The Korg opsix Altered FM Synthesizer is a 37-Note Altered FM Synthesizer, with capabilities that go far beyond FM Synthesis and even include other forms of Sound Generation such as Filter FM and Wave Folder. A Multi-Mode Filter with 11x Models includes the Korg classics MS-20 and Polysix. The final touch is added with the Effects Processor, which has 30x cutting-edge Effects ready for refinement or further alienation. The 37-Note Keyboard is Full-Size and Velocity/Release Dynamic, which, in view of the flexible Sound Generation and Modulation possibilities, enables unbridled creative expression. Depending on the Algorithm used, the Instrument has up to 32x Voices.
Tone Generation
The opsix has 5x Modes that cover more than classic FM Synthesis, and is exemplarily represented with 6x Operators and 40x different Algorithms. Other Tone Generation Modes include Ring Modulation, Filter, Filter FM and Wave Folder. The Instrument benefits from a total of 21x Waveforms including Noise, which can be integrated into the Sound Generation Forms as desired. Classic Waveforms such as Saw-Tooth and Square are also included. The elaborately created basic sound is processed by a Digital Multi-Mode Filter that offers no less than 11x different Filter Models, including the Korg classics MS-20 and Polysix. The final touch is given to each of the 500x Sounds in the opsix with the Effects Processor. 30x Effects from the areas of Reverb, Delay, Modulation, Distortion and more can be applied to the point. Don't feel like doing your own sound research today? Let the Randomize Function inspire you: at the touch of a button, it throws a completely new Sound, or refers to individual elements such as Operators, Algorithms or Sequences.
Modulation & Sequencer
In addition to the usual Modulation Sources such as Velocity or the Modulation Wheel, 3x LFOs and 3x Envelopes bring life to the already complex sounds. Anything that is not directly assigned or is to Modulate more than one target can be animated via the Modulation Matrix with 12x additional entries. The Polyphonic Step-Sequencer allows sequences up to 16x Steps long and records up to 6x Controller movements (motion sequence) in the Pattern. A flexibly adjustable Arpeggiator acts as a further playing aid.
Special Features
In the past, complex FM Synthesizers had to get by with a minimum of Controls, but with the Korg opsix, the full range is available. This is very conducive to targeted Sound Construction, and spontaneous changes can be made moment to moment. The Display can also function as a Spectrum Analyser or Oscilloscope. The former displays Levels, Frequency Bands and the Overtone Structure in a simplified way, the Oscilloscope Mode displays the final Waveform visually.
Software for Mac/PC
Korg Collection M1 Le, UVI Digital Synsations, AAS ultra Analog Session, AAS Strum Session, AAS Lounge Lizard Session, Reason Studios Reason lite, iZotope Ozone Elements, Skoove Educational Software
I use it for gigging with a pysch band, alongside a number of other mono synths. It does excellent organ and electric piano sounds and reasonable synth strings and brass. The hands-on control of FM and virtual analogue parameters gives a whole new dimension, though, for weird sounds, and dramatic transitions. The arpegiator and sequencer are also very powerful (though this is obviously not like a DAW). The build quality is good but the Opsix does feel a little light and insubstantial. However, at least that makes it easy to carry around.
I have regretted not buying myself a Yamaha DX7 when I had the chance for nearly forty years. This six-operator FM synthesis machine is the next-best thing, though. If it has indeed been discontinued by Korg (hence the rock-bottom price) it strikes me as a very misguided decision as it's a cracking bit of kit. It does things that the original DX7 could only dream about, and the user interface is vastly superior. I was rather disappointed to discover that it didn't come with a UK mains adaptor, though.