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KORG EX-8000 - Rack Version of the Legendary DW-8000

Korg EX-8000

 

In 1986, the Japanese company Korg introduced the EX-8000, a rack-mounted variant of the famous hybrid synthesizer Korg DW-8000. This instrument combined digital oscillators with an analog filter, creating a unique hybrid sound that became popular among musicians and producers. The EX-8000 featured the same sound engine as the DW-8000 but in a compact rack format, making it ideal for studio use.


Technical Structure – Building Blocks of the Korg EX-8000 Sound


Polyphony and Oscillators


The EX-8000 is a polyphonic synthesizer with 8 voices, allowing rich sound layering. Each voice features 2 digital oscillators (DCO), offering a selection of 16 eight-bit digital waveforms.

Available waveforms include sawtooth, square, piano, electric piano, organ, brass, saxophone, violin, guitar, bass, bell, and whistle. Thanks to digital oscillators, the EX-8000 maintained stable tuning, which was an advantage over classic analog synthesizers.


Analog Filter and Modulation


The EX-8000 includes an analog 24dB low-pass filter, which gives the sound a warm and organic character. The filter can be modulated via the LFO, envelope, and MIDI controllers.


Internal Effect Processor


The EX-8000 features a built-in 12-bit digital delay, allowing for short echoes, chorus effects, and spatial sound modifications.


Technical Specifications of the Korg EX-8000


•  Polyphony: 8 voices based on Digital Waveform Generator System (DWGS) subtractive synthesis
•  Digital oscillators (DCO): 2 per sound program
•  Waveforms: 16 eight-bit digital waveforms
•  Filter: Analog 24dB low-pass filter
•  Effects: Built-in digital delay (12-bit)
•  Envelopes: ADSR envelopes for filter and amplifier
•  LFO: One LFO with selectable waveforms (sine, triangle, square)
•  Memory: 64 user presets
•  MIDI: MIDI In/Out, preset storage via SysEx
•  Audio Outputs: Stereo 6.3 mm jack
•  External control: Option to connect the Retroaktiv DW-8P for direct parameter control


Comparison Between EX-8000 and DW-8000


Although the EX-8000 is the rack version of the DW-8000, its application in music and studios differed. The DW-8000 had a keyboard, while the EX-8000 was a rack module, meaning it was primarily designed for MIDI control. The EX-8000 was more compact, making it ideal for studio setups. The DW-8000 had direct access to parameters, while the EX-8000 required an external controller for more convenient editing.

For musicians who wanted the hybrid DW-8000 sound but did not need a keyboard, the EX-8000 was the perfect choice.


MIDI and External Control


The EX-8000 is fully MIDI-compatible, allowing integration with DAWs, sequencers, and external controllers. It offers standard 5-pin DIN connectors for MIDI In/Out, preset storage via MIDI SysEx, and the option to connect the Retroaktiv DW-8P controller, enabling convenient parameter editing without navigating menus.

The external Retroaktiv DW-8P programmer, or DW-8P mkII, is available for purchase and allows easier workflow with the synthesizer.


Iconic Sounds of the EX-8000


The EX-8000 was known for its rich pad textures, digital bass, and experimental sounds. Some of its most famous sound programs include warm pad, digital bass, bell texture, and synth brass.

These sounds appeared in many songs from the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in synth-pop, electronic music, and film soundtracks.


How the EX-8000 Influenced the Development of Other Korg Synthesizers


The hybrid oscillator and analog filter technology later appeared in other Korg models, such as the Korg DSS-1, which combined sampling with an analog filter, the Korg DW-6000, the predecessor of the DW-8000, and the Korg M1, which expanded the hybrid sound concept.

The EX-8000 helped shape hybrid digital-analog synthesizers, which became essential in late 1980s music production.


What Makes the EX-8000 Unique?


The hybrid digital-analog architecture combines digital oscillators with an analog filter for a unique sound. The option for external control via the Retroaktiv DW-8P programmer allows fast parameter adjustments. The built-in digital delay adds spatial effects and atmospheric textures. MIDI compatibility enables full integration with studio setups and DAWs.

The EX-8000 stands out for its flexibility, hybrid sound, and effective studio application.


Conclusion


The Korg EX-8000 is a unique hybrid synthesizer that combines digital oscillators with an analog filter, creating a warm yet digitally sharp sound. Thanks to its rack format, MIDI compatibility, and external control options, the EX-8000 remains a valuable instrument for studio production and continues to hold its place among classic synthesizers.

 

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