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Korg DW-8000

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DW-8000
ManufacturerKorg
Dates1985 - 1987
Technical specifications
Polyphony8[1]
Timbrality1
Oscillator2 DWGS waveforms per voice
LFO1
Synthesis typeAnalog/digital hybrid using subtractive synthesis
Filter4-pole resonant low-pass
AttenuatorADBSSR envelope generator
Aftertouch expressionyes
Velocity expressionyes
Storage memory64
EffectsDigital delay
Input/output
Keyboard61-key mono-pressure sensitive
Left-hand controlJoystick
External controlMIDI

The Korg DW-8000 is a polyphonic hybrid digital-analog synthesizer released in 1985. It blends digital waveforms with an analog filter and amplifier, followed by a digital delay for adding echo effects. It boasts eight-note polyphony and its keyboard is equipped with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch.[2][3]

Background

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The DW-8000 was released shortly after Korg's previous polysynth, the DW-6000, and built upon its predecessor's sound engine by enhancing it with velocity sensitivity, a digital delay effect, and expanded eight-voice polyphony. It also introduced 16 digital waveforms, doubling the DW-6000's eight, along with an arpeggiator, an additional key assign mode, additional modulation waveforms, and an 'auto-bend' feature.[4]

Sounds and features

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The DW-8000 features a five-octave keyboard with aftertouch capabilities affecting modulation, filter, and volume, alongside 64 preset slots, a joystick, an arpeggiator, and MIDI.[2] The front panel features two buttons for program and parameter selection, numeric keys for choosing program and parameter numbers, and a data slider with +/— buttons for more precise parameter editing, echoing the design used on the Korg Poly-61, Korg's first synthesizer with digital controls.[4][5]

DW-8000 waveforms are illustrated on the front panel.

The DW-8000 employs Korg's Digital Waveform Generator System (DWGS), which features sampled waveforms stored across four 256 Kbit ROM chips. These waveforms range from standard synth shapes like sawtooth, square, and sine, to more complex sounds including bells, clavinets, acoustic and electric pianos, organs, guitars, and saxophones. A unique sample is utilized for each octave, and the waveforms were created using additive synthesis, which were then encoded onto the ROM chips. The DW-8000 features two oscillators, offering controls to modify their relative volumes and detune the second oscillator, creating a rich chorus-like effect.[4][3][5]

There are various key assign modes, including polyphonic and polyphonic portamento. Unison modes combine all eight voices for a fuller monophonic sound, however, it lacks the ability to detune voices in unison mode.[3] The DW-8000's voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) and voltage-controlled filter (VCF) are analog, which contributes to its rich sound. The VCF's resonance produces a clear whistle at high settings and a warm sound at lower pitches. Keyboard velocity and aftertouch can control volume and filter cutoff, and vibrato can be added using aftertouch.[3] Both the VCA and VCF envelopes feature six-stage envelopes featuring Attack, Decay, Break Point, Slope, Sustain and Release stages, allowing for complex envelope shapes to be created.[5]

The DW-8000 features a digital delay effect with adjustable delay times up to 500 milliseconds, and controls for delay time, feedback, effect level, and modulation. These settings allow for a range of effects including flanging, double tracking and long echo effects. These delay settings can be saved with the synth patch for easy recall.[2][4][3] It also features an 'auto-bend' option for initial note slides. It allows subtle or pronounced note adjustments, akin to a trumpet's entry or portamento. Settings include time, intensity, and the ability to choose whether it affects oscillator one, two, or both.[2][4] The built-in arpeggiator includes controls for tempo control, octave range, pattern modes for up/down and assign, and a Latch function for sustaining arpeggios after releasing the keys. It can also sync to external MIDI clock signals.[4][3]

The DW-8000 can store 64 patches, and the optional MEX8000 memory expander allows users to access four more banks, each holding 64 patches.[3]

EX8000

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The EX-8000 is the rack-mounted counterpart to the DW-8000, containing all the same features, including the digital delay effect.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Korg DW8000". Sound On Sound. December 1998. Archived from the original on 8 June 2015.
  2. ^ a b c d Colbert, Paul (Sep 1985). "Korg DW8000 Synth". One Two Testing. United Kingdom: IPC Magazines Ltd, Northern & Shell Ltd. pp. 11–80. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Ward, Paul (December 1998). "Korg DW8000 [Retrozone]". Sound on Sound. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Trask, Simon (Nov 1985). "Here In Black & White". Electronics & Music Maker. United Kingdom: Music Maker Publications (UK), Future Publishing. pp. 90–93. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
  5. ^ a b c Jenkins, Mark (Feb 1986). "Korg DW8000". International Musician & Recording World. United Kingdom: Cover Publications Ltd, Northern & Shell Ltd. pp. 92–95. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
  6. ^ "Back to Back". International Musician & Recording World. United Kingdom: Cover Publications Ltd, Northern & Shell Ltd. Feb 1986. pp. 170–171. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
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