Korg iS40 uide

The Backing Sequencer

When you select Backing Sequence mode, you can record or play back a song created from Arrangements, and even add 8 extra tracks! The main tracks of a backing sequence are: the Keyboard track, Control track, and Chord track. The Keyboard track records whatever is played freely on the keyboard, or can be left empty for live playing. The Control track records your button selections on the front panel (e.g. Fill 1, Bass Inversion, etc.), and the Chord track records the sequence of chords you play. All of this data can be freely edited. The 8 extra tracks allow you to record additional parts to the Backing Sequence.

Programs and Effects

There are 384 Programs in the iS40’s internal memory, organized into six banks of 64 programs each (A,B,C,D,E,F-USER), plus a DRUM bank which contains 16 drum programs. Any of the programs or drum kits can be edited and stored in the available USER banks.

The iS40 contains two independent effect processors, with 47 different types of effects selectable for each. These effects can be used in Program, Arrangement, Backing Sequence, and Song Play / Edit modes. The effects themselves use dynamic modulation, so that you can control their intensity in real-time and via foot switch and pedal. This is great for changing Rotary Speaker speed with pedals, After Touch, etc. Each of the backing tracks and programs, as well as the drum sounds have individual Pan and Send levels to the effect groups, and various effect routing setups are available to process the signal flow of the sounds into the effects.

Song Play Mode

This mode allows for playback of Standard MIDI Files (SMF) direct from disk! In addition, you can change programs, volume, pan, effects and effect send levels, and tempo and transpose settings.

Song Edit Mode

In Song Edit mode, you can load a Standard MIDI file, then edit and re-save it as a Standard MIDI file. Both formats 1(16 separate tracks) and 0 (1 multi-channel track) are supported, and the iS40 converts format 1 files to format 0, which is accessed faster in Song Play mode. Song Edit mode also gives you 16 tracks to record a new song, with all

8

Page 7
Image 7
Korg The iS40 manual Backing Sequencer, Programs and Effects, Song Play Mode, Song Edit Mode

The iS40 specifications

The Korg iS40 is an innovative and versatile musical workstation that caters to musicians, composers, and sound designers alike. Combining portability with a robust feature set, the iS40 stands out in the crowded realm of digital instruments. Designed with both beginners and professionals in mind, this instrument offers a wide range of functionalities that facilitate creative expression.

At the heart of the iS40 lies its extensive sound library, boasting over 600 sounds sourced from Korg's renowned engineers. These sounds encompass a diverse array of musical genres, including acoustic and electric pianos, synth leads, strings, and percussions, providing users with a rich tapestry to explore their musical ideas. Additionally, the iS40 features over 200 preset styles, which are designed to accompany various musical genres, allowing users to simply play along with preset rhythms or even create their own.

One of the standout technologies in the iS40 is its advanced PCM sound engine, which delivers high-quality audio playback, ensuring that performances are both dynamic and realistic. The inclusion of the powerful filter and modulation options further enhances the sound design capabilities of the workstation. Musicians can manipulate and shape their sounds with precision, creating customized tones that suit their artistic vision.

The user interface of the iS40 has been designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. The well-organized layout, with a color display and intuitive navigation, allows users to easily browse sounds, styles, and settings. Furthermore, the onboard sequencer supports up to 16 tracks, enabling detailed composition and arrangement of musical ideas, complete with real-time recording and editing features.

Connectivity is another strong point of the iS40. The workstation provides USB connectivity for seamless integration with computers, enabling users to interface with music production software and DAWs. MIDI input and output capabilities also allow the iS40 to function as a controller for external devices, expanding its versatility within the studio or live performance settings.

Battery-powered operation makes the Korg iS40 truly portable, allowing musicians to take their creativity on the go. With a light and compact design, it is an ideal choice for both home studios and outdoor sessions. Whether used for practice, composition, or live performance, the Korg iS40 delivers a powerful blend of features and functionalities that satisfy the needs of any music creator.