KingKORG NEO sets new standards for hardware synth versatility

Iconic synthesizer maker Korg has unveiled an updated take on its acclaimed KingKORG virtual analog synth in the form of the KingKORG NEO. This refreshed 37-key iteration aims to bring immense sonic flexibility and classic analog charm into a conveniently compact package for modern musicians.

At the heart of the KingKORG NEO lies Korg’s proprietary XMT (eXpanded Modeling Technology) sound engine, which utilizes pre-programmed oscillator combinations to enable quick sound sculpting without diving deep into individual analog-style waveforms. Nonetheless, all the hallmarks of analog are represented here through sawtooths, squares, variable pulse widths and Korg’s multi-engine DWGS waves.

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This versatile foundation feeds into the NEO’s extensive filter array, which captures the distinct flavors of legendary instruments like the MS-20, classic polyphonic synths and Korg’s own rich legacy of modeling. Self-oscillation, resonance and formant shifting all provide endless opportunities for tone tweaking.

The onboard vocoder has also been given an upgrade, now sporting a 16-band design and the ability to use the NEO’s oscillators as modulator sources. This opens the door to beautifully blended vocoder and synth tones. Microphone in hand, artists can further manipulate the vocoder’s character through adjustments like frequency shifting and panning for utterly original sounds.

To immediately jump into these vast sonic capabilities, the KingKORG NEO comes pre-loaded with 200 editable preset programs spanning synth leads, basses, pads and more across a variety of genres. Crafting sounds from scratch is facilitated by the synth’s thoughtfully-designed panel layout, which groups parameters into logical blocks for efficient editing.

Three master effect slots provide essential seasoning for sounds with options like distortion, chorus, reverb and delay. For animation, the step arpeggiator enables the creation of evolving, rhythmic phrases locked to the played harmony. And taking another cue from analog tradition, the Virtual Patch system allows creative routing of modulation sources like envelopes to vary parameters during playback.

According to Korg, the overarching goal of the KingKORG NEO is marrying this immense synthesis versatility with the needs of contemporary musicians in a highly portable form factor. To that end, they have encased the synth engine into a compact build with a streamlined control surface.

With its combination of sonic depth and refreshing accessibility, the KingKORG NEO promises to be an intriguing new entry in the long legacy of Korg analog-inspired instruments. Pricing and availability are still to be announced.