Korg King User manual
4015-2 Yanokuchi, Inagi-city, Tokyo 206-0812 Japan
English
Contents
Main Features .............................................................. 5
Sophisticated sound................................................................................5
Intuitive operation..................................................................................5
Controllers and functions that support your playing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Panel description and functions ............................................. 6
Front panel (Joystick/Audio/Tube/FX) ...............................................................6
Front panel (Main Control) ..........................................................................7
Front panel (Oscillator/Filter)........................................................................8
Front panel (AMP/LFO/EG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Rear panel........................................................................................ 10
Making connections and turning on the power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Connections......................................................................................11
Turning the power on/off .........................................................................12
Auto power-off ...................................................................................12
Playing the KingKORG......................................................12
Listening to the demo songs......................................................................12
Selecting and playing a program..................................................................13
Selecting a program ..............................................................................13
Adding variety to the sound ......................................................................14
Editing the sound..........................................................15
How a program is organized ......................................................................15
Basic program editing ............................................................................17
About global settings.............................................................................20
Other functions...................................................................................20
Saving ....................................................................21
Saving your settings .............................................................................. 21
Trouble shooting ..........................................................22
Specifications .............................................................23
Owner’s manual
4
KingKORG Owner’s manual
Thank you for purchasing the Korg KingKORG Synthesizer. To help you get the most out of your new
instrument, please read this manual carefully.
Precautions
Location
Using the unit in the following locations can result in a malfunction.
• In direct sunlight
• Locations of extreme temperature or humidity
• Excessively dusty or dirty locations
• Locations of excessive vibration
• Close to magnetic fields
Power supply
Please connect the designated AC adapter to an AC outlet of the correct
voltage. Do not connect it to an AC outlet of voltage other than that for
which your unit is intended.
Interference with other electrical devices
Radios and televisions placed nearby may experience reception interference.
Operate this unit at a suitable distance from radios and televisions.
Handling
To avoid breakage, do not apply excessive force to the switches or controls.
Care
If the exterior becomes dirty, wipe it with a clean, dry cloth. Do not use
liquid cleaners such as benzene or thinner, or cleaning compounds or
flammable polishes.
Keep this manual
After reading this manual, please keep it for later reference.
Keeping foreign matter out of your equipment
Never set any container with liquid in it near this equipment. If liquid gets
into the equipment, it could cause a breakdown, fire, or electrical shock.
Be careful not to let metal objects get into the equipment. If something does slip
into the equipment, unplug the AC adapter from the wall outlet. Then contact
your nearest Korg dealer or the store where the equipment was purchased.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (for USA)
Responsible Party : KORG USA INC.
Address : 316 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD, MELVILLE, NY
Telephone : 1‐631‐390‐6500
Equipment Type : Synthesizer
Model : KingKORG
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
THE FCC REGULATION WARNING (for USA)
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
If items such as cables are included with this equipment, you must
use those included items.
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the
user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Notice regarding disposal (EU only)
When this “crossed‐out wheeled bin” symbol is displayed on
the product, owner’s manual, battery, or battery package, it
signifies that when you wish to dispose of this product,
manual, package or battery you must do so in an approved
manner. Do not discard this product, manual, package or
battery along with ordinary household waste. Disposing in
the correct manner will prevent harm to human health and
potential damage to the environment. Since the correct method of
disposal will depend on the applicable laws and regulations in your
locality, please contact your local administrative body for details. If
the battery contains heavy metals in excess of the regulated amount, a
chemical symbol is displayed below the “crossed‐out wheeled bin”
symbol on the battery or battery package.
About data
The contents of memory can be lost due to an unexpected malfunction
caused by incorrect operation or some other reason. Be sure that you have
saved important data on other media. Please be aware that Korg will accept
no responsibility for any damages which may result from loss of data.
About the vacuum tube
The lifespan of a vacuum tube is not uniform. If the vacuum tube should
burn out, please contact a Korg service center.
All adjustments and servicing, including replacement of the vacuum tube,
must be performed by a professional.
About the owner’s manual
The documentation for this product consists of the following:
‐ Owner’s manual (what you’re reading)
‐ Parameter guide (you can download it from the Korg website).
http://www.korg.co.jp/English/Distributors/ or http://www.korg.com/
Owner’s manual
This provides a simple explanation of the KingKORG’s main
functionality. Read this first.
Parameter guide
This provides information about all of the KingKORG’s parameters.
Read this guide when you want to find out what specific parameters do.
