When KORG introduced the microKORG in 2002, did they know the tiny synth would go on to become one of the best-selling synths of all time and one of KORG's longest-lived, continuously produced keyboards? This miniscule, feature-packed powerhouse is yet more proof that good—no, great—things can come in very small packages, indeed. In this article, we want to look at a little of the history of this groundbreaking keyboard and examine its sounds, its features and how the current version—the microKORG 2—compares to the company's other VA (Virtual Analog) synthesizers. Along the way, we'll also take a quick look at—and listen to—some of the artists and tracks that helped make this minuscule marvel one of the must-have keyboards of all time.

Pictured: KORG microKORG 2 Synthesizer and Vocoder

Table of Contents

The Introduction of the microKORG
What Makes the microKORG So Great?
   The Sounds of the microKORG
   What Are Some Famous microKORG Users and Tracks?
       "Somebody Told Me," by The Killers (2004)
       "Heads Will Roll," by Yeah Yeah Yeahs (2009)
       "Night by Night," by Chromeo (2010)
       "Girls," by The Prodigy (2004)
       "Drop It Like It's Hot" by Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams (2004)
       "Dangerous Woman," by Ariana Grande (Live on SNL, 2016)
       Rilo Kiley
       LCD Soundsystem
Introducing the microKORG 2
   What Sets the microKORG 2 Apart?
   Comparing the microKORG 2 to other KORG VA Synths
Patching It All Together

The Introduction of the microKORG

At the turn of the millennium, many things were changing rapidly—technology most of all. With Moore’s Law not just holding but often outstripping its own predictions, the transition from old-school analog to cutting-edge digital technology was in full swing. KORG, ever forward-thinking, embraced the change with the introduction of their first Virtual Analog synthesizer, the MS-2000. Using digital signal processing (DSP) to model the circuits of several beloved analog synths, including the MS-10 and MS-20 (which you can read more about in The Story of the KORG MS-20), the MS-2000 added wavetable synthesis to the mix, creating a groundbreaking hybrid instrument. It brought the charm, flexibility and sonic complexity of a semi-modular analog synth into a highly stable, road-ready digital platform—a clear win for musicians tired of analog’s sometimes finicky nature.

But technology, as always, marched on. With rapid advancements in DSP and the miniaturization of circuits, KORG was able to significantly reduce the size and power requirements of the MS-2000’s architecture. This paved the way for something revolutionary: a compact, battery-powered synth that packed much of the flexibility and sonic depth of the MS-2000 into a format designed for a new generation of musicians.

Pictured: KORG microKORG Synthesizer Control Panel

Since its inception, KORG had committed to empowering musicians at every level, from budding beginners to seasoned professionals. The MS-20, for instance, had been widely used as a beginner’s synth, even offered in an educational edition. So, when the opportunity arose to distill the MS-2000 into a simpler, smaller and more accessible instrument, it seemed a natural step. Enter the microKORG.

Launched in 2002, the microKORG was an instant hit. Its thoughtfully designed, beginner-friendly interface masked an incredible depth of features. While it offered intuitive access to great sounds straight out of the box, those willing to dig deeper into the programming interface discovered much of the MS-2000’s power waiting under the hood. Musicians of all skill levels quickly embraced the microKORG, not just as an affordable and approachable first synth but as a versatile studio and stage workhorse. Its presets alone were worth the price of admission, delivering rich, analog-like textures that fit effortlessly into any musical setting.

But what, exactly, made the microKORG such a game changer?

What Makes the microKORG So Great?

There were many reasons the KORG microKORG became such a massive success: affordability, portability, stability and ease of use. But above all else, it was the sounds. At a time when many keyboards on the market leaned heavily on sampling or wavetable synthesis to mimic other instruments, the microKORG proudly embraced its own identity—delivering fat, warm and analog-inspired tones. To understand what made it so sonically distinctive, we need to delve into its synthesizer architecture and its relationship to the instruments that inspired it.

