I’ve been deeply immersed in the Korg Opsix MKII, and it has quickly established itself as my go-to synthesizer for creating sounds that are both expressive and rich in sonic depth. From the very first play, it became clear that this is not just another digital keyboard; it’s a groundbreaking creative instrument built around Korg's innovative “Altered FM” synthesis engine. This engine offers unmatched flexibility, far surpassing that of traditional FM synths I’ve used in the past.
At its core, the Opsix MKII utilizes six powerful operators to sculpt sound, allowing me to blend and manipulate waveforms in extraordinary ways that transcend classic FM synthesis. With modes like FM, Ring Mod, Filter FM, and Wavefolder, I can effortlessly generate sounds ranging from shimmering bell tones to gritty, aggressive basses—all from the same versatile engine. The enhanced 64-voice polyphony enables me to layer complex chords and rich sounds without worry about notes dropping out, a significant upgrade from its predecessor.
One of my favorite features of the Opsix MKII is its intuitive operator mixer and hands-on layout. Each of the six operators includes its own fader and ratio control conveniently located on the panel, with clear indicator lights that tell me whether I’m adjusting a carrier or a modulator at a glance. This immediacy makes FM synthesis accessible and engaging, breaking down the abstraction often associated with the technique. The large OLED display further enhances the user experience, providing clarity as I edit and tweak sounds.
The 37 velocity- and release-sensitive keys deliver a lively, responsive playing experience, allowing for truly expressive performances, even though there’s no aftertouch. The built-in arpeggiator and versatile 16-step sequencer empower me to generate evolving rhythmic patterns or melodic ideas on the fly, complete with motion sequencing that captures parameter changes across steps.
Sound design doesn’t end with operators. The Opsix MKII also incorporates analog-style filter models, including emulations of legendary Korg circuits like the MS-20 and PolySix, adding warmth and character to the timbre that pure FM synthesis alone can’t deliver. Additionally, with three effect blocks housing around 30 high-definition processors, I can apply effects such as chorus, phaser, delay, reverb, and distortion, all without needing any external gear.
The modulation capabilities are both rich and flexible, featuring three envelope generators and three LFOs, plus an innovative virtual patch system that offers creative routing possibilities akin to modular gear, but without the hassle of patch cables. This instrument is designed for sonic exploration, pushing you to venture beyond simple presets.
Moreover, the randomize button often sparks inspiration when I find myself stuck, scrambling parameters in imaginative ways that lead to unexpected happy accidents and fresh starting points. In summary, the Opsix MKII masterfully combines a powerful FM architecture with intuitive controls and modern features. It feels like a revolutionary leap in synthesis, bridging the gap between deep sound design and real-world playability. Whether I’m crafting intricate pads, thunderous basslines, or adventurous experimental patches, this synth excels not only in its capabilities but also in making the creative process genuinely enjoyable.
**Specifications**
The Korg Opsix MKII is an advanced digital keyboard synthesizer built around Korg’s cutting-edge Altered FM synthesis engine. It features six operators that allow for the seamless blending of FM, ring modulation, filtering, Filter FM, and waveshaping techniques, resulting in an exceptionally wide range of tones. With 37 velocity- and release-sensitive keys, it’s designed to respond beautifully to expressive playing. The engine supports an impressive 64 voices of polyphony, ensuring that even the most complex chords and layered sounds remain full and vibrant without any note dropouts. The unit includes a 16-step motion sequencer capable of recording up to six notes per step, complete with motion lanes for parameter changes, along with a highly versatile built-in arpeggiator. For deep modulation, you get three envelope generators and three LFOs, alongside a large OLED display and an intuitive operator mixer with faders and knobs for easy control over operator ratios and levels, sparing you from the hassle of navigating through menus. On the effects side, approximately 30 high-definition effects,including chorus, phaser, delay, reverbs, and distortion, are at your disposal to add polish and dimension to your sound. Connectivity options include balanced line outputs, a stereo headphone output, a sustain (damper) pedal input, traditional MIDI In/Out, and USB-B. The synth operates on an included AC adapter. The entire package measures around 565 × 338 × 90 mm and weighs about 2.9 kg, making it an ideal choice for both desktop use and live performance.
**Price (New)**
In the UK, the new retail price for the Opsix MKII keyboard typically hovers around £499 when sourced from major dealers like Thomann or KMR Audio. - Some retailers offer it at similar prices, generally between £489 – £599 before discounts, depending on stock availability and promotional offers.
