Explore the Korg Sigma Performing Synthesizer
Join us as we dive into the legendary Korg Sigma, a unique analog synthesizer from 1979 that's packed with charm and character. With its distinctive dual-synth architecture, the Sigma features a preset-based Instrument section and a free-form Synthesizer section, giving you both instant sounds and expressive tweakability.
At first glance the Korg Sigma may seem like a simple preset synthesizer but offers far more complex and versatile capabilities. Roland recounts his initial encounter in the mid-1990s, describes the Sigma’s distinct architecture, features, and sonic qualities, and explains why it stands out in the world of vintage keyboards, especially compared to the Korg MS series synthesizers. Roland also highlights how the Sigma combines preset simplicity with deeper synthesis options, allowing players to stack presets and modulate sounds creatively with its joysticks, filters, and modulation features. Additionally, he showcases the instrument’s utility by demonstrating playing techniques with and without external effects, such as the Eventide Space reverb, underscoring the rich and evolving sound potential of the Sigma.
🎹 Preset Synthesis with Depth: The Korg Sigma cleverly disguises advanced synthesis within a preset-driven interface. Unlike typical preset keyboards, it incorporates a filter section and LFO modulation, giving users control beyond simple tone selection. This design approach lowers the barrier to entry for beginners while still offering customization for experienced players, reflecting early attempts at making synthesis more accessible without sacrificing creative options.
🎛 Dual Section Architecture for Layering: The division into an instrument section and a synth section that can be balanced and blended is an innovative feature. It allows users to combine preset instrument sounds with synthesized waveforms, creating rich textures and hybrid tones. This was quite forward-thinking for the late 1970s and adds to the Sigma’s underappreciated versatility. The balance knob is a simple yet powerful performance tool, enabling dynamic sound shaping in real-time.
🎚 Joystick-Based Filter Controls: The joysticks control high-pass and low-pass filters independently, which is unusual but effective. This control scheme gives players nuanced, tactile control over tone shaping, reminiscent of the MS-10 and MS-20’s strong filter character. Such a feature lends the Sigma an expressive dimension uncommon in preset synths, making complex sound design more approachable and immediate. The VBR (vibrato) and noise depth controls add further modulation options with the same spatial input method, enhancing playability.
🔄 Stacking Presets Expands Sonic Palette: Unlike many preset keyboards that limit sound creation to singular patch selections, the Sigma encourages stacking multiple presets with different modifiers. This essentially layers oscillators and effects, unlocking a level of polyphonic complexity and timbral richness. It foreshadows modern layering techniques in digital workstations but in an analog-digital hybrid form, giving vintage synth users a unique workflow advantage.
🎧 Modern Effects Integration: Roland's use of the Eventide Space reverb processor demonstrates how the vintage Sigma remains relevant in contemporary music production. By pairing the synth’s organic sound generation with sophisticated effects, the resulting tones become both lush and expansive, expanding the instrument’s musical contexts beyond its era. This underscores the value of combining old and new technology to create fresh sonic environments.
📡 CV Patch Points for Modular Compatibility: The presence of CV inputs and outputs marks the Sigma as a synth that can integrate with modular or semi-modular setups, increasing its flexibility. This is relatively rare for a preset keyboard from its time and ahead of its era when the modular synth resurgence was decades away. It reveals Korg’s forward-thinking mindset, allowing users to expand and customize their rigs, bridging early preset synthesis and the modular revolution.
Overall, the Korg Sigma synthesizer stands as a fascinating artifact of late 1970s synthesis technology, blending user-friendly preset operation with surprisingly deep synthesis potential—making it a valued piece for enthusiasts, collectors, and players seeking vintage yet versatile keyboards. For more information on Vintage Synthesizers available here at Alamo Music fill out the form below or Call/Text 210-224-1010
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