The Sounds of the microKORG

When KORG developed the MS-2000, the larger synthesizer upon which the microKORG was largely based, their goal was clear: to bring the subtle magic of analog synthesis into the digital domain. This task was inspired in part by Fumio Mieda, the brilliant designer responsible for many of KORG’s most iconic analog synthesizers. The MS-2000 leveraged cutting-edge digital signal processing (DSP) to recreate the character of legendary analog circuits, including those found in the MS-10 and MS-20 semi-modular synths.

As discussed in our previous article on the history of the MS-20 (see link above), features like dual oscillators, resonant filters and envelope generators were central to its iconic sound. Translating these analog components to a digital format was no small feat, but the MS-2000 achieved it with impressive accuracy—enough to meet the standards of Mieda himself. Beyond its analog emulation, the MS-2000 expanded on the original’s capabilities by adding wavetable synthesis and a vocoder, along with the ability to handle 8-voice polyphony.

Why focus so much on the MS-20 and MS-2000? Because they laid the foundation for the microKORG. When it debuted in 2002, the microKORG was essentially a streamlined, 4-voice version of the MS-2000, designed to be approachable for beginners and musicians seeking instant results. Its pared-down interface prioritized ease of use, making it easy to dial in presets that were rich, musical and immediately satisfying.

Yet, simplicity was only part of the story. Beneath the surface, the microKORG offered surprising depth. For those willing to explore its programming interface, much of the MS-2000’s architectural power remained intact. This balance of accessibility and sophistication helped cement the microKORG’s legacy as both a beginner-friendly synth and a tool capable of satisfying seasoned sound designers.

Pictured: KORG microKORG Synthesizer Pitch and Mod Wheels

At its core, the microKORG shares a direct lineage with the MS-2000, borrowing much of its sound engine and architecture. KORG’s use of DSP to emulate analog circuitry meant that the microKORG could deliver a remarkably authentic analog-inspired sound, despite being entirely digital. Let’s break down the key technological components that made the microKORG such a powerhouse:

•  Analog Emulation: The microKORG’s DSP-based architecture drew heavily from the MS-2000’s success in recreating the sound of KORG’s analog classics. This included emulations of filters and oscillators, as well as its envelopes and modulation capabilities that had been developed for the MS-2000 to capture the classic analog sound and feel of synths like the legendary MS-20.The result was a synth capable of producing everything from warm, lush pads to aggressive, resonant leads.
• Oscillators and Modulation: The microKORG featured dual oscillators per voice, with waveforms that extended beyond traditional analog shapes to include digital options like sine, triangle, sawtooth and square, as well as additional variations inspired by wavetable synthesis. This diversity of waveforms gave users the ability to craft a broad palette of sounds. Modulation options, while simplified compared to the MS-2000’s more extensive virtual patch system, still offered plenty of creative potential.
• Filters: The microKORG’s filters were derived from the MS-2000’s versatile design, including a 12dB/octave resonant filter. Users could choose between low-pass, band-pass and high-pass modes, with resonance controls to shape the character of the sound further.
• Vocoder Capability: Like the MS-2000, the microKORG included a 16-band vocoder. Its small form factor even shipped with a gooseneck microphone, making it easy to create robotic vocal textures or creatively process other audio sources.
• Portability and Power: What truly set the microKORG apart was its compact size and ability to run on battery power. Unlike the MS-2000, which was designed primarily for studio use, the microKORG was portable enough for live performances, impromptu jam sessions or home studios with limited space.

As DSP technology continued to evolve, so did the microKORG lineup. In 2009, KORG introduced the microKORG XL, an updated version that incorporated a new sound engine inspired by KORG’s MMT (Multi Modeling Technology). This brought an expanded range of oscillator and filter models, offering even greater flexibility. The XL retained the beloved vocoder and compact design but featured a more modern aesthetic, including a larger display and a revised user interface.

A few years later, the microKORG XL+ added further refinements, including additional presets designed for contemporary music styles and an expanded range of PCM waveforms. These updates allowed the microKORG to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive market, appealing to both new users and longtime fans of the original.

Pictured: KORG microKORG Arpeggiator and Octave Shift Controls

By combining the analog-inspired architecture of the MS-2000 with a more streamlined and portable design, the microKORG bridged the gap between professional-grade synthesizers and accessible, beginner-friendly instruments. Its successors, the microKORG XL and XL+, kept the spirit of the original alive while evolving to meet the demands of a new generation of musicians.

