KORG Exhibits microKEY Family of USB Powered Controllers

––61-key model bundled with the exclusive Korg Legacy Software Suite ––

Summer NAMM Show, Nashville, TN, July 12, 2012 — Korg is showing the latest models of its microKEY USB Powered Keyboard and MIDI Controller family. The microKEY-37 is now joined by the highly portable microKEY-25 and the five-octave microKEY-61 for the studio musician. As an added bonus, the microKEY-61 comes with the exclusive Legacy Collection Suite – the acclaimed collection of software versions of some of Korg’s most coveted synthesizers, including the iconic M1 Workstation, plus effects plug-ins – to add to musicians’ sonic arsenals.

For budget-minded computer musicians seeