 2x127 sounds you can change to infinity and a bank of 2 x 15 combined sounds (or lack of polyphony can be a limit).
There is a pitch, modulation and especially a pad X / Y programmable which is great.
In addition to the sustain pedal, it worth to buy a Korg pedal which is cheap and is very useful on this type of instrument.

UTILIZATION

First, in the introduction, I use the Z1 used to assist in a group of jazz / funk and more of a Fender Rhodes and a Gem mega pro. So I use the 1 / 10 of its possibilities. It was not the case when I bought it there around 5 to 6 years. It was then one of my keyboards and only at the time, I was playing alone. I was impressed at the time by the arpeggiator pad and X / Y when in fact I am using any more of these two accessories that no longer have any interest in my current use.
I use it primarily to integrate pieces of ground in our live and to take chorus when using either type of monophonic analog synth sounds, or sounds of organs or keyboards. For this use, the Korg is perfect. filters are numerous and hanging a little (this is my first synth), we just really Scult sound to his taste. The original sets are dismal for some and too loaded, especially reverb. The result is that it can mislead the store but most sounds are unusable in a real band playing real music !!!!! (The sound designers and specialists in real synths that I'm not going to cry while reading this). This criticism is for me to so many synths trade.
For the use described above, I am very very happy. I thought about selling it when I bought the Gem mega pro but looking back, I do not regret having kept because these two instruments are complementary + + +
Regarding sound, tablecloths, monophonic synths, bass, distorted sounds, keyboards and organs and guitars are very good. The brass are zero. But it is clear that no one buys a Z1 for a bank of sounds that imitate acoustic instruments but for synth sounds ...
The general configuration is not obvious, but obvious by dipping a bit in the manual, it's OK. Editing sounds is relatively easy even if the screen is a little itty bitty

SOUNDS

For sounds, see the previous paragraph.
The expression is good, the keyboard is well suited to the philosophy of the unit (this is clearly not made to play Mozart ...).
There are only 12 voice polyphony which is sufficient to use extra but can be a bit tight in the combined sounds, especially if you use the arpeggiator. There is an expansion card for a polyphony of 18 tracks. Frankly, this option is not required.
Avoid buying cards Korg sounds to have additional sets. They cost a fortune and have no interest.
However, it's worth it to buy a PCMCIA card to save your selections as you sound reworked.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had 5 or 6 years.
I do not resell, especially when used, it is virtually unsaleable.
It is found at 700 euros to 1200 euros opportunity and new. Frankly, even at 1000 euros used, it is still a steal when you see the possibilities and quality of this thing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Between Z1 at this price point and a synth nine will cost you double or even triple, there frankly hesitate.