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# jan/05
NOVO KORG OASIS:
Extended information
Stellar synthesis
OASYS is built around our new flagship PCM-based engine, which we call the HD-1 High Definition Synthesizer. Driven by an exacting, robust and detail-rich voice architecture, the sound of the HD-1 possesses an amazing clarity and presence; a high end that is crystal clear, but never harsh; a detailed and accurate sound that is smooth and rich across the entire audio spectrum. Fueling this engine is a staggering 616 MB of uncompressed wave ROM that exceeds CD audio quality. This abundant PCM library allows us to capture much more of the natural detail and ornamentation that distinguishes an acoustic instrument as “real” sounding. We’ve also included many stereo waveforms to preserve the natural imaging and spaciousness of acoustic sounds - especially ensemble sounds and drum kits. Other enhancements include many extended length samples that preserve an instrument’s natural decay, and sample sets that allow instruments to speak their full voice, using up to 4-way velocity switching to recreate their complete dynamic range.
But that’s just the beginning. Each OASYS comes with two additional EXs Expansion Sample Libraries ready for action. The comprehensive EXs-1 Expansion ROM set is pre-loaded, providing spectacular stereo drums, and additional large acoustic and synthesizer multisamples capturing extra detail and character. The EXs-2 Concert Grand, on the other hand, serves up a singular, breathtaking piano experience. Based on individually sampled keys, true stereo imaging, four-way velocity switching and an additional damper layer, this piano evokes unparalleled realism.
Advances in the HD-1’s voice architecture allow a single oscillator to play back stereo waveforms and support 4-way layering, switching and crossfading. Each oscillator can employ up to two multi-mode filters, two Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs), two Envelope Generators (EGs) and dual amp stages simultaneously. An additional “voice common” LFO and EG provides another layer of timbre control. The super-fast LFOs feature 18 waveforms, and can modulate into the audio range. The equally agile EGs feature 11 selectable curves for each stage, resulting in dramatically detailed timbre and amplitude changes. A new drive parameter adds mild to wild harmonic overdrive. korg’s AMS (Alternate Modulation Source) furnishes OASYS with 52 additional modulation sources. Newly added AMS Mixers allow mixing and manipulating any of these modulation sources for even more flexible control!
Unlocking the Combination
korg’s famous Combination structure – introduced nearly 20 years ago in the M-1 – has been expanded, now allowing up to 16 Programs to be split and layered across the keyboard. In addition to providing more sound elements, this means that Combis can be set up and saved as complete 16-part MIDI sequencing templates for use with an external sequencer and computer DAWs - a much-requested feature from our users! You can freely combine Programs from the HD-1, AL-1 and CX-3 engines to create amazing new textures, or to zone, layer and velocity-switch multiple sound in a single keyboard set-up. The enhanced OASYS Combi mode now offers a powerful Tone Adjust feature, providing real-time control over 33 parameters of each timbre, so you can edit each of the 16 sounds in context without affecting the original Programs. And with up to 172 voices to work with, OASYS has more than enough horsepower to cover all the bases.
Blast from the past
Longtime korg fans still fondly remember our revolutionary Vector Synthesis and Wave Sequencing technologies. Well, they’re back and better than ever. The Vector Joystick - along with a Vector Envelope and Vector Modulation - allows for smooth blending between the two oscillators in Program mode. But the Combination mode is where the Vector Synthesis features really come alive, as you freely blend between four different mixtures of sounds to create evocative, moving timbres. Up to five Vector “positions” can be defined, and either rhythmic value (from an internal or external clock) or absolute time can be used to specify the timing between positions. This complex Vector Envelope can also be continually looped for sounds that are constantly in motion. Vector control also offers cool, user-definable modulation of many of the HD-1’s parameters.
Wave Sequences play back a series of selected waveforms over time, creating either distinctive rhythmic timbres or smooth, complex and continually evolving sounds. You can even specify the playback pitch for each step. New additions to this classic technology include greatly enhanced tempo synchronization, swing and real-time duration modulation. Additionally, dual integrated step-sequencer modulation outputs allow Wave Sequences to control virtually any Program parameter such as filter cutoff, pan, Drive, LFO speed and more. Conversely, the many OASYS Alternate Modulation Sources (AMS) can be used to manipulate Wave Sequence parameters.
