Korg OASYS Workstation Keyboard
The Korg OASYS brings together over 40 years of refined expertise in making the finest and most intuitive music workstation in the world. Korg designed the OASYS, a fully functional synth workstation, to provide a full set of audio production tools to the demanding musician, and to reflect the changing nature of today’s music making process. Korg OASYS offers all the benefits of a variable software system, backed by the hardware integrity that can only come from a fully integrated instrument design. The OASYS is a music workstation that brings together the world’s most powerful synthesizer, studio quality effects processing, second-generation KARMA technology, advanced MIDI sequencing, 16-track audio HD recording with CD burning plus a flexible MIDI control surface – all into one elegant instrument.

Korg OASYS Workstation Keyboard
With 10.4″ color TouchView display, the front panel of this music workstation features a vast array of assignable control elements – pads, sliders, joysticks, knobs, ribbon, etc… all designed to provide effortless fingertip control. Moreover, while OASYS is a music workstation with a world unto itself, it can still play nice with others. The back panel offers a wealth of analog and digital inputs and outputs, including USB 2.0.
Korg OASYS Workstation Video
It all begins with sound. OASYS delivers a level of realism, fidelity and sound quality that is a new milestone for a professional musical instrument.
- HD-1 High Definition PCM synth
- AL-1 Analog Modeling Synth
- CX-3 Modeled Tonewheel Organ
- STR-1 Plucked String Model
- LAC-1 Legacy Analog Collection
- MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer
OASYS is built around our new flagship PCM-based engine, which we call the 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.
Vector Synthesis and Wave Sequencing
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.
Vector Control Page
But the Combination mode is where the Advanced Vector Synthesis features really come alive, as you freely blend between four different mixtures of sounds from the 16 timbres to create evocative, moving textures. Up to five Vector “positions” can be defined, with either rhythmic value (from an internal or external clock) or absolute time used to specify the timing between positions. This complex Vector Envelope can 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.
Vector CC Page in Combi Mode
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.
Wave Sequencing Step Parameters
Other additions to this classic technology include support for stereo and RAM samples, greatly enhanced tempo synchronization, adjustable fade-in and fade-out shapes per step, swing, trigger quantization and key sync, and real-time duration modulation.
Wave Sequencing Sequence Parameters
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 provide an extra level of realtime or automated control over Wave Sequence parameters.
Version 1.3
For Korg’s flagship OASYS synthesizer, Korg release system version 1.3, delivering the next level of the sound-creating and performance potential of this acclaimed instrument. In addition to new features and enhancements, version 1.3 includes a new version of KARMA (2.1), and makes available two more optional expansions: the MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer, and the EXs-3 Brass & Woodwinds Expansion sample library.
Features
- The EXi MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM synthesizer takes a classic form of synthesis into new and uncharted territories. A demo version is included in OASYS system version 1.3.
- The optional EXs-3 Brass & Woodwinds Expansion Sample Library, available separately, provides over 700 Mbytes of expressive, natural-sounding brass and woodwind instruments.
- KARMA 2.1 adds support for User GEs, selectable quantization for Scene changes and Module triggering, enhancements to the Note Map feature, and many other functions.
- EXs expansion sample sets can now be loaded and unloaded immediately in OASYS memory, without restarting the OASYS, a great time-saver!
- Each EXi in a dual Program can be transposed separately for greater sonic flexibility.
- EXs-1 and 2 are now loaded into RAM using a new, lossless compression technique. This yields a modest reduction in size: EXs-1 now uses 284 MB instead of 313 MB, and EXs-2 uses 464 MB instead of 503 MB. With 2 GB installed and both EXs loaded, this increases the available user sampling RAM by about 68 MB. You’ll notice that this is much milder than the dramatic size reductions of mp3, or the PCM compression sometimes found in other synthesizers. There is a strong advantage over these other methods, however: the OASYS compression is completely lossless, and causes absolutely no degradation in audio quality whatsoever.
- All Step Sequencers now provide separate “smoothing” parameters for attack and decay, allowing you to create more complex tonal changes.
- In Sequencer mode, a play button has been added to MIDI Event Edit, allowing you to play back the currently-edited measure while keeping the dialog box open.
Other improvements and enhancements have been made to the operation of and stability of the Operating System.
