Korg microKORG 2 Vocoder/Synthesizer

General

The original microKORG has been around for a while now and has been popular since the start. It's not too pricey, offers a ton of sound-shaping options, and has been built up around a vocoder. Built on the same principles as before, the second-gen microKORG 2 takes the concept and brings it bang up to date with a large colour display, more modern looks, a new sound engine, and more.

The Korg MicroKORG 2

The new sound engine isn't all that has changed under the hood. The Korg MicroKORG 2 also gives sound-designers more presets, an improved user interface, and a future-proof USB-C port. The presets make it easy to work on specific projects like ambient, dubstep, disco or soul, while the new display doesn't just ease menu navigation, but helps beginners get to grips with the core concept of this plucky Korg synth: the built-in vocoder.

What's a Vocoder?

In case you don't know what a vocoder does, here's what it boils down to. A vocoder takes an input signal (usually from a microphone) and divides it up into frequency bands. Then, envelope followers process the separate bands before band-boosters are applied to generate a second signal. That second signal is usually some type of rich synth pad, which mimics how sound-designers created robotic choirs and talking synthesizers back in the old days. These days, you're obviously not limited to voices and synth pads — you can work with any sound source and target sound you want.