What Are Some Famous microKORG Users and Tracks?

The KORG microKORG has been a staple in the music industry, embraced by numerous artists across various genres since it’s debut. Here’s a look at eight notable artists and tracks that used the microKORG, helping cement its reputation as one of the all-time great synths. But even though most other synths from the its birth year are just nostalgic memories, the microKORG continues to be a part of contemporary music even now, as our eighth artist demonstrates in style:

"Somebody Told Me," by The Killers (2004)

An American rock band formed in 2001, known for their blend of alternative rock and new wave influences. Brandon Flowers, the lead vocalist and keyboardist, is noted for popularizing the microKORG, especially on their debut album Hot Fuss. The track “Somebody Told Me” features the microKORG’s distinctive sounds.

"Heads Will Roll," by Yeah Yeah Yeahs (2009)

An American indie rock band formed in 2000, recognized for their eclectic style and energetic performances. Guitarist Nick Zinner has been seen using the microKORG, notably on the track “Heads Will Roll” from their album It’s Blitz!, where the synth’s presence is prominent.

"Night by Night," by Chromeo (2010)

A Canadian electro-funk duo formed in 2002, known for their catchy hooks and vintage synth sounds. P-Thugg, the keyboardist, frequently uses the microKORG in both studio recordings and live performances. The track “Night by Night,” from their album Business Casual, showcases the microKORG’s capabilities.

"Girls," by The Prodigy (2004)

An English electronic music group formed in 1990, pioneers of the big beat genre. Liam Howlett, the band’s producer, incorporated the microKORG into their setup. The track “Girls” from the album Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned features the microKORG’s distinctive sounds.

"Drop It Like It's Hot," by Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams (2004)

A multi-talented producer, artist and songwriter, Pharrell has crafted some of the most iconic tracks of the 21st century. Known for his innovative approach to sound design, Pharrell has been seen using the microKORG to create lush textures and unique tones. On Snoop Dogg’s hit single “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” the microKORG contributes to the track’s minimalist yet hypnotic groove, showcasing its ability to shine in a modern production context.

"Dangerous Woman," by Ariana Grande (Live on SNL, 2016)

One of the most dynamic vocalists of her generation, Ariana Grande is known for her powerful voice and creative live performances. On her hit song “Dangerous Woman,” she used the microKORG’s vocoder during her live performance on Saturday Night Live. This unexpected choice added a futuristic twist to the sultry ballad, showcasing the microKORG’s versatility in blending with live vocals.

Rilo Kiley

An American indie rock band formed in 1998, known for their introspective lyrics and melodic compositions. While specific instances of microKORG use in the studio aren’t well documented, their evolving sound suggests experimentation with various synthesizers, and they are known for having used the microKORG in live performances.

LCD Soundsystem

An American electronic rock band formed in 2002, blending dance music with punk and electronic influences. They have utilized various synthesizers, including the microKORG, to craft their signature sound. While specific tracks aren’t explicitly documented, the microKORG’s versatility aligns with the band’s electronic aesthetic.

Introducing the microKORG 2

Twenty years after the release of the original microKORG, KORG unveiled the microKORG 2—a reinvention of their iconic synthesizer designed for a new generation of musicians. While staying true to the spirit of the original, the microKORG 2 brings a host of modern enhancements and refinements that make it a standout in KORG’s Virtual Analog (VA) lineup.

Pictured: KORG microKORG 2 Synthesizer and Vocoder

What Sets the microKORG 2 Apart?

