E 1
Precautions Location Using the unit in the following locations can result in a malfunction. • In direct sunlight • Locations of extreme temperature or humidity • Excessively dusty or dirty locations • Locations of excessive vibration • Close to magnetic fields Power supply Please connect the designated AC adapter to an AC outlet of the correct voltage. Do not connect it to an AC outlet of voltage other than that for which your unit is intended.
Table of Contents Table of Contents Editing the sound................................... 19 1. How a program is organized ..........................19 Introduction ........................................... 5 1. Main features..................................................... 5 2. Front and rear panels ....................................... 6 Front panel ................................................................................................. 6 Rear panel......................................
microKORG XL 4. Vocoder parameters ....................................... 55 Front panel vocoder parameters .............................................................. 55 5. Global parameters .......................................... 57 6. MIDI parameters .............................................. 59 7. Global utility parameters................................ 62 Effect guide .......................................... 63 3. Parameters transmitted and received via NRPN ..........................
Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Korg microKORG XL. In order to take full advantage of your new instrument, please read this manual carefully and use the product as directed. 1. Main features 1. Synthesizer functionality featuring MMT analog modeling The microKORG XL provides a broad range of oscillator algorithms, including the sawtooth waves and square waves typical of analog synthesizers, as well as formant waveforms, noise, and PCM/DWGS waveforms.
microKORG XL 2. Front and rear panels Front panel 1 2 4 5 6 18 15 14 12 13 11 3 16 17 1. [VOLUME] knob This adjusts the volume of the OUTPUT jacks (L/MONO, R) and headphone jack. 2. [TEMPO] knob This adjusts the tempo (speed) of the arpeggiator, LFO, or delay effect. The LED above the knob will blink in synchronization with the tempo. 3. [OCTAVE] lever This shifts the range of notes assigned to the keyboard upward or downward in one-octave steps over a range of 3 octaves. (J p.
8. [VOCODER] (AUDIO IN THRU) button This turns the vocoder on/off (J p. 13). (When on, the LED above the button will be lit.) By holding down the [EXIT/SHIFT] button and pressing this button, you can switch the AUDIO IN THRU setting (J p. 13). 9. [WRITE] button Press this button to save a program or global settings you’ve edited (J p. 31). 10. [EXIT/SHIFT] button Press this button to stop a Save or Utility operation.
microKORG XL Rear panel 9 8 7 6 1. [HEADPHONES] jack You can connect headphones to this jack (stereo 1/4"). 2. OUTPUT [L/MONO], [R] jacks You can connect powered monitors, a stereo amp, mixer, or multi-track recorder to these jacks. If you’re using a monaural connection, connect the [L/MONO] jack. 3. AUDIO IN [LINE] jack This is a monaural audio input jack. Use the AUDIO IN [LEVEL] knob to adjust the level.
Preparations Connect your monitor amp or mixer to the output jacks 1. Connections Connect your mic or sampler to the input jack Connect the microKORG XL’s OUTPUT [L/MONO], [R] jacks to the input jacks of your mixer or powered monitor speakers. If you make connections in monaural, use the [L/MONO] jack. NOTE We recommend that you output in stereo to take full advantage of the microKORG XL’s sound. The illustration below shows a typical example of connections for the microKORG XL.
microKORG XL 4. Close the battery cover. 2. Turning the power on Before you turn on the power Make sure that the power switch is off (the outward position) before you prepare the power supply. Connecting the AC adapter 1. Make sure that the microKORG XL is powered-off. 2. Connect the included AC adapter to the DC9V jack located on the rear panel. Use only the included AC adapter. Using any other AC adapter may cause malfunctions. 3. Plug the AC adapter into an AC outlet.
Preparations Preparations Turning the power off After completing any necessary operations such as saving your edited program, turn off the power using the following procedure. Never turn off the power while data is being saved (i.e., while executing the Write operation). Doing so may destroy internal data. 1. Lower the volume of your powered monitor speakers or other external output device, and then turn off their power. 2.
microKORG XL Quick start 2. Selecting and playing a program Playing a synthesizer program 1. Demo performance Listening to the demo The microKORG XL contains demo songs that show off its sounds (J p. 98 “3.Demo Song”). 1. Hold down the [EXIT/SHIFT] button and press the [ARP ON] button. The demo performance will begin. 2. You can use the [1] knob to switch songs during the demo. 3. Press the [EXIT/SHIFT] button to end the demo performance.
Quick start 5. Adjust the mic input level. A vocoder modifies the signal from an oscillator or other source (the “carrier”) by applying the spectral characteristics of an external input source such as a human voice (the “modulator”). The most common way to use a vocoder is to produce a “talking instrument” effect by taking the input of your voice from the mic while you hold down a chord on the keyboard.
microKORG XL Using the keyboard to modify the sound 3. Modifying the sound To make your performance more expressive, you can modify the sounds of the microKORG XL by using the [1]–[3] knobs, the [PITCH] wheel, the [MOD] wheel, and by how you play the keyboard. Try out various ways to play each program you select. [PITCH] wheel 0 0 The effect will apply when you move the wheel away from yourself; there will be no effect when the wheel is all the way toward yourself.
