Korg OPsix Review & Beginner Tutorial // Easy to use FM synthesizer!

[@chriseisert1349]

Heck man, the review is appreciated for sure, but I know I speak for a lot of beginners here like me.... This tutorial and how you took the time to explain how everything works in tandem, relative to each other's operation is just pure awesomeness. You are a phenomenal teacher. I bow down to the Bo, that is Beats.

[@BoBeats]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful

[@hughman8597]

Its 6.15 am in germany ....perfect time to watch one of your videos :)

[@mkpatashnik]

Yes, I was waiting for this. Back to young days, when I was trying to create FM sounds in Sound Forge. :)

[@drat1566]

This is awesome. I ordered the OPSIX yesterday. I'm old and I've never played anything but analog. It was super helpful to see this and have a good sense of how it works instead of struggling through the user manual with no context. Thanks!!!

[@DrBuffaloBalls]

7:00 wow that FM guitar sounds nice.

[@Jason75913]

I think there's two? I like them both

[@ToyKeeper]

Guitar patches were the thing which really stood out in RMR's video too. I wonder how that particular sound works...

[@Jason75913]

@@ToyKeeper probably pretty similar to e.bass patches, basically a type of synthpluck

[@yallimsorry5983]

I don’t know if they do this on any opsix patches but the original DX7 acoustic guitar patches actually use a fixed operator to create “string noise” because in some setting a fixed operator creates a metallic “ping/warble” kind of effect. When I go to play these patches It’s obviously a synth to my ears but it must’ve blown people’s minds with realism back in 1983

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for sharing this, Bo. Your explanation is on point as always. It's good to see one of the big companies approaching FM with accessibility in mind. I'm sure this machine will find it's market share.

[@BirdsongCrochet]

This is one of the best explanations on synthesizing in general, no matter what type of synth you might own! Thanks so much for this very helpful video!

[@BoBeats]

Thanks for checking it out!!

[@reXdownhamOG]

Thanks, @BoBeats. Always a pleasure.

[@MusicianParadise]

How Yamaha missed this opportunity ? MODX is nice, but... OpSix focus on user friendly FM with dedicated hands on controls making it very appealing product. It what I always wanted from Yamaha, but Korg did it. Excellent review!

[@winddealer1]

Yes, the MODX is very nice for sure, undeniable one of the best value keyboards in the world for the money.

[@kaarnak]

Looks like Korg staff are really working to produce 1) user friendly synths with 2) good sound and 3) reasonable pricing. Very happy with WaveState and miniLogue, might get this too.

[@BoBeats]

100%

[@kellymerrill5294]

It's $800, not reasonable for DSP

[@jantuitman]

BoBeats What I find very hard to see on the video is how big the synth is and how big the keys are. Looks more like Minilogue like keys than Wavestate keys, or do I see it wrong? I agree with you two that this is becoming a very good collection of synths but I wish there were modules for this, because they will take up much more room than a volca collection.

[@kaarnak]

@@kellymerrill5294 not too bad I think

[@suadcokljat1045]

@@kellymerrill5294 and as DSP they use Raspberry PI compute module. Cheers! S

[@erlendmagnussen8922]

Fabulous engine and UI. Great review Bo!

[@tommykruesofficial]

Pfft...and to think i was about to go to bed, Thanks Bo! always love the content my dude.

[@fernandomercado5519]

“Most accessible FM synthesizer I’ve ever tried.” *cue ultra analog sounding arp.* I love how FM synths do analog better than some analog synths. 🤣🥃

[@npartridge12]

Hi Bo just wanted to say thank you for this amazing video. I recently (last week) picked up an Op6 and man this thing is so deep, it’s an amazing instrument. I’ve had so much fun coming up with sounds and just playing around with all the functions of this fab machine. Your video was a real inspiration too and thank you for the in-depth programming tutorial it really helped me get to grips with what is as you say a fairly easy synth to program for an FM synth. I started out my synth journey on the DX21 and spent far too many hours pouring over it’s tiny LCD non backlit screen and one data slider and now we have this FM beast and it’s just such a great way to edit FM sounds and it just sounds so full. For me one of the best synths of the past few years and I also have quite a bit of analogue gear including a Deep Mind 12 which I also love, but the Op6 for me just has that something special. Could be because I started out with FM, but you can just come up with so many great evolving textures with this beast of a machine. Anyway just wanted to say thank you for your inspiring and entertaining video which was for me the perfect introduction to this wonderful machine. Thank you so much for all your hard work on your amazing videos, they are much appreciated.

