Korg M1R User manual

Mustc Workstation
MIR
OWNER^S MANUAL
^^^3^ AI Synthesis System

Congratulations and thank youfor 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 asuitable 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 agreater 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 asoft, 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 asafe place.
OWNER'S MANUAL
TheMlR is asophisticated 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 ^
Structure of the MIR -6
AI Synthesis <•-6
Keys &controls 5
Setting Up 1
1
How to Play Combinations 1
1
How to Play Programs 12
How to Operate the Sequencer -14
How to Record with the Sequencer ^4
Sound Making Process 15
Internal Memory Allocation 16
Memory Card Format 16
MODES &FUNCTIONS 17
How to Read the Display Page Chart i7
1-PROGRAM MODE 18
Editing in the Program Mode -18
2-EDIT PROGRAM MODE 20
Structure of the MlR'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 61
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 52
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.)
®(D (D
COMB I100 Bases ingle Pro9rap\
101 E.Bass Level =99
I
(D (7)
D C D()()CUD <>()C
DOWN !iUP
(D (D
COMBI EDIT COMBI
!(
1C
•PROG EDIT PROG
1r
'START/STOP IrREC COMPARE ,[BANK HOLD
:i!i r~)
MIR
IMUSIC WORKSTATION II1
1
(Q) dD (9) (0) ®dD
KORG
(1) PROG/SEQ DATA slot
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.
PCM DATA slot
(2) 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 astereo headphone set. The outputs of
OUTPUT 1/L and 2/R can be monitored.
(5) Display
REAR PANEL
-ACV
(6) MIDI indicator
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.
(8) Cursor keys (A-H)
(9) PAGE +/-keys
(10) UP (A)/DOWN () keys
(11) VALUE Dial
(12) INT key/CARD key
®(D (D
KORG
MODEL MIR
SERIAL NO.
AC 100 y50/60 Hz 13 W
HO cuMttwrtt IS wwjta wHm ma ouisoi j«mn
THRU
(1) MIDI THRU jack
(2) MIDI OUTjack
(3) MIDIINjack
(13) Mode Select keys
COMBI =COMBINATION Mode
EDIT COMBI =EDIT COMBINATION Mode
PROG =PROGRAM Mode
EDIT PROG =EDIT PROGRAM Mode
SEQ =SEQUENCER Mode
GLOBAL =GLOBAL Mode
(14) START/STOP keys
(15) RECkey
(16) Numeric keypad (0-9)
(4) (D
(17) COMPARE key
(18) BANK HOLD key
2/R 1/L
ASS. PEDAUSW OUTPUT
(4) ASS. PEDAL/SW jacks (1,2)
For connection of pedal and footswitches. Assigning parameters
to be controlled by the switches is done in the GLOBAL Mode»
Function F2-1.
(5) OUTPUT jacks (1/L, 2/R, 3, 4)
These are the MlR'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.
45

BASIC OPERATION
STRUCTURE OF THE MIR
4-Channel Digital Audio Signal (internal routing) 4-Channel Audio Output
SYNTHESIZER
SECTION
Maximum of 8Programs
(sound colors), 16 voices
A
B
c
D
EFFECT SECTION 1/L
Dual system stereo effects 2/R
3
4
8-Channel Sequencer Play Data
SEQUENCER SECTION
8tracks
AI SYNTHESIS SYSTEM
The AI (Advanced Integrated) synthesis system of the MlRmakes it possible to combine all various sound types
—from conventional synthesizer sounds to sampled sounds and drum sounds.
For sampled sounds, the large-capacity PCM data memory of 16 bit x2mega-words, far greater than that of
conventional samplers, has been utilized, and acarefully selected group of Multisounds (a sound whose original
wave shape has been multi-sampled^) has been installed.
2
For its synthesizer sounds, not only the D.W.G.S. waveforms ,which are produced by aprocess much the same
as that of an analog synthesizer, but also aperiodic or irregular waveforms created by extraction of harmonically
unrelated frequency components^ are part of the MlR's structure. As aresult, 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 assigned to specific
programs in aconfiguration of 2systems and 2channels through the MlR'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.
^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 amethod to recreate those characteristics by
sampling an instrument repeatedly over arange of many octaves.
^P.W.G.S. (Digital W^vefqrm 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 aharmonic table for them as is
done in additive synthesis.
^Extraction of Harmonically Unrelated fiequenpy Compoi^entg
Separates the aperiodic and harmonically unrelated components characteristic of such sounds as objects being
hit or scraped from the sampled wave shapes.
6

nMULTISOUND-
(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, R)-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
EDIT PROGRAM Mode.
rINSTRUMENT SETTINGS-
DRUM KIT
Assigns drum sounds to the keys.
Example:
©@©
1BASS DRUM 1
2SNARE 1
3HXTOM
4CLOSED HI HAT
5OPEN HI HAT
6CRASH CYMBAL 1
7RIDE CYMBAL 1
8HANDCLAPS
9HI CONGA (MUTED)
10 LO BONGO
11 BASS DRUM 2
12 SNARE 2
13 MID TOM
14 LOTOM
15 CLOSED HI HAT
16 PICCOLO SNARE 1
17 PICCOLO SNARE 2
18 CRASil CYMBAL 2
19 RIDE CYMBAL 2
20 HI CONGA (OPEN)
21 LO CONGA (MUTED)
22 mBONGO
Instrument settings, including pan,
are edited in the GLOBAL Mode.
nPROGRAM MODE
Single
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.)
The EDIT PROGRAM Mode
can be used for making
settings up to this point.
OUTPUT
©El'
Double
OSC1 VDF VDA
0SC2 VDF VDA )
©
®
Drum Kit
Choose from 4different
instrument settings.
The pan setting of the
Drum Kit, which is set
in the GLOBAL Mode,
has priority.
DRMS
VDF VDA r- COMBINATION MODE-
Combination numbers available for
from only 00 to 49 is possible when
Program changes received via MIDI
Combination.
Layer SElit
•The word "Combination" as referred to
in this manual means two or more
programs that have been grouped
together for simultaneous play,
selection are from 00 to 99. (Selection
large sequence allocation is selected.)
in the COMBINATION Mode change the
When Layer or Split are used:
OUTPUT
Timbre
Combination
/ff/ m\\/ffl T!^\\ When Multi is used: OUTPUT
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]Q
®®
7