The Ultimate VA
The first OASYS EXi Expansion Instrument is a state-of-the-art virtual analog synth engine: the AL-1. Not content with a mere handful of modeled voices, the AL-1 delivers an unparalleled 84 notes of polyphony, capable of sounding an incredible 504 oscillators (including dual sawtooths and noise generators).
This responsive synth features our distinctive ultra-low aliasing oscillators that recreate all the power and glory of true analog synthesis – without the artifacts that can often plague lesser modeled oscillators. But that’s just the beginning. The AL-1 will satisfy all your vintage yearnings - and your future ones as well. The two main oscillators offer eight flexible waveforms each, for a wide palette of modulatable shapes. Other progressive features include wave-shape morphing, a floor-thumping sub-oscillator plus a variable-color noise generator capable of white, pink, red flavors - and beyond. An adjustable drive parameter provides a distinctive character to the vintage oscillator modeling; while sync, FM, low-boost and several varieties of ring modulation offer plenty of tone-mangling power. External live audio can even be accessed as an additional signal source.
Each voice can use either one or two of korg’s incredibly versatile multimode (Low Pass, Band Pass, Band Reject [notch], and High Pass) resonant filters. For maximum flexibility, the filters can be connected in series or parallel, to generate 12 dB or 24 dB per octave slopes. korg’s new MultiFilter lets you crossfade in real-time between any two of 21 different filter types – including your own custom mixes of LP, HP, BP, BR and dry input.
Modulation is essential to any analog synth, and the AL-1 offers a wealth of riches.
Five punchy and re-triggerable envelope generators can dish out ultra-fast attacks, and a different timing curve can be set for each envelope stage. A generous 18 wave shapes are available to drive the four per-voice LFOs. In addition to their tempo-sync and high speed abilities, each LFO allows you to specify the phase, center value, and curve for complete control. And to keep all the voices moving together, there’s an additional per-timbre Common LFO. Additional modulation capabilities are provided by 52 Alternate Modulation Sources (AMS); dual AMS Mod Mixers; dual key-tracking generators; and a per-voice 32-step Step Sequencer. The per-voice Step Sequencer can modulate virtually any Program parameter – including pitch. Each of the 32 steps has a separate note-length for creating complex rhythmic figures, and can generate either a fixed value or gate an AMS input source. A “smoothing” parameter allows fluid motion between sequencer steps. The standard EXi Program structure adds even more modulation power, including a timbre Common Step Sequencer, two more key tracking generators, and the Vector Envelope.
Organ-ic audio
The CX-3 tonewheel organ, one of the most accurate models of that classic organ sound ever developed, provides the third OASYS sound engine. Based on the current korg CX-3 hardware instrument, this EXi design features dual drawbars, control over every nuance of the sound including leakage, key click, adjustable percussion, chorus/vibrato and a complete rotary speaker simulation. It also features an enhanced version of korg’s unique EX Mode which adds additional harmonics and percussion tunings, opening up a new world of “organic” timbres. The keyboard can be split to provide upper and lower manuals, each with their own drawbars. The CX-3 not only simulates the tonewheel organ itself, but the various speaker options associated with it. Our legendary amp modeling provides a variety of options. In recreating the sound space of the famous rotary organ speaker, the CX-3 provides individual control over numerous elements such as mic spread, rotor speed and transition time. The control surface of OASYS provides direct access to your nine drawbars via the sliders (with on-screen visual indication of their current values); switches to access the vibrato/chorus, percussion and all traditional tonewheel organ controls are laid out in a logical and familiar manner.
These three engines can be used together in a variety of ways. OASYS features dynamic allocation between synth voices (including different synth types), and flexible allocation of power between synths and effects. An EXi Program can actually host two synth engines, so you can use two AL-1s to create super-powerful synth sounds, or two CX-3s to create new hybrid organ timbres. For the adventurous sound designer you can blend a CX-3 and AL-1 to create new imaginative timbres – the choice is yours!
Cause and Effects
OASYS extends the quantity and quality of on-board effects to a new level, offering an astounding 12 Insert, 2 Master and 2 Total effects, delivering six times the processing power of the TRITON series workstations! We’ve included some in-demand gems including the ToneWorks (REMS) mic, amp and speaker models; the amazing O-Verb from the OASYS-PCI card; the Chorus/Vibrato circuit from the CX-3; the silky smooth Ensemble from the Polysix plus a wealth of new effects as well as more classic korg favorites.
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