The parameter guide is structured as follows.
‐ Parameter guide
‐ Effect guide
‐ MIDI guide
You can read the parameter guide on your computer.
Abbreviations for the manuals
OM: Owner’s Manual
PG: Parameter Guide
Display indications
The values of various parameters shown in the manual are only examples;
they might not match what you see on the KingKORG’s display.
Example of notation on the main display page
GLOBAL “g15: Power Off” page
In Global mode, the page name will be displayed on the top of the main
display.
* All product names and company names are the trademarks or regis‐
tered trademarks of their respective owners.
5
Main Features
Sophisticated sound
1. Synthesizer functionality with newly-developed
XMT modeling sound engine
XMT (eXpanded Modeling Technology) is proprietary Korg
technology that allows a wide range of sonic variation to be
created with simple operations. The KingKORG provides an
extremely diverse variety of oscillator algorithms, such as the
sawtooth and square waveforms typically found on an analog
synthesizer, but also including noise and PCM/DWGS.
2.A filter with personality
The filter is one of the most important elements that determine
the character of an analog synthesizer. The KingKORG provides
not only a high‐quality digital filter but also faithful modeling of
the analog filters found on classic synthesizers of the past,
allowing aggressive shaping of the sound.
3.Full-analog vacuum tube driver circuit
In a distillation of Korg’s years of experience and know‐how in
analog circuit design, a full‐analog vacuum tube driver is
provided as a mastering effect. It not only delivers warmth and
loudness, but also a powerful sense of drive.
4.Vocoder
The KingKORG features a vocoder function that can use your
voice input via a microphone to modify the sound of the
oscillator, producing an effect as though the synthesizer were
talking.
5.Virtual patching
Six sets of virtual patching allow control signals such as EG,
LFO, and joystick functions to be virtually connected to sound
parameters such as pitch or cutoff, letting you modulate the
parameters for even greater sound‐creating flexibility.
6.200 built-in programs
The KingKORG contains 200 programs organized into eight
categories such as synth, lead, and bass. You’ll be able to
immediately start playing a broad range of sounds. There’s also
a user area with 100 vacant spaces for you to store your own
original sounds.
Main Features
Intuitive operation
7. Front panel
You can edit sounds intuitively by directly using the knobs and
buttons that are organized into sections on the panel.
The display also provides edit pages that allow you to edit all of
the KingKORG’s parameters.
8.Favorites
There’s a Favorites function that lets you recall your favorite
programs at one touch. You can register a total of 40 programs
in the eight category/favorites buttons and recall them instantly.
Controllers and functions that
support your playing
9.Step arpeggiator
The step arpeggiator automatically generates an arpeggiated
phrase (broken chord) when you hold down a chord on the
keyboard. You can choose from six arpeggio types and specify
the duration and spacing of the notes. You can also turn each
step on/off to enjoy even more variety.
10.Joystick
The KingKORG provides the joystick that’s a favorite feature on
Korg music workstations. By moving the joystick up/down/left/
right you can freely control pitch bend and program parameters.
You can also connect a foot switch and play while holding the
joystick effect.
11.Librarian software
If you connect the KingKORG to your computer via USB, you’ll
be able to use librarian software to manage the KingKORG’s
programs on your computer. The library software can be
downloaded from the Korg website ( http://www.korg.co.jp/
English/Distributors/ or http://www.korg.com/ ) free of charge.
6
KingKORG Owner’s manual
Panel description and functions
Front panel (Joystick/Audio/Tube/FX)
VOLUME knob
This adjusts the volume of the AUDIO OUTPUT
jacks (L/MONO, R) and headphone jack.
MIC LEVEL PEAK LED
This will light up when the input signal from the
mic jack is distorting because of excessive level.
MIC LEVEL knob
This knob adjusts the input level from the mic
jack.
OCTAVE UP/DOWN buttons
These buons shi the pitch range that’s
assigned to the keyboard in one-octave
steps over a range of +/-2 octaves.
(OM: p.14 “Switching octaves”)
Joystick (JS)
The joystick controls pitch and the
depth of modulation (expression).
Moving the joystick in the le/right
direction will control pitch bend,
and moving it in the up/down
direction will control modulation.
You can assign separate types of
modulation to the upward and
downward directions.
Global Effects
(GLOBAL FX)
Master effects
(MASTER FX)
EQ controls
These adjust the high and low
frequency regions of the KingKORG’s
audio output.
