Korg iM1 User manual

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Table of Contents
Introduction .......................................... 3
Main Features.......................................... 3
iM1 Modes and Structure....................... 4
Combination (Combi) mode ....................................... 4
Multi mode.................................................................. 5
Program mode ........................................................... 6
SETTINGS mode ....................................................... 7
On-Screen Controls............................... 8
The Browser.........................................14
Available Parameters by Mode..........18
Combination mode............................... 18
Timbre Parameters .................................................. 19
PERFORMANCE page ............................................ 21
MIDI page................................................................. 23
MASTER FX page.................................................... 25
EASY page............................................................... 28
OSC page ................................................................ 31
VDF page................................................................. 36
VDA page................................................................. 39
CONTROL page....................................................... 41
INSERT FX page......................................................44
Multi mode............................................ 47
TIMBRES Parameter................................................48
PERFORMANCE, MIDI page...................................49
MASTER FX page....................................................50
EASY, OSC, VDF, VDA, CONTROL, INSERT FX page
.................................................................................52
Program mode...................................... 53
TIMBRES Parameter................................................54
EASY, OSC, VDF, VDA, CONTROL, INSERT FX page
.................................................................................55
SETTINGS mode.................................... 56
Writing, Saving, and Loading Data ... 59
Writing to internal memory................. 59
Session.....................................................................59
Combinations............................................................60
Programs..................................................................60
Drum Kits..................................................................62
Specifications...................................... 64
Support and service ........................... 65

3
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the iM1 for iPad. To fully enjoy your iM1 software synthesizer, please read this owner’s manual
carefully and keep it handy for future reference. Always use this product only as directed.
Main Features
One of the best-selling synthesizers in history, the Korg M1
defined the Workstation category for years to come. First
introduced in 1988, this enormously successful PCM synthe-
sizer was appreciated for its distinctive sonic character. With
the iM1 for iPad, Korg has resurrected the legendary M1 as
an up-to-date software synthesizer containing all of the orig-
inal sounds, plus all-new sounds and new features as well.
Over 2,700 Preset Sounds
As a workstation, the original M1 contained the vast selec-
tion of sounds needed to create an entire song-without the
need for additional equipment.
The iM1 for iPad contains all of the original sounds of the
M1EX with its expanded internal PCM, plus all of the PCM
data, Program data, and Combination data included in the
19 optional ROM cards, as well as the sound data of the
Korg T1. (Some of this content requires a separate purchase.)
A new "Best Program Card" that collects legendary M1
sounds is also featured. The iM1 for iPad contains all of the
instrument, drum, and synthesizer PCM and Program data
required for today's song-production, providing a stagger-
ing total of more than 2,700 preset sounds.
Easy-to-Use Interface
The iM1 for iPad interface has been designed to ensure max-
imum ease of use. The new Browser feature can quickly
search for sounds by instrument type or tonal character,
finding the right sound instantly-before your inspiration
escapes!
Once the sound has been selected, it can be easily edited and
customized using either the Easy page or the Performance
page.
New Features for Enhanced Performance
The iM1 for iPad adds many new features that were wished-
for by users of the original M1. New to the iM1 are Filter res-
onance, VDA modulation, and compressor effects. The two
effects processors of the original M1 have been replaced by
Two Insert effects for each Timbre (Track) and two Master
effects, providing for richer sound creation. In addition, the
all-new Multi mode allows the iM1 for iPad as to be used as
an eight-part multi-timbral sound module.

Introduction
4
iM1 Modes and Structure
The iM1 for iPad loads the Program data independently for
each mode; Programs within each mode can be edited with-
out affecting the other modes.
Combination (Combi) mode
In this mode, the sound consists of eight Timbres; each Tim-
bre is individually assigned to its own Program..
Each Combination contains the following parameters:
• Individual parameters for each Timbre, such as the output
level, pan, and Insert effect on/off settings.
• MIDI-related parameters for each Timbre.
• Master effect parameters.
• Sound-creation parameters for each Program.
Combinations can be selected from the 32 preset cards and
from the new Combinations (the KLC PRESET card). Combi-
nation that you have tweaked, edited, or created from scratch
can be saved to any of the six User cards. Each User card can
hold 50 Combinations, for a total of 300 User Combinations.
In addition, the iM1 provides four user cards that are saved
in the session, and two library cards that are stored within
iM1 itself.
Program
MFX 1
MFX 2
TIMBRE 1
TIMBRE 8
TIMBRE 2
TIMBRE 3
TIMBRE 4
TIMBRE 5
TIMBRE 6
TIMBRE 7
Program
Program
Program
Program
Program
Program
Program
Master FX

