Korg’s original Opsix synthesizer debuted to critical acclaim, attaining new heights of digital synthesis in an impressively easy-to-use form factor. Now, the dark horse of FM synthesis rides again with the Opsix MkII Altered FM Synthesizer, doubling its polyphony from its predecessor’s 32 voices to a massive 64 voices of 6-operator FM madness. Its velocity-sensitive, revamped 37-key chassis conceals a deceptive level of depth into its streamlined interface, blending user-friendly arrangements with six distinctive styles of synthesis, allowing you to get as granular as desired in your sound design, but never more than a few steps away from one of its 250 diverse presets. Analog modeling, waveshaping, additive synthesis, and more are always on tap within the synth’s time-bending architecture, and Music Experience’s synth scholars are especially impressed with its broad range of expressive tools, including assignable aftertouch, 30 built-in FX, a polyphonic motion sequencer, a randomizer, and an armature of limitless sonic virtuality begging to be explored.

Six degrees of synthesis, one reality-altering synth

We don’t have to look too hard at Korg’s illustrious history to recognize their innovations in both analog and digital synthesis, as well as bridging the liminal sonic spaces between them. The Opsix MkII channels that aural expertise through groundbreaking digital modeling technology, boasting six distinct shades of synthesis in a single instrument. By removing parts of the sound you don’t want, Subtractive hones in on precisely what you want to hear, with up to six envelopes and multi-modeled filters to channel classic to contemporary synth sounds. Semi-modular reroutes signal paths to subtly or drastically change your sound, with a handy Algorithms section to reshape your base without needing patch cables. Analog boasts a wealth of stackable waveforms alongside analog-style controls, capable of booming basses, stinging lead lines, lush pads, and more. Turn to Waveshaping for some added distortion, which is great when seeking to channel a dirtier overall sound with plentiful overtones. Additive stacks waveforms and blends harmonics for a wide range of dissonant and harmonic sounds. Classic FM rounds out the list, which is capable of many of those iconic synth sounds heard from the 1980s to the present day, all accomplished courtesy of genuine 6-operator FM architecture.

FM for the new generation

When FM synthesis was popularized throughout the 1980s, it came with an often frustrating caveat: it was incredibly difficult to use, regardless of the latent sonic potential within this harmonically rich approach to synthesis. With the original Opsix, Korg tore down that barrier to entry, and the Opsix MkII continues its legacy of paradoxically expanding the possibilities of FM synthesis while making it more accessible than ever. Hands-on controls boast a satisfying tactility with real-time visual feedback to indicate which operators are functioning as Carrier signals and which are responsible for modulation. With Korg’s heavy-duty 12-route V.Patch virtual patching system, modulation possibilities have never been so creatively inspiring, allowing you to craft intensely complex and detailed patches across its robust 64-voice polyphony, six operator modes, 40 preset algorithms, and a trio of ADSR envelope generators. Of course, if you’re feeling lucky, throw the dice. The Randomize feature will not only allow you to conjure unique synth patches with a single click, but also let you choose to randomize specific aspects of your patch, like the algorithm, the operators, and more, for controlled chaos that’s yours to sculpt and wield.

Texturizing FX and multidimensional sound shaping

For all of the Opsix MkII’s synthesis capabilities, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how much power Korg has packed under the hood for near-endless sonic sculpting. With oscillators alone, 21 waveform options ranging from basic shapes and multi-bit-rate variants to complex additive options and multiple noise types provide extensive potential for unruly, dynamic sound design. Each program has up to three simultaneous effects that can be deployed from a voltaic pool of 30 malleable, tempo-syncable options, including multiple hues of flangers, reverbs, echoes, and delays, alongside distortion, EQ, LFO filtering, a guitar amp, and plenty more. Moreover, 11 types of onboard filters allow you to shape your sound with precision and style, including meticulously modeled, analog-style recreations from Korg’s lauded PolySix and MS-20 synth icons. Toss in another 23 LFO waveforms that range from conventional to experimental, stepped, or randomized, and one patch can instantly transform into a reactive sonic ecosystemn

Groovebox-level rhythmic control

In addition to the Opsix MkII’s deluge of sound design and synthesis tools, expressive opportunities continue to expand the scope of the instrument’s armature of aural firepower. The sum of its synth tools can be deployed through the MkII’s comprehensive Polyphonic Motion Sequencing, which supplies not just a 16-step sequencer with up to six notes per step and six lanes of composition, but an uncompromising level of high-definition detail with per-note velocity, gate-time, and playback-time values individually adjustable. Motion tracking lets you seamlessly record and implement real-time changes to all or part of your sequence, too, ensuring not a single nuance of your performance is lost. An onboard arpeggiator houses seven patterns of rhythmic potential, while the Tap Tempo function ensures real-time adjustments are a breeze in studio and stage scenariosn

