Korg microKORG 2 firmware 2.0 turns it into an SDK-powered NTS-1 mk2-like keyboard Synthesizer with interchangeable oscillators/effects.
At the 2024 NAMM Show, Korg announced the new microKORG 2, a sequel to its best-selling, portable virtual analog Synthesizer. It was released in October. While the original was extremely popular, its successor received a less warm reception.
This may be because the price increase exceeds the improvements in engine and dedicated features of the new version. Now, however, the synth is getting a supercharged boost. Korg has released the free microKORG 2 firmware 2.0 update, which unlocks the Logue Engine SDK 2.0.
Korg microKORG 2 firmware 2.0
The new update completely turns the engine on its head. Firmware 2.0 introduces the logue SDK 2.0 engine to the Korg microKORG 2 Synthesizer. Yes, the open-source digital engine from the Korg NTS-1 mk2, NTS-3, and drumlogue.
As with the other SDK 2.0-powered products, oscillators and effects can be exchanged, which massively expands the sound spectrum of the microKORG 2. This includes a wider synthesis range, including FM, wavetable, phase distortion, and more. BTW: this is also the first keyboard synth with the SDK 2.0.
All plugins also offer eight parameters, but there is one major new thing. They are visualized very colorfully on a crisp OLED display (UI by Blinksonic) and can be tweaked with big hardware controls.
There is one downer: the existing plugins for NTS-1 mk2 or NTS-3 are not compatible with those for the microKORG 2.
I wrote to Sinevibes, and he said that the SDK source code is 1:1, but the internal engine has slightly less CPU power and RAM. That’s why every Korg plugin must be recompiled, checked, and optimized if necessary.
You can install 32 oscillator programs and 32 effects programs in each effects slot, but like on the others, you can only use one at the same time. This means one oscillator and three effects.
Collaboration With Sinevibes
Korg has also teamed with Sinevibes to celebrate this new release. Sinevibes has updated 15 of its existing Korg plugins, adding support for the microKORG 2. They have worked closely with KORG engineers to port and optimize their second-generation effects, especially for the hardware architecture.
A total of 15 plugins are out now and are compatible with the mK2 hardware. These include the amazing Albedo v2 granular cloud reverb, Corrosion v3 multi-algorithm distortion, and the Rerun self-randomizing repeater.
If you’ve already purchased one of these for another SDK synth, you can download the update for free. In addition to this, Sinevibes also announced two new plugin titles: Atom, a multimode filter, and Drift v2, a wind turbulence modeler, both of which are available as free downloads.
Other Oscillator Changes
Alongside the SDK, firmware 2.0 also adds more features to the Korg microKORG 2 engine. First, oscillator 3 now has a low mode, transforming it into a complex LFO that spans a wide range of frequencies.
By running it as LFO with high rates, you can achieve AM/FM modulation effects, giving you metallic and bell-like timbres. Oscillator 3 is now available as a modulation source in both oscillator and low modes. When used as an oscillator, it delivers intricate tonal effects without compromising the richness of the sound.
Then, it ships with a new split function, allowing you to divide the keyboard at your preferred point and play two different sounds. For example, you can assign bass or pads to the left hand and a lead to the right hand,
Updated Looper
One of the major new features in the microKORG 2 is the MIDI looper. Firmware 2.0 also overhauls this and introduces new functions.
A step recording function now allows you to record loops step by step alongside the real-time performance option. You can record one step at a time, and each step can also hold modulation. For example, you can assign a different sound to each step, making complex loops possible.
That’s not all. Another new feature is the creative slice mode that divides a record loop and assigns it to the keyboard. So you can play them as individual slices. If your loop has a different sound on each step, you’ll have a distinct sound on each key, similar to the Novation Bass Station 2 AFX mode.
Further, you can export the created loop sounds as 16-bit/48 kHz WAV files to an external DAW. You can also rework them in your DAW and re-import them into the microKORG2 to build even more complex loop sounds or integrate them into your live performance.