-SEQUENCER MODE (Song 0to 9)-
When using external sound sources:
OUTPUT
Programs are assigned to each song.
The pan setting can be made for each track.
The effect setting can be made for each song.
1song can be made up of 8tracks
Tracks c^ be created by combining pattems(00 to 99).
PAN
(D The volume difference between the two outputs can be
changed over arange of ratios from 1:9-9:1.
®Sends signals to Cand Dat the same volume.
EFFECT El, E2
When set to parallel operation:
A
B
EFFECT
1
cPAN 3
1^PAN 4
EFFECT
2
1/L
2/R
-3
—4
When set to serial operation:
A
B
C
D
EFFECT
1
EFFECT
2
PAN 3
PAN 4
-1/L
—2/R
—3
—4
Effect 1and Effect2 are set in the effects pages of
each mode.
8

KEYS AND CONTROLS
Numeric Keypad
\05'
;C 1)
i16
i( 1)
'27;
(1)i
38i
(11)
49•
(1
1)
COMPARE BANK HOLD
(11)
BANK HOLD Key
05
(1I)
16
(1I)
27
(1I)
38
(1I)
49
(1I)
COMPARE 8ANK, HOLD
COMPARE Key
2
C
4
(
1
COMPARE
These are used to:
*Select the Combination in the COMBINATION 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 BANK
HOLD key. For example, pressing the BANK HOLD key once after
number 21 has been selected will allow you to select other numbers in
the 20-29 range simply by pressing the number that corresponds to the
ones digit of the desired number; in our example, pressing 3will change
the number to 23, pressing to 7will 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, press 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 restores the edited parameter values. However, data edited
before pressing the COMPARE key will be lost if editing of other
parameters or switching to other modes is done. The COMPARE key
also functions as aMIDI panic button; in other words, when astuck
note occurs in sequencer play or control through MIDI IN, one press of
the COMPARE 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 its parameters are displayed; unlit, the COMPARE key
indicates that the edited sound is displayed.
MODE SELECT Keys
COMBl EDIT COMBl 1
(11)i
PROG EDIT PROG
SEQ GLOBAL
c1 1 ).
The selected mode will be lit.
JSEQ I
START/STOP REC
CZZ] dZD
INT Key and CARD Key
CARD
COMBl EDIT COM81
(1CUD
PROG EDIT PROG
(1[=D
GLOeAL
SEQ
Press the INT key when using the Combination/Program/Song data of
the internal memory of the MIR, Press the CARD key to access the
external (card) data.
9

NOTE: The waveforms of the PCM (Multisound) card are selected in the Oscillator Assign function of the EDIT
PROGRAM Mode and the Drum Kit functions of the GLOBAL Mode. In these exceptions, the INT Key and
CARD Key are not used.
NOTE: Make certain to insert the card straight and firmly into the correct slot.
Cursor Keys and VALUE Dial
IIParameter values can be changed by pressing the cursor key
below the parameter to be edited on the display, then by
A, BCDEFGH©adjusting the VALUE dial. Cursor keys used to access
r
IYp^^"
i
"~""fjfr^^" J\\ ]~
\jVJ different function and parameters will be indicated in
I. Jsquares ( ) throughout the rest of this manual.
UP/DOWN Keys
These are used when finely adjusting the values of parameters that are difficult to set
only by using the VALUE dial or when making fine and detailed alterations in the
sound. Pressing UP increases the value by 1and pressing DOWN decreases the value
by 1.
DOWN TiUP
dZJ [ZZD
*Concerning the UP/DOWN keys:
The cursor will appear under the Combination/Program number at the bottom left of the screen when pressing
the COMBI key or PROG key of the MODE SELECT keys (immediately after selecting the COMBI or PROG
Mode). Pressing the UP key in this condition will advance the Combination or Program number by one and
pressing the DOWN key will decrease it by one.
*The VALUE dial cannot be used here to change the Combination or Program.
*Pressing any of the cursor keys ([a] through [h] )will move the cursor to the performance edit
parameters, and editing can be done by using the UP/DOWN keys and the VALUE dial.
To return the UP/DOWN keys to function as Program up and down after selecting the performance edit mode:
in PROGRAM Mode, press the PROG button; in COMBINATION Mode, press the COMBI button.
In each case, the cursor will return to its position under the Combination or Program number and the UP/DOWN
keys can be used again to increment and decrement the Combination or Program number.
PAGE +/- Keys
PAGE PAGE Each function of the MIR is organized in display pages. These keys allow you to
(I I )access succeeding and preceding display pages by using the PAGE +and PAGE -
keys, respectively.
START/STOP Key
INT CARD
(1
C
COMBI eDIT COMBt
]I—
)
This key is used to start or to stop the sequencer. If you press this key in any
mode other than the SEQUENCER Mode, the MIR will automatically move to
the SEQUENCER Mode and play will start. When the sequencer is playing, the
first beat of the measure is indicated on the key by aflashing red light; other beats
are indicated by aflashing green light.
ISEQ
1
START/STOP REC
REG Key
(1
COMBt EDIT COMBI
This key is used to begin recording when in the SEQ mode. The lamp remains lit
while the sequencer is running.
ISEQ
I
START/STOP REC
10