Korg M1R User manual

Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Korg Music Work Station MIR. Please read this manual
carefully
to obtain optimum performance and help assure long term reliability.
PRECAUTIONS
ENVIRONMENT
Avoid using this unit in environments where it will be exposed to the following conditions :
*Direct sunlight
* High temperature or humidity
* Dust or sand
*Excessive vibration
POWER SUPPLY
Use this unit only with the rated AC voltage. If you intend to use this unit in areas where the voltage is different
from the rated AC voltage, consult your KORG dealer about a suitable voltage transformer unit.
INTERFERENCE WITH OTHER APPLIANCES
This unit uses microprocessor circuitry that may cause interference with nearby radio or TV receivers . If
problems occur, use at a greater distance from the radio or TV.
HANDLE GENTLY
Although this unit is designed and constructed to KORG's high standards, the use of excessive force may cause
damage to its keys and knobs.
CLEANING
Use only a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of this unit. Never use benzene, volatile cleaners or solvents,
polish or cleaning compounds.
WARRANTY PROCEDURE
The product warranty ensures that all repairs conducted within one year from the day of purchase are free of
charge, but if the necessary steps were not taken in filling out the warranty card at the time of purchase, portions
or all of the warranty may be invalid. Make certain to fill out the warranty card completely at the store where
the instrument was purchased and keep the card in a safe place.
OWNER'S MANUAL
The MlRis a sophisticated digital music device with many functions. Therefore, we suggest that you keep this
manual handy at all times, for reference .
1

CONTENTS
Precautions............................................................................................................. ... .................................... .1
Front/Rear Panels..........................................................................................................................................4
BASIC OPERATION..............................................................................................................................................6
Structure of the MIR
AI Synthesis......................... .. ............................................................................. .. ............... .. .... .. .......... ... .....6
Keys &
controls ........................................................................................................................ .. .. .......... .. . .. .9
Setting Up ...................................................................................................................................................
11
How to Play Combinations........................................................... ... .... .. ......... .. .......................................... 11
How to Play Programs . ...... ................. ... .................................................................................................... 12
How to Operate the Sequencer ..................................................................................................................14
How to Record with the Sequencer...........................................................................................................
14
Sound Making Process .............................................................................................................................. 15
Internal Memory Allocation.......................................................................................................................16
Memory Card Format ................................................................................................................................ 16
MODES & FUNCTIONS......................................................................................................................................17
How to Read the Display Page Chart
1
-PROGRAM MODE.............................................................................................................................. 18
Editing in the Program Mode ...............................................................................................................18
2 - EDIT PROGRAM MODE....................................................................................................................20
Structure of the M1 R's Program Parameters...................................................................................... 20
Functions in the Edit Program Mode................................................................................................... 21
Editing in the Edit Program Mode .. .................................... ... ..................... .. . .. ....................................22
3 - EFFECT PARAMETERS .............................
.... ... ............ .. ... .... ..... ... ...................................................36
Effect Placement...................................................................................................................................
.36
Names of the Effect Types and an Outline of their Parameters..........................................................40
Reverb.... .. ................. .. ................................................. .. ............. .. ....................................................40
Early Reflection.............................................................................................................................. 41
Delay................................................................................................................................................ 42
Chorus..............................................................................................................................................43
Flanger...............................
.. ............. .. .................... .. ... ...................................... .. ............................ 44
Phase Shift....................................................................................................................................... 45
Tremolo ..........
.. ....................... ... .. .............................................................. ... .. .... .. .......... .. .. .. ...... .... 46
Equalizer .....
.. ............. .. .. ... .............................................................................................................. 47
Overdrive......................................................................................................................................... 48
Exciter
.. ... ......... .. ........................................... .. .. . .. ....... ...... ................ ... .. .... .. ...................... .. ......... .. 49
Ensemble ......................................................................................................................................... 49
Rotary Speaker.........
... ...................... ... ................................ ... .. .. .......... .. ........................................ 50
Combination Type Effects......................................... .. ... ................................................................50
Effect Parameters Default Values Chart ...................................... .. . .. ............................. ... .. ................ 56
4 - COMBINATION MODE .. .. .. .. ............ ... ......... .. .............................. .. ................................................ .... 58
Editing in the Combination Mode........................................................................................................58
5 - EDIT COMBINATION MODE
Combination Types
61
Common Functions of Each Combination Type .................................................................................62
Single Type Functions ........................
