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Korg / Synthesizers

M1

TheKorg M1is asynthesizerandmusic workstationmanufactured by the Japanese companyKorgfrom 1988 to 1995. It is one of the bestselling synthesizers in history, selling an estimated 250,000 units, and was widely used in popular music andstock musicin the late1980sand early1990s. The piano and organ presets were used in 1990shouse music, such as theMadonnasingle "Vogue" and theRobin Ssingle "Show Me Love".

Overview

Korg's M1, released in 1988, became the best-selling synthesizer of all time, with over 250,000 units sold. This AI (Advanced Integrated) synthesis workstation combined sampled waveforms with digital filters and effects, establishing the template for 1990s music production. The M1's factory presets defined the sound of late 1980s and early 1990s popular music.

The instrument featured 16-voice polyphony, a 16-track sequencer, and comprehensive effects processing. Famous sounds like "Universe," "Piano 16," and "Slap Bass" appeared on countless hit records. The M1 demonstrated that sample-based synthesis could achieve both authenticity and creativity.

Korg produced the M1 through 1995, with rackmount and expanded versions extending the product line. The M1's influence on music production cannot be overstated—it was the defining workstation of its era.

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