Quick start Using the [OCTAVE] lever to switch octaves The area of pitches assigned to the keyboard can be changed in oneoctave steps over a range of +/–3 octaves.
microKORG XL Using the knobs to modify the sound When the [KNOB FUNCTION SELECT] dial is set to “ASSIGN,” “FILTER,” “AMP EG,” “EFFECT,” or “ARP,” you can use knobs [1]–[3] to control the performance edit functions. Try turning each knob, and hear the sound change in realtime. Performance edit parameters Some of the main parameters you can control using performance edit are described below. CUTOFF This adjusts the cutoff frequency of filter 1, varying the brightness of the sound.
Quick start Knob [3] (FX1 CONTROL 1) Level This adjusts the parameter that’s assigned to CTRL-1 (FX1 CONTROL 1) for the effect used by the currently selected program. NOTE You are free to change the parameter that’s assigned to this knob. Refer to page 63 “Controlling effect parameters.” NOTE This knob won’t do anything if the FX TYPE of the selected program is set to “FX OFF,” In this case, the display will indicate “INVALID.
microKORG XL 4. Playing arpeggios 5. To stop the arpeggio, press the [ARP ON] button (the LED goes dark). Using the arpeggiator The arpeggiator is a function that automatically plays a broken chord (arpeggio) when you hold down a chord on the keyboard. The microKORG XL’s arpeggiator provides six arpeggio types, and allows you to change various aspects of the arpeggio, such as the duration (gate time) of the notes.
Editing the sound Editing the sound The three elements of sound: pitch, tone, and volume Sound has three basic elements: pitch, tone, and volume. Just like the analog synthesizers of the past, the microKORG XL analog modeling synthesizer provides “oscillator,” “filter,” and “amp” (amplifier) sections that control these three elements. Edit the oscillator settings to change the pitch, the filter settings to change the tone, and the amp settings to change the volume.
microKORG XL Oscillator (OSC1, OSC2, NOISE) Oscillator 1 (OSC1) lets you choose from seven types of oscillator algorithm such as the sawtooth wave or square wave familiar from analog synthesizers, as well as formant wave, noise, and PCM/DWGS, and also lets you select the input signal from the AUDIO IN jack. You can also apply cross modulation, unison, or VPM (Variable Phase Modulation) to a basic analog synthesizer waveform such as sawtooth or square wave.
Editing the sound The arpeggiator automatically generates an arpeggio (broken chord) when you hold down a chord on the keyboard. For programs that use two timbres, you can apply the arpeggiator to either or both timbres. This is a step arpeggiator with six arpeggio types.
microKORG XL Carrier (CARRIER) The most suitable choice as a carrier is a waveform that contains large numbers of overtones, such as a sawtooth wave or pulse wave. The output of timbres 1 and 2 is mixed and used as the carrier. Modulator (MODULATOR) A human voice is typically used as the modulator, but you can also obtain unique results by using rhythm sounds or another type of waveform.
Editing the sound If you set the [KNOB FUNCTION SELECT] dial to “FULL EDIT,” all of the parameters will be available for editing. NOTE This includes the MIDI-related settings (GLOBAL). When you turn knob [1] to select the OSC1 page, the upper line of the display will indicate the name of the page, and the lower line will indicate the name of a parameter. PAGE NAME Editing in Full Edit mode 1. Select the program that you want to edit. PARAMETER NAME 2. Set the [KNOB FUNCTION SELECT] dial to FULL EDIT.
microKORG XL If the parameter value does not change when you turn the knob In some cases when you’ve used the [KNOB FUNCTION SELECT] dial to choose a section to edit, turning knobs [1]–[3] may not change the value of the parameter. This is because the Full Edit mode GLOBAL page “KNOB. MODE” parameter is set to “CATCH.” With this setting, the actual value of the parameter you’re editing (the value shown in the display) will not change unless it matches the position of the knob. If “KNOB.
Editing the sound The LED of the selected timbre will light-up, and that timbre will be the one affected by your editing. NOTE The TIMBRE SELECT LED won’t light if the COMMON page “VOIC.MODE” parameter is SINGLE. The LED of the timbre being edited will light if you’ve selected LAYER, SPLIT, or MULTI as the voice mode (J p. 32). 4. Use knob [1] to select one of the VC CARRI–VC BAND pages, and then use knobs [2] and [3] to edit the vocoder parameters.
microKORG XL 3. Connect an audio signal from your external device to the input, and adjust the AUDIO IN [LEVEL] knob as high as possible without allowing the “CLIP” indicator to appear in the display. 4. Play the keyboard while listening to the sound. 5. Edit the filter, amp, EG, LFO, and effect settings to modify the sound. Pitch-related parameters will not affect the sound from the AUDIO IN jack. Editing the arpeggiator The microKORG XL’s arpeggiator provides six arpeggio types.
Editing the sound 3. Use knob [3] to turn the selected step on/off. TYPE: UP LAST STEP: 8 4. About the Global settings The GLOBAL parameters are settings that apply to the entire microKORG XL. For example, you can individually adjust the pitch of each program, but the pitch settings in this GLOBAL page (“MST TUNE” and “TRANSPOS”) will affect the pitch of all programs.
microKORG XL 5. Other functions Initializing a program Here’s how to initialize the settings of the currently selected program. 1. In Full Edit mode, turn knob [1] to select “INIT.PROG.” 2. Turn knob [2] to make the display indicate “SURE Y/N.” Here you can select either “YES” or “NO.” 3. To initialize, select “YES” and press the [WRITE] button. The program will be initialized, and the display will indicate “COMPLETE.” NOTE If you decide not to initialize, press the [EXIT/SHIFT] button.