HIGH knob
This knob adjusts the tone of the
high-frequency region. By operating
this knob while holding down the
SHIFT/EXIT buon, you can adjust
the HIGH cutoff frequency.
LOW knob
This knob adjusts the tone of the
low-frequency region. By operating
this knob while holding down the
SHIFT/EXIT buon, you can adjust
the LOW cutoff frequency.
TUBE controls
DRIVE knob
This adjusts the amount of drive of
the vacuum tube circuit.
BOOST button
This buon booststhe vacuum
tube distortion.
ON button
This turns the vacuum tube circuit
on/off.
TUBE (vacuum tube)
The vacuum tube may break if it is subject to physical shock.
If the vacuum tube breaks, be sure to have it replaced.
FX type select dials (with push
function)
These dials select the effect types for
PRE FX, MOD FX, and REV/DELAY.
By pressing a dial you can switch the
timbre where the effect will be
applied.
FX control knobs
These knobs adjust the PRE FX,
MOD FX, and REV/DELAY
parameters.
Headphone jack
Here you can connect a set of
headphones equipped with a
mini-plug. This jack will output the
same signals as the AUDIO OUTPUT
jacks (L/MONO, R). Use the VOLUME
knob to adjust the headphone volume.
Timbre LEDs
The LED of the timbre where you’re
applying an effect will light up.
7
Panel description and functions
Front panel (Main Control)
Value dial (with push function)
Use this dial to edit program or parameter
values, or push the dial to execute seings.
Pages where the push function is available
will show a “” symbol in the main display.
PROGRAM (GLOBAL) button
This buon has two functions.
[PROGRAM]
When you want to play programs,
press this buon to select Program
mode. The buon will light, and the
program play screen will appear in
the main display.
[GLOBAL]
When you want to make overall
seings that apply to the entire
KingKORG, hold down the
SHIFT/EXIT buon and press this
buon to select Global mode. The
buon will blink, and the main
display will show the global seing
screen.
FAVORITES button
Use this buon to turn on the Favorites function that makes it easy to select
a sound, or to switch Favorite Sets.
Each time you press this buon, you’ll cycle through A B C D E A….
By pressing this buon while holding down the SHIFT/EXIT buon, you can step
through the banks in the order of E →D →C →B →A →E….
To turn off the Favorites function, press the PROGRAM (GLOBAL) buon.
SHIFT/EXIT button
Use this buon to access the extended
functions (SHIFT) of a knob or buon,
or to return to the program select screen
(EXIT).
WRITE button
Use this buon to save a program or
global seing that you’ve edited, or to
register a desired program as a Favorite.
(OM: p.21 “Saving”)
PAGE +/- buttons
Use these to access the desired edit page.
Use the +/- buons to move between
pages.
Main display
This shows various information such as
program data and parameter values.
Category/Favorites buttons
If the PROGRAM (GLOBAL) buon is lit
up, pressing one of these buons will jump
to the first program in the corresponding
category. If the FAVORITES buon is lit
up, pressing one of these buons will
directly recall a program. You can register
your favorite programs so that they can be
recalled by a single press.
ORIGINAL VALUE LED
This will light up when the value you’re
editing with the front panel knobs and
buons matches the internally saved
value.
TIMBRE A/B select buttons
These buons select the timbre that will be
controlled by the front panel (OSCILLATOR
/FILTER, AMP/LFO/EG). By pressing both
A and B buons simultaneously, you can
select both timbres.
SPLIT (POSITION) button
Use this to turn the Split function on/off,
or to specify the split position.
The Split function will turn on/off each
time you press the buon. You’ll also use
this buon to specify the split position.
(PG: “1. Timbre parameters”)
TEMPO LED
This will blink in time with the tempo.
ARP (TEMPO) button
Use this buon to turn the
arpeggiator on/off, and to set the
tempo. A tap tempo function is also
provided. (OM: p.14 “3. Playing
arpeggios”)
8
KingKORG Owner’s manual
Front panel (Oscillator/Filter)
OSCILLATOR sub display
This shows information about the oscillator
that’s currently selected.
OSCILLATOR TYPE select dial
(with push function)
This selects the oscillator type. By pressing the
dial you can jump to the beginning of the
categories Off, ANALOG, DWGS, PCM, or
MIC IN.
OSCILLATOR select button
Use this to select the oscillator number that
you want to control. The LED of the currently
selected oscillator will light up.
PORTAMENTO button
This is an on/off buon for the portamento effect, which
creates a smooth transition to a note of a different pitch.
