Review: Korg DS-10 Analog Synth Emulator for Nintendo DS

[@CatFish107]

More than a decade later, I've just found a copy of this kicking around in a box my brother gave me, and this is pretty much the only video that I've found that gave me a good overview of what the hell I'm doing with it. Awesome discovery! Thanks for the vid.

[@ARCSYS4049]

Look up Anthony Seeha here on KZbin.

[@usdjxavi]

this was before its time, amazing

[@musional410]

i have this program on my nds fat xD, totally amazing

[@letsgetto1millwithoutvids]

yep I remember having a DS when I was younger than never remembered this coming out and now that I like making music I ordered one of these game cards

[@nickfatsis9607]

How do you export the music?

[@notrealy180217]

I wouldnt say it was ahead of its time considering that VSTs in 2008 were about just as impressive as they are in 2021, but making it run on a DS is impressive. These synths and drums are very basic, though. It seems like something people can write chiptunes on easily.

[@flare242]

Aaaahhh... 2008. Korg DS-10, Technics headphones and fiddling with knobs, slides and steps and beats. And the wiring! Ooooh the wiring...

[@dmosey604]

Thank you for doing such a good job reviewing this and going over all the features/workflow. You totally answered all my questions about it.

[@user-ie9bi9uz8o]

Kick ass review man. Seriously, well done and very informative.

[@LuckyButtonPusher]

Thank you for the great review! I became curious, bought the Korg DS-10 and had been happy with it for weeks. But soon the lack of memory (only 16 Patterns to save per Song) was a little problem. So I am using now additionally the DSiWare "Rytmik". (it's the european version; USA and Japan are coming soon) For me it's besides the Korg DS-10 PLUS an enrichment in the DSi-Music-Software-Collection.

[@doktorhulk]

very useful review. thanks. I've got the DS10 myself. despite the mentioned limitations it's great fun, and linking it up with friends machines is great for small gigs too. looking forward to the dsi :-) and the ds10+.

[@PrinceLX]

Love the synth line for 'Stripped', great taste ;)

[@bigdhav]

3:45 Portal much?

[@chimneychap5142]

If someone is interested in this but doesn't want to produce music on a DS, this comes pretty close to a really nice mobile DAW called Caustic which has a built in modular synth. Both the free and full version are the same aside from exporting, and you can download and run the full version for free on a PC.

[@LingatsuDesignAndDev]

Thank you !

[@insidesynthesis]

@TellTaleLie - Sure - you just use a 1/8th inch stereo audio cable, and plug it into your PC or laptop.

[@insidesynthesis]

I routed the MG Triangle Out (an LFO) to Pitch In. If it isn't working, check the depth on the Pitch In. If it's in the middle, that means zero. Turning it to the left or right applies negative or positive modulation.

[@MariaCalfaDePaul]

loved your review and your playing. You make the sound editing look so easy!! I have been playing around with it for a week and I've come up with some cool sounds but it's been hit or miss...guess I should read up on synthesis....lots of fun though...I LOVE it in fact...thanks for the humorous and educational review!!

[@gaving321]

I’ve just recently found korg on switch, this seems to have better features to adjust sounds than that does , good vid

[@ChrisLeeW00]

Is this channel still active? I'd like to see what you think of the new DSN-12 for 3DS. I am just so amazed by what it can do, even if there are a few changes I would like (such as displaying absolute values of knob positions so I know how many cents VCO2 is at, more than just 16 steps in the Kaoss sequencer, etc).

[@simondotwatts]

Best review that I have managed to find. Thanks. I hope you do the same great job reviewing the Plus version on the dsi

[@squeakD]

This would be a good and very cost effective introduction into synthesis. You could easily learn the basics on this music app for the DS. I'd suggest buying the more recent version coming out called the DS-10-Plus.

[@hurricanefist]

Great review. I love the Depeche Mode bit. I'm glad you told us the song it was from or I would have gone mad and immediately spent the next few minutes searching.

