Welcome, Managing the XPanded Samples

Welcome!

By now, you should have successfully loaded OS V2, to derive all the benefits of M3 XPanded. Just remember to run the Update procedure twice in a row (The first time grants permission to revise the PCM ROM, the second time re-writes the sound data.).

Managing the XPanded Samples

The M3 has an additional tab in MEDIA Mode for easy sample management. Press the EX-USB PCM tab. Without the EXB-M256 sample expansion ram option, you can choose to Auto-Load any one of these banks on power-up (with a USB device the files attached.) With the EXB-M256option installed (available from the KorgUSA Online Store), you can select all the banks for AutoLoad, and still have a boatload of sampling RAM available for your own sampling projects.

This screen also allows you to easily unload a previously loaded EX bank and choose to load a different one. Simply touch the name of one whose Status says “Loaded” on a blue background, and press the red Unload box. Press OK when asked “Are you sure?” The Unload process is instantaneous.

To load a different EX bank whose Status says “Unloaded” on a green background, select it by pressing its name and pressing the red Load box. Press OK when asked “Are you sure?” The Load process may take about 20 seconds.

Note: www.korg.com/m3 also has a download called EXPCM04 available, which is the original V1 piano; for this you’ll also need the accompanying PCG file, which will load its associated Programs in Program Bank U-G.

Playing the EX Sounds

Note: Be sure to power-on the M3 while the USB stick (containing the EX samples) is attached!

Now check out that piano! Select Program I-A-000, Stereo Grand 4-Way 1 EX3. Play some upper register broken octaves with the damper pedal down, and revel in the realism of a piano with a sample of the soundboard resonating when the pedal is applied on a grand piano. Performance Tip: Press the MIXER switch under CONTROL ASSIGN and Faders 1 and 2 allow you to control the balance of this ambience vs. the piano tone.

Any Program with EX3 in its name is using this extra detailed piano sample data. For example, I-A-021, Stereo Pro Piano EX3 omits the damper sample, but delivers a big fat piano that cuts in any studio or live application.

The Programs for EX Banks 1 & 2 reside in Program Bank U-E. With EX Bank 1 loaded, check out U-E-002, Vel Doit Trumpet Vib EX1: play a key with soft or medium velocity, then play hard to trigger the “Doit” sample. Don’t miss U-E-008, Vel GlisUp Lgt Flute EX1: hard velocities trigger a gorgeous climbing scale-fragment.

With EX Bank 2 loaded, check out U-E-010, Vib Oboe KeyNois SW1 EX2. Performance Tip: Press the MIXER switch under CONTROL ASSIGN and Faders 1 and 2 allow you to control the balance of oboe tone vs. key click. Don’t miss U-E-013, Velo Doit T.Sax JC EX2. Hard velocities trigger the “Doit’ sample.

With EX Banks 1 and 2 loaded, there are 32 new Combis in Combi Bank U-E, slots 000-031 that must be heard: play the CHORD PADS 1-8 for an extra sonic treat.

There are two new Demo songs to illustrate the power of M3 XPanded’s piano. Simply load the Demo Songs as you’ve always done

(GLOBAL Upper right corner Load Preload/Demo Data All Demo Songs OK OK): “Mighty Edelweiss” and “Greetings from Eldar” occupy the first two song slots; the other demos follow.

M3 specifications

The Korg M3 is a powerful music workstation that has made a significant mark in the world of electronic music production. Launched in 2007, this versatile synthesizer combines sampling, sequencing, and synthesis into one cohesive platform, making it a favourite among musicians and producers alike.

At the core of the Korg M3 is its enhanced version of the HI synthesis engine, featuring a wide range of sound creation capabilities. Users can access over 1,000 factory sounds, which encompass a variety of genres and styles. Furthermore, the M3 allows for extensive customization, enabling users to create and tweak their sounds, thanks to its 16-voice polyphony and extensive modulation options.

One standout feature of the M3 is its unique “M3 RADIAS” synth engine, which adds an extra layer of sonic versatility. This built-in add-on enhances the sound palette significantly by providing virtual analog synthesis, allowing users to craft anything from lush pads to sharp leads. Additionally, with its Karma technology, the M3 enables real-time control over musical phrases, offering musicians a new dimension of creativity in performances and compositions. Karma provides intelligent phrase generation and real-time manipulation, making performance more dynamic and engaging.

Sampling capabilities are also noteworthy in the M3. It offers a robust sampling interface that supports multiple formats, making it easy to integrate external sounds and samples into your compositions. The device includes a large library of high-quality sampled instruments, including pianos, strings, and brass, which can be further manipulated with effects and filters.

The Korg M3 features a high-resolution touch screen that simplifies navigation and parameter adjustment. The interface is designed to be user-friendly, allowing musicians to quickly access settings, edit sounds, and manage projects with ease. Additionally, the workstation has a built-in sequencer, enabling users to record and arrange their music effortlessly.

In terms of connectivity, the M3 is equipped with MIDI I/O, USB connectivity, and audio outputs, ensuring compatibility with various devices and setups. Overall, the Korg M3 is a comprehensive music workstation, ideal for both studio production and live performance, thanks to its powerful features, advanced technologies, and user-centric design. Its combination of sound generation, sampling, and sequencing capabilities makes it an essential tool for modern musicians looking to explore the depths of their creativity.