.... . .. .......................... ... ........ .. . .. ................. .. .... .. ... . ... .. .......... .. .. 65
Layer Type Functions ................................................................. .. .... .. ..................... .... .......... ... ....... ... . 66
2

Split Type Functions .......................................................................... .. ....................... .. . .. ......... .. ....... .. 68
Velocity Switch Type Functions................:.....................................
'. ...........:.....................:..............: .. 70
Multi Type Functions....................... ... ........ .. ... ... ........ .. .......................... .. ........................................ ... 72
6 - SEQUENCER MODE.........
.. ................................................. .. .... .. .. ............................................... .. ... 79
Structure of Songs ................................................................................................................................ 79
Structure of Patterns ............................................................................................................................ 80
Editing Sequencer Data ........................................................................................................................80
Functions of Sequencer Mode.......................................................................... .. ........ .. ... .. ................... 81
Play ....................................................................... .. .........................................................................82
Starting Play from Midway Point of Song . .. ................................................................................. .82
Real Time Recording ...................................................................................................................... 83
Punch In Recording . .. ..................................................................................................................... 83
Multi Channel Recording................................................................................................................ 85
Step Recording................................................................................................................................ 88
Song Initialize....................................................................................... .. ........................................ 91
Track Copy...................................................................................................................................... 93
Track Bounce.................................................................................................................................. 93
Track Erase...................... ... .. ...... ... ............................................... ...... ...... .. ... .. .... .. .......................... 94
Put/Copy Pattern............................................................................................................................. 94
Measure Copy .
.. ... .......... .. ....................................................................................................... .. ...... 95
Measure Insert................................................................................................................................. 96
Measure Delete 96
Measure Erase.............
.. ... ................ .. ................... .. ..... .. ....... .. .... .. .... .. ............................ ... ....... .. .. .. 97
Quantize ......................................................................................................................................... 98
Pattern Real Time Recording ...................................................... .. . .. . .. ...... .. ...................................99
Pattern Step Recording ... .. .............................................................................................................100
Get Pattern........................................... .. .......... .... ......... .. ............................................................... 101
Pattern Copy............................................................. .. ............................................... .. .................. 102
Pattern Bounce......
.. ...................................................................................................................... 102
Editing Event ...................................................... .. .. .................................. .. .. ... ..... .. ...................... 103
7 - GLOBAL MODE .............................................................. .. ..................... .. .............. .. .. .. .................. .. 110
Functions in the Global Mode............................................................................................................110
MIDI SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE............................................................................................................................122
ERROR MESSAGES..........................................................................................................................................132
SPECIFICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.................................................................134
Specifications...................................................................................................................................... 134
MIDI Implementation ..................................................................................
.. .......... .. ........................ 135
3

FRONT/REAR PANELS
[FRONT PANEL[
(See the KEYS AND CONTROLS section, p.9 for explanations on each key and control.)
(1) PROG/SEQ DATA slot
CD
®
r:--------- r -- .. ___ _
1PROG/SEQ DATA: 1PCM DATA :
: n..::n:
: :: ..... :
I .I I
I
I
,,
''LJ
'---------J ~ - - - - J
®
-----~-- - 1
!~AOS~ER .voL~M .. !
I I
I• .I
I I
:. . . . :
I 0 10 :
L---------
iPHONEs-
,
l@
'----- --
@
®
r-----------------------------------------------------------,
I I
: COMBI 100 8aseSin9le Pro9ra~ I:
: I 01 E. 8 .; :i:=.::;. Le•. ..ie l ='39
I - I
~-I _______ _! _______I_______ _! ___ ----~- _____ _! ______ _! ____ --~- _____ 1_ j
.-- - ---------- ---- ------------ --------- --------
1 A B C D E F G
:~
L------
~~~~~~~
[";AGE--_- -;--PAGE-~
lc;;;!_~J
@ ®
~-oOWN _f _; _ ---u;-1
:c:=J~:
..._ ______________ ...
®
(6) MIDI indicator
Only cards that are stored or will be stored with Program (sound
color) and sequencer data should be inserted here. Remember that
the PCM (Multisound) data card should be inserted in the PCM
data slot on the front panel.
This lights
up when MIDI signals are being received.
