
Past, present, and future come together
in one thrilling instrument that is every synthesist’s
dream.
With a bold new approach that is at once both daring and
familiar, RADIAS exceeds common analog expectations and rapidly
takes off for uncharted territories.
Based on Korg’s cutting-edge MMT engine, this 24-voice synthesizer
offers a variety of synthesis algorithms together with multiple
effects, new comb filter and wave shaping features, modulation
sequencing, as well as new formant-motion vocoding.
RADIAS offers an innovative design that can be custom configured
to suit your set-up. The control module can be used independently
or teamed with the unique dedicated keyboard, creating a seamlessly
integrated instrument that delivers the sounds of the future – today.
Innovative synthesis teamed with remarkable
fidelity
The heart of RADIAS beats with Korg’s cutting-edge MMT (Multi
Modeling Technology) synth engine, and borrows much of its modeling
techniques from Korg’s flagship OASYS – eliminating
aliasing noise in even the highest frequencies and delivering clean,
pure waveforms.
RADIAS provides two oscillators for each timbre.
Between them, they deliver not only modeled analog waveforms, but
also formant waveforms, noise, ring modulation, sync, plus both
classic and up-to-date PCM waveforms. When using the analog modeled
waveforms, a variety of oscillator modulation algorithms – including
pulse-width modulation, a massive Unison mode, Korg’s proprietary
VPM (Variable Phase Modulation) or cross modulation – can
be used to create complex sounds, even from a single oscillator.
RADIAS provides a dual-filter structure, allowing the two filters
to be used individually, side by side, or in series for maximum
versatility. Filter 1 is highlighted by a continuously variable
multi-mode filter, embracing Low Pass, High Pass and Band Pass
modes – and new treatments in between. This dual filter arrangement
provides a vast range of sounds that would be unimaginable from
just a single filter, and opens up new sonic possibilities including
some fantastic comb filtering.
Three Envelope Generators (EG) are used to apply time-varying changes
to the pitch, filter cutoff, and amp level, as well as many other
parameters. The classic and intuitive four-stage ADSR design has
been enhanced with five different attack and release curves, allowing
the EG contours to be crafted with new levels of precision and
articulation.
Two LFOs are available to apply cyclic changes to a host of synth
parameters. Six LFO waveforms are provided, including the popular “Sample & Hold” stepped
wave. Each waveform can be extensively modified via the Shape control,
greatly expanding the versatility of the LFO section for creating
highly complex types of modulation.
Adding Drive can produce the distinctive warmth of a true analog
synthesizer and can also distort the sound intensely to generate
new overtones. The amount of Drive is dependent on the level of
each voice as it enters the mixer, so you can create nuances that
cannot be achieved by an external effect unit.
RADIAS offers eleven innovative types of Wave shaping – even
recreating the tonal character of an electromagnetic pickup. The
Drive/Waveshaping circuit can be placed in different locations
in the signal chain, affecting the sound in very meaningful ways.
An additional Punch Level setting emphasizes the attack portion
of the sound, letting you create sounds with even more impact.
Clearly, this is a radical new instrument that is not bound by
conventions of the past!
Dynamic modulation station
Three Modulation Sequencers can change a parameter’s value
in discreet steps over time, similar to using sequencing control
voltages (CV) on analog synthesizers of the past. The value of
each step can be edited in real time using the front panel knobs.
Each Mod Sequence can be up to sixteen steps long, and each can
play forwards, backwards, loop, etc., allowing you to create very
detailed filter and panning changes or complex and evolving timbres
that build over time.
The six virtual patches are modern versions of the patch cords
found on Korg’s classic PS and MS series of synthesizers,
among other legends of the past. Going beyond the hardwired limits
of a normal voice structure, a virtual patch provides a method
for freely connecting any of eleven modulation sources to any of
fifteen destinations, accommodating even the most advanced modulation
routings.
Two audio input jacks and an internal envelope follower allow external
audio sources to be processed, to be used as a modulation source,
and even trigger the RADIAS. A powerful internal bus structure
allows Timbres to be routed to trigger effects, the built-in vocoder,
or as modulation sources for the step-sequencers.
Formant motion vocoding keeps things moving
Thanks to the included headset microphone, you can enjoy vocoding – using
your voice to modulate another sound – the instant the idea
strikes you, with the push of a single button. RADIAS provides
a sixteen-band vocoder that allows the level and pan of each band
to be individually adjusted to obtain a wide range of sounds, above
and beyond the distinctive talking music and “robot voice” effects.
Our new Formant Motion function can record up to 7.5 seconds of
incoming formant information (spoken words, scat singing, etc.)
so that you can re-create vocoder effects even without a microphone
present. Sixteen sets of recorded formant data can be stored in
the internal memory.
Powerful program parameters
RADIAS’ effect section provides a two-band EQ and two insert
effects for each timbre, plus a master effect for the complete
program, delivering a total of nine possible simultaneous effects.
Thirty effect algorithms are provided, ranging from delay, chorus,
and reverb to compressor and talking modulator. You can assign
any effect parameter to the front panel knobs for instant control,
providing even more versatility in sound design.
Arpeggiator settings can be made for each program individually,
and the arpeggiator can be applied to any or all of the timbres
in a program. Six types of arpeggiator patterns are provided. Patterns
can be up to 32 steps long; the gate time, velocity, and on/off
status can be set for each step individually to create the exact
groove you want. Swing amount and octave range are also assignable
for even more detailed control.
Two step sequencers can record and play back performance data,
each with up to 32 steps. By applying a step sequencer to a drum
kit, you can use RADIAS as a programmable drum machine. Each step
supports up to eight notes of polyphony, allowing the creation
of dense sequenced passages and patterns that can be played back
with just one finger. With sequence editing, you can adjust settings
such as swing and gate time. The two step sequencers can be set
to transpose live from the keyboard, and can also be linked to
create a single step sequencer of up to 64 steps.
The best sounds around
RADIAS comes loaded with 256 programs, 32 drum kits, and 16 formant
motion sets, all created by an international team of synth experts.
A program can consist of up to four complete timbres, and each
timbre can be assigned its own note range, output, MIDI channel
and control parameters, allowing your RADIAS to perform as a multitimbral
module – or one monster performance synth.
Each drum kit consists of sixteen different drum or percussion
instruments assigned to separate keys. In addition to calling up
an individual PCM drum waveform, each drum instrument uses all
of the parameters in the synth section, such as filter, EG, LFO
and virtual patches to create incredibly detailed sounds.
To speed up the sound creation process, RADIAS includes templates
that can be used as “starting points;” and you can
begin your own customization from there. RADIAS provides template
data for 128 synth timbres, 128 insert effects, and 128 master
effects so you can create new sounds faster than you ever thought
possible.
And as easy as RADIAS is to use, you’ll also appreciate the
free RADIAS Sound Editor/Librarian software for editing, managing
and archiving your RADIAS settings on your computer (Mac or PC).
A single USB connection makes transferring data quick and easy.
New shape, new possibilities
You can choose the RADIAS model that’s right for you; RADIAS
consists of a sound module section plus a dedicated 49-note, velocity-sensing
keyboard with traditional Pitch and Mod wheels. The panel layout
features a lavish complement of knobs and buttons, letting you
enjoy the same intuitive feel of creating sounds as on an analog
synthesizer. The unique design allows the knob-laden control module
to pivot up or down, and even move to the side to accommodate a
laptop computer, ElecTribe, KAOSS Pad or other audio unit. RADIAS•R
is the sound module by itself, which can be used both as a rackmount
or tabletop synthesizer.