Korg microKORG 2 Firmware 2.0 First Impression
Can you call this a game-changer? Yes, I say. The microKORG 2 got a lot of flak in the beginning, including a Bad Gear video. This firmware 2.0 pushes the synth into a new, more versatile, and colorful direction.
I’ve been waiting a while for an SDK 2.0 keyboard synth. This one isn’t an NTS-1 mk2 keyboard, but it’s finally a synth that has the SDK 2.0 power.
The other new features are also great additions, making the microKORG 2 significantly more exciting. Since the prices of all three have dropped in Europe, you now get a truly great overall package. To be honest, as little as the mk2 was interesting to me at the beginning, I am considering buying one just because of the SDK 2.0.
Korg microKORG 2 firmware version 2.0 is available for free download to existing users. microKORG 2 is out now.
More information here: Korg
Available at my partners
If the Multi/Poly gets the logueSDK engine. Then we’re talking !
i think that will not happen as they need to allign it to the VST plugin and the Korg plugins are not VSTs 😉
That’s all very well but…
dear Korg, when are you going to make a Prologue 16 MK2?
agreed, i fail to see the importance of doing Micro2 when there’s several stunning unfinished Logue platforms already. if they’re not going to support the old platforms, then open up the rest of the SDK for us rabid end users to hack more digital engine features. Tsoniq’s front panel code opened up the Prologue for me to the extent i have more usable front panel digital engine controls than i would ever get from a MK2.
That should help push sales a bit more, I would think. I almost bought the Korg Minilogue XD just for the SDK feature, but maybe this is a better option.
Of course what I would really prefer is a successor to the Korg Prologue that has the SDK capability, but also updates the modulation options (another envelope, LFO, etc).
…and it is STILL not as versatile compared to a used KingKorg.
not as versatile? maybe check the third-party market of SDK oscillators and effects 😉
over the years, i’ve got the impression most folks stopped at the Korg Product page and never knew about the github Unit List of all the avilable digital assets. https://korginc.github.io/logue-sdk/
Which… doesn’t exist for microkorg 2.
microKORG 2 now has the Logue SDK 2.0 engine and Sinevibes is the first developer offering 17 plugins with compatibility for it
Great, one paid offering.
Less CPU and RAM than what?
than the other SDK 2.0 hardware like the NTS-1 mk2 or NTS-3. Both the microKorg 2 engine and Logue share the ressources
Ok, so this firmware update completely broke several of my presets.
It seems especially to have happened to any preset where i use a patch to modulate osc shape. It is simply broken. I have to go into the patch, change the modulation destinaton away from osc shape and back, and then it functions normaly. Sadly, if i save, then change to another patch and back… the problem returns.
Other patches have weird glitches and errors in them and also, since unison now applies to patches and by default width is set above 0, lots of patches now have strange stereo effects that they did not have before.
In addition, i was hoping that the mention of clock fixes in the detailed patch notes meant that the glitches in effects and looper hitching and desyncs i experience with external midi sync were improved, but alas, they are still present, (if possibly not as bad.) this happens with my SQ64, my circuit tracks, my launchpad pro Mk3 etc etc. Only souces i have found that produce a somewhat reliable clock that does not make it messed up is my RK-006 and my Hydrasynth..
This firmware update went from great news to a horible mess in just a matter of minutes… and since it seems its really hard to find a reliable way to get in touch with Korg about these issues i don’t really know what my next step is going to be… :/
That’s bad news indeed. Did you try your patches after preforming a system reset? That is supposed to fix problems like these (hopefully).
The broken patches have been fixed with a new 2.01 update
Wondering if anyone is having problems installing the 2.01 update. Begins to load, progress bar goes back and forth then load is incomplete, stops. Synth display indicates it’s waiting for the file. For whatever reason the .bin file is the same size as the download itself, using the unarchiver. Various AI’s say it could be the file or the server delivering it.