OSCILLATOR controls
These knobs edit the parameters of each oscillator.
TUNE (SEMI) knob
This adjusts the amount of detune relative to the basic
pitch. By holding down the SHIFT/EXIT buon and
turning this knob, you can make adjustments in semitone
steps.
CONTROL knob
This adjusts the oscillator’s CONTROL 1 parameter.
The parameter will depend on the oscillator type you’ve
selected. By holding down the SHIFT/EXIT buon and
turning this knob, you can adjust the CONTROL 2
parameter. (PG: “1. Timbre parameters”)
FILTER CUTOFF knob
This knob adjusts the filter cutoff
frequency.
FILTER sub display
This shows information about the
filter that’s currently selected.
FILTER TYPE (-)-select button
This buon allows you to select the filter type.
By holding down the SHIFT/EXIT buon and
pressing this buon, you can step backward
through the choices (05 04 03 02 01...).
FILTER controls
These knobs edit the filter parameters.
RESONANCE knob
This adjusts the amount of filter resonance.
EG INT (KEY TRK) knob
This adjusts the depth that the EG will vary
the cutoff frequency over time.
By holding down the SHIFT/EXIT buon
and turning this knob, you can adjust the
depth that the the cutoff frequency will be
affected by your keyboard playing position
(i.e., high to low notes).
PORTA. TIME knob
This adjusts the portament time.
9
Panel description and functions
Front panel (AMP/LFO/EG)
LFO controls
Use these to edit the LFO parameters.
FREQ knob
This knob adjusts the frequency of the LFO.
INTENSITY knob
This knob adjusts the depth to which the LFO will affect
the filter or pitch.
EG select button
This selects the EG that will be
edited by the EG controls. The
LED of the currently selected
EG will light up.
The LED will blink in
synchronization with the EG’s effect.
LFO select button
This buon selects the LFO that will be edited by the LFO
controls. The LED of the currently selected LFO will light
up. The LED will blink in time with the LFO frequency.
VOCODER button
This turns the vocoder on/off.
This turns the vocoder function
on/off. By pressing this buon while
holding down the SHIFT/EXIT
buon, you can turn Mic Thru on/off.
VELOCITY button
This turns on/off velocity sensitivity
for the EG, which allows the EG
seings to vary according to the
amount of force you use when
playing the keyboard.
EG controls
These adjust the EG parameters.
ATTACK knob
This adjusts the time from note-on (the
moment you play a key) until the aack
level (the maximum value of the envelope)
is reached.
DECAY knob
This adjusts the time from when the aack
level is reached until the sustain level is
reached.
SUSTAIN knob
This adjusts the level where the volume
will be held aer the decay time has elapsed.
RELEASE knob
This adjusts the amount of time from
note-off (the moment you release the key)
until the volume has completely decayed
to silence.
UNISON button
This turns the timbre’s Voice Unison
function on/off.
By pressing this buon while holding
down the SHIFT/EXIT buon, you can
jump to the unison voice seing screen.
AMP LEVEL knob
This adjusts the volume of the timbre.
10
KingKORG Owner’s manual
Rear panel
SWITCH/PEDAL jack
You can connect a pedal switch or foot
controller here.
MIDI IN/OUT connectors
These connectors allow
the KingKORG to exchange
MIDI messages with an
external MIDI device.
USB B connector
This connector allows the KingKORG
to exchange MIDI messages with your
computer.
CV/GATE OUT jack
This outputs a control voltage and gate.
By connecting this to an analog synthesizer
you can control it in various ways.
Mic jack
You can connect a mic here.
Vocoder-type programs use this mic
as the modulator audio.
DAMPER jack
You can connect a damper pedal here.
AUDIO OUTPUT jacks
You can connect powered monitors, a stereo
amp, mixer, or multi-track recorder to these
jacks. If you’ re using a monaural connection,
connect the L/MONO jack.
Power switch
This turns the power on/off.
DC12V jack
Connect the included AC adapter
here. Connect the AC adapter to the
KingKORG before you plug it into
an AC outlet.
Cable hook
To prevent the power cord from being
accidentally pulled out of the DC12V jack,
fasten the cable around this hook.
Note regarding power (the Auto Power-Off function)
This instrument is equipped with an auto power-off function.
The power will turn off automatically if a certain length of time
elapses without any user input. (With the factory seings, the
power will turn off when four hours have elapsed without any
user input.)
To disable this, change the seings of the GLOBAL “g15: Power Off”
page.
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