[@BoBeats]

thanks Nigel!

[@mark35mi]

Nice beginner tutorial on FM synthesis. Loved the hands on beginner explanation... and showing how accessible the OpSix can be. Well done.

[@BoBeats]

Thanks Mark!

[@ORACLEBALL]

Very cool, this synth reminds me a lot of Sytrus with its features

[@Hyper5nic]

It does indeed. Throw it in Patcher and add some note and envelope controllers and your good to go. ;-)

[@JustinUrban1]

Sounds like a wonderful synth for some deep house chords!!

[@ConwayBob]

Ah-ha! So FM synthesis CAN be made easier! That little beastie sounds amazing, and the user interface is well-designed. Are those full-size keys? Thank you, Bo, for a great demo/review. Good work!

[@BoBeats]

Thanks Bob! Always good seeing you around

[@patrickyeo2016]

Always help in making what seeming to be complicated menus and turning it into an intuitive experience!! You’ve helped me crack the digitakt and now this!! Thank you for your work!!!!

[@gabrielmartinelli2348]

Awesome! Korgs line up is really great

[@johnfunk7568]

Thanks Bo! Just ordered one and you convinced me it was a good choice.

[@danwhite7629]

Fantastic demo thanks Bo.

[@cornishbuddha]

Great video, always good info and content from you, thanks 👌

[@bagoobia]

WOW THIS IS FANTASTIC

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

GAS is building up, but not towards a synth but a guitar multiFX (Boss ME-80). In manual is has this stompbox layout in one shiny box. Btw not into FM but I might consider this on a later date. Wavestate and OPsix got my attention.

[@smd1uk]

Really, really useful. Thanks.

[@jackthemurray]

Just saw this on the Sweetwater site. Not in stock yet but itching to get one once them come in. Thanks for the review - your input is helped inform my decision.

[@trevorbrown8737]

I love this!! Great video!! 👍

[@ltnjones1714]

Oh ! Very nice sound demo and this FM synths is definitely interesting

[@hygromanteia]

Nice use of stereo!

[@truthseeker3907]

Thank You Bo and Thumbs up! :)

[@thomaskolb8785]

Without getting too deep into maths and stuff, after a while you will know exactly which algorithms to pick for a specific sound that you have in mind. Stacked ones (like 1 and 2) are best for creating sounds that have two parts, like an attack portion and a sustained part. Flat algorithms (like 31 and 32) are best for smooth pads, organs and similar. 3-stacks (like 5 and 6) are good for sounds that resemble 3 oscillator analog synths ... and so on. The possibilities with a 6 op FM synth are actually far from endless; you have maybe 50 basic sounds (and then of course thousands of variations). So it is actually not particularly mind-boggling. Great demo, Bo!

[@jenslempke7883]

Really nice screen.

[@negociusmanmicromrecords]

Thanks Bo, great video

[@Terre-Sauvage-Music]

Tanks for everything you do

[@michaeltyborski4802]

Fantastic presentation. You explain the OPSIX and FM sound production very well. I need to learn the theory for my Yamaha MODX6. While watching your video, I wondered how many operators it has and what modes are available. Regardless, Korg Wavestate and OPSIX are now on my acquisition list. However, they must communicate with Windows 10 version 2004 or later. Firmware updates are important.

[@BoBeats]

I have an FM tutorial for the Modx called beginners guide to FM :-)

[@AviPFine]

Love this synth - great video - Im currently trying to understand how to use the step sequencer on mine. Possible future tutorial?