The microKORG 2 builds on the strengths of its predecessor while addressing the demands of today’s music creators. At first glance, the design and interface may appear familiar, but under the hood, the microKORG 2 introduces several key upgrades:

• Expanded Polyphony: One of the most significant changes is the increased polyphony. The original microKORG offered 4-voice polyphony, while the microKORG 2 expands this to 8 voices, allowing for richer, more complex compositions and live performances.
• Revised Oscillators: The oscillators have been upgraded with new waveforms and more detailed sound-shaping capabilities, borrowing innovations from KORG’s more recent VA synths, such as the KingKORG NEO. This gives the microKORG 2 an even broader tonal palette, suitable for everything from vintage warmth to cutting-edge digital textures.
• Enhanced Filters: The microKORG 2 features improved filter models with greater precision and smoother response. These revisions ensure that sounds can be sculpted with even greater nuance, whether you’re dialing in subtle resonance or extreme tonal shifts.
• Updated Vocoder: The 16-band vocoder remains a central feature, but it now benefits from improved clarity and processing power. Combined with the included gooseneck microphone, it delivers even more dynamic vocal effects.
• Modern Presets and User Memory: Recognizing the evolution of music styles, KORG has curated a new selection of presets optimized for contemporary genres. The microKORG 2 also offers expanded user memory slots, providing plenty of room for custom patches.
• Portability and Build Quality: True to its lineage, the microKORG 2 retains its compact size and portability, with thoughtful updates to its build quality to withstand the rigors of touring and studio use.

The microKORG 2 doesn’t just replicate the original’s success—it enhances it. By modernizing the sound engine while preserving the user-friendly interface and affordability that made the original so popular, KORG has struck a balance between innovation and familiarity. Musicians who fell in love with the first microKORG will find much to celebrate here, while new users will appreciate its expanded capabilities and sonic versatility.

Pictured: KORG microKORG 2 Synthesizer Program Selector

Additionally, the microKORG 2’s updates make it competitive with other VA synths in KORG’s lineup, such as the KingKORG NEO and the Multi/Poly. Its improved polyphony and filter models bridge the gap between compact, beginner-friendly instruments and full-fledged professional tools, cementing its role as a worthy successor to one of the most beloved synthesizers of all time.

Comparing the microKORG 2 to other KORG VA Synths

In this chart, we’d like to give you an idea of how KORG’s different VA synths compare in terms of features and see which one ticks all your boxes.

Features	KORG microKORG	KORG microKORG XL+	KORG KingKORG NEO	KORG Multi/Poly	KORG microKORG 2
Built-in Vocoder	8-band	16-band	16-band	None	16-band
Portability	Compact, battery powered	Compact, battery powered	Full-size 37-keyboard, AC powered	Full-size 37-keyboard, AC powered	Compact, battery powered
Polyphony	4-voice	8-voice	24-voice	60-voice	8-voice
Advanced Filter Models	1 filter (12dB/oct) with multiple modes (LPF, HPF, BPF)	2 filters (24dB/oct and 12dB/oct) with multiple modes (LPF, HPF, BPF)	3-filters (24dB/oct) with multiple modes (LPF, HPF, BPF)	2 filters (24dB/oct) with multiple modes (LPF, HPF, BPF)	2 filters (24dB/oct) with multiple modes (LPF, HPF, BPF, NOTCH)
Modern Oscillator Models	2 oscillators + noise generator	Oscillator 1: Multiple waveforms + PCM; Oscillator 2: Single waveform + noise generator	3 oscillators with analog-modeling and PCM modes	3 oscillators with analog-modeling and complex waveforms	2 oscillators + PCM + noise generator
Internal Speaker System	No Note: microKORG-S has speakers	No	No	No	Yes

Patching It All Together

The microKORG has earned its place as a modern classic, proving that big, bold sounds can come from a small, unassuming package. Its blend of analog-inspired warmth, user-friendly design and undeniable versatility has made it a go-to synth for beginners and professionals alike for over 20 years. With the microKORG 2, KORG has taken everything we’ve loved about the original and made it even better—deeper, richer and more capable, without losing the charm that made it so special in the first place.

Pictured: KORG microKORG 2 Synthesizer Pitch and Mod Wheels

So, why not hear for yourself what all the fuss is about? Stop by your local Guitar Center, talk with one of our knowledgeable associates and try out a microKORG 2 firsthand. You can also check out our full lineup of KORG synthesizer, or chat with your personal Gear Adviser at our call center. Whether you’re crafting vintage-style tones or exploring new sonic frontiers, this little synth is ready to inspire.