**Price (Used / Secondhand)**
The market for used or secondhand Opsix MKII units is quite dynamic, varying significantly based on their condition and the seller. Listings on platforms like eBay usually range from £429 – £478 (or comparable) for used or imported models.
E.T.
At its core, the Opsix MKII utilizes six powerful operators to sculpt sound, allowing me to blend and manipulate waveforms in extraordinary ways that transcend classic FM synthesis. With modes like FM, Ring Mod, Filter FM, and Wavefolder, I can effortlessly generate sounds ranging from shimmering bell tones to gritty, aggressive basses—all from the same versatile engine. The enhanced 64-voice polyphony enables me to layer complex chords and rich sounds without worry about notes dropping out, a significant upgrade from its predecessor.
One of my favorite features of the Opsix MKII is its intuitive operator mixer and hands-on layout. Each of the six operators includes its own fader and ratio control conveniently located on the panel, with clear indicator lights that tell me whether I’m adjusting a carrier or a modulator at a glance. This immediacy makes FM synthesis accessible and engaging, breaking down the abstraction often associated with the technique. The large OLED display further enhances the user experience, providing clarity as I edit and tweak sounds.
The 37 velocity- and release-sensitive keys deliver a lively, responsive playing experience, allowing for truly expressive performances, even though there’s no aftertouch. The built-in arpeggiator and versatile 16-step sequencer empower me to generate evolving rhythmic patterns or melodic ideas on the fly, complete with motion sequencing that captures parameter changes across steps.
Sound design doesn’t end with operators. The Opsix MKII also incorporates analog-style filter models, including emulations of legendary Korg circuits like the MS-20 and PolySix, adding warmth and character to the timbre that pure FM synthesis alone can’t deliver. Additionally, with three effect blocks housing around 30 high-definition processors, I can apply effects such as chorus, phaser, delay, reverb, and distortion, all without needing any external gear.
The modulation capabilities are both rich and flexible, featuring three envelope generators and three LFOs, plus an innovative virtual patch system that offers creative routing possibilities akin to modular gear, but without the hassle of patch cables. This instrument is designed for sonic exploration, pushing you to venture beyond simple presets.
Moreover, the randomize button often sparks inspiration when I find myself stuck, scrambling parameters in imaginative ways that lead to unexpected happy accidents and fresh starting points. In summary, the Opsix MKII masterfully combines a powerful FM architecture with intuitive controls and modern features. It feels like a revolutionary leap in synthesis, bridging the gap between deep sound design and real-world playability. Whether I’m crafting intricate pads, thunderous basslines, or adventurous experimental patches, this synth excels not only in its capabilities but also in making the creative process genuinely enjoyable.
**Specifications**
The Korg Opsix MKII is an advanced digital keyboard synthesizer built around Korg’s cutting-edge Altered FM synthesis engine. It features six operators that allow for the seamless blending of FM, ring modulation, filtering, Filter FM, and waveshaping techniques, resulting in an exceptionally wide range of tones. With 37 velocity- and release-sensitive keys, it’s designed to respond beautifully to expressive playing. The engine supports an impressive 64 voices of polyphony, ensuring that even the most complex chords and layered sounds remain full and vibrant without any note dropouts. The unit includes a 16-step motion sequencer capable of recording up to six notes per step, complete with motion lanes for parameter changes, along with a highly versatile built-in arpeggiator. For deep modulation, you get three envelope generators and three LFOs, alongside a large OLED display and an intuitive operator mixer with faders and knobs for easy control over operator ratios and levels, sparing you from the hassle of navigating through menus. On the effects side, approximately 30 high-definition effects,including chorus, phaser, delay, reverbs, and distortion, are at your disposal to add polish and dimension to your sound. Connectivity options include balanced line outputs, a stereo headphone output, a sustain (damper) pedal input, traditional MIDI In/Out, and USB-B. The synth operates on an included AC adapter. The entire package measures around 565 × 338 × 90 mm and weighs about 2.9 kg, making it an ideal choice for both desktop use and live performance.
**Price (New)**
In the UK, the new retail price for the Opsix MKII keyboard typically hovers around £499 when sourced from major dealers like Thomann or KMR Audio. - Some retailers offer it at similar prices, generally between £489 – £599 before discounts, depending on stock availability and promotional offers.
**Price (Used / Secondhand)**
The market for used or secondhand Opsix MKII units is quite dynamic, varying significantly based on their condition and the seller. Listings on platforms like eBay usually range from £429 – £478 (or comparable) for used or imported models.
E.T.
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KHOROS RECORDS LTD