[@IRIDEHARLEYS]

Just want to say how much I enjoy your synth and gear review videos! I really like the sound of the newer Korg synths. I'm having a bit of a time deciding which Korg would be good for me as I'm getting back into synths after a long time away. I've forgotten much of what I learned years ago. My choices would be the Minilogue XD, Opsix, Wavestate or waiting for the new Modwave. I'm hoping to avoid deep menu diving or a steep learning curve. I play mostly 2000 and older music (not much house/techno music), leaning to more classic rock. I like experimental and ethereal/ambient music as well. Thanks in advance for any insight Bo!

[@BoBeats]

Hey! And thank you! Minilogue XD is the wat to go, no doubt. All of the others require deep menu diving and are definitely not beginner friendly. They are hands on for what they offer, but XD just seems the best choice for rock imo. Only 4 note polyphony tho, so only 4 note chords. If you want piano and string type sounds Wavestate is the way to go.

[@DoctorJRx]

i love the sweater ...i'm buying this synth

[@lovemadeinjapan]

Too bad the T-shirt is visible. T-shirts are not underlayers. Wear a tank instead.

[@ThatJerseyBloke]

Great job at showing off the capabilities of FM and this synth Bo, but can we talk about that sweater? :D I'm going to pass and hope they come out with a version with 49+ keys or a rackmountable module.

[@Cybercygni]

Fy tusan för att göra det där på en DX7'a 🙂. Superbra genomgång.

[@dudeseriously79]

So relaxing. :)

[@Gainn]

Pre-ordered immediately. If they do a desktop/rack version I'll get that too. The last couple of months have been painfully expensive.. 😣

[@juanjoseochoa2500]

OPSIXM

[@midiminion6580]

I saw that ratios are only 1, 2, 3 etc. Can you do partial ratios? Say 1.1?

[@jupitermarx]

Your haircut looks great!!:)

[@matthewtunnicliffe201]

I'm not sure this is for me but it's certainly an impressive synth and I enjoyed your review, as always. I think it's the sharpness and clarity that I'm not much for when it comes to FM. I don't mind if it's anolog or digital but I definitely I prefer my sound to be fuzzier (if that's even a word).

[@MichaelRohaly]

There's a bunch of interesting filtering in the operators, a main filter, and distortion, eq and even more filtering in the effects. It's understandable that people are doing the brighter things as a demo, but it looks like you can get some fuzz and murk in there.

[@cartermars]

Love you bo!

[@BoBeats]

🥰

[@emdotambient]

I like how its great big screen floats overtop your fingers ... LOLZ!

[@BoBeats]

M a g i c

[@Hyper5nic]

Thank you very much Bo for your extensive review of the OPsix. And I do miss the ribbon controller here! I enjoyed listening to the Wavestate and now the new OPsix, sadly I find it hard to understand why they didn't fix the presets glitch. Earlier models like the early Electribes and even the Nintendo incarnation DS-10 and 12, scroll through the presets and changes when the measure ends. The current glitch means you can't change presets in a live performance without it throwing off either rhythm and/or melody. It is especially noticeable from pad to rhythmic preset, and switching between rhythmic presets because the tempo's are different. There is a fix though! If you hold a note or chord and wait for a pad or sequence to play out, you can switch the preset and it will sound when you release the keyboard to play something else! ;-)

[@ToyKeeper]

It makes some really nice guitar sounds... would love to see how those patches are set up.

[@musicanddesign4731]

Great video! Can you give some advice? I wanna buy a new synth. I don't know what to choose? Opsix, wavestate or a Cobalt 8. What would you prefer?

[@foodandmoney]

Those presets are incredible haha

[@timgittar]

Great argyle sweater.

[@rayderrich]

I am not a huge fan of the FM sounds but the way the Opsix opens up FM to the sound designer is just phenomenal, I might still get it. Thank you Bo!