(7) CONTRAST dial
This controls the brightness of the display on the front panel.
Turning the dial clockwise darkens the characters on the display
and turning it counterclockwise lightens them.
(2) PCM DATA slot
Only cards that are stored with PCM (Multisound) data should be
inserted here. Do not insert the Program/sequence data cards here.
(3) MASTER VOLUME
(4) PHONES jack
For connection of a stereo headphone set. The outputs of
OUTPUT l/L and 2/R can be monitored.
(5) Display
[REAR -PANEL]
-ACY
D
(8) Cursor keys (A-H)
(9)
PAGE+ I -keys
(10) UP (.&)/DOWN (T) keys
(11) VALUE Dial
(12) INT key/CARD key
KORli
MODEL M1A
SERIAL NO .
[ AC 1go,y
5
s~;,sgJ~; 13 wJ
NO GUA fWITEEISAPPL IE OW!iENUSED OOTSIOEJAPA~
4
(1) MIDI THRU jack
(2) MIDI OUT
jack
(3) MIDI IN jack
CD ® ®
THRU
OUT
IN
'--MIDI----'

® (j)
r -,,--- --,
1MIDll 1CONTRAST1
I It I
I 11 • • • I
I l/•o·•
r O 11 • ·:
L __ J I 0 0 I
L-~--·- .J
VALUE
...
0
..
.
. .
' .
' .
. .
.
r------- ------,
l I NT CARD :
I <==J c::=2'
~ ==-=-====::.---------~
1 COMBI
EDIT COMBI :
:<==J c=J:
I I
I PROG EDIT PROG I
:<==Jc=]:
: SEQ GLOBAL :
l<==J ~:
t_ ____________ .J
--'---- _:e~~-,
I START/STOP : I REC I
:<==]::~:
L.; __ --~'--- ---'
~--------------,
: Q 5 I
i<==J c=J:
: l 6 :
:<==] c=J:
: 2 7 :
1<==J c=]:
I J 8 :
i<==J c=J:
: 4 9 :
:<==J c=J:
f ~~~~R~.:-~:~-~~-;o~c=:
:<==J:~c=::):
·--- __ 11 ___ --~
MIR
IMUSIC WORKSTATION [I] I
POWER
OWN
--~--·
KORG
(13) Mode Select keys
COMB!= COMBINATION Mode
EDIT COMB! = EDIT COMBINATION Mode
PROG = PROGRAM Mode
EDIT PROG =EDIT PROGRAM Mode
SEQ =SEQUENCER Mode
GLOBAL= GLOBAL Mode
(14) START/STOP keys
(15) REC key
(16) Numeric keypad (0-9)
© @
2 4 3
2/R
l/L
ASS. PEDAL/SW
L___ OUTPUT ----'
(4) ASS. PEDAL/SW jacks (1,2)
For connection of pedal and footswitches. Assigninglarameters
to be controlled by the switches is done in the GLOB L Mode,
Function F 2-1.
(5) OUTPUT jacks (1/L, 2/R, 3, 4)
These are the Ml R's voice output jacks. The assignment of
voices to the desired jacks is done in each of the Effect
Parameters sections of the EDIT PROGRAM, EDIT
COMBINATION and SEQUENCER Modes.
5
(17) COMPARE key
(18) BANK HOLD key

BASIC OPERATION
!STRUCTURE OF THE MIRI
4-Channel Digital Audio Signal (internal routing) 4-Channel Audio Output
SYNTHESIZER A -EFFECT SECTION
SECTION B -Dual system stereo effects
Maximum
of 8 Programs c -
(sound colors), 16 voices D -
t
8-Channel Sequencer Play Data
SEQUENCER SECTION
8tracks
k1 SYNTHESIS SYSTEM J
1/L ..___ -
2/RE-
3 -
4 -
The AI (Advanced integrated) synthesis system of the MIR makes it possible to combine all various sound types
-- from
conventional synthesizer sounds to sampled sounds and drum sounds.
For sampled sounds, the large-capa city PCM data memory of 16 bit x 2 mega-words, far greater than that of
conventional samplers, has been utilized, and a carefully selected group of Multisounds (a sound whose original
wave shape has been multi-sampled
1) has
been installed.