Editing the sound Connect the microKORG XL’s MIDI OUT connector to the MIDI IN of the device that will be receiving the MIDI data dump, and set both devices to the same MIDI channel. If you want to use a USB connection, connect the microKORG XL to your computer via a USB cable. NOTE For details on connections, refer to page 80 “1.Using the microKORG XL with other MIDI devices (MIDI)”. 1. In Full Edit mode, use knob [1] to select the “MIDI.DUMP” page. 2.
microKORG XL 2. Use knob [2] to select the desired type of preload data. 1 PROG: Only the data for the currently selected program will be loaded (the parameters of the NAME–VC BANK pages and the settings of the front panel buttons and knobs). ALL PROG: All program data will be loaded. GLOBAL: Global data will be loaded (the parameters of the GLOBAL–USR.SCALE pages). ALL DATA: All program data and global data will be loaded. 3. Press the [WRITE] button to execute the operation.
Saving (Writing) 1. Saving the settings you’ve edited If you’ve edited a program and would like to use that edited program again in the future, you’ll need to save (write) it. Likewise, if you’ve edited settings in the GLOBAL–USR.SCALE pages, the changes you made will be lost if you turn off the power before saving (writing) them. Be sure to save (write) any edited settings that you want to use again. 4. Press the [WRITE] button to write the data.
microKORG XL Parameter Guide VOIC.MODE................................................ [SINGLE, LAYER, SPLIT, MULTI] This parameter determines how many timbres a program will use, and how those timbres will be allocated. SINGLE: Only one timbre will be used. 1. Timbre parameters NAME The microKORG XL lets you assign a name of up to eight characters to each program. In Play mode, the display will show the program number and program name. LAYER: Two timbres will be used.
Parameter Guide T2MIDI.CH (Timbre 2 MIDI channel) ............................. [GLOBAL, 01…16] SCALE ............................................................................[EQUAL…USER] When the “VOIC.MODE” is set to either Layer or Multi, this parameter can be used to set the MIDI channel for timbre 2. If you choose Global, the MIDI channel of timbre 2 will match the global MIDI channel. NOTE Timbre1 will always be set to the Global MIDI channel.
microKORG XL KNOB Here you can assign the parameter that will be controlled by knobs [1]–[3] when you set the [KNOB FUNCTION SELECT] dial to ASSIGN. You can make assignments for knobs [1]–[3] independently for timbre 1 and timbre 2; the knobs will control the timbre that’s selected by the [TIMBRE SELECT] lever. NOTE With the factory settings, suitable parameters are already assigned to the knobs. ASSIGN ................................................................... [ASSIGN1...
Parameter Guide FX 2 Control 1 FX2.CTRL2 FX 2 Control 2 GATE.TIME Arpeggiator Gate Time OCT.RANGE Arpeggiator Octave Range ARP.SWING Arpeggiator Swing VC T1.LVL Vocoder Timbre 1 Level VC T2.LVL Vocoder Timbre 2 Level VC.HPF.LVL Vocoder HPF Level VC.FC.OFST Vocoder Fc Offset VC RESO Vocoder Resonance VC.EF.SENS Vocoder E.F.Sens VC.FC.MINT Vocoder Fc Modulation Intensity VC.DIR.
microKORG XL TRANSPOS (Transpose).......................................................... [–48...+48] Adjusts the pitch of the oscillators in semitone steps. The range is four octaves upward or downward. NOTE This setting is related to the pitch of the oscillators themselves; this is not the same as the OCTAVE [UP], [DOWN] buttons on the front panel that change the range of notes available on the keyboard. DETUNE ..................................................................................[–50...
Parameter Guide Some settings may produce noise. Cross Mod Depth NOTE For OSC1.C1 and OSC1.C2, the parameter and settings will depend on OSC1 Freq Mod OSC1 output OSC2 OSC2 output UNISON: Unison simulates skewing the pitch of five stacked oscillators from within a single oscillator, to create a richer sound. WAVE OSC MOD C1 (OSC1 Control 1) C2 (OSC1 Control 2) WAVEFORM C1.WAVFRM C2.LFO1.MD CROSS C1.MOD.DPT C2.LFO1.MD UNISON C1.DETUNE C2.PHASE VPM C1.MOD.DPT C2.HRMNIC WAVEFORM C1.PLS.
microKORG XL 1. When Wave: Saw, Pulse, Triangle, Sine and OSC1 Mod: Waveform Control1: WAVEFORM............................................................[000…127] This modifies the waveform. • WAVE: SAW The sawtooth wave is appropriate for creating a wide range of sounds typical of analog synthesizers, including basses and pads. Adjusting the value will modify the shape of the waveform, changing the harmonic content. A setting of 000 produces the original sawtooth wave.
Parameter Guide No. PCM/DWGS Name 19 GUITAR2 51 DIGI3 20 BASS1 52 DIGI4 21 BASS2 53 DIGI5 22 BASS3 54 DIGI6 23 BELL1 55 DIGI7 Control2: LPF/HPF Mix .........................................[LPF63…CNT…HPF63] 24 BELL2 56 DIGI8 This parameter adjusts the mix balance between the low-pass and highpass filters; this will vary the brightness of the sound.
microKORG XL Control2: LFO 1 Intensity ......................................................[000…127] This parameter adjusts the depth of the additional modulation applied by LFO1 to the cross modulation effect. 8. When Wave:Saw, Pulse, Triangle, Sine and OSC1 Mod: VPM Control1: Modulation Depth................................................. [000…127] Adjusts the depth of VPM. 7. When Wave: Saw, Pulse, Triangle, Sine and OSC1 Mod: Unison Control1: Detune ...............................................
