Korg Radias R 24-Voice Synthesizer Module description:
With a bold new approach that is at once both daring and familiar, Korg RADIAS exceeds common analog expectations and rapidly takes off for uncharted territories.
Based on Korg’s cutting-edge MMT engine, the Korg RADIAS 24-voice synthesizer offers a variety of synthesis algorithms together with multiple effects, new comb filter and wave shaping features, modulation sequencing, as well as new formant-motion vocoding. RADIAS offers an innovative design that can be custom configured to suit your set-up.
The control module can be used independently or teamed with the unique dedicated keyboard, creating a seamlessly integrated instrument that delivers the sounds of the future – today. Innovative synthesis teamed with remarkable fidelity The heart of RADIAS beats with Korg’s cutting-edge MMT (Multi Modeling Technology) synth engine, and borrows much of its modeling techniques from Korg’s flagship OASYS – eliminating aliasing noise in even the highest frequencies and delivering clean, pure waveforms.
RADIAS R provides two oscillators for each timbre. Between them, they deliver not only modeled analog waveforms, but also formant waveforms, noise, ring modulation, sync, plus both classic and up-to-date PCM waveforms. When using the analog modeled waveforms, a variety of oscillator modulation algorithms – including pulse-width modulation, a massive Unison mode, Korg’s proprietary VPM (Variable Phase Modulation) or cross modulation – can be used to create complex sounds, even from a single oscillator.
RADIAS R provides a dual-filter structure, allowing the two filters to be used individually, side by side, or in series for maximum versatility. Filter 1 is highlighted by a continuously variable multi-mode filter, embracing Low Pass, High Pass and Band Pass modes – and new treatments in between. This dual filter arrangement provides a vast range of sounds that would be unimaginable from just a single filter, and opens up new sonic possibilities including some fantastic comb filtering.
Three Envelope Generators (EG) are used to apply time-varying changes to the pitch, filter cutoff, and amp level, as well as many other parameters. The classic and intuitive four-stage ADSR design has been enhanced with five different attack and release curves, allowing the EG contours to be crafted with new levels of precision and articulation.
Two LFOs are available to apply cyclic changes to a host of synth parameters. Six LFO waveforms are provided, including the popular "Sample and Hold" stepped wave. Each waveform can be extensively modified via the Shape control, greatly expanding the versatility of the LFO section for creating highly complex types of modulation. Adding Drive can produce the distinctive warmth of a true analog synthesizer and can also distort the sound intensely to generate new overtones. The amount of Drive is dependent on the level of each voice as it enters the mixer, so you can create nuances that cannot be achieved by an external effect unit.
RADIAS R offers eleven innovative types of Wave shaping – even recreating the tonal character of an electromagnetic pickup. The Drive/Waveshaping circuit can be placed in different locations in the signal chain, affecting the sound in very meaningful ways. An additional Punch Level setting emphasizes the attack portion of the sound, letting you create sounds with even more impact. Clearly, this is a radical new instrument that is not bound by conventions of the past!
Two audio input jacks and an internal envelope follower allow external audio sources to be processed, to be used as a modulation source, and even trigger the RADIAS R. A powerful internal bus structure allows Timbres to be routed to trigger effects, the built-in vocoder, or as modulation sources for the step-sequencers.
Thanks to the included headset microphone, you can enjoy vocoding – using your voice to modulate another sound – the instant the idea strikes you, with the push of a single button. RADIAS R provides a sixteen-band vocoder that allows the level and pan of each band to be individually adjusted to obtain a wide range of sounds, above and beyond the distinctive talking music and "robot voice" effects. Korg's new Formant Motion function can record up to 7.5 seconds of incoming formant information (spoken words, scat singing, etc.) so that you can re-create vocoder effects even without a microphone present. Sixteen sets of recorded formant data can be stored in the internal memory.
RADIAS’ effect section provides a two-band EQ and two insert effects for each timbre, plus a master effect for the complete program, delivering a total of nine possible simultaneous effects. Thirty effect algorithms are provided, ranging from delay, chorus, and reverb to compressor and talking modulator. You can assign any effect parameter to the front panel knobs for instant control, providing even more versatility in sound design.
Arpeggiator settings can be made for each program individually, and the arpeggiator can be applied to any or all of the timbres in a program. Six types of arpeggiator patterns are provided. Patterns can be up to 32 steps long; the gate time, velocity, and on/off status can be set for each step individually to create the exact groove you want. Swing amount and octave range are also assignable for even more detailed control. Two step sequencers can record and play back performance data, each with up to 32 steps. By applying a step sequencer to a drum kit, you can use RADIAS R as a programmable drum machine. Each step supports up to eight notes of polyphony, allowing the creation of dense sequenced passages and patterns that can be played back with just one finger. With sequence editing, you can adjust settings such as swing and gate time. The two step sequencers can be set to transpose live from the keyboard, and can also be linked to create a single step sequencer of up to 64 steps.
RADIAS R comes loaded with 256 programs, 32 drum kits, and 16 formant motion sets, all created by an international team of synth experts. A program can consist of up to four complete timbres, and each timbre can be assigned its own note range, output, MIDI channel and control parameters, allowing your RADIAS R to perform as a multitimbral module – or one monster performance synth. Each drum kit consists of sixteen different drum or percussion instruments assigned to separate keys. In addition to calling up an individual PCM drum waveform, each drum instrument uses all of the parameters in the synth section, such as filter, EG, LFO and virtual patches to create incredibly detailed sounds.
To speed up the sound creation process, RADIAS R includes templates that can be used as "starting points;" and you can begin your own customization from there. RADIAS R provides template data for 128 synth timbres, 128 insert effects, and 128 master effects so you can create new sounds faster than you ever thought possible.
And as easy as RADIAS R is to use, you’ll also appreciate the free RADIAS Sound Editor/Librarian software for editing, managing and archiving your RADIAS settings on your computer (Mac or PC). A single USB connection makes transferring data quick and easy. RADIAS•R is the sound module by itself, which can be used both as a rackmount or tabletop synthesizer.
Korg RADIAS main features include:
- Audio Inputs: Audio In 1: 1/4 inch phone jack, Audio In 2: 1/4 inch phone jack and mini jack with Mic/Line SW.
- Audio Outputs: Main Outs (Lch/MONO, Rch): 1/4 inch phone jacks, Individual Outs (Lch, Rch): 1/4 inch phone jacks, Phones Out: 1/4 inch stereo phone jack
- Control Inputs: Assignable Pedal, Assignable Switch, keyboard (FROM KYBD)
- MIDI: In, Out, Thru
- USB: TYPE B connector
- Display: 128 x 64 pixel full-graphic LCD with backlight
- Power Supply: DC 9 V
Korg Radias R 24-Voice Synthesizer Module (code 31631)
Provides a dual-filter structure, allowing the two filters to be used individually, side by side, or in series for maximum versatility.
£651.80 (ex vat)