For its synthesizer sounds, not only the D.W.G.S. waveforms2, which are produced by a process much the same
as that of an analog synthesizer, but also aperiodic or irregu lar waveforms created by extraction of harmonically
unrelated frequency components
3
are part of the M lR 's structure .As a result, creation of new and unique sounds
beyond the existing limitations of the conventional synthesizer is possible.
Processing any of the programs or individual sounds with the use of VDFs (Variable Digital Filter) and VDAs
(Variable Digital Amplifier) is, of course, possible . Moreover, different effects can be assi gned to specific
programs in a configuration of 2 systems and 2 channels through theMlR's MDE (Multi Digital Effect) feature
when playing Multisounds. With the use of these functions, total control over all aspects of sound creation,
including effects, is possible.
1 Multi Sampling
The harmonic structure and overtones present in high pitched sounds usually differs from that of low pitched
sounds, even in the same musical instrument. Multi Sampling is a method to recreate those characteristics by
sampling an instrument repeatedly over a range of many octaves.
2 D.W.G.S. (Digital Waveform Generator System) Waveform Data
The instrument sound is reproduced by the following process : Computer analysis determines the frequency
components of the sampled instrument sound and reproduces them by creating a harmonic table for them as is
done in additive synthesis.
3 Extraction
of Harmonically Unrelated Frequency Components
Sep arates the aperiodic and ha rmonically unre lat ed components characteristic of such sounds as objects bein g
hit or scraped from the sampled wave shapes.
6

MUL TISOUND--- - --
(Original Sound Waveforms)
The oscillator (OSC) is selected from
the Multisound (00 to 99).
Multisounds can be selected from
the
PCM card.
See EDIT PROGRAM mode, F0-2
for more details.
An original program can be created
by performing various processes to the
Multisound.
The VDF (Variable Digital Filter)
controls the sound color.
The VDA (Variable Digital
Amplifier) controls the sound
volume.
These processes are done in the
EDITPROGRAM Mode.
INSTRUMENT SETTINGS
DRUM KIT
Assigns drum sounds to i.he keys.
Example:
BASS DRUM 1
2 SNARE 1
3 HITOM
4 CLOSED HI HAT
5 OPENHIHAT
6 CRASH CYMBAL 1
7 RIDE CYMBAL 1
8 HANDCLAPS
9 HI CONGA (MUTED)
10 LOBONGO
11 BASS DRUM 2
12 SNARE2
13 MIDTOM
14 LOTOM
15 CLOSEDHIHAT
16 PICCOLO SNARE 1
17 PICCOLO SNARE 2
18 CRASH CYMBAL 2
19 RIDECYMBAL 2
20 HI CONGA (OPEN)
21 LOCONGA(MUTED)
22 HIBONGO
Instrument settings, including pan,
are edited in the GLOBAL Mode.
PROGRAM MODE- - -- --- -- - --------,
The work "Program" as referred to in this manual is synonymous with "sound
color"
or "preset voice" in other synthesizers.
Program numbers available for selection are from 00 to 99. (Selection from
only 00 to 49 is possible when large sequence allocation is selected.)
Single
osc
Double
OSC1
Drum Kit
ORMS
·.
, .
, .
, .
, .
,' .
' .
, .
, .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TheEDIT PROGRAM Mode
can
be used for making
settings up to this point.
OUTPUT
@[E!]
®
©~
©
Choose from 4 different
instrument settings.
The pan setting
of the
Drum Kit, which is set
in the GLOBAL Mode,
has priority.
VDF
.
.
.
.
.
COMBINATION MODE----
•The word "Combination" as referred to
in this manual means two
or more
programs that have been grouped
together for simultaneous play.
Combination numbers available for selection are from 00 to 99. (Selection
from only 00 to 49 is possible when large sequence allocation is selected.)
Program changes received via MIDI in the COMBINATION Mode change the
Combination.
Layer Split
Timbre
Settings for Layer or Split can be made in
the EDIT COMBINATION Mode.
Separate MIDI channels can be assigned
to each Program (or timbre) when Multi
is chosen. In this way, one
MIR Music
Work station can, with the aid
of an
external sequencer, output eight different
sound colors at the same time.
When using
theMlR's built-in sequencer,
'Programs can
be assigned to each track of
the sequencer without having to create a
Combination.
7
When Layer or Split are used:
OUTPUT
@[E!]