Parameter Guide OSC2 Wave OSC2 Output OSC1 Wave OSC1 Output Ring modulation generates the sum and difference of the oscillator 1 and 2 waveforms. For example, select a pulse wave (PULSE for oscillator 1) as the oscillator, set “TRANSPOS” to 0, and “SEMITONE” to 24. Then you can adjust “TUNE” to produce a clear bell-like sound. Using a virtual patch to modulate “OSC2.TUNE” from an LFO or EG can also produce distinctive results. SYNC: An oscillator sync effect will be produced.
microKORG XL PUNCH.LVL (Punch Level) ......................................................[000…127] Creates a more “snappy” attack by adjusting the amount of pulse waveform that is added to the oscillator output only during the attack. Increasing this value will emphasize the attack.
Parameter Guide ROUTING.............................................[SINGLE, SERIAL, PARALLEL, INDIV] Specifies the routing (connection) between filter 1 and filter 2. Only filter 1 is used. Filter 1 and filter 2 are connected in series. This specifies how time-variant modulation from the EG1 will be applied to the cutoff frequency. Note off Note on OSC1 OSC2 Filter1 Filter2 Cutoff SERIAL Sustain Level Noise Filter 1 and filter 2 are connected in parallel.
microKORG XL Increasingly negative (–) settings will allow a correspondingly greater effect in the opposite direction. Here you can adjust the settings of the filter 2 parameters. The FILTER1 page “ROUTING” parameter specifies how filter 2 and filter 1 will be connected. Cutoff Cutoff frequency specified by “Cutoff” Int=–32 Int=–63 Int=0 Note off Note on Note on FILTER2 The filter 2 parameters are not shown if “ROUTING” is SINGLE. CUTOFF (Filter2 Cutoff) ............................................
Parameter Guide With positive (+) settings, the volume will increase as you play above the C4 note on the keyboard, and will decrease as you play below C4. With negative (–) settings, the volume will decrease as you play above the C4 note on the keyboard, and will increase as you play below C4. NOTE Keyboard Track operates according to the pitch that is controlled by pitch bend, and transpose. It is not affected by pitch changes produced by vibrato or Virtual Patch.
microKORG XL POSITION ............................................................... [PRE FILT1, PRE AMP] Specifies the position at which the drive or wave shape functions will be applied. PRE FILT1: Drive or wave shape will be applied before filter 1. OSC DRIVE/WS FILTER1 AMP PRE AMP: Drive or wave shape will be applied after the filter and before the amp. OSC FILTER1 DRIVE/WS AMP such as this are an important aspect of how we identify the sound of a specific instrument.
Parameter Guide VEL INT (Velocity Intensity)................................................... [–63...+63] VEL INT (Velocity Intensity) ...................................................[–63...+63] This specifies how your keyboard velocity (playing strength) will affect the amplitude of EG1. Higher settings of this parameter will allow changes in your keyboard velocity to produce greater differences in EG amplitude.
microKORG XL LFO 1, LFO 2 KEY SYNC.................................................................[OFF, TIMBRE, VOICE] Each timbre contains two LFOs. An LFO produces a cyclic change that can be used to modulate the pitch, tone, or volume of the sound. NOTE LFO1 and LFO2 can be used as Virtual Patch sources to apply modulation to a variety of parameters. (J p. 49) Specifies how the LFO will be applied to a voice when note-on occurs. OFF: The LFO phase will not be reset when note-on occurs.
Parameter Guide FREQ (Frequency) ...........................................................[0.01...100.0Hz] Specifies the frequency of the LFO. Increasing this value will result in a faster frequency. NOTE This parameter will be displayed and can be set only if “BPM SYNC” is OFF. SYNC.NOTE........................................................................... [8/1...1/64] This specifies the ratio of the LFO frequency relative to the tempo specified by the [TEMPO] knob.
microKORG XL DEST (Destination) ........................................................ [PITCH…P.INT6] Selects the parameter (destination) that will be controlled by the modulation. For example if you select Tune, modulation will be applied to the overall pitch of the timbre. PITCH OSC2.TUNE OSC1 C1 OSC1 LVL OSC2 LVL NOISE.LVL FILT1.BAL CUTOFF1 RESO1 CUTOFF2 WS DEPTH LEVEL PANPOT LFO1.FREQ LFO2.
Parameter Guide EQ (Equalizer) MST FX1, MST FX2 (Master effect 1, 2) Here you can adjust the equalizer settings. The equalizer is a shelving type. EQ [FX.TYPE] ........................................................... [“FX OFF.” ... GRAIN.SFT] 3dB +Gain In On this page you can adjust settings for the master effects. You can choose from seventeen types. This selects the effect type used by the master effect. For details on the available effects, refer to page 63 “Effect guide”. 0dB [CTRL-1] .....
microKORG XL DOWN: Notes will be played consecutively from high pitches to low. 2. Arpeggio parameters Front Panel Arpeggio Parameters [TEMPO] knob Specifies the playback tempo of the arpeggiator. NOTE The speed of modulation sequences and LFOs for which “BPM Sync” is On will be synchronized to the tempo you specify here. ALT1: Up and Down will be alternated. (The highest and lowest notes will be played once.