[@maurettiditroifa9685]

Great review Bo, although it doesn't really impress me the opsix. I'll stick to the Digitone for fm.

[@geoffk777]

As FM synths go, this looks fairly easy to work with. But it's still hard to predict in advance what a sound is going to be or how to get to a particular sound from scratch. More seriously, a MODX is even more powerful as an FM synth (with 8 operators) and it's almost as easy to play with. The Arturia DX-V is pretty flexible and easy to play with too. So this is solving a problem that I don't think really exists any more. A WaveState is really unique, but this goes over a lot of ground that's been well-covered recently. It's still a nice unit and much better than a Yamaha Reface DX. But I don't see a lot of players going for it.

[@winddealer1]

The OPsix does have unique features that simplify FM sound design, such as the O-Scope display to help visualize the resultant waveform and a simplified workflow. However, I agree with you, from a value perspective for an extra $500 USD the MODX comes with 61 keys, 10,000+ Arps, Drum Kits galore, incredible DSP and insertion effects, great USB Audio In/Out to DAW, deeper parameter control, dual Sound engines: 128 Voice Poly AWM, 64 voice poly FMX and the list goes on. Tough space to compete in for sure. I'd save the extra money and get the MODX if looking for an FM board.

[@PearlPaisley]

Those sounds 😏😏😏 this must be my next investment 💵💵💵

[@OakKeys]

Nice vid man! Very good walkthrough of the instrument! But ill pass this synth, it sounds to metallic..

[@cosmojonesmusic]

1:02......Bo, I don't drink coffee. What do I do?

[@brianobush]

Love that they have made FM very tweakable, however, I still feel that Kodamo has nailed tweakability with the Essence FM touch screen.

[@marcusbeecham8293]

Great review!! How many notes can u play at one time. Is it only 6?

[@k2a2l2]

guitar sound at 6:59 is awesome

[@BoBeats]

You can check out OPSIX in stores here: EU: thmn.to/thoprod/507094?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/VJNQR Affiliate links means I get a small commission if you buy something using them. Its a good way to support the channel without a cost to yourself.

[@andreadkins6472]

L LG

[@andreadkins6472]

Z-z-

[@mysticjuice3363]

Korg is trying to take all my money damn

[@MKA63]

I actually don't understand why so many people are saying they are confused by FM. I made a alot of money teaching programming of the DX7.

[@metaspherz]

Any guesses as to the release date and price? I just paid off my Wavestate...

[@arturslacinjans7185]

it will start shipping in December priced at £699/€799

[@mmhcreates]

Well the price of the Wavestate has dropped by just over £100 since it released at £699. So would be worth waiting a few months for the Opsix price to come down to the same price as the Wavestate.

[@mmhcreates]

@sbmphr yeah it makes sense to wait abit.

[@MontiRock]

Also when you MIDI it to the Volca FM, it's SPECTACULAR.

[@cd78]

and why would you do such an absurd thing

[@MontiRock]

@@cd78 because it sounds GOOD, that's why. Don't knock it until you try it.

[@djwerd831]

thank you

[@benmusicperson]

that MegaFM synth seems more my speed. hands on control is the name of the game for me and korg’s menu system just seems so unintuitive to me. i don’t like everything being multiple button presses away. seeing you press “misc” and then “user algo” every time you wanted to adjust something seems like a pain. that’s just me tho.

[@mikeellisonhimself]

Good video. Is the voice filter cutoff "waggle-able"? Hard to tell from these videos but it looks like you have to twiddle lots for not much change i.e not very acid. Is that a correct impression?

[@555atU]

I don't know if I like the synth or the sweater better.

[@thewistfulsnail]

Oh no! Not a new synth!! I can't make decisions this big!! Opsix or Argon8 or Wavestate?

[@Jason75913]

all of 'em seen Cobalt8 yet? 😁

[@thewistfulsnail]

@@Jason75913 haha yeah. My problem just keeps getting larger.