Technical Specifications of Korg OASYS (Open Architecture Synthesis Studio) Workstation
Keyboard: OASYS 88: 88-key Real Weighted Hammer Action (RH2){The key weight of the RH2 keyboard differs in four stages across the pitch range (with low notes being heavier, and high notes being lighter), delivering a playing feel similar to that of grand piano.}
OASYS 76: 76-key synth-action
Synthesis Types:
- HD-1 (High Definition Synthesizer)
- EXi:
- AL-1 (Analog Synthesizer)
- CX-3 (Tonewheel Organ)
- STR-1 (Plucked String)
- MS-20EX (CMT Modeled Analog Synthesizer)
- PolysixEX (CMT Modeled Analog Synthesizer)
- MOD-7 (MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer)
Maximum Polyphony:
Maximum polyphony varies depending on the synthesis type, as shown below. The actual polyphony will vary depending on the synthesis types and effects being used; all numbers shown are the maximum, without effects.
- HD-1: 172 voices
- AL-1: 96 voices
- CX-3: 172 voices
- STR-1: 48 voices
- MS-20EX: 48 voices
- PolysixEX: 172 voices
- MOD-7: 52 voices
Dynamic voice allocation between synthesis types: exclusive system intelligently allocates resources as necessary, so that the user does not need to specify fixed numbers of voices for each type.
Tone Generator:
Number of Programs/Combinations/Drumkits:
- 1,664 user memory programs (896 (640 PCM+256EXi) come preloaded)
- 1,792 user memory combinations (384 come preloaded)
- 152 user memory drumkit (40 come preloaded)
- 256 GM Level2 preset programs+ 9 GM Level2 drum preset programs
Preset PCM: 314MB (1,505 multisamples, 1,388 drum samples)
Bundled EXs PCM Libraries: 284 MB: ROM Expansion EXs-1 (229 Multisamples and 1,483 Drum Samples), 464 MB: Concert Grand EXs-2 (10 Multisamples)
Capacity of PCM RAM: 500MB (The amount of PCM RAM will change depending on how you use the included EXs, system software, and options.)
Wave Sequences:
User Memory: 374 Wave Sequences
Preload: 150 Wave Sequences (New Wave Sequence features include support for stereo multisamples, enhanced tempo synchronization, real-time modulation, dual AMS outputs per step, crossfade shapes, and more.)
HD-1 Programs:
Advanced Vector Synthesis: Control oscillator volumes, synth parameters, effect parameters via the Vector joystick and the tempo-synced Vector Envelope
Structure: Single: only OSC1, Double: OSC1 and OSC2. Double mode lets you layer two completely separate synth voices, each with their own velocity-switched oscillator, dual filters, EGs, LFOs, etc.
Oscillators: 4 velocity zones per oscillator, with switching, crossfades and layering. Each zone can play mono or stereo Multisamples or Wave Sequences.
Filters: Two multi-mode filters per voice; (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject) four-mode filter routings (single, serial, parallel and 24dB mode)
Driver: Per voice non-linear driver and low boost circuit
Equalizer: Three bands, with sweepable mid-range
Modulation: Three envelope generators, two LFOs per voice, common LFO, four key tracking generators, AMS (Alternate Modulation Source); modulate a large number of synthesis parameters via LFOs, Envelopes, and real-time controllers. Two AMS Mixers – combine and process AMS sources. Add, multiply, smooth, quantize, and more.
Drumkit: Supports both stereo/ and mono drum samples, four-stage velocity switch/crossfade
EXi Program Common:
Advanced Vector Synthesis: Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope.
Modulation: Common Step Sequencer: 32-step sequencer with smoothing, adjustable step duration, and tempo synchronization. AMS (Alternate Modulation Source); modulate a large number of synthesis parameters via LFOs, Envelopes, and real-time controllers, Common LFO, 2 Key Tracking Generators.
EQ: Three bands, (with sweepable mid)
AL-1 Analog Synthesizer:
Oscillators: New design ultra-low-aliasing oscillators OSC1, OSC2, Sub-oscillator and noise generator; ring modulation, FM, and Sync
Audio Input: Run real-time audio through the synthesis engine, including ring mod, filters, drive circuit, amp, and EQ
Filters: Two multi-mode filter (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject) with four types of filter routings (single, serial, parallel and 24dB mode),
MultiFilter mode (only Filter-A; modulateable mix of Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects)
Driver: Per-voice non-linear driver and low boost circuit
Modulation: Five Envelope generators, four per-voice LFOs, two Key Tracking generators, and two AMS Mixers. Per-voice Step Sequencer: 32-step sequencer with smoothing, adjustable step duration, and tempo synchronization.