Parameter Guide TRIGGER: The notes you are holding down will be played simultaneously at the tempo and “RESOLUTN” timing. The “OCT.RANGE” setting will be ignored. SWING (Arpeggiator Swing)......................................... [–100%...+100%] Specifies the percentage (%) by which even-numbered notes of the arpeggio will be shifted in timing relative to the first note. When Resolution =1/8 1 timbre, the lowest pitches you are holding down will be played, up to the maximum polyphony. LATCH..............
microKORG XL ARP.STEP (Arpeggiator Step) Here you can turn each step of the arpeggio pattern on/off. This is a way to give more variety to arpeggios that might become boring. TRIGGER .................................................................................. [OFF, ON] Specify the on/off status of each step 1–8. The number of available steps is specified by the “LAST.STEP” setting. – (OFF): The note at this step will not sound. O (ON): The note at this step will sound. 3.
Parameter Guide TIMBRE2: The output of timbre 2 will be input to the modulator. Front panel vocoder parameters [VOCODER] button This switches the Vocoder function on/off. Off (LED unlit): Vocoder is off. The program will not use the vocoder. On (LED lit): The vocoder is on. The program will be a vocoder program, and the vocoder parameters will be available for editing. If you turn the [KNOB FUNCTION SELECT] dial to FULL EDIT, you’ll be able to edit the vocoder parameters (VC CARRI–VC BAND pages).
microKORG XL VC FILT (Vocoder Filter) RESO (Vocoder Resonance) .....................................................[000...127] Here you can adjust the settings for the carrier’s sixteen band-pass filters and modulator’s envelope filter. You’ll be using these parameters frequently, since they play an important role in determining the character of the vocoder. FRMNT.SFT (Formant Shift) .....................................................
Parameter Guide These parameters specify the output level and panning (stereo position) for each of the carrier’s sixteen band-pass filters (the synthesis filter). LEVEL1...16........................................................................... [000...127] Specifies the output level of each band. PAN1...16 ............................................................................. [L63...R63] Specifies the panning of each band. 5.
microKORG XL VEL.CURVE (Velocity Curve) ..........................................[1…8, CONST127] POSITION .................................................................. [POST KBD, PRE TG] Different velocity curve lets you tailor the response of the keyboard to your own playing style. Lighter curves are best for heavy-handed players, higher curves may work better for players with a light touch. Specifies the internal MIDI IN/OUT routing within the microKORG XL.
Parameter Guide PROTECT .................................................................................. [OFF, ON] LCD.LIGHT (LCD Backlight mode).......................................[OFF, AUTO, ON] This switches the mode of the display backlight. OFF: The backlight will not light. AUTO: The backlight will light when you turn a knob or operate a switch. After a time, the backlight will go dark. ON: The backlight will remain lit. 6.
microKORG XL PC USB-MIDI Port CLOCK ............................................. [AUTO, INTERNAL, EXT USB, EXT MIDI] microKORG XL microKORG XL MIDI OUT USB MIDI RX (EXT) microKORG XL KBD/KNOB USB MIDI TX (INT) microKORG XL MIDI IN USB MIDI TX (EXT) microKORG XL SOUND USB MIDI RX (INT) MIDI OUT MIDI IN KBD/KNOB OUT DUMP OUT etc... TG OUTPUT DUMP IN etc... USB: Only the USB connector will be used to transmit and receive MIDI messages.
Parameter Guide Selects whether MIDI system exclusive messages will be transmitted and received. DISABLE: MIDI system exclusive messages will not be transmitted or received. ENABLE: MIDI system exclusive messages will be transmitted and received. MIDI.CTRL (MIDI Control) In this page you can specify the function that is assigned for modulation sources MIDI1, MIDI2, and MIDI3 used in a virtual patch.
microKORG XL USR.SCALE (User Scale) Here you can specify a user-defined scale. You can specify a pitch adjustment of –63 to +63 cents for each note in the octave (C–B). KEY ............................................................................................. [C...B] Select the note whose pitch you want to adjust. (Value) ................................................................................ [–63...+63] –63: The note will be 63 cents flatter than standard pitch.
Effect guide Then use each effect’s “DRY/WET” or “OUT.LEVEL” parameters to adjust the output level of the effect. Effect guide Some effect types do not have a “TRIM” or “OUT.LEVEL” parameter. There is no input level meter etc. to check the input level to the effect. Insufficient input level will produce a poor S/N ratio, while excessive input level will cause clipping. As effects, the microKORG XL provides a two-band EQ and two master effects.
microKORG XL About the delay time Dry Wet TM RATIO (Time Ratio) For delay effects, the actual delay time will be the delay time multiplied by the “TM RATIO.” For example, • If “BPM SYNC”: Off, “L DELAY”: 0800ms, “R DELAY”: 0400 ms, and “TM RATIO”: 50%, then the actual delay time will be 400 ms in the left channel and 200 ms in the right channel.
Effect guide Compressor - Sensitivity Level 2. Effect Parameters Wet Louder Sensitivity=100 • [Parameter name] : These are the parameters that can be assigned to [CTRL-1] or [CTRL-2]. (J p. 63 “Effect knob assignments”) 1. COMPRESR (Stereo Compressor) Time ATTACK This effect compresses the input signal to regulate the volume level and give a “punchy” effect. This is useful when applied to sounds that have a strong attack. You can link the left and right channels or make them operate independently.
microKORG XL FLT TYPE (Filter Type)............................................................................. [LPF24 (–24dB/oct), LPF18 (–18dB/oct), LPF12 (–12dB/oct), HPF12 (–12dB/oct), BPF12 (–12dB/oct)] Selects the filter type. J p. 42 “TYPE BAL (Filter1 Balance)” CUT OFF ...........................................................................[000…127] Sets the filter cutoff frequency. J p. 42 “CUTOFF (Filter1 Cutoff)” Sets the filter resonance amount. J p.