Introduction
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Multi mode
In this mode, the iM1 for iPad can be used as an eight-part
multi-timbral sound module..
Multi mode and Combination mode are structured almost
identically, but have the following differences.
• Default MIDI channel setting for each track (track 1 is chan-
nel 1, track 2 is channel 2, …)
• In Multi mode, the master effects are used as send effects.
The send levels, return levels, and return destinations will
determine how the signal is routed. If you lower the send
levels to 0, the signals from the insert effects will be output
directly, bypassing the master effects. If you raise the send
levels, the direct sound will be mixed with the signals from
the master effects and then output.
Except for the points listed above, Combination mode and
Multi mode have the same structure. You can use Combina-
tion mode as a multi-timbral sound module, or use Multi
mode to create a single sound just like a combination.
Program
MFX 1
MFX 2
Track 1
Track 8
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Track 5
Track 6
Track 7
Program
Program
Program
Program
Program
Program
Program
Master FX Return

Introduction
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Program mode
This mode is used to play and edit individual Programs.
Programs can be selected from the 32 preset cards and from
the new KLC PRESET card and iM1 Special card. Programs
that you have tweaked, edited, or created from scratch can be
saved to any of the six User cards. Each User card can hold 50
Programs, for a total of 300 user Programs.
Each Program uses one of the three oscillator modes: Single,
Double, or Drums.
Single
Single Programs use a single oscillator. The oscillator consists
of the OSC, VDF, VDA, and Insert FX sections.
The multisounds available for use by the oscillator can be
selected from the 16 preset cards.
Double
Double Programs use two oscillators. Each oscillator consists
of the OSC, VDF, and VDA sections. The combined output of
the oscillators is routed to the Insert FX.
Drums
Drum Programs use a Drum Kit as the oscillator. The Drum
Kit oscillator consists of an OSC, VDF, VDA, and the Insert
FX.
On the original M1, the SETTINGS mode was used to edit a
Drum Kit. The iM1 for iPad now allows the Drum Kit param-
eters to be part of the Program.
Insert FX 1
Insert FX 2
Insert FX
OSC 1
Multisound
VDF VDA
Insert FX 1
Insert FX 2
Insert FX
OSC 1
Multisound
VDF VDA
OSC 2
Multisound
VDF VDA
Insert FX 1
Insert FX 2
Insert FX
OSC 1
Drumkit
VDF VDA

Introduction
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Drum Kits can be selected from 21 of the preset cards, and
from the new KLC PRESET card. Drum Kits that you have
tweaked, edited, or created from scratch can be saved to any
of the four User cards (2 User cards; 2 Library cards). Each
User card can hold 20 Drum Kits, for a total of 80 User Drum
Kits.
SETTINGS mode
This mode is used to access and adjust parameters that affect
the entire iM1 for iPad operation, such as Master Tune, Trans-
pose, Global MIDI Channel, MIDI Filter, and User
Scale.(Refer to "SETTINGS mode" on page 56)