[@Jason75913]

@@thewistfulsnail well, the Modal synths are a hit, you can go for Argon8 or Cobalt8 first, and procrastinate on Wavestate and opsix as I doubt their popularity will endure like the Modal synths, which will have more popularity over time as they are "esential" synths in that most folks will get their common sounds from them and pads from the Argon8, while less people delve into FM and even less into Korg wave-sequencing, so the Korgs are likely to see price drops when they start selling poorly.

[@thewistfulsnail]

@@Jason75913 yes I've been watching a bunch of demos and seems Modal synths are more flexible with sound design and creating a range of sounds. The more I was Opsix videos seems like it does well with organ, e keys, metallic and bell sounds.

[@Jason75913]

@@thewistfulsnail that's just the mediocre Korg presets, opsix can be taken away from that territory pretty easily - heck, I do just that with my Volca FM, I make neat techno and EDM sounds instead Wavestate isn't less flexible, actually more, it just can't nail wavetable gimmicks, it is a standard do-anything rompler like MODX, FA, and Krome EX beyond the wavesequencing

[@yallimsorry5983]

I know I’m a little late to this video but I’m curious and I have an absurd amount of questions so I’m sorry in advance, lol!! But can you do multiple feedback loops, can you change all the operators to saw and use the filter on all of them? Also does it have any of the stepped portamento features of the DX7? Thanks so much for the great demo!!

[@vidz4free]

The only FM synth I own is an old Yamaha TX 81z and I love it but this thing seems to be way more fun to use, on my wishlist...

[@robertsyrett1992]

Sounds lovely. How easy is it to use with the digitone sequencing it?

[@MrVleker]

It looks like it is in the same casing as the Wavestate. Also around the same price. Then the question remains, Wavestate or Opsix?

[@PlugInGuruVideo]

Chocolate Cake or Raspberry Tart with melted caramel on top?

[@MrVleker]

@@PlugInGuruVideo Though choice

[@geoffk777]

The WaveState is really unique and has a very lush sound. This sounds more digital and is similar to other things on the market like the Yamaa MODX or Arturia DX-V. So I'd go for the WaveState.

[@EdgyNumber1]

I only wish Nautilus/Kronno MOD7 was as user-friendly as this. It has all the same technical features of the MOD7 but the user interface (ie the whole control surfaces, hardware and software) is so much easier to work with. Has Yamaha got ANYTHING to answer this with?

[@cabbycabby1770]

It took me a second to realize it didn’t somehow have an 8” display screen, haha.

[@DaMaster1983]

i love synths

[@worldofmuu]

Time to compose a Pilotwings 2 ost

[@AlekseiDroganov]

Hi Bo! Want to ask you, have you bought it yourself? 😉

[@Iofflight78]

This definitely has my attention. does this by chance take Dx7 patches? (I'm thinking unlikely but worth a shot)

[@thevisibleman7087]

Yes it does. You can import sysex banks of 32 patches but it is not fully compatible because of different synthesis parameters. Sometimes, you'll have to tweak the patch in order to retrieve the original one as identical.

[@DIYTAO]

In theory.. Unfortunately this as simple ADSR. envelopes only and thus can't create same variance to sounds as real DX7.

[@Iofflight78]

@@thevisibleman7087 Great news.. I really don't need them to translate 100% (I have the DX7) but more wanted a place to start from so I can finally learn how to program these things better.

[@mr.kybernaut6687]

This really looks like a good approach to program FM synthesizers. One has 3x6 Controllers, that's really neat. I once tried the volca fm and sent it back immediately, way too complex, much too fiddly with those small potis. I'm pretty familiar with FM synthesis in VSTs, but it's always so troublesome to click and switch to the other operators. Having this in front of you and accessible by some buttons with a cool display seems like an excellent idea. But I must say they copied the idea of Electron Digitakt and Digitone with the display and the six encoders. I like the display/encoder combo, but I'm not sure how much Elektron will like that...

[@zechs5079]

Oh man, should I sell my Minilogue XD for this? Decisions decisions...