Effect guide KEY SYNC (LFO KeySync) ............................................................[OFF, ON] Specifies how the LFO will be reset at note-on. NOTE This parameter will be displayed and can be set if “MOD SRC” is LFO. Note on With OFF, the LFO phase will not be reset when note-on occurs. With ON, the first note-on from a condition of no keys being pressed will reset the LFO to the phase specified by “INI.PHASE,” and modulation will be applied at that phase even if subsequent note-ons occur.
microKORG XL B1 TYPE .................................................................. [PEAKING, SHELV LO] Selects the EQ type of Band 1. B4 FREQ (B4 Frequency) .................................................. [20Hz…20kHz] Sets the center frequency of Band 4. Band1/ Band4 Type B4 Q ................................................................................. [00.5…10.0] 3dB Band4 Type=Shelving High Band4 Type=Peaking +Gain Sets the bandwidth of Band 4.
Effect guide B1 FREQ (B1 Frequency).................................................. [20Hz…20kHz] Stereo In - Stereo Out Sets the center frequency of Band 1. Left Dry / Wet Pre LPF High Damp Output Level Bit B1 Q ..................................................................................[00.5…10.0] Decimator Sets the bandwidth of Band 1. Sampling Frequency LFO B1 GAIN Decimator ............................................................... [–18.0…+18.
microKORG XL FS.MOD.INT (Fs Modulation Intensity) ...............................[–63…+63] Sets the depth of sampling frequency LFO modulation. Stereo In - Stereo Out Left Dry / Wet High Damp LFO SYNC (LFO Tempo Sync) .......................................................[OFF, ON] Trim Specifies whether the LFO cycle will synchronize to the tempo specified by the [TEMPO] knob or MIDI clock.J p. 66 “LFO SYNC (LFO Tempo Sync)” Stereo/Cross ........................................ [0.01…100.
Effect guide .......................................................................[000…127] Sets the amount of feedback for the left and right channels. The amount of feedback for the right channel is linked with the proportion of the left and right delay times so that the decay times of the left and right channels will stay the same. HI DAMP ........................................................................... [000…100%] Sets the damping amount in the high range. TRIM ..........................
microKORG XL SYNC .NOTE (LFO Sync Note) Stereo In - Stereo Out Left Dry / Wet High Damp Pan Delay Trim Feedback Pan Delay Trim MOD Depth LFO WAVE (LFO Waveform)................ [SAW, SQUARE, TRIANGLE, SINE, S&H] High Damp Right Dry / Wet LFO Spread LFO ............................................. [8/1…1/64] Sets the LFO frequency as a proportion of the tempo set by the [TEMPO] knob. NOTE This parameter will be displayed and can be set if “LFO Sync” is On. J p. 66 “SYNC.
Effect guide 9. MOD.DELAY (Stereo Modulation Delay) This is a stereo modulation delay. 10. TAPE.ECHO This effect simulates a tape echo unit. The distortion and tonal change typical of magnetic tape are also reproduced.
microKORG XL LO DAMP........................................................................... [000…100%] Sets the damping amount in the low range. DRY/WET...................................................... ["DRY", 99:1…1:99, "WET"] Sets the balance between the effect and dry sounds. TRIM ...................................................................................[000…127] Sets the input level. MOD.DEPTH (Modulation Depth) ......................................
Effect guide DELAY ...................................................................... [00.0…30.0ms] Sets the delay time in millisecond steps. MOD.DEPTH (Modulation Depth) .......................................[000…127] Sets the depth of LFO modulation. FEEDBACK .......................................................................[000…127] Sets the amount of feedback for the left and right channels. PHASE .......................................................................................
microKORG XL SYNC.NOTE (LFO Sync Note) .............................................. [8/1…1/64] Sets the LFO frequency as a proportion of the tempo set by the [TEMPO] knob. NOTE This parameter will be displayed and can be set if “LFO SYNC” is ON. J p. 66 “SYNC.NOTE (LFO Sync Note)” LFO WAVE (LFO Waveform) ............... [SAW, SQUARE, TRIANGLE, SINE, S&H] TYPE................................................................................. [BLUE, U_VB] Selects the phaser type. MANUAL ...............
Effect guide KEY SYNC (LFO KeySync) ............................................................[OFF, ON] Specifies whether the LFO will be reset by note-on. J p. 67 “KEY SYNC (LFO KeySync)” LFO SYNC (LFO Tempo Sync) .......................................................[OFF, ON] Specifies whether the LFO cycle will be synchronized with the tempo specified by the [TEMPO] knob or MIDI clock. J p. 66 “LFO SYNC (LFO Tempo Sync)” INI.PHASE (LFO Init Phase) ...................................................
microKORG XL OSC WAVE (OSC Waveform) .................................... [SAW, TRIANGLE, SINE] Stereo In - Stereo Out Left Dry / Wet Selects the ocsillator waveform. Pre LPF Ring Modulator LFO INT (LFO Intensity) ................................................... [–63…+63] Sets the depth of LFO modulation. Pre LPF Ring Modulator Right Fixed Fixed Frequency Note No. Note Offset, Fine Oscillator OSC Mode Pitch LFO SYNC (LFO Tempo Sync) .......................................................