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On-Screen Controls
1 2 3 4
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7
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On-Screen Controls
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1. SETTINGS button
Refer to "SETTINGS mode" on page 56
2. INFO button
Pressing the INFO button will display the version number of
the iM1 for iPad, plus additional instructions on how to use
it.
Manual: Displays this Owner's Manual.
FAQ: Displays the KORG App Help Center.
You’ll need an Internet connection in order to view the
operating manual or the KORG App Help Center.
3. FILE button
The FILE button is used to save and load iM1 for iPad file
data, or to import system exclusive data.
Click the FILE button and select an option from the menu
that appears:
(Refer to "Writing to internal memory" on page 59)
4. Combi/Prog Name
This area of the screen displays the name of the currently
selected Program or Combination. To switch to a different
Combination or Program, simply tap the name (Refer to "The
Browser" on page 14).
5. Mode Select switches
Press one of these buttons to select the appropriate mode:
COMBI: Selects Combination mode.
Refer to "Combination mode" on page 18
MULTI: Selects Multi mode.
Refer to "Multi mode" on page 47
PROG: Selects Program mode.
Refer to "Program mode" on page 53
6. Page Select switches
These buttons are used to select the edit pages available in
each mode. The editing area (described below in section 7.)
located below this row of buttons displays the parameters
available in the selected edit page.
TIMBERS: Press this button to display the TIMBRE page.
Refer to "Timbre Parameters" on page 19
PERFORMANCE: Press this button to display the PERFOR-
MANCE page.
Refer to "PERFORMANCE page" on page 21
MIDI: Press this button to display the MIDI page.
Refer to "MIDI page" on page 23
MASTER FX: Press this button to display the MASTER FX
page.
Refer to "MASTER FX page" on page 25
EASY: Press this button to display the EASY edit page.

On-Screen Controls
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Refer to "EASY page" on page 28
OSC: Press this button to display the OSC page.
Refer to "OSC page" on page 31
VDF: Press this button to display the VDF page.
Refer to "VDF page" on page 36
VDA: Press this button to display the VDA page.
Refer to "VDA page" on page 39
CONTROL: Press this button to display the CONTROL page.
Refer to "CONTROL page" on page 41
INSERT FX: Press this button to display the INSERT FX page.
Refer to "INSERT FX page" on page 44
7. Editing area
The items and parameters available for editing in this area
will vary depending on the current Mode and the Page
selected. Tap on a controller or a parameter to select it; now
the value of the selected item can be edited.
Parameters
Tap a value to select it; choose a new value from the popup
menu that appears.
Knobs
Select a knob and drag up or down to adjust the value.
Flick the knob to change the value in single steps.
Value bars, Zone bars
Drag the bar left or right to adjust the value.

On-Screen Controls
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Switches
Tap the value to switch the setting.
Slide switches
Select the switch setting by tapping the appropriate value.
Graphical envelopes
Drag a point to adjust its value.
If multiple points overlap, use the Point Select switch to
choose the point to be edited.
If the oscillator mode is Double, the Point Select switch
function will apply to the EG that is designated by the
EG SELECT setting in the EASY page.
Graphical filters
Drag a point to adjust its value.

On-Screen Controls
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8. Controllers
Use the buttons provided to select either a Keyboard or a
Kaoss pad controller
Keyboard
Tap the keyboard to play notes. Notes are sounded by Tracks
that have the same MIDI channel as the currently selected
Track. Drag across the keyboard to play a glissando. Select
either the full-size keyboard-providing a chromatic scale
(FULL SIZE), or a Gadget keyboard that displays a different
number of keys depending on the scale setting.
FULL SIZE Keyboard Buttons
Pitch Bend wheel: The Bend wheel allows the performer to
momentarily increase or decrease the overall pitch of the iM1.
Modulation wheel: The MG wheel (Modulation Generator)
is often used to add varying amounts of pitch modulation
(Vibrato), but can also be used to control many other modula-
tion parameters in an expressive manner.
OCTAVE -: Shifts the overall pitch of the keyboard down by
one octave.
OCTAVE +: Shifts the overall pitch of the keyboard up by one
octave.
CLOSE: Closes the full size keyboard, and switches to the
Gadget keyboard.
KAOSS PAD: Switches to the Kaosspads.
Gadget Keyboard Buttons
CHORD: When lit, enables the playing of chords.
SCALE: Used to select the scale.
OCTAVE -: Shifts the overall pitch of the keyboard down by
one octave.
OCTAVE +: Shifts the overall pitch of the keyboard up by one
octave.
KEYBOARD: Switches to the full-size keyboard.
KAOSS PAD: Switches to the Kaosspads.
Kaoss pads
In place of the keyboard, the iM1 can instead provide two
Korg Kaoss pads as the control surface. By dragging across
the Kaoss pad surface, you can play sounds and control mul-