[@rars0n]

Definitely agree with your evaluation of this. If you're at all interested in music creation, especially semi-modular synthesis, and you have a DS, it's a no-brainer. They're a little harder to find now but still plenty of copies out there. One thing to note is that if you have a DSi, there's Korg DS-10+ which is basically the same cart, but about twice as powerful (so you can have more instruments and longer songs). I took DS-10 with me when I went on vacation for a week at the beach back in 2013. I ended up spending most of my time just making songs with it. It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot just by designing new sounds. DS-10 is a great introduction to synthesis if you're not that familiar. One thing I noticed you didn't mention was that, thanks to the drum samples being created by what is essentially a slightly limited third synth engine, you can use one or more of the drum samples as extra voices. I did that in one of the songs I created, making a kick, snare, and closed hat, while using the fourth as a third synth voice. It's amazing how powerful and flexible the software is, and like you said, it sounds better than it has any right to. Here are the three "finished" songs I created while on vacation (I started 3 more but never finished them): soundcloud.com/rarson/sets/ds-10-tracks I recorded them from the DS straight to the line-in on my computer, and other than a fade-out in the second track, and possibly some normalization, it's just the raw DS sound. This is a really fun but capable tool that is worth playing with if only for the immediacy and simplicity of using it. There are no physical cables or wires to route, no computer connection, no external sequencer required, just pick it up and go. Its limitations can be slightly annoying but I also find them creatively inspiring, forcing some out-of-the-box thinking to come up with new ways to utilize what is available. While I have had quite a few synths both before and after buying DS-10, I will always keep it and my old DS around, as it's still a useful piece of software. And one of these days, I will buy a DSi and finally open my still shrink-wrapped copy of DS-10+!

[@phabeondominguez5971]

It's been a whole year, where you at with all this now? I'm thinking of getting this just to mess around and maybe actually learn, or should I get the Plus version of the game instead?

[@phabeondominguez5971]

Also well written review and I'ma peep your tracks now as well

[@rars0n]

@@phabeondominguez5971 I still haven't gotten my hands on a DSi yet, so I haven't used the Plus cart yet. I would get the Plus cart if you have a DSi, there's really no reason not to get that one as it's the same thing but better. You can kind of hear it in my songs, especially if you know how the songs are created in the DS-10 sequencer, there are only 16 patterns to work with that you can switch around and I forget how many total pattern changes, but most songs work out to be about 2 and a half minutes long depending on what BPM you use. You can get creative and use a half-time BPM to stretch the patterns out longer, but this means you have to do something to make the patterns more interesting. If you want to do a lot of rapid notes like I tend to do, you won't be able to do that with a slow BPM. You can tweak and completely change the patch settings between patterns. So for instance, if I have synth A patched for a certain sound in pattern 1, I can completely change the patch for synth A in pattern 2. Along with this, there are some automation steps you can use within the patterns, like note length and the XY Kaos-pad style control, so there's a lot of tweaking that can be done to make sounds that might seem impossible to create at first. DS-10+ includes two of everything, so there's more patterns available and longer songs are possible. I believe there are also a few additional upgrades over the base cart that I can't recall, all of this made possible because the DSi uses a more powerful processor than the DS. IMO these are definitely worth playing around with for the price of a cart, even if you don't get too deep into it. There are lots of better DS-10 tracks out there than mine, too, which can give you an idea of the crazy stuff these things are capable of. If you have multiple DSes (and carts) you can link them together and play them in real time. An alternative would be something like a free VST you could play with on a PC, but IMO this is a less appealing option for newer users. Lots of VSTs sound great but can be daunting for someone first starting out to figure out their way around. The DS-10 on the other hand provides a pretty intuitive interface. After 10 minutes or so, you get used to the navigation and breaking things up into different screens makes it a lot easier to know what you're doing on each one. You get to figure out how create various sounds using something pretty close to the classic MS-10/20 interface, and how patching and stuff works. It's a great way to learn some basics and some new tricks, and have a whole lot of fun making music.