Flexible expression and streamlined connections

Across its 40 synthesis algorithms and near-endless supply of FX, rhythm, and modulation tools, the Opsix MkII introduces more than 100 new presets that are accompanied by those found on the original, resulting in 250 foundational sounds that have been professionally designed to capture the full scope of each type of synthesis for any lead, bass, pad, or further part. You also have access to another 250 user preset slots to save your painstakingly engineered sounds, with four 16-slot banks accessed via backlit, numbered buttons above the keybed to keep 64 of your favorite sounds on tap. Plus, the USB-B port can be used to connect your Opsix MkII to a computer to supplement and manage your sounds through Korg’s dedicated Sound Librarian software. Pitch and Modulation wheels extend your expressive reach, taken even further with support for polyphonic and per-channel aftertouch, as well as velocity- and release-velocity sensitivity to preserve even the faintest nuances. With the onboard 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O, the Opsix MkII is ready to serve any role in your sonic setup, out at the edge or the central nervous system, controlling or being controlled. Seize your sound with Altered FMn

What KORG Says...

A Full-Spectrum Sound Experience, opsix mk II is a digital synth like no other. Based on the sound engine of the original opsix, the number of simultaneous voices and voicings has been expanded to an astounding 64 voices. The result is superior performance and precise control. The opsix Operator Mixer simplified FM synthesis for the first time, making it not just comprehensible but also controllable. With the addition of extra synthesis capabilities and programming, it offered a more efficient workflow and an even richer sound. And, it is fully compatible with the sounds and samples from both the original opsix and the opsix Native software, including numerous high-quality libraries.

Evolved to an astounding 64 voices

The opsix mk II has 64 voices, twice as many as the original 32 voices, allowing users to enjoy tone editing without having to worry about the number of simultaneous voices. In addition, the operator-mixer section, the most distinctive feature of this product, has been accented with a new image color, green.

Get Illuminated with the Operator Mixer

At the heart of every sound is opsix mk II’s Operator Mixer – a simple set of six faders and knobs that invite exploration. Each part lights up red to indicate carriers or blue for modulators. Manipulating them opens up new sound-shaping possibilities to breathe fresh life into your musical ideas. This straightforward, hands-on workflow is part of what makes opsix mk II so unique, just like the sounds it offers.

Direct Hands-On Control

Whether you’re tweaking a preset or building a patch from the ground up, the six data entry knobs on the right give you quick access to the parameters you need and seamlessly sync with the large OLED display, giving you a clear, focused direction to your workflow. Coupled with the mixer, it makes creating fresh sounds super easy and, most importantly, fun! Select from a full range of analog-style filters, from the radical Korg MS-20 low-pass/high-pass filter to the powerful yet smooth KORG Polysix low-pass filter that gives your sound a vintage feel. There are also two or four-pole low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-reject filters with resonance. There’s even a built-in spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope that gives you visual feedback via the screen on the music you’re making.

Six in One Synthesis

The core of opsix mk II is nothing short of exponential. Since waveforms can be arranged and modulated in nearly infinite ways, opsix mk II can easily do the sonic work that is similar to numerous types of synthesis.

Subtractive: Removing parts of the sound to get the sound you want; the most widely-used synthesis. opsix mk II uses up to six envelopes and multi-modeled filters to achieve many cutting-edge and classical analog synthesis tones.

Semi-Modular: Rerouting signal paths to change the sound. A spin through the Alogorithm section will dramatically reshape the sound by changing how the signal routing between the operators work together, and no patch cables are needed.

Analog (Modeling): Analog-style controls and plenty of stackable waveforms take you from digital to analog-sounding in no time. Enjoy deep basses, crisp leads, thick pad sounds, fuzzy brass tones, and so much more.

Waveshaping: Adding intentional distortion to the waveforms to achieve aggressive overtones that are either harmonic or inharmonic. This will help you achieve gritty, bitey tones dripping with character.

Additive: Stacking waveforms and blending their harmonics is key to an expansive range of harmonious, dissonant, and tension-driven sounds. With six operators available, the complete FM experience is possible, including the ability to go back in time for classic sounds you have heard throughout recording history.

