Advanced next-generation analog synthesizer with high performance
With the minilogue XD, KORG aims to offer musicians new to the world of subtractive synthesis an extremely advanced analog synthesizer. This has been made possible by further developing the technology already successfully employed with the minilogue.
The new XD retains the same warm analog sound and extensive panel control options of the original minilogue, but adds a new digital Multi-Engine, effects, a powerful Sequencer, and microtonal functions, further expanding the sound creation possibilities of every musician.
minilogue XD is the new minilogue XD model alongside the original one.
Analog circuitry above the instrument class
minilogue XD builds on the further development of technology originally used on the minilogue, whose authentic analog sound made a huge impact on the world of synthesizers.
With 4 voices of polyphony, the minilogue XD synthesis structure is composed of: 2VCO + MULTI ENGINE, 1VCF, 2EG, 1VCA, and an LFO; to which are added the characteristic circuits of this instrument such as Wave Shaping for modeling the harmonics, Ring & Cross Modulation, Sync between the oscillators, the two-pole filter, the Drive which adds more body to the signal sent to the filters. Each parameter has been carefully tuned base on the requests of established musicians. The timbres obtainable from this instrument range from the warm sounds of Pads, to the typical "fat" and present analog bass sounds, to the always dynamic and penetrating "Lead" solo sounds, covering practically every need of genre and repertoire.
It is of course possible to save your own personal sounds in the instrument, there are 500 memory locations available in total, 200 of which are already preset.
The Digital Multi-Engine
In the synthesis structure, the two traditional analog VCOs are joined by a “Multi-Engine” digital oscillator that significantly increases the programming versatility of minilogue XD. The Multi Engine comes originally with 3 types of sound generator: Noise, VPM and a User Slot, capable of generating sounds different from those of the analog oscillators. The three sources can however be used simultaneously, thus obtaining hybrid sounds with potential still to be explored.
Noise Generator
The Noise Generator provides 4 types of noise essential for percussive sounds or effects. The digital filter can be used to change the color of the noise itself.
VPM oscillator
This oscillator of the Multi-Engine generates sounds for VPM (Variable Phase Modulation)/FM synthesis, with a two-operator structure, 16 types of oscillators directly controllable via the SHAPE knob. It is capable of producing sounds, incisive and metallic with a complex harmonic spectrum, far beyond the possibilities of pure analog subtractive synthesis, but always with a very intuitive programming.
User Oscillators
User Oscillators allows you to load additional types of Custom oscillators, downloadable from the Internet. There are 16 Slots for their placement, while a Morphing Wavetable oscillator is already provided as a Preset.
High quality digital effects
The minilogue XD's high-quality effects are achieved using a powerful dedicated 32-bit floating point DSP, allowing the generation of 3 different types of effects: modulation, reverb and delay that can also be used simultaneously. You can choose from a wide range of Chorus, Ensemble, Delay, and Reverb, which add the finishing touch to each sound. This section also features Slots for loading Custom effects.
User Custom resources with the highest creative potential
minilogue xd features a highly customizable development environment. The unit is equipped with 16 User Oscillator Slots, and 16 User Effects Slots. Custom resources created with the SKD ( Software Development Kit ), as well as user-created sounds, can be loaded and managed via the dedicated Librarian software made by KORG.
What sounds can be created using the subtractive synthesis of traditional analog oscillators combined with digital ones? Each user can create their own original sounds, and thus participate in the dedicated international community. It is possible to start with a Sample Code provided by KORG.
Polyphonic Step Sequencer with 16 control keys
The minilogue XD’s Step Sequencer features 16 steps and supports real-time and step recording. You can use the 16 control buttons to directly select a step, quickly change its pitch or mute, or even improvise. The Motion Sequence function precisely memorizes the movements of four knobs, allowing you to create sounds that evolve over time; not only smooth changes, but also very sudden changes can be precisely recorded on each step. This function can be used to create sounds with a distinctly different timbre for each step, starting from a single program, such as percussion patterns or sound effects of various types. Motion Sequence is a source of immense inspiration in the field of sound design.
Carefully designed user interface
Joystick
Controls Pitch Bend and Modulation, etc. Can also be assigned to control a selectable parameter on the Y-axis
Voice mode
On minilogue XD, 4 different Voice Modes can be selected:
- POLY: minilogue xd operates as a 4-voice polyphonic synthesizer.
- UNISON: works as a synthesizer, with the 4 voices in unison.
- CHORD: Chords can be played for up to 4 voices.
- ARP / LATCH: (ARP) Activates the arpeggiator, which can also be used when the Sequencer is running/(LATCH) activates or deactivates the LATCH function.
There is also a knob that adjusts the depth of the Voice Mode, applying a different effect for each Voice Mode selected.
- POLY: turning the knob to the right switches to DUO mode and accentuates the Detune.
- UNISON: turning the knob to the right accentuates the Detune.
- CHORD: Select Mono or Chord Type.
- ARP / LATCH: (ARP) Selects the arpeggiator type.
Micro-Tuning
minilogue xd features the micro-tonal control function found on monologue, allowing individual adjustment of the pitch of each key. The instrument already has 23 preset tunings, including some created by Aphex Twin and Dorian Concept , and each user can create and store 6 User Scales and 6 User Octaves. You can therefore start by experimenting with the microtonal tunings of famous musicians, and then proceed to create your own.
Oscilloscope and motion visualization
The OLED display is now larger and allows the sound to be viewed as a waveform thanks to the Oscilloscope function. This allows you to view changes to parameters in real time, with visual feedback that is of great help in programming and understanding the various functions. Finally, the Display can also work in “ Slow Motion ” to view the phases of a Motion Sequence.
Complete set of inputs and outputs
Stereo Audio Outputs
The output stage of the instrument is now stereo, both for the audio outputs and for the effects unit, in this way a greater spatiality, depth and a more real positioning in the environment are added to all the sounds of the Synth.
Damper pedal
At the request of many artists and users, the possibility of connecting a Damper Pedal has been added
2 CV IN inputs
There are two CV IN jacks, with voltage levels of -5V- +5V. In addition to CV/Gate, these can also receive modulation signals (such as when moving the joystick up or down), allowing parameter control via external devices.
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