Korg R3 synthesizer review and sound demo

[@intothewonderful]

This synth is a hidden gem. If you dig deeper and apply the effects you will get an excellent, warm and luscious sounding synth. A very underrated synth indeed!

[@rhythmguild4333]

This synth is a monster. Forget the presets. ✌️

[@mwmusic29]

Thanks for this solid review. I just ordered a used one with an eye on the vocoder primarily. I’m a huge Korg fan so this covers all the bases. Thanks!

[@jonclyne2918]

thanks for uploading. Need to do more with my R3.

[@petersamiutenki]

I've got one and its architecture is really complex. In fact there are two synths inside called TIMBRE. Each with two oscilators! That's how they manage to create 2 different sounds on split keyboard. Its polyphony is 16 with one oscilator, 8 with two oscilators but decrease into 4 with patches created with 2 TIMBRE. Each timbre has got 2 sound effects plus 1 global. Plus sequencers and vocoder and semi modular architecture it's a monster in tiny disguise. I have difficulties of creating my own patches but I've already modyfied some of them to my needs but I didn't touch yet step sequencers and vocoder.... Some vintage sounds are useful, some patches are inspiring, but more are ready to use. I'm glad I bought it even if it's average it is complex and needs time to het used to all it can give. We didn't scratch the surface yet..... thanks for review❣🥰

[@indiegofr]

tbh the R3 gets more enjoyable once you forget all the presets and just dive into it, well, at least for me this is such a flexible engine with a quite extensive matrix patch bay and a plethora of effects, it can make some really nasty, gritty, weird and complex sound without that much effort. It does sound quite plasticky at times, but once you get past that it's a really fun fun synth

[@echurchofindy179]

I am needing some help with my R3 getting good sounds out of it. Would you have time for a phone chat, so I could get some one-on-one feedback? I can't get any sound out of my vocoder presets. Don't know what I'm doing wrong. 3.1.7.4.1.4.1.2.0.9

[@mack_solo]

As far as the build quality goes, to me the surprise was the silver back part - i assumed it's an aluminium rail - it's not. It is all plastic. However if one wants to buy an instrument which doesn't shatter after being dropped on the floor - one should get a triangle. Like all plastics, it has its weaknesses (and wobbly knobs), and if not looked after, it will break, and when exposed to the UV sun light it will age badly like a human with crackly skin and yellow teeth (keys on mine are "Ivory exclusive look" now). For bedroom/desktop producers it's fine though. For live gigs and road trips more care should be taken. Sonically, it shines especially in basses and and analogue modeling, and with the USB socket, PC editor and standard size keys is a no brainer over the classic microKorg. Worth noting that architecture is different to microKorg (and XL+), so the choice is based on preference and not on what's better. Get to know the instrument and it will reward you and that's what makes it fun. It is unlikely i will ever sell mine. My long term goal is to replace the enclosure with custom aluminium deck and maybe wooden insert a la Minilogue style.

[@crispykartel]

Show us how to record loops please

[@birdslivehere6402]

The deal with the R3: learn the architecture, there are ways to fatten things up dramatically especially with the EQs. It's got 2 LFOs and 3 envelopes, a 6 slot mod matrix and 2 oscillators. Also a 16 step programmable sequencer and a vocoder. This thing is more of a monster than led to believe. Just run it through a decent PA. Basically, don't be fooled by it's cheap build, just treat it with respect and you really have a fantastic synth capable of any genre.

[@birdslivehere6402]

To reply to myself, it's downfall is definitely the lack of user memory as the reviewer mentioned.

[@ramseydoon8277]

@@birdslivehere6402 why run it through a PA instead of studio monitors?

[@birdslivehere6402]

@@ramseydoon8277 or that👍

[@allegedoffender1756]

Love how you shoot it down in the 1st few sentences. Appreciate your honesty. Im sure its quite capable though but one must get in there and design actual patches.

[@ReneeNme]

Alesis Micron ( 2004 ) & AKAI Miniak ( 2009 ) FTW !!!

[@javiceres]

Solid review, thanks.

[@javiceres]

So >10 years after I think the R3 might have a wider pallet under the hood than the world (and me, tried one) thought and judged at the time. Including warm sounds.

[@cwelchgrapes]

I have one....its a BEAST....

[@paulsarodh5460]

Rockin

[@barnibicski4422]

Hi Yateveo! I need a little help from You! I bought recenntly a korg r3, but maybe its wrong. How can I set the two timbers separately? For example: I would like to set the "Timber 1" to bass, and the "timber 2" to keyboard. Thank You for the answer, have a nice day!

[@andyjones3016]

Great video! I have a completely green question about this unit, a local Church is getting rid of one and I’m wondering what I should offer for it? Also, is this a standalone analog unit that can just be plugged into a PA system? Or, does this require other equipment to go along with it? Thanks!

