Korg 01R/W

I owned an M1 before I owned the O1R/W and the architecture is very similar. The user interface is fairly easy to get to grips with, aided in no small way by the large LCD screen. The presets are pretty good, especially some of the synth pads and soundscapes. These owe a big debt to the quality of the PCM samples which cover a wide range without skimping on quality.

Editing and creating patches is straightforward enough and great results can be produced either by tweaking existing presets or starting from scratch. I got my unit 2nd hand without a manual so can't comment on that, but seem to get on well enough without it.

The O1R/W has a max 32 notes of polyphony for a single-oscillator patch which, while being fine for live performance, can be limiting when sequencing multitimbrally. The FX are great, though you're limited to 2 per patch (as with all older Korgs). The sequencer is ok but can be laborious to program. Best to compose on a dedicated sequencer and then record into the O1R/W via MIDI if you really need to use it as a sequencer. MIDI spec is good and I've never experienced any unexpected freezes or errors.

The waveshaping feature is worth a mention. You can apply a preset waveform to modulate (distort) an existing PCM wave to achieve some interesting, if not always usable results. It's like having access to a very basic form of FM synthesis but using samples as waveforms. This kind of feature can also be found in the Yamaha SY77.

The O1R/W has two performance modes: Single and Combi. Single is your basic play and combi mode allows you to combine up to 16 single patches either in layers, splits, MIDI maps or monster patches. Bear in mind you've only got 32 voices in your pocket though.

Additional PCM samples and patches are available via bespoke ROM cards, though they're rarer than hen's teeth these days. You can also use RAM cards to increase the storage capacity.

The sounds are typical Korg, ie wonderful. Its strengths lie in lush synth pads and atmospheric sounds, though your bread and butter piano, rhodes, hammond etc are all there and with a bit of tweaking can sound pretty authentic. Controllers are well supported for a synth of its age and you can even assign controllers to the FX processor. The lower sample rate lends it a slightly grittier, warmer sound than many of its contemporaries and gives the feel of a Korg wearing an Ensoniq's clothing at times.

The FX unit has 47 different programs and is good enough to avoid the need for outboard FX most of the time. However, FX settings in Single mode are not carried into Combination mode which can be frustrating (M1 owners will back me on this).

As it's a module I can't comment on its keyboard action but it responds well to velocity and pressure via MIDI, and with the range of controller parameters available it's ideal for live use.

The O1R/W is housed in a strong metal case with built-in psu and is clearly built to last. Watch out for fading backlights though, and if you've got PCM cards installed just be aware that they do protrude a good 10mm from the unit and seem to invite accidents.

Operationally, they do seem to age well. A friend of mine has owned the keyboard version O1W/FD for ten years (from 2nd hand) and has never had a problem, even with the disk drive.

It's Korg, therefore you'll get support anywhere in the world. Also, the O1W series was very popular, so the internet has many links to appropriate support/repair sites.

I paid GBP150 for my O1R/W two years ago and still consider it a bargain. It's the main man in my live rig and if it went pop I'd have to find another one asap.

I also own a Korg O5R/W and M1R, a Yamaha DX11 and FB01, Ensoniq EPS and Akai S3000XL. I still do sequencing on a battered old Atari ST, though have recently acquired Logic Pro for the PC.

I purchased my O1R/W purely on the strength of having heard (and gigged) my friend's. It really is an upgraded M1, with larger sample ROM, waveshaping and better controller options. Interestingly, the O1W was originally designated M10 (in homage to the M1), but the marketing men saw its name written upside down and preferred it that way!

To sum up, an excellent piece of 90's technology available at bargain prices on the 2nd hand market. If you can't afford an OASYS or M3 you should definitely console yourself with one of these.

First, Sorry my bad english. I`m Latin music.I use the Korg`s 01R/W for two years ago and I play this sound module with a YAMAHA`s DX7 fd or Roland`s XP60 controller. Unit is whit original sounds: 200 in COMBI and 200 in PROG A and B. The system is very friendly (its a KORG). There are eight controlers under LCD for change values and parameters. The sounds are good. I live in Mexico and our traditional music and popular music uses brasses, strings, elec. pianos and choirs. KORG 01R/W has good examples of them.

32 voices in poliphony is limited. This unit is the rack version of KORG 01/w keyboard. No floppy disk buit-in. There are two slots for storage information and PCM data sounds. This module has 47 effects for Sounds and Songs. The secuencer is very limited: only 7 000 notes and storage data is in cards. I don't use the secuencer.

I have this unit because I use it sounds. I like the choirs, electric pianos, Strings and Pads. In Latin Music this model is very used. A Lot of groups uses KORGs keyboards, specially M1, 01/W fd and N264. I own Triton Pro and Trinity Plus, but lot of sound are better in 01R/W, for example Choirs Sounds. The FX are good. I don`t problem whit MIDI settings and I can conected it without problem anywhere keyboard via MIDI.

I love this unit, but I must use it only some times. 01R/W in 2U space in rack and is very small. Too, Triton`s came with lots of sounds of M1 and 01W keyboards.

I never need remote assistance or special cautions.

Its rare to find in Mexico this unit. I never buy it. 01R/W has classical KORG sounds. Similar sounds are found in M1, 01W/FD,X3, T1, N264 and more. I have all sounds in this unit. Too, I own YAMAHA TG500, other very good tone generator.

I was weaned on the M-1 so this unit is totally easy to use.
Manual is dandy.

I never needed the sequencer; I wish all designers of all modules
would forget about this idea. Good basic 32 polyphony/ 8 midi
channels/ 2 effects/ 2 pairs outputs. Two card slots for data.
I stupidly never bought cards; the battery died and I've had
to re-program from scratch. If anyone has factory cards for sale
please Email.

I dislike the strings and trumpet. I like clarinet and French Horn.
Flutes are bad. Oboes and bassoons OK. Piano is not great but
is good enough for my needs. Good drum programming capabilities.
Bass sounds OK but I always find myself looking for something different. Trombones OK. Harp just fine. Mallets: I "work
around" as there isn't a real glock or xylo. OK Tubular Bells.
Needs more snare drum possibilities. But, when everything is
done and put together, I'm quite pleased with the final sound.
Effects are good enough for my needs, which is providing vocalists
with "music minus one" CD's of orchestral-with-rhythm-section charts.

I've had it for 10 years and have only had to replace the battery.
The first unit I purchased from the store was defective;
the retailer replaced it immediately.

As of Sept/2001 I'm looking around for another module.
Right now, I'm leaning towards a P2K, partially because of all
of the positive comments I've read on these pages about the E-mu company. My nervousness about Korg these days comes from having rented a horrible "N" rack. I was unable to contact the manufacturer
about various questions I had. I was also horrified that they would
manufacture such a unit.

I would not have a problem with the idea of selling this unit and applying the funds to some other, more current module.
But, it has been a very pleasant machine to own and to work with; I have no regrets at having purchased it.