[@phabeondominguez5971]

@@rars0n holy smokes, this is INSANE, this is literally the sort of feedback I was hoping to get. Yiubwent above and beyond with it and I completely SOLD!! I will definitely pick up PLUS version, but just need to make sure my Gameboys are DSi's first. Again, thank you, SPOT ON with your reply and I am sold after reading it, sounds like this is exactly what I want/need. A clean, simple way into music making.. THANK YOU

[@WoodenToaster]

What is this? 'For sale and use in Japan onl-' oh sh**

[@blave549]

Outstanding review - tanks for taking the time to put it together; looks Very Pro. I saw this game at Fry's in Campbell, CA yesterday for $25 on sale. Might have to pick it up - duh.

[@geezerdk]

Great review, I own Korg on DS and your video made it all seem much more simple (I'm not a musician, just a nerd!)

[@newwave89]

Thanks for this comment. It answered the question I was going to ask as to whether this teaches you the basics of using a synth because I was thinking about buying a vintage synth...

[@Brokeninc]

I found mine on eBay, but the version I have is the English version. I had to wait awhile to get a copy because they sell fast or are priced high.

[@kumozumo]

I just ordered a copy for my birthday :3

[@GXSCChater]

the PLUS version is fully made for live play or not live play. And on a DSI or 3ds it lets you run two copies at once.

[@warrengonline]

I'm getting this tomorrow for making the sound track for a game I'm working on on the iPhone. AWESOME review man. I have eJay (Dance2, HipHip, Kinetic and now Garageband. This is AWESOME in my pocket and when I have time no matter where I am. THANKs!

[@insidesynthesis]

There are step sequencers for the 2 monosynths, plus for the drum machine.

[@vertig2k]

Thanks to your video I bought the Korg DS10 and a Nintendo DSi. Thank you.

[@insidesynthesis]

@Atreyumetal1417 - This was a review. I wasn't paid by Nintendo to make it - I doubt they'd let me say the negative remarks if this was just an advertisement.

[@formdissolve]

Thanks for taking the time to review this.

[@dandykaufman2]

Thanks for this. Also, your voice is amazing.

[@SkollDrum]

This program is just awesome ! You really can do every thing if you take the time !

[@wildman00sax]

Very nice! Loving the sweet beats and jams. Oh, they sell the KORG DS-10 in the USA now. I feel like I need one now to make music with.

[@hiimtre]

@averoc2012 you can take an 1/8 inch cable, plug it into the ds headphone jack, then plug the other end into the mic jack of your computer, then u can record the ds audio in any recording software

[@VJFranzK]

most in-depth review out there. good going!

[@reaper4255]

They're releasing a new Korg DS-10 + this October in the states. It takes advantage of the DSi's stronger processor etc. It allows for 4 analog synths instead of 2. 8 drum tracks instead of 4. Add that to the new track count of 12, and you have some serious song tools. New programmable editing also gives it some added flexibility.

[@E-53proyect]

I still have that program on my Ds

[@chimpspanner]

Great review! I think this has pretty much sealed the deal for me. I'm either gunna buy it....or hold out for it as a christmas present!

[@cwxdaf152]

I've only heard of this today and it's insane. I never knew. I might have nightmares about not knowing.

[@JasonSpiffy]

Great review and funny commentary.

[@insidesynthesis]

I used the headphone output on the DS-10 for the soundtrack, and an external microphone for the narration.

[@omelhordannielarcanjo]

there's a story mode? lol

[@w2blackpanther377]

Wait what

[@sts54]

Great review, hope to see more soon!

