M1

Name: M1
Price: 99.99 USD
Author: KORG

by KORG · Sampler · Digital workstation emulation

Not rated yet

A software version of KORG's 1988 M1 workstation, reproducing its AI synthesis and PCM waveforms.

It includes over 3,300 presets from the hardware and its expansion cards, including the well-known M1 Piano and M1 Organ, for $99.99.

Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Drums. Genres: Pop, Electronic & EDM, R&B & Soul.

Keywords: organ, 80s, AI/machine learning, 90s, basses, hardware emulation, modern, pads, preset-driven, AUv3/iOS, classic, punchy, resizable UI.

What it does

The M1 plugin is KORG's software recreation of its 1988 M1 workstation, now in version 2, which KORG describes as "refined for modern production environments". It reproduces the original AI synthesis system and PCM waveforms and adds features the hardware never had.

Sound engine: a software reproduction of the AI synthesis system, built from the original M1 PCM data and analysis of its circuits, with added filter resonance and VDA modulation.
Sound library: 3,300 programs, covering all 19 original M1 PCM ROM cards, the M1EX expansion and sounds from the KORG T1, T2 and T3, 34 ROM cards in all. The famous "M1 Piano" and "M1 Organ" are included.
Effects: 18 master insert effects, including a compressor, where the hardware had two master effects.
EASY mode: a single page with the most-used controls (oscillator and effect selection, filter and EQ), alongside full parameter editing.
Program browser: filters sounds by instrument category and sound character.
Programs and combinations: can be handled independently, which the original hardware could not do.
Interface and compatibility: high-resolution graphics for Retina and 4K screens in six sizes; SysEx compatible with the original M1 and the iM1 iPad app.

Source: KORG product page

When to use it

The M1 plugin is the pick when you want the actual M1 sound, not an imitation. Kontakt 8 libraries and Omnisphere 3 can cover similar pianos, organs and pads and go much further in modern sound design, but they don't run the M1's own engine and factory patches. Compared with KORG's TRITON plugin it is the earlier, simpler and cheaper workstation, with the late-80s and early-90s character rather than the TRITON's 2000s sound. Compared with Arturia's CMI V it covers a later era and a much larger ready-made library, but it is a preset-driven workstation rather than a sampler for your own sounds.

Best for: the classic house piano and organ bass, 90s pop pads, bells, basses and drum sounds.
Genres: house, dance, trance, hip-hop, pop and R&B.
Look elsewhere if: you want deep modern sound design (Omnisphere 3, Serum 2), your own samples (Kontakt 8), or 2000s workstation sounds (KORG TRITON).

What producers say

Users treat it as a cheap, reliable way to get the 90s M1 sound, though some find the sounds overused.

KVR users rate it 5 out of 5 from 5 reviews (versions 1.5 to 2.2), praising the punchy sound, the large preset library, the browser and the price; one called it "godly" for 90s music.
Uses: KVR reviewers singled it out for hip-hop, trance and dance, and for sketching ideas quickly.
Criticisms: one KVR reviewer found the sounds "absolutely cheesy and overused" while still rating it highly.

KVR user reviews

Where to buy

Plugin Boutique: $99.99

Tutorials and reviews

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M1