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How to Make Music With Korg Micro

The MicroKorg is a 37-key synthesizer and vocoder. It has four individual, editable voices and can combine any two at a time. The velocity-sensitive keys approximate the action of an acoustic instrument, in that the force you strike them with influences the output volume. The MicroKorg is MIDI enabled, meaning you can use it as a MIDI controller in conjunction with your preferred sequencing or audio production production. The MicroKorg is a versatile, portable studio and live music-making tool.

Things You'll Need

  • USB cable
  • Instrument cable
  • Headphones
  • Powered speakers or
  • Unpowered speakers with amplifier
  • Audio production program
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Instructions

  1. Audio

    • 1

      Set up a monitoring system. The MicroKorg doesn't have an in-built speaker. To hear what you are playing, connect a pair of headphones to the "Headphones" jack, or connect an instrument cable to the "Audio Output" jack and connect the other end to an amplifier.

    • 2

      Turn on the MicroKorg. This opens the user interface display screen that tells you which sound is currently selected.

    • 3

      Select a suitable sound. Use the "Program Select" dial to choose a sound-menu, for example "Electronica" or "Trance." Then select a sound from that menu by scrolling with the arrow buttons.

    • 4

      Adjust the tonal parameters of your chosen sound with the four oscillator dials on the right. These change the various characteristics of the sound, such as "Resonance" and "Release."

    • 5

      Play the keys. The 37-key keyboard functions like a typical piano keyboard. Hit the keys harder for a loud sound and use the expression dials to the left to enhance the notes.

    MIDI

    • 6

      Connect a USB cable to the port on the rear of the MicroKorg. Connect the other end to your computer's USB port. This sets up a MIDI dialog between your computer and the Korg, enabling you to send MIDI commands and record direct to the hard drive.

    • 7

      Open your preferred music-production program, for example Logic or Pro Tools. Double-click the desktop icon.

    • 8

      Select "File." Click "New MIDI Track." MIDI tracks are distinct from audio tracks because they receive data rather than sound. The data tell the computer the length, pitch and velocity of the carrier note. The computer then assigns a sound to that note according to the selected instrument.

    • 9

      Select an instrument from the "Sounds" or "Instruments" menu, for example "Choral Strings." Using your MicroKorg as a MIDI controller allows you access to sounds such as brass ensemble and strings that would otherwise be difficult to create in a home studio.

    • 10

      Press "Record" and play the keys as you would if playing live. Each keystroke will send a data message to the computer, which it will convert into a MIDI note.

Recording Music

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