STR-1 Plucked String:
Physically Modeled String: Includes physically modeled damping, decay, dispersion, nonlinearity, harmonics, dual pickups, and more. Almost all string parameters may be modulated in real-time, for unsurpassed creative and expressive control.
String Excitation: Three independent excitation sources can be used simultaneously: Pluck, Noise, and PCM. 16 preset “pluck” types, with modulatable width and randomization. Noise generator with saturation and dedicated lowpass filter.
PCM Oscillator: Korg’s ultra-low-aliasing technology, as introduced in the HD-1. 4 velocity zones per oscillator. Uses any mono ROM, EXs, or RAM multisamples. PCM can either be used as an excitation signal, or layered with the output of the string.
Excitation Filter: Dedicated 2-pole multimode filter for shaping the string excitation. Filter can be enabled/disabled separately for each excitation source. Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Band Reject modes.
Audio Input and Feedback: Run real-time audio through the string, including feedback through effects. Modeled feedback includes modulatable instrument-to-amp distance and orientation.
Filters: Dual multi-mode filters per voice; Single, Serial, Parallel (with split stereo output), and 24dB (4-pole) configurations. Low Pass, High Pass, and Band Reject modes.
Multi Filter mode (Filter A only): Modulatable mix of Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects.
Modulation: 5 Envelopes, 4 per-voice LFOs, 2 Key Track generators, String Tracking generators, 4 AMS Mixers.
CX-3 Tonewheel Organ:
Tonewheel Organ Modeling: A further evolution of Korg’s acclaimed CX-3. Phase-synchronous tonewheels (clean and vintage modes), percussion, key click, wheel brake.
EX Mode: Four additional, user-specified drawbars, and expanded percussion.
Internal Effects: Rotary speaker, vibrato/chorus, amp modeling with overdrive, 3-band EQ
Drawbar Control: Controlled via nine front-panel sliders (via Tone Adjust).
Split: Upper, Lower (even in EX mode)
Modulation: Two AMS mixers
MS-20EX (Optional):
CMT Modeling: Uses Korg’s CMT modeling, reproducing not only the sound but also the character and response curve of each parameter in a way that is completely faithful to the original model.
Oscillators: Ultra-low-aliasing oscillators; VCO1, VCO2, Ring Mod, Pink and White Noise Generator
Audio Input: Run real-time audio through the synthesis engine and External Signal Processor
Filters: 12dB/octave High Pass and Low Pass self-resonant filters. ESP section: 24dB/octave Low Cut and High Cut filters, available per voice.
Patch Panel: Patchable audio and modulation, at audio rates.
New features, compared to the original MS-20: New patch points: VCO1 & 2 outputs, HPF input, LPF input and output, VCA input, EXi Audio Input, BPF input, Mixers 1 &2 inputs and outputs. Dual 2-in, 1-out mixers for scaling and merging audio and/or modulation signals, fully modulatable, with phase inversion. Patch “mults:” connect one output to many inputs.
ESP (External Signal Processor): Use incoming audio as a trigger and/or CV source.
Modulation: Original DAR and HADSR EGs 1 & 2, original MG (updated with MIDI sync), Sample-and-Hold, MVCA. 4 additional multi-stage Envelopes, 4 additional per-voice LFOs, and 4 AMS Mixers.
PolysixEX (Optional):
CMT Modeling: Uses Korg’s CMT modeling, reproducing not only the sound but also the character and response curve of each parameter in a way that is completely faithful to the original model.
Oscillators: VCO: Saw, Pulse, PWM. Sub Oscillator: Off, 1 octave below, 2 octaves below
Filter: 24dB/octave Low Pass self-resonant filter.
Effects: Integrated Polysix Chorus, Phase, and Ensemble.
Arpeggiator: Integrated MIDI-synced arpeggiator, with adjustable Range, Mode, and Latch.
Modulation: Original ADSR EG and MG (updated with MIDI sync). 2 additional multi-stage Envelopes, 2 additional per-voice LFOs, and 4 AMS Mixers.
MOD-7 (Optional):
Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer: Combines Variable Phase Modulation (VPM), waveshaping ring modulation, PCM sample playback, and subtractive synthesis.
Oscillators:
6 VPM/Waveshaper/Ring Modulation Oscillators: Phase and modulatable pitch per oscillator. 101 Waveshaper tables, plus modulatable Drive and Offset. Use as oscillators, or as Waveshapers or Ring Modulators for other signals.
PCM Oscillator: Korg’s ultra-low-aliasing technology, as introduced in the HD-1. 4 velocity zones per oscillator. Uses any mono ROM, EXs, or RAM multisamples. PCM can be used as an FM modulator and/or layered with the VPM Oscillators. Noise generator with saturation and dedicated low pass filter.