Classic FM: Last but certainly not least, opsix’s highly flexible and powerful architecture starts with true six-Operator FM. As a result, it easily delivers signature sounds you have surely heard on thousands of hits from the ‘80s on through today, and with far more polyphony than other standalone FM synths available today.

Altered Reality

What started as a legacy synthesis has evolved into something completely different. opsix mk II is FM-based, but the similarities to the classic synthesis end there. The Altered FM architecture delivers sounds across a vast spectrum, far wider than any single synthesis has been able to cover before, thanks to new sound components; new waveforms, filters, shaping, effects, LFOs, envelopes, modulations, and more, all translating to its broad assortment of sounds.

Powerful Effects Processing

opsix mk II provides three blocks of 30 types of high-definition effects that you can use together to enhance your sounds even further. There’s everything from a great mix of usable standard effects like chorus, phaser, delay, and compressor to some world-class shimmering reverbs that will elevate your sound to the next level.

Polyphonic Motion Sequencing

opsix mk II features an incredible step sequencer that rivals groove boxes for flexibility and power. Press the PLAY button on any sound and experience the complexity of the sequences! Every Program has its unique sequence stored with it, or create your very own. You can record up to six notes per step and edit each note's velocity, gate time, and playback timing. Create long phrases or make subtle shifts in timing to emulate strums or drum rolls, something that’s not possible on a typical 16-step sequencer. The motion sequencer of the opsix also lets you record changes of up to six parameters, creating smooth motion changes in sound within a phrase or building rhythms that change dramatically with each step.

Monster Modulation Matrix

The opsix mk II ’s modulation possibilities are genuinely mind-blowing. With six operator modes and 40 preset algorithms, plus the ability to create your own, opsix mk II offers you dynamic sonic options. This synthesis is supercharged with the processors that come at the end of the signal chain. The MOD section works separate from the operators, with three EGs and three LFOs; and 12 virtual patches for a wide variety of routing possibilities. Use these features for a huge range of modulation to create swirling soundscapes or add rhythmic motion to your sounds.

Throw the Dice

Use the Randomize feature if you’re in the mood for unexpected sonic discoveries. Press the button marked with the die icon to completely scramble the synth’s parameters, generating a new, unique sound. You can use the Randomize feature for all parameters or just for the operators, the algorithm, or the sequences. You might strike gold with your roll, but if not, just try again or use the result as a starting point for your next new sound!

Free Librarian Software

The opsix Sound Librarian lets you view and organize data on an opsix mk II connected to a computer via USB, and transfer sound data back and forth between the opsix mk II and the computer.

KORG Shop

KORG Shop offers a wide range of sound packs for opsix that are ready to use in your music production. Our sound designers, artists, and FM synthesizer specialists from around the world have carefully crafted these sounds for you to use in your music production.

Free bundle of music software

The opsix mk II comes with a diverse variety of music software from Izotope including “Ozone Elements” which lets you not only create songs but also master them using AI, “Skoove” which will help you improve your keyboard playing skills, as well as software synths from KORG and other brands. In other words, the moment you get your hands on this synthesizer you'll have a variety of tools to help you take your music to the next level.

Special crossgrade to opsix native (software)

We have prepared a package for those who have the opsix series hardware to crossgrade to opsix native (software) at a special price. They can obtain a coupon code via opsix librarian software, which allows them to purchase it at a special price of $49.99 from the KORG Shop. Users will become able to use opsix series hardware on stage and opsix native in a DAW, making it usable in various environments. * Requires opsix Sound Librarian v1.0.1 or later.

1. opsix and opsix SE owners: Download and install the latest version of the opsix Editor/Librarian.

2. Open the file menu of the Editor/Librarian and select "Get Plug-in Coupon...".

3. A dialog will appear and a coupon code will be displayed. Follow the instructions on the screen and redeem the coupon at the KORG Shope

opsix native

opsix mk II is a digital synth unlike any other, with sounds to match. Instantly explore hundreds of fresh, cutting-edge sounds to inspire your next musical project! Go even further with the power of customization right at your fingertips. The operator mixer, which dramatically changes the characteristics of the sound, and the flexible sound engine that goes far beyond the realm of FM instruments, as symbolized by the word "Altered," are retained, as is the software's unique ability to provide a bird's eye view of all parameters. The user interface further expands the potential of this synthesizer. opsix native is a plug-in version of opsix / opsix SE with the exact same sound engine as opsix / opsix SE for production use on a DAW.