Effect guide 17. GRAIN.SFT (Grain Shifter) LFO SYNC (LFO Tempo Sync) .......................................................[OFF, ON] This effect samples extremely brief fragments of the sound at a specified interval, and plays them as a loop. This is effective when used on external input sounds that are constantly changing. Specifies whether the LFO cycle will be synchronized with the tempo specified by the [TEMPO] knob or MIDI clock. J p.
microKORG XL Controlling the microKORG XL’s tone generator from an external MIDI device MIDI When you want to play or control the microKORG XL’s tone generator from an external MIDI keyboard or sequencer etc., use a MIDI cable to connect the MIDI OUT connector of the external MIDI device to the MIDI IN connector of the microKORG XL. 1. Using the microKORG XL with other MIDI devices (MIDI) Here you can adjust MIDI-related settings for the microKORG XL.
MIDI Connecting an external MIDI sequencer or computer etc.
microKORG XL • Normally when controlling the microKORG XL’s tone generator from an external MIDI device, you will set “POSITION” to PRE TG. The various settings listed above will affect the MIDI data that is received. The transmitted data will be processed as “TRANSPOS”: 0 and “VEL.CURVE”: 4. “MIDI FILTER” settings The MIDI FLT page setting specifies whether program change, pitch bend, control change, and system exclusive messages will be transmitted or received. (J p.
MIDI Connect the microKORG XL’s MIDI IN connector to your external MIDI device’s MIDI OUT connector. Use knob [1] to select the MIDI page, use knob [2] to select “CLOCK,” and use knob [3] to select “EXT MIDI”; the microKORG XL will be the slave. Set your external MIDI device to transmit MIDI clock messages (as the master device). The microKORG XL’s arpeggiator will operate at the tempo of the external device (e.g., sequencer or rhythm machine).
microKORG XL When you move the [PITCH] wheel on the microKORG XL, pitch bend change messages are transmitted on the Global MIDI channel. If you want pitch bend changes to be transmitted and received, set the MIDI FLT page “P.BEND” to ENABLE. If this is set to DISABLE, pitch bend change messages will not be transmitted or received.
MIDI • Expression (CC#11) [Bn, 0B, vv] When expression messages are received, the volume of a timbre will be controlled. The volume will be at maximum if the maximum value (127) is received, and at zero if the minimum value (0) is received. • Damper pedal (CC#64) [Bn, 40, vv] Incoming damper pedal messages will turn the timbre’s damper effect (Hold) on/off (0: Off, 127: On).
microKORG XL 3. Parameters transmitted and received via NRPN Front panel knobs and buttons other than the controls listed above are assigned NRPN (Non Registered Parameter No.). NRPN messages can be used freely by any musical instrument manufacturer or model. NRPN editing is performed using the following procedure. 1. Use NRPN MSB (CC#99) [Bn, 63, mm] and NRPN LSB (CC#98) [Bn, 62, rr] (n: channel, mm, rr: parameter no. upper and lower bytes) to select the parameter. 2.
MIDI Controlling the Timbre parameters Gate Value (transmitted, Time received) [%] Gate Value (transmitted, Time received) [%] Gate Value (transmitted, Time received) [%] Gate Value (transmitted, Time received) [%] 0 33 66 99 000 026 052 078 1, 2 001 34 027 67 053 100 079 3 002 35, 36 028 68, 69 054 101, 102 080 4 003 37 029 70 055 103 081 5 004 38 030 71 056 104 082 6, 7 005 39, 40 031 72, 73 057 105 8 006 41 032 74 058 9 007 42 033 75 059 10
microKORG XL Controlling the Virtual Patch1…Patch6 Destination • Dest1…Dest6: [Bn, 63, 04, Bn, 62, 08…0D, Bn, 06, mm] (n: channel, mm: parameter value) MSB (Hex) Patch1 Dest 04(04) LSB (Hex) 08(08) Patch2 Dest 04(04) 09(09) Patch3 Dest 04(04) 10(0A) Patch4 Dest 04(04) 11(0B) Patch5 Dest Patch6 Dest 88 04(04) 04(04) 12(0C) 13(0D) Value (transmitted) Value (received) 0...2: Pitch, 3...5: OSC2 Tune, 6...9: OSC1 Control 1, 10...12: OSC1 Level, 13...15: OSC2 Level, 16...
MIDI Master volume [F0, 7F, nn, 04, 01, vv, mm, F7] Vocoder Switch Vocoder switch: [Bn, 63, 05, Bn, 62, 04, Bn, 06, mm] (n: channel, mm: parameter value) MSB (Hex) Vocoder Sw 05(05) LSB (Hex) Value (transmitted) Value (received) 04(00) 0...63: OFF, 64...127: ON 0...63: OFF, 64...127: ON Other controls These messages are transmitted and received on the Global MIDI channel. Voice Mode (COMMON page “VOIC.
microKORG XL 4. Front panel knob/button control change assignments If you are using two microKORG XL units to transmit and receive these parameters, you must set the transmitting and receiving programs to the same settings. Control changes can be assigned to each front panel knob/button of the microKORG XL so that the changes in sound as controlled by knob/button operations can be transmitted as performance data.