[@ChaosEmerald85]

Thanks for the in-depth review, very informative

[@STiELzephyr]

Works on both but no doubling features on DS Lite. on both though, it allows you to program muting in the song pattern tracker (for longer songs and more versatie use of the 16 banks) and you can also eedit the synth sounds and mess around while the arrangement plays, which you can only do in one pattern at a time in this version. Site says it came out ten days ago, WHERES MY IMPORT OPTIONS?! :D

[@adrian_hook]

They came out with the KORG DS-10 PLUS which has many added features, and you can have 8 drums rather than 4. :)

[@racefaceec90]

i am not a musician at all but really want a synth to make weird noises with and to try to make some sort of music with. as i just recently bought a 3ds xl and saw that there are a few korg synth programs for it. i will definitely be buying both this and the m1 korg synth as it would be a crime not to tbh. am expecting a lot of head scratching though as to beginning to understand how to use them. nice review.

[@cookiemonster1000100]

cool! im getting that for my ds in a few days so i wanted a review. so far im definatly getting it!

[@skorpi0wut]

The guy who made this synthesiser, Nobuyoshi Sano, is the same guy who composed the Tekken 3 and Ridge Racer soundtracks (with others).

[@MiguelStevens]

Best review i've seen so far!. thanksalot

[@blackcowboymusic]

wow, really informative review. this makes me want to get this now.

[@mumblesandmurmurs]

Thankyou for such a great review - i could still follow to some extent as a novice. I would love a review of the Korg iMS-20 iPad app... that is if you already have an iPad. Cheers, keep the good music going!

[@carlborgen]

But i assume the song arrangement isn't the only way to play right? I mean if you'd wanna play clips live and cue them up on the fly, that would work too right?

[@insidesynthesis]

If you're familiar with synthesizers and music software, it's very intuitive and quick to use. I'm not sure how it would be if you don't have that experience; I'd imagine it would be a bit difficult as you'd be trying to learn too many things at once.

[@insidesynthesis]

@LSmith92360 - You'd need to record it to a computer, and then convert the file to an MP3.

[@insidesynthesis]

The DS-10 doesn't have any tutorial information in it, so you pretty much need to know the basics of sequencing and programming synthesizers.

[@brianh.000]

I got this, and later the DS-10+ for even less ($28US!). I wonder if the DS-10+ addressed any of the issues you mentioned. Mostly, it looks like it doubled the available synths and drums (DSi only), and allowed for sync with another DS, allowing up to 8 of these to play together and exchange songs. Wow.

[@DoctaFoxXx]

I believe you're right because the DSi has a beefed up cpu/ram setup which would allow for the double content.

[@GXSCChater]

it runs on a DSlite and a phat DS, it just that the dual mode will not be available, but you still get to use the new features.

[@djtomoy]

This thing was great, I spent ages playing with it back in the day. I learned quite a lot just tinkering with it, I remember you could do chords using the drum samples. Nothing on the iPhone ever felt as good, the stylus was so much better than using a fat dumb finger!!

[@GXSCChater]

Then the Korg M01 for DS is right up your alley. We are still waiting on the KORGM01D for the 3ds, but it missed its september release for some reason...

[@tomwinnus]

Thanks, that was an excellent review from a musician's point of view. Humorous too!

[@CDNChaoZ]

What are your thoughts on the Korg DS-10 Plus which is coming out this month? Do they address your suggestions in any way? Also, how long would you say it takes to get familiarized with the software and what each control does? Seems like a background in sound synthesizers helps a lot.

[@mushnoodle]

well he did say at the beginning of the vid that there is about 21 saveslots... so unless you forget to save or throw your ds out of the window of the 7th floor they should be there when you turn it back on :)

[@digitaldan68]

NOT Japan only. I bought my copy of DS-10 locally and the manual is in English.

[@bradtwo]

you're a great reviewer... keep it up. I subscribed.

[@insidesynthesis]

It's "Stripped" by Depeche Mode

[@AresKrl]

Great review! You have convinced me to buy it!

[@PalmliX]

Really terrific review, very detailed.

[@kickformoney]

Excellent review. Gonna pick one up, now.

