Mikrosynth: Discover the Legendary Sound of the microKorg in Your DAW
The world of virtual instruments is constantly evolving, offering musicians and producers endless possibilities for creativity. Among this variety, plugins that reproduce the sound of classic, cult instruments hold a special place. Such is Mikrosynth by Killapluggies – a plugin that brings the soul and character of the legendary microKorg synthesizer directly into your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
The microKorg, released in 2003, quickly gained the status of one of the most popular and influential synthesizers of our time. Its unique virtual-analog sound, compact form factor, and built-in vocoder have made it an indispensable tool for creating music in a wide variety of genres – from electronic and hip-hop to pop and indie rock. Now, thanks to Mikrosynth, this iconic sound becomes even more accessible.
What is Mikrosynth?
Mikrosynth is an emulation of the microKorg in VST plugin format. This means that it is designed to reproduce as accurately as possible the architecture, functionality, and, most importantly, the signature sound of the original hardware synthesizer. Instead of searching for a vintage instrument or being limited by hardware capabilities, you get access to the entire palette of microKorg sounds directly on your computer.
The developer, Killapluggies, set out to transfer the entire essence of the microKorg into a software format, giving users the ability to integrate this classic sound into modern workflows. This is the ideal solution for those who appreciate the warm, characteristic virtual-analog sound but prefer to work in a software environment.
Features and Capabilities (Based on microKorg emulation)
Although the detailed list of features of the Mikrosynth plugin itself may differ from the original, the microKorg emulation usually includes the reproduction of the key elements that shape its sound:
- Two Oscillators: The ability to mix different waveforms (sawtooth, square, sine, triangle) to create complex timbres. The emulation should reproduce the characteristic features of the microKorg oscillators.
- Filters: Various filter types (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass) with resonance, allowing you to shape the timbre and add a characteristic “fat” sound.
- Envelopes: Control over the change in volume (ADSR) and other parameters over time to create dynamic sounds – from sharp percussive hits to smooth pads.
- Low-Frequency Oscillators (LFO): Using LFOs to modulate various parameters (pitch, filter, volume) and create vibrato, tremolo, wah-wah, and other effects.
- Virtual Routing: The ability to flexibly connect different synthesis blocks to create unique sound structures.
- Vocoder: One of the most distinctive features of the microKorg, which allows you to process a voice or other external signal to create robotic or singing sounds. Quality emulation should include vocoder functionality.
- Effects: The original microKorg has an effects section. Emulation likely includes the reproduction of some classic effects, such as chorus, flanger, delay, and reverb.
- Arpeggiator/Sequencer: Emulations often include the functionality of an arpeggiator or step sequencer to create rhythmic patterns and melodies.
The goal of Mikrosynth is to provide you with the same tools and flexibility of synthesis as the original, but in a convenient plugin format.
Who is this plugin for?
- Producers and beatmakers: For adding classic synthesizer sounds (basses, leads, pads, effects) to tracks of various genres.
- Musicians: As a convenient source of microKorg sounds for studio work or even live performances with a laptop.
- Sound engineers: For experiments with sound design, especially with the use of the vocoder function.
- microKorg enthusiasts: As a way to get your favorite sound without having to buy or maintain hardware, or as an additional sound source in your DAW.
- Those looking for a high-quality virtual-analog synthesizer: Mikrosynth offers access to a time-tested sound through a simple VST interface.
Technical Details
Currently, the Mikrosynth plugin from Killapluggies is available in VST format and is compatible with Windows operating systems (32-bit). Make sure your DAW supports this format and bit depth for the plugin to work correctly.
Mikrosynth is more than just a software synthesizer. It’s an opportunity to touch the history of electronic music, gain access to the sound that has shaped more than one generation of tracks, and воплощать your own musical ideas, using the character and capabilities of the legendary microKorg, but with all the convenience of modern software. Download Mikrosynth and add this iconic virtual-analog sound to your arsenal!