FILTER2 AMP DRIVE/WS EG1 EG2 LFO1 LFO2 PATCH1 PATCH2 PATCH3 PATCH4 PATCH5 PATCH6 EQ MST FX1 MST FX2 VC MOD VC CARRI CUTOFF RESO TYPE EG1 INT KEY TRK LEVEL PANPOT WS DEPTH ATTACK DECAY SUSTAIN RELEASE ATTACK DECAY SUSTAIN RELEASE CC#30 CC#68 CC#29 CC#69 CC#82 CC#07 CC#10 CC#83 CC#85 CC#86 CC#87 CC#88 CC#73 CC#75 CC#70 CC#72 WAVE CC#89 FREQ CC#90 WAVE CC#102 FREQ INTENSTY INTENSTY INTENSTY INTENSTY INTENSTY INTENSTY LO GAIN HI GAIN DRY/WET CTRL-1 CTRL-2 DRY/WET CTRL-1 CTRL-2 THRESHLD HPF LVL HP
microKORG XL VC FILT VC AMP FRMNT.SFT FC.OFFSET RESO FC.MOD.INT EF SENS VC LEVEL DIRCT.LVL off off off off off off off 0...25: –2, 26...51: –1, 52...76: 0, 77...102: +1, 103...127: +2 0/1: –63, 2: –62...63: –1, 64: 0, 65: +1...127: +63 0...127 0/1: –63, 2: –62...63: –1, 64: 0, 65: +1...127: +63 0...126, 127: HOLD 0...127 0...
MIDI If BPM SYNC is on, the “FREQ” parameter of LFO 1/2 and the delay parameter of the master effects will change to “SYNC.NOTE.” In conjunction with this, the correspondence between the parameter value and the control change value transmitted/received when you operate a knob will change as follows.
microKORG XL Appendices 1. Trouble shooting Before you suspect a malfunction, please check the following points. Power does not turn on Is the input source connected to the AUDIO IN [LINE] jack or [MIC] jack? If you’re using the AUDIO IN [MIC] jack, is the [XLR/LINE] switch set to XLR? If you’re using the AUDIO IN [LINE] jack, is the [XLR/LINE] switch set to LINE? Is the AUDIO IN [VOLUME] knob level raised? Is the AC adapter connected to an AC outlet? J p.
Appendices Can't write programs or global settings Is the GLOBAL page PROTECT setting OFF? If the edited program or global setting did not remain, did you use knob [1] to specify the data to be saved when you executed the Write operation? Arpeggiator will not start Is the arpeggiator on ([ARP ON] key lit)? Is the arpeggiator assigned to a timbre? Is the MIDI page “CLOCK” setting correct? No response to MIDI messages sent from an external device Is the MIDI cable or USB cable connected co
microKORG XL No. Program Name Genre Category Voice Mode Arpeggio 2. Program List A51 TRANCER TECHNO/TRANCE POLY SYNTH Single Off A52 MS-101 TECHNO/TRANCE BASS Single Off No.
Appendices Program Name Genre Category Voice Mode Arpeggio No. Program Name Genre Category Voice Mode B14 Z-FIELD VINTAGE ARP/MOTION Single On B57 2MANYOSC TECHNO/TRANCE S.E./HIT Layer Arpeggio Off B15 SOLINSTR VINTAGE PAD/STRINGS Multi Off B58 VOC WAH TECHNO/TRANCE VOCODER Single Off B16 SQ DECAY VINTAGE KEYBOARD/BELL Multi Off B61 POLYLINE HOUSE/DISCO POLY SYNTH Single Off B17 INSPACE VINTAGE S.E.
microKORG XL 3. Demo Song No. Song Name 1 RADIOTEK Author KORG 2 CLUBSTAR Henning Verlage 3 SNOW KORG 4 BADGIRLZ KORG 5 TRANCER Henning Verlage 6 EVOLTION Henning Verlage 7 TLKBOXER KORG 8 DEEPSEA KORG 9 PUZZLES KORG 10 PREVIEW H.V. x KORG All Demo Songs: ©2008 KORG Inc. —All rights reserved.
Appendices Sound generation system MMT (Multiple Modeling Technology) Programs Number of timbres Maximum 2 (when using Layer, Split, or Multi) Polyphony 8 voices (up to 4 when the vocoder is selected) Synth Oscillator 1 Waveform Modulation Oscillator 2 Waveform Modulation Wave shaping WS type 2 oscillator + noise generator SAW, PULSE, TRIANGLE, SINE, FORMANT, NOISE, PCM/DWGS, AUDIO IN WAVEFORM, CROSS, UNISON, VPM SAW, PULSE, TRIANGLE, SINE RING, SYNC, RING+SYNC DRIVE , DECIMATOR, HARDCLIP, OCT SAW, MULTI
microKORG XL Envelope generators .........................20 EQ ......................................................20, 51 Equalizer .........................................20, 51 External audio input ..........................26 5. Index A AC adapter............................................10 ADSR .......................................................46 Amp (AMP)..................................... 19, 20 ARPEGGIATOR ....................... 21, 26, 82 Arpeggio parameter..........................
Appendices Appendices 101
microKORG XL 102
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO CONSUMERS This product has been manufactured according to strict specifications and voltage requirements that areapplicable in the country in which it is intended that this product should be used. If you have purchased thisproduct via the internet, through mail order, and/or via a telephone sale, you must verify that this product isintended to be used in the country in which you reside.