Audio input: Run real-time audio through the VPM Oscillators and filters.
Filters: Dual multi-mode filters per voice. Parallel and 24 dB (4-Pole) configurations. Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Band Reject modes.
Multi Filter mode (Filter A only): Modulatable mix of Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects.
Patch Panel: Supports both algorithm (78 types) selection and free patching. Three 2-in, 1-out mixers for scaling and merging audio, fully modulatable, with phase inversion. Main 6-input stereo mixer, with modulatable pan and volume, plus phase inversion.
Modulation: 10 Envelopes, 4 per-voice LFOs, 9 Key Tracking generators, Per-voice Step Sequencer, 4 standard AMS Mixers plus 4 simple AMS Mixers.
Combinations:
16 Timbres, Master Keyboard functionality: Keyboard and velocity splits, layers, and crossfades of up to 16 Programs and/or external MIDI devices.
Advanced Vector Synthesis: Control Timbre volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope
- Number of Combinations, Programs, and Drum Kits:
- User Combinations: 1,792 Combinations/384 Preload
- User Programs: 1,664 Programs/1,290 Preload
- (650 PCM + 640 EXi)
- User Drum Kits: 152 Drum Kits/40 Preload
- General MIDI 2 Programs: 256 GM2 Programs
- General MIDI 2 Drum Programs: 9 GM2 Drum Programs.
Sampling:
Open Sampling System (Resampling, In-Track Sampling), 16bit/48kHz: Stereo/Mono Sampling:
Sampling Time: RAM: Maximum sampling time depends on the amount of RAM memory (see “PCM RAM). In the case of 500 MB, approximately 93 minutes of monaural or 46 minutes 30 seconds of stereo sampling is possible. DISK: Maximum sampling time to the internal hard disk is approximately 80 minutes per sample file, for either mono or stereo. This will use approximately 440 MB for monaural or 879 MB for stereo.
Number of Samples/Multisamples: 4,000 Samples/1,000 Multisamples (Max. 128 indexes per Multisample). Sample directly from audio CDs (CD-DA). Load AKAI S1000/3000(with advanced Program conversion), KORG format, AIFF, and WAVE sample data. Time Stretch, Time Slice, Crossfade Loop, and other standard editing features.
Effects:
- 12 Insert Effects: In-line processing; stereo in – stereo out.
- 2 Master Effects: Two effects sends; stereo in – stereo out.
- 2 Total Effects: For overall processing on the main outputs, such as compression, limiting, and EQ; stereo in – stereo out.
- 3-Band Track EQ: High, low, and sweepable mid band. Per Program in Program Mode, per Timbre in Combination Mode (16 total), and per Track in Sequencer Mode (32 total).
- 185 Different Effects Types: Any Effect type may be used for Insert, Master, or Total Effects.
- Dynamic Modulation: Real-time control of effects parameters
- Common LFO: Synchronized LFO modulation of multiple effects.
- Effects Control Bus: Stereo side-chaining for compressors, gates, vocoders, etc.
- Effects Presets: Up to 32 per Effect.
KARMA:
KARMA Modules:
One module in Program mode (one control layer);
Four modules in Combination and Sequencer modes (five control layers) independent, programmable real-time control settings for each Module.
Generated Effects (GE):
2,048 presets. 32 real-time parameters per GE.
13 RTC (Real Time Controller) Models provide more consistent control of KARMA parameters
Controllers: ON/OFF, LATCH, CHORD, ASSIGN, MODULE, CONTROL, KARMA REALTIME CONTROL SLIDERS [1] – [8], KARMA SCENE [1] – [8], KARMA SWITCHES [1] – [8], (all other physical controllers can be used as KARMA control sources ); KARMA Waveform Control (change Multisamples via the KARMA engine), GE Sub-Categories, Free Randomize function, Time Signature Control, Tempo synchronization, Auto RTC (Real Time Control) setup.
Sequencer/HDR:
Tracks: 16-track MIDI sequencer + 16-track hard disk recorder + master track.
Number of Songs: 200 songs
Resolution: 1/192 ppq (parts per quarter note)
Tempo: 40.00 – 240.00 (1/100 BPM resolution)
Maximum memory: 400,000 MIDI events or 300,000 audio events
MIDI Tracks:
- 16 tracks plus the master track
- 150 preset/100 user patterns (per song)
- 16 preset/16 user template songs,
- Format: Korg (OASYS) format, SMF formats 0 and 1.
