Stigma

Name: Stigma
Author: Full Bucket Music

by Full Bucket Music · Synth · KORG Sigma KP-30 emulation

Not rated yet

Stigma is a free emulation of the KORG Sigma KP-30 Performing Synthesizer from 1979, with two band-limited oscillators and 19 presets that each have their own filters and envelopes.

It adds up to 64 voices with velocity, a chorus/ensemble section, a preset editor and MTS-ESP micro-tuning; it is free.

Best for: Keys & Synths, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Pop, Lo-Fi.

Keywords: ensemble, free, hardware emulation, 70s, polyphonic, monophonic, preset-driven, sound design, brass, CPU-light, leads, lo-fi, resizable UI, thin, vintage.

What it does

Stigma is a free simulation of KORG's Sigma KP-30 from 1979, a preset-based "performing synthesizer" that mixed instrument voices with "synthe" voices. The developer wrote it in native C++ for high performance and low CPU use.

Oscillators: two band-limited oscillators with four footages from 32' to 4'.
Preset sections: 19 presets, each with its own filter, envelope and amplifier.
Synthe section: eight presets including noise and a ring modulator, with individual lowpass filters and a global highpass filter.
Instrument section: eleven presets with a delayed vibrato effect.
Performance controls: portamento, Quarter Tone, Keyboard Sensor (aftertouch) and more, as on the original.
Polyphony and effects: up to 64 voices with velocity, and a chorus/ensemble section.
Editing and control: a preset editor, 40 extra presets by Kraftraum, MIDI Learn for every parameter and MTS-ESP dynamic micro-tuning.

The current version is 1.3.2 (27 Nov 2023). The standard builds have a resizable UI. It is free, and the developer accepts donations.

Source: Full Bucket Music product page

When to use it

Stigma is the pick for the quirky, preset-based tones of a late-70s KORG performance synth, at no cost. Compared with Diva or CS-80 V, it has no full subtractive panel; you shape sounds by choosing and editing presets, which makes it quick to play but narrower for sound design. Unlike Hive 2 or Vital, it is not a general-purpose synth, but its ring-modulated synthe voices, delayed vibrato and ensemble give it a character those modern synths don't aim for.

Best for: vintage leads, brass and ensemble tones, ring-mod effects and gliding lines with portamento.
Genres: retro pop, electronic, lo-fi and soundtrack work.
Look elsewhere if: you need deep modulation; Pigments 7 or Vital go much further.

What producers say

Coverage is thin but positive, framing it as an easy way to hear a sought-after, if lesser-known, KORG.

KVR users rate it 4 out of 5 from 1 review (2017), calling it "a wonderful improvement on the original" and recommending it to players who know synths like the Roland SH-1000 and ARP Pro Soloist.
Bedroom Producers Blog called it a decent-looking, free emulation of a pricey used synth, while noting the Sigma isn't one of KORG's truly legendary models.

Where to buy

Full Bucket Music: Free

Tutorials and reviews

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