®
©~
©
When Multi is used: OUTPUT
~
©~
®
©~
@

SEQUENCER MODE (Song 0 to 9)---
When using external sound sources:
1tr )'>
2tr
JJ
3tr
C>
4tr
MIDI OUT
5tr
6tr w
7tr J
Bir
®
[§2]
®
©
@
~
Programs are assigned to each song.
The pan setting can be madefor each track.
The effect setting can
be made for each song.
1 song can
be made up of 8 tracks
OUTPUT
Tracks c~ be created by combining pattems(OO to 99).
PAN~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CD
-~--
A A:B B
+@ ..,,,..@ @
®~®+®
© © ©
@ @ @
c D
@ @
® ® ®
•© ..r .... © ©
@~@•@
L @
<D The volume difference between the two outputs can be
changed overa range
of ratios from 1:9 -9: 1.
® Sends signals to C and D at the same volume.
8
--EFFECT El, E2------------,
When set to parallel operation:
A
EFFECT
B
EFFECT
2
c ... t IT ...
D ... t ...
When set to serial operation:
A
B
c
D
EFFECT
EFFECT
2
1/L
2/R
3
4
1/L
2/R
3
4
Effect 1 and Effect2 are set in the effects pages of
each mode.

IKEYS AND CONTROLS!
Numeric Keypad
,-6---- --- -- --- - -5- ~
! c::=::J ~ !
: l 6 i
i c::=::J ~ i
: 2 7 :
i c::=::J ~ !
: 3 8 :
i c::=::J ~ i
: 4 9 :
!c::=::J ~ !
__ __ _ _ , __ __ ___ ________ J
C OMPARE BANK HotD
c::=::J ~
BANK HOLD Key
0 5
c::=::J C:=J
l 6
c::=::J C:=J
2 7
c::=::J C:=J
3 8
c::=::J C:=J
4 9
c::=::J C:=J
CO MPARE BANK HOLD
c::=::J ~
COMPARE Key
0 5
c::=::J ~
l 6
c::=::J ~
2 7
c::=::J ~
3 8
c::=::J ~
4 9
c::=::J ~
CO MPAR E BANK HOLD
~~
MODE SELECT Keys
INT CARD
c::=::J ~
r-co Msl --- -e o,r COMB1-;
ic::=::J ~ :
: PRO G ED IT PROG i
ic::=::J ~!
: SEQ G LOBA L :
~c_ ______ _ !__ ~ j
r-- sea ----,
STA RT/STOP RE C
c::=::J ~
INT Key and CARD Key
IN T C ARD
[ ( _ ~:: : . ·: _ 1 j _ ~:::::: ) ]
CO MBI ED IT COMBI
c::=::J c=:>
PR OG ED IT PR OG
c::=::J c=:>
SEQ GLOBAL
c::=::J c=:>
r-- sea--,
S TART/ S TOP REC
c::=::J ~
These are used to:
Select the Combination in the COMBINATIO N Mode.
*
Select functions in other modes.
The tens digit of the program or combination number can be "held "
while changing program or combination numbers by using the BA NK
HOLD ke y. For example , p ressi ng the BANK HOLD key once aft er
numb er 21 has been selected will allow you to select other numb ers in
the 20 -29 range simply by pressing the number that corresponds to the
ones
digit of the desired number ; in our example , pressing 3 will change
the number to 23, pressing to 7 will change it to 27, and so on. The
BANK HOLD key will be lit when the Bank Hold function is on. To
turn the function off, pres s the BANK HOLD key once more .
This key temporarily returns the Program or Combination which is
being edited in the EDIT COMBINATION or EDIT PROGRAM Mode
to the setting that existed before editing . Pressing the COMPARE key
again restore s the edited parameter values. However, data edited
before pres sing the COMPARE key will be lost if editing of other
parameter s or s witching to other modes is don e. The COMPAR E key
also functions as a MIDI panic button; in other words, when a s tuck
note occurs in sequencer play or control through MIDI IN, one press of
the COMP ARE key will turn the note off. (This can be used in any of
the modes.) When the COMPARE key is lit , the original sound can be
heard and it s parameters are dis played ; unlit , the COMPARE key
indicates that the edited sound is display ed .
The selected mode will be lit.
Press the INT key when u sing the Combination / Program /S ong data of
the
internal memory of the MIR . Press the CARD key to access the
ext
erna l (card) data.
9