[@squeakD]

A pocket DX7 would be killer. Yamaha made something that's literally the hardware version of what the DS-10 does.., it was called the AN200. That would make a perfect DS application. Plus Roland's TR line would be awesome for this. Imagine having a pocket TR-808!

[@8orbit]

Really helpful review, these are down to $15 at used game stores. Nice to have a musicians take, I am a computer guy trying to get into making music for fun, and playing with things like milky tracker, nitro tracker and little sound DJ. Thanks again for the review!

[@paulweddingbox7148]

Now they cost around 50

[@st.johnfromdesmoines8361]

My five year old has a DS that I'm sure she'd let me use when she's not here to see me using it! ;-) Sounds like it may be the best bang for the buck entre into playing with FM synthesis Thanks a ton! This is also a great video! I think I'm gonna subscribe!

[@grooveclubhouse]

Anyway this can be used In a digital audio workstation like FL Studio as a virtual instrument? probably not but worth a shot.

[@AnimatedLoopHD]

Man this thing just sounds good

[@devinisdie]

great review sir looks pretty dope

[@RLbitClassica]

Touche' :) All disagreements aside, it was a good review and very informative. (i only used "whining" for lack of a better word; now that i look back at my comment, i realize it didn't capture what i was really trying to say.)

[@mcnabb43v3r]

Is the Korg DS-10 a separate system or something you connect to regular ds because i have a DS I....?

[@guiom77]

Excellent vidéo ‼️ thanks

[@Murukku47]

If you record it to your computer with line in or so.

[@darrensurrey]

That's a great review. Like your style.

[@khalylehagood3222]

This is a great review, and gave me hope that I can make a good drum sound instead of the shit I threw up last night. I've been fortunate enough to buy both the DS10 and the PLUS version for 10 bucks each within a few months.

[@rutgermuller]

Nice review. How did you make that 909-clap like sound, where the snare used to be?

[@videogameobsession]

Is there any possible way to connect a MIDI cable to this to use an external controller?

[@themadsamplist]

I LOVE the DS-10. A full sized synth in your pocket! I bought the Nintendo DS just so I could use the Korg DS-10 :-)

[@insidesynthesis]

That's an interesting interpretation of my comments, and the first time I've seen it. I haven't found previous console programs useful. I don't think I was "whining" by saying that the DS-10 is worth a look even if you haven't like previous console based programs. I think it's certainly possible to use the DS-10 as a "musical instrument". That's the point here. It could never be a writer's only tool, but it could be used to make original tracks (unlike other programs on consoles).

[@ozzelot3349]

Looks exciting.

[@Jalalyassine_]

how to upload your project or song?! any way to save and upload as a song ?!

[@TheJPomp]

Me too! Unfortunately I'll only have 2 synths and 4 drum tracks 'cause I don't have the DSi, but whatever. Gonna mess around with this so hard.

[@GXSCChater]

This video came out 5 years ago. When it was only release in japan.

[@averoc2012]

Is it possible to export tracks or a mix to a computer from the nintendo ds?

[@NicklausDeyring]

Fantastic review.

[@TitusSc]

I don’t think I’ve heard a 2008 video from KZbin with better voiceover quality than this one

[@KDMatt]

Props for sequencing Depeche Mode's "Stripped" around the 5:25 mark.

[@dRichieRealb]

Fantastic!!!, thats a real review!! cool!

[@GXSCChater]

@culo9999 You have to record the sound out of the your ds headphone jack. Shouldn't be too hard at all. Have a computer with a line in, connect your ds to that and use some recording software and bam your done. Or use a line in a digital video camera than send it to the computer and extract the sound.

[@lars-fenin]

great little programm for the ds to have 2 modular snyths on the go... sound is impressive

[@fahrigonzo]

your reviews are amazing!

[@BNtrenching]

so, when you have made a song, what can you do with it. Can you play it on your computer?