The Essentials to Know About the Korg opsix SE Synthesizer
- Ultra-intuitive "Altered" FM Synthesis: 6-fader mixer to balance each operator and sculpt the timbre in real time, without getting lost in menus.
- Premium 61-key keyboard with aftertouch: more playability, more expressiveness, ideal for lively pads, edgy leads, and textures that respond to touch.
- Up to 80 voices of stereo polyphony: plenty of headroom to layer complex sounds, play rich chords, and maintain smoothness both in the studio and live.
- Robust stage format: metal chassis and hard case included for safe transport of the instrument.
An SE Variant Designed for Keyboardists and the Stage
Based on the DNA of the opsix, the Korg opsix SE carries forward the concept of modernized FM with a more comfortable 61-key format and a design more "stage-oriented." The idea is to retain the power of FM synthesis while making it more playable, more expressive (aftertouch), and more immediate to control, suitable for both production and performance.
For Which Musicians and Styles?
The opsix SE targets experienced keyboardists and sound designers who want to go beyond classic FM sounds. It excels at sharp basses, bell and metallic tones, aggressive leads, as well as cinematic and evolving pads. An excellent choice for electro, techno, ambient, synthwave, pop, and soundtrack music, with a workflow adapted to studio, live, and sound experimentation.
Features and Innovations
At the heart of the Korg opsix SE, the enhanced FM synthesis is based on a 6-operator architecture that can change roles depending on the selected mode (FM, Ring Mod., Filter, Filter FM, Wave Folder, Effect). This flexibility allows transitioning from crystalline FM to saturated, organic, or very modern timbres, with varied waveforms and modeled filters, including colors inspired by MS-20 and Polysix. Programming is accelerated by the OLED screen, direct accesses, and visual tools such as the spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope.
For creation and stage use, the instrument integrates 3 effect blocks (30 types each), a 16-step sequencer (up to 6 notes per step), a motion sequencer (up to 6 tracks), and an arpeggiator. Randomization is ideal for quickly generating patch variations and triggering ideas, while factory sounds are designed to exploit aftertouch and stereo polyphony.
Technical Specifications
Keyboard
- 61-key keyboard (natural keyboard with velocity and release sensitivity, aftertouch)
Sound Engine and Architecture
- Modified FM sound generation system
- Maximum polyphony: 80 voices (maximum number of voices varies depending on settings)
- Structure: 6 operators, 1 filter, 3 EGs, 3 LFOs, 3 effects, step sequencer, arpeggiator
- Algorithm: 40 presets + user algorithm (unique for each program)
- Operator: 6 modes (FM, Ring Mod., Filter, Filter FM, Wave Folder, Effect)
- Oscillator waveforms: 23 waveforms (Sine, 12-bit Sine, 8-bit Sine, Triangle, Saw, Saw HD, Square, Square HD, Additive Saw3, Additive Sqr3, Additive Tri3, Additive 12345, Additive 1+2, Additive 1+3, Additive 1+4, Additive 1+5, Additive 1+6, Additive 1+7, Additive 1+8, Noise S/H, White Noise, Pink Noise, Blue Noise)
- Filters: 11 types (LPF 12, LPF 24, LPF MS-20, LPF POLY6, HPF 12, HPF 24, HPF MS-20, BPF 6, BPF 12, BRF 6, BRF 12)
- EG: ADSR
- LFO: 23 waveforms (Triangle, Saw Down, Saw Up, Square, Sine, Sample & Hold, Guitar, Exp. Triangle, Exp. Saw Down, Exp. Saw Up, Step4 Triangle, Step6 Triangle, Step4 Saw Down, Step6 Saw Down, StepRnd:Time, Triangle+, Saw Down +, Saw Up +, Square +)
- V.Patch: 12 routings
Effects, Arpeggiator, and Sequencers
- Effects: 30 types (Chorus, Unison Ensemble, Phaser, Phaser (BPM), Auto Pan, Auto Pan (BPM), Flanger, Flanger (BPM), Rotary Speaker, Auto Wah, Exciter, Enhancer, LFO Filter, 3-Band EQ, Distortion, Guitar Amp, Decimator, Grain Shifter, Master Limiter, Compressor, Delay, Delay (BPM), Autopan Delay, Autopan Delay (BPM), Tape Echo, Tape Echo (BPM), Early Reflection, Reverb, Shimmer Reverb, Spring Reverb) x 3
- Step sequencer (up to 16 steps, up to 6 notes per step)
- Motion sequencer (up to 6 tracks)
- Arpeggiator: 7 patterns (MANUAL, UP, DOWN, ALT1, ALT2, RANDOM, default TRIGGER)
Memory and Favorites
- Number of programs: 500 (350 preset programs and 150 user programs factory-set)
- FAVORITES: 64 (16 Slots x 4 Banks)
Controllers
- MODULATION wheel
- PITCH wheel
- RATIO OP 1-6 buttons
- LEVEL OP 1-6 sliders
- DATA ENTRY buttons A-F
Inputs / Outputs
- Headphones (6.3 mm stereo jack)
- L/MONO and R outputs (6.3 mm TRS phone jacks)
- DAMPER (6.3 mm phone jack)
- MIDI IN and OUT connectors
- USB port
Power Supply
- AC power supply (DC12V)
- Power consumption: 5 W
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 1,014 x 344 x 108 mm
- Weight: 8.6 kg
Included and Optional Items
- Included items: Power adapter, hard case
- Accessories (sold separately): DS-1H damper pedal, PS-1 pedal switch, PS-3 pedal switch