On-Screen Controls
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tiple parameters at once-those assigned to the X-axis (hori-
zontal motion) and those assigned to the Y-axis (vertical
motion). Although the two Kaoss pads look nearly identical,
their functions are different. The left-hand pad (Kaoss Pad L)
offers assignable parameters. The right-hand pad (Kaoss Pad
R) is set to control the pitch and the inversion type when
playing chords.
KEYBOARD: Switches to the full-size keyboard.
CLOSE: This button will close the Keyboard or Kaoss Pad
control window.
HOLD: If this is on, the state controlled by the left-hand pad
is maintained even after you release your finger.
KAOSS PAD L: This Kaoss Pad will control the parameters
that have been assigned to the X and Y axes.
Use the MODE button to choose the parameters that will be
controlled.
MODE: These buttons select which parameters will be con-
trolled by Kaoss Pad L
•OSC:Use this button to choose an Oscillator parameter to
be controlled.
•FILTER: Use this button to choose a Filter parameter to be
controlled.
•EFFECTS: Use this button to choose an Effect parameter to
be controlled.
KAOSS PAD R: This Kaoss pad is dedicated to controlling
the note. Dragging along the X-axis changes the pitch based
on the the key and scale that are specified by using the
SCALE button. Dragging along the Y-axis changes the inver-
sion when playing chords. This feature has no effect if the
VOICES parameter is set to Mono.
SCALE: Tap here to specify the musical Key (root note) and
Scale that will determine what notes are when using the
Kaoss pad.
VOICES: Use these buttons to choose the number of notes
being played.
•MONO: Only single notes are played.
•2POLY: Two-note chords are produced; the chord inversion
is controlled by the Y-Axis
•3POLY: Three-note chords are produced; the chord inver-
sion is controlled by the Y-Axis
•4POLY: Four-note chords are produced; the chord inver-
sion is controlled by the Y-Axis.

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The Browser
Search through the gigantic iM1 library of sounds quickly, easily, and effectively. The iM1 for iPad provides an advanced
Browser that makes finding the sound you need-when you need it-a simple task. You can search for a single instrument or
sound character, or search for multiple instruments or sound characters.
Selecting a combination or program
In either mode, simply tap the Program or Combi name to access the Browser screen shown below.
2
3
1
6
54

The Browser
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1. Select tabs
A variety of search functions are available by tapping one of
these tabs.
CARD: Choose this tab to search by card banks.
SEARCH: Choose this tab to search by type of instrument or
sound character.
RANKING: Selecting this tab displays the available sounds
by popularity of use.
WRITE: Choose this tab to save a Combination or Program
that you created.
STORE: Choose this tab to purchase additional sound con-
tent.
CLOSE: Selecting this tab will close the Browser.
2. SOUND CARD DETAIL
Displays the selected card and a list of cards. The contents of
the card you selected by tapping are shown in the sound list.
3. Sound list
This area shows the contents of the selected card, or the com-
binations or programs for which you searched. Double-click a
displayed name to select that sound and close the browser.
When you tap a sound in the list to select it, and then play a
note on the on-screen keyboard or an external MIDI device,
the note is played by the sound that is selected in the browser
and also by any timbres that are assigned the same MIDI
channel as the currently selected timbre (track). If the [SOLO]
button is on, only the sound selected in the list will be heard.
When you're selecting a sound in the browser, you can't
use a connected external MIDI device to edit the sound
(or perform automation or control changes).
4. INSTRUMENTS
If you’ve chosen the SEARCH tab, you can tap one of the but-
tons here to specify the type of instrument you want to find.
5. CHARACTER
If you’ve chosen the SEARCH or RANKING tab, you can tap
one of the buttons here to specify the character of the sound
you want to find.
Items that allow only one selection within each pair:
•BRIGHT⇄DARK
•SPLIT
⇄LAYER (combinations only)
•FAST
⇄SLOW
• SOLO ⇄ENSEMBLE (Programs only)
•FAT⇄SOFT

