Korg opsix SE & SE Platinum, two new high-end versions of its innovative Altered FM Synthesizer with 80 voices, aftertouch keybed, and more
One of the most innovative synthesizers of the last two years is the Korg opsix FM Synthesizer. Korg has created an FM synth that brings FM forward to the modern age and also makes it more accessible than its predecessors (Yamaha DX-7…).
Last week Korg raised the wavestate wave sequencing Synthesizer to the SE level. That they didn’t stop there was obvious. The next to get the SE treatment is the opsix, also in two new versions: opsix SE and SE Platinum.
What Is opsix?
Innovative is a term that companies like to use in their marketing texts. There is often more innovation in the text than in the product itself. The opsix is, however, innovative in many places.
Starting with the operation. Through clever color coding, hardware sliders and knobs, and more logical menu diving, make the opsix a more accessible and fun-to-use synth. The same applies to the engine.
Rather than being the 100th DX-7 emulation, Korg has continued FM synthesis and brought it closer to the classic subtractive design. It allows you to customize the operator routing by applying different synthesis.
In addition to classic FM synthesis with 40 available algorithms, and an algorithm editor, there are five other synthesis types: ring mod, filter, filter FM, and waveshaper. With this you can turn the opsix into a virtual analog or west-coast synth.
Then, you can work with 21 waveforms, 11 filter types, complex LFOs, an impressive set of great-sounding effects (30 in total), and more. The opsix is anything but a classic FM synth.
Korg opsix SE
Today Korg takes the opsix to the SE stage. The maximum polyphony of the instrument has been significantly expanded to up to 80 voices (the standard opsix model offers a maximum of 32 voices). This is an excellent upgrade for musicians working with big, complex sounds. Bi-timbral or multi-timbral support would still be great with the voice boost, but that’s not the case here. But maybe in the future let’s see.
Like the wavestate SE, the new opsix SE (8.6kg) is made in Japan and comes with a premium keybed with 61 velocity-sensitive and aftertouch keys. The engine is now in a new elegant and robust metal housing. This has very Yamaha DX-7 vibes from the color alone à la Korg. Plus, every purchase includes a matching hard case.
Korg opsix SE Platinium
There will also be a platinum version of the opsix SE. It’s a limited edition special model in a radiant “platinum” design which is characterized by a silver-colored aluminum control panel and stainless steel side panels.
Further, it’s made in Japan, comes with a matching hard case, and with an exclusive sticker set that is only available in this limited edition. Okay, without the costy sticker set the instrument would not be a special edition.
First Impression
This release is not a surprise. It is the logical step to continue. Next week then the Korg modwave SE and SE Platinum? Glad to see that Korg has cranked the polyphony up to 80 voices and that the opsix engine now has the long overdue aftertouch keybed. It is not known why there is no opsix MK2 here. A nice instrument, but in my opinion a good 500€ too expensive.
Korg opsix SE will be available in July 2023 for 2199€, and the Platinium also in July for 2399€.
More information here: Korg
Available for pre-order at my partners
Hello
Thank you for the news.
Will Korg announce the Modwave SE next Tuesday? 🙂
Thank you
Regards
Laurent
Don’t have any info sorry
Its quite funny to see Innovative being repeated everywhere in the text, while the EssenceFM did most of these innovations and much more four years ago already
I think the EssenceFM is a different FM Beast. I doesn’t have the option to modify the synthesis so turning the operators in a VA with filter or west-coast synth. Also the user interface is different how you approach a sound.
YES YES YES Finally!
As a bonafide FM enthusiast, this SE edition has my interest, but they are smoking rocks with that price. I guess I’ll have to wait for the inevitable price reduction, or the ‘no case’ version. Now, if it was eight part multi-timbral, I might feel differently.
These are nice upgrades but I think there are missed opportunities for the price. I would have wanted to see a larger screen and maybe have the controls moved to the left like the classic Nord lead or Virus series. This would allow more strategic use of the remaining surface.
The Kronos can do everything that this can do, has a large touchscreen and can use samples as carriers and/or modulators iirc. This is a huge and unexplored area of FM and it was one of the things that made the SY77 and 99 so special.
A used Kronos 61 might be a strong choice as well even just as an FM synth for the money.