[@shaunshears]

Does it have basic piano sound

[@javiceres]

No, really. You can coax electric piano-ish sounds. No classic piano at all

[@iveno_]

I have the Roland Ds61 and I like the Beat patterns in it which I can add to the synth sounds in there. Does that one has that too?!

[@Yateveo]

iven simonetti sadly no, but I used to own the Korg Microstation which had that feature and I miss it! Haha

[@iveno_]

Oh that's funny the Microstation has that an this one not, I went from Micro to R3 cause of the full size keys. I don't like the small keys. I am wanting to go busking on the street and those beat pattern are super cool to add beats and I am looking for something smaller than the Roland DS61. THANKS

[@Yateveo]

Yeah I loved the Microstation features but hated the micro keys and clicky clicky buttons haha. I really do miss being able to apply those tons and tons of arp patterns to various sound sets tho. If you're looking for a small synth with the ability to add beats and sounds together with full-size keys maybe check out the Micron/Miniak - not sure if you can route beat arp patterns to synths but you can certainly layer sounds on top of beats and there are tons of sequencing/arp abilities in a tiny package with full-size keys.

[@volvoxrock]

@@Yateveo I own a Microstation,.I sell it and I missed it so much that a bought it again.

[@stylusmaestro]

Why do i hear House with every note you hit? It's awesome!

[@sonicocr]

excelent synth... its like a reduced version of the Radias engine, not the same but similar. You must learn to program it, the PRESETS don't show the real potential of the powerful synth. You can create dense pads and complex ambient textures. My RADIAS is safe in the studio and the R3 its the portable option of jams and travel. (be careful its fragile).

[@thechronicnoizeco.6675]

toque (toook): a close-fitting knitted hat, often with a tassel or pom-pom on the crown.

[@robertsyrett1992]

I got one of these back in 2008 and I lost it while moving. I honestly can't say that I miss the sound much, but I did like the interface.

[@bobcatt2294]

Thumbs up - I have the Radias and the KZbin videos convinced me on acquiring it. The R3 is not for me.

[@Homebackup2]

I bought one super cheap that the entire front was crushed down .Its worked for years

[@theComaCalling]

Would you say the build quality is that much worse than the MicroKorg? Did they really cut corners on this one?

[@YouzTube99]

@Kyle Cramb Assuming you mean the original MicroKorg . . . I've played both but never had them side by side. With that disclaimer, my sense is that Korg considered these entry level consumer products so neither is robust but IMO it's not fair to call them toys. That said, unless you find a NOS R3, check the power and USB connections carefully as lot of reviews indicate they wear/break over time. One other consideration is that the non-XL MKs are based on the earlier MS2000 engine while the XLs descend from the Radius. And the non-XL models do not have USB.

[@187onasimp]

Toys... entry level... it really makes me laugh when you think how many number 1 hits the Neptunes made using the Microkorg when people thought of it as nothing but such a thing. Then these top producers start using it and all of sudden you realize maybe your idea of making music isn't as dope as you thought it was.

[@javiceres]

I recall some parts of the mKorg being made of metal (and wood sides) so: Yes. Flimsier. Although the engine is powerful (even for 2020 standards except may be for the polyphony)

[@Tymosxior]

Korg r3 or Microkorg S?

[@Yateveo]

On paper, the R3 has the better specs. However, to my ears, I prefer the Microkorg / MS2000 engine. ymmv

[@Tymosxior]

Ok thx

[@Tymosxior]

Yateveo what about vocoder? R3 have 16 voices, Microkorg - 8

[@garrrafer2388]

R3

[@keyboardmusician6914]

I wouldn’t have it if you gave it to me!!

[@TJATJA1982]

it's actually a real fun little thing! I bought it on a whim and was surprised at some of the stuff that came out of it. You have to work it a bit to find the sweetspots but it's a cool little synth and it's really easy to grit up in your DAW if that's your thing

[@grzegorzgrzybek8630]

Do you have a cold at home that you are sitting in a hat?

[@Yateveo]

did somebody name you by dumping a bunch of alphabet magnet consonants on the floor and then just going with it? lol but in all seriousness yes, it was in the midwest, in December, in a basement, so yeah cold.

[@Cericle]

@@Yateveo there's a few vowels in there and beanies soothe chilly ears

[@Homebackup2]

I bought one that had a totally crushed top and still worked,but man its made super cheap. Check out my vids,no commercials just instruct.

[@Scyber_Official]

This was the worst synth I've ever owned. Cheap plastic body and knobs that would come off mid-performance. It sounded ok but it took some time to program decent sounds.

[@rederickfroders1978]

These presets are uhm.. ..... This thing kinda does nothing and everything.

[@lX-NDR]

The sound of this machine are awefull. You got better sounds in softsynths. People schould save a bit more and buy a quality synth