[@diegob6729]

Hmm I think you need both 💁‍♂️😅

[@zechs5079]

@@diegob6729 sold my minilogue xd and don't have the opsix anymore. Sad times.

[@Tim.Traveler]

Would the OPSIX MKII (now available) be ok for a beginner?

[@BoBeats]

I would not recommend an fm synth unless you have basic knowledge about synths. It can be quite difficult. Opsix is easy for an fm synth, but fm synths are more difficult than subtractive in general

[@Tim.Traveler]

Thanks Bo! @@BoBeats

[@midtown3221]

7:00 I need to make that guitar CRUNCHY

[@XerosXIII]

damn, i just brought korg volca fm!

[@PeterMJJacob]

Hey Bo, just started watching your channel. Your videos are incredibly helpful. I have been using a Microkorg XL for many years but I am finding that I am outgrowing it. I want to replace it with something that is more hands-on userfriendly and more versatile but in the same general realm as far as size and price goes. I especially need a clean piano tone and damper pedal input. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[@BoBeats]

For piano sounds I just dont know... Maybe Wavestate? But its very deep. If you want more bread n butter clean sounds I say a workstation is your best bet. Like a Yamaha MODX. For more synthy sounds, can’t go wrong with minilogue xd. another possible contender would be cobalt8 i think.

[@hakonsoreide]

Do you have any thoughts on Digitone vs OpSix?

[@gazfunk]

It took me a moment to work out what was going on with the screen. Lol I love big screens but that’s a bit much.

[@noobslayerr9732]

Fm and japan are prolly in same sentence korg knows its shit. This has so much hard techno hidden inside its hood going on..best review of.prolly the third most 'to have' synth after prophet x and polybrute

[@s4diiist123]

How do you get sound from opsix in computere ?

[@TLGElectro]

Cool! Do you wanna swap it for my Yamaha DX21??! 🤣

[@stosemcls]

It definitely requires a larger screen

[@thehimer3903]

This menu is a pain i guess...

[@LesSondiers]

Thumbnails game is on again 😝. Ooo, is he suspicious ? Is he disappointed ? Ooooo I should definitely click 😁👍👊

[@BoBeats]

You know it!

[@LesSondiers]

HAHA YOU PEOPLE WILL BE DRIVEN TO CLICK HERE. WE HAVE FULL CONTROL.

[@BoBeats]

@@LesSondiers at least over you!! :D

[@NineInchFailz]

Synth aside that argyle sweater is also such a flex lol

[@EverettDudgeon138]

Big mistake by Korg for shrinking down the prototype. Would have been better to have a 49 or 61 keyboard version for the players and a desktop module for those space savers. As it is now, it’s too cumbersome to play as a full-size synth and too awkward to use as a module.

[@mkpatashnik]

I know Modal Argon8 and Korg OpSix have different synthesis methods. However, is it possible to make a comparison between these two if they are comparable at all? I am kind of divided between these two right now. Argon8 has great format I would say with its size and great keyboard and interesting evolving sound that I really like. On the other hand OpSix looks like pure fun. FM synthesis was always very interesting to me.

[@Jason75913]

Argon8's ability to do FM is a far cry from Opsix's, and they are not very comparable beyond that. Onboard effects on Opsix will be better because Korg is like that, while Modal effects are so-so, probably since Modal isn't as experienced of a company, I guess. Korg modulation vapabilities on most of their large synths is crazy, so Opsix can likely make more evolving sounds than what the factory presets demonstrate. Opsix won't be able to dupe Argon8's wavetable and VA synth capabilities, on the other hand.

[@mkpatashnik]

If Korg creates a module version of OpSix that would be a great option. :)

[@chadb1176]

Bo, are you hearing any rumors around a new Opsix in the future? Why did they have to discontinue it 😢

[@BoBeats]

I didnt know they discontinued it, have they?

[@chadb1176]

Yes. :(

[@gretareinarsson7461]

I´m so undecited wether to go software or hardware (like in the old days). Maybe both.