The Browser
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Items that allow only one selection within each group.
6.ALL CLEAR button
Use this button to clear all of the selected sound characters.
Selecting multisounds, drum sounds, and drum kits
The versatile iM1 Browser can also be used to find multi-
sounds, individual drum sounds, and Drum Kits. Tap the
name shown in the edit area of the EASY page, OSC page etc.,
and the Browser will appear.
This screen shows the Browser when searching for multi-
sounds:
1. SEARCH/CARD Select tabs
There are two search functions available by using these tabs.
SEARCH: Choose this tab to search by type of instrument
CARD: Choose this tab to search by card banks.
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ACOUSTIC DANCE
ELECTRIC POP/ROCK
ETHNIC JAZZ/FUNK
SYNTHESIZED ORCHESTRA
1
2
4
3
5

The Browser
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2. INSTRUMENTS
If you've chosen the SEARCH tab, you can tap one of the but-
tons here to specify the type of instrument you want to find.
You can specify multiple instruments. However, if no further
sounds would be found by clicking another choice, that
instrument type will be grayed-out, and cannot be selected.
3.ALL CLEAR button
Use this button to clear all of the selected instrument types.
4. Sound list
This area displays the multisounds, drum sounds or Drum
Kits that were found by your search. Tap any displayed name
to select that item and close the Browser.
When you select a sound and play it using the on-screen key-
board or an external MIDI device, only the selected multi-
sound showing in the screen will play.
When selecting a sound in the Browser, you cannot use
a connected external MIDI device to edit the sound(or
perform automation or control changes).
5. CLOSE button
Choosing this button will close the Browser.

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Available Parameters by Mode
Combination mode
In this mode you can create a single sound by assigning different programs to up to eight timbres. Click the [COMBI] button to
enter Combination mode.

Available Parameters by Mode
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Timbre Parameters
Here you can select the program used by each timbre, and set
the output level, pan, and output destination of each timbre.
Timbre Select .................................................................................. [1…8]
This selects the current timbre that is available for editing. To
select a timbre, click the timbre number or the bar shown at
either edge of the parameter area.
When you tap the on-screen keyboard or drag the pitch bend
or modulation wheel to operate them, MIDI messages will be
transmitted on the MIDI channel of the timbre you’ve
selected here. If you’re controlling the iM1 for iPad from an
external MIDI device, you won’t hear anything unless the
MIDI channel of your external MIDI device matches the MIDI
channel of the timbre you’ve selected here. The same applies
to the pitch bend wheel and modulation wheel.
The editing area at the right will show the parameters
(selected by the [Timbre Select] switches) of the program
used by this timbre, allowing you to edit them.
TIMBRE ON/OFF ............................................................................ [ON, OFF]
These buttons specify whether each track will produce
sound.
SOLO.............................................................................................[OFF, ON]
Only the Timbre(s) that is soloed will sound. By soloing a
Timbre, you can isolate it for easy editing.
MUTE............................................................................................[OFF, ON]
The mute function is almost an opposite of the Solo function.
Use the mute feature to temporarily silence a particular Tim-
bre(s), without removing it from the Combi.
IFX ...............................................................................................[OFF, ON]
This function turns the Insert effect on or off for the selected
Timbre.
"OFF (dark): The Insert effect section is bypassed.
"ON (lit): The Insert effect section is active.
The IFX is automatically turned on when you select a
Program.
Timbre Select
Timbre ON/OFF

Available Parameters by Mode
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PROGRAM Select........................................................................[BROWSER]
Selects the program used by the timbre. Refer to "The
Browser" on page 14
LEVEL...........................................................................................[00…99]
This knob specifies the output level of each Timbre.
PAN ............................................................................... [L50…C00…R50]
This knob specifies the position in the stereo field (pan) of
each Timbre.
If DRUMS is specified as the oscillator mode ("OSC
MODE" on page 29) in the Program used by this Tim-
bre, the "PAN" field will not appear. Use the "PAN" set-
ting in the DRUM KIT EDIT section ("PAN" on page 34)
of the OSC page to specify the pan of each sound in the
Drum Kit.
OUT ......................................................................................[--, Main, Sub]
Use this parameter to choose the output.