Audio Tracks: 16-track playback, 4-track simultaneous recording; WAV file format. Maximum single-file recording time (mono): 80 minutes
Automation: Volume, Pan, EQ, and Send1/2. 5,000 regions (max.), Event Anchors, BPM Adjust.
RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play and Record): 1 Pattern set per song.
Controllers:
Performance Controllers: Vector joystick, joystick, ribbon controller, switches 1 & 2.
Pads 1-8: Velocity-sensitive drum pads and chord triggers.
CONTROL ASSIGN Switches: Assigns the Control Surface to TIMBRE/TRACK, AUDIO, EXTERNAL, R.TIME KNOBS/KARMA, or TONE ADJUST.
MIXER KNOBS Switch:
- Assigns the Mixer Knobs to either CHANNEL STRIP or INDIVIDUAL PAN.
- Knobs 1-8 (with LED value indicators) Channel Strip, Individual Pan, External MIDI, Real-time modulation, Tone Adjust.
- Switches 1-8 (Upper Row) Play/Mute, External MIDI, KARMA Scenes, Tone Adjust.
- Switches 1-8 (Lower Row) Select/Solo, External MIDI, KARMA Switches, Tone Adjust.
- Sliders 1-8 (with LED value indicators) Volume, External MIDI, KARMA Control, Tone Adjust.
- Master Slider (with LED value indicator) Volume, External MIDI, Tone Adjust.
KARMA Controller Section: Switches = ON/OFF, LATCH, CHORD ASSIGN, MODULE CONTROL.
Disk Mode: Load, save, utility, audio CD burning, audio CD playback, data filer function (save/load MIDI System Exclusive data),CDs (UDF format read/write), ISO9660 Level 1.
Display: TouchView graphical user interface, 10.4 inch TFT, 640×480 dots, adjustable angle.
Audio Connections: All inputs and outputs are 24-bit.
Outputs:
- Main Outputs (L/MONO, R): 1/4” Unbalanced; 1.1k Ohm Stereo; 550 Ohm Mono (L/MONO Only)
- Individual 1-8:
- Max. output level: less than +18.5dBu (when load impedance is 100k Ohm)
- Headphones: 1/4” stereo phone jack, output impedance: 33 Ohm max. level: 72mW (when load impedance is 33 Ohm), S/P
- DIF: Optical, 24-bit, IEC60958, EIAJCP-1201, 48kHz or 96kHz
Inputs:
- Audio Inputs 1 and 2: XLR-1/4” phone combi jacks (balanced), MIC/LINE switches, level control knobs, phantom power switches,
- input impedance: 10kOhm
- source impedance: 600Ù
- Nominal levels: +4dBu to – 36.5dBu (LINE, level control knob=min. to max.), -19.5dBu to – 62dBu (MIC, level control knob=min. to max.),
- Maximum levels: +16dBu to – 24.5dBu (LINE, level control knob=min. to max.), -7.5dBu to – 50dBu (MIC, level control knob=min. to max.),
- Audio Inputs 3 and 4: 1/4” phone jacks (unbalanced), input impedance: 10kOhm
- max. level: +16dBu
- source impedance: 600 ohm
- S/P DIF: Optical, 24-bit, IEC60958, EIAJCP-1201, 48kHz or 96kHz
Control Inputs: Damper pedal (half damper supported), assignable switch, assignable pedal
MIDI: In, Out, Thru
USB Interface: Four high-speed USB 2.0 A connectors (for external USB devices)
Disk Drives: 2.5″, 40GB Hard Drive, CD-R/RW
Dimensions:
76-key: 49.84” (W) x 19.06” (D) x 5.31” (H)
1,266 (W) x 484 (D) x 135 (H) mm
88-key: 57.40” (W)x 19.06” (D) x 5.31” (H)
1,458 (W) x 484 (D) x 135 (H) mm
Weight:
76-key: 56.44 lbs / 25.6 kg.
88-key: 70.99 lbs / 32.2 kg.
Included Accessories:
CD-ROM for data restoration, Three-Pronged IECC13 Power Cable
(Model D8B5518003B)
Options:
- LAC-1 Legacy Analog Collection (MS-20EX & PolysixEX)
- MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer
- EXs-3 Brass and Woodwinds
- XVP-10 Expression/Volume Pedal
- EXP-2 Foot Controller
- DS-1H Damper Pedal
- PS-1 Foot Switch
- KARMA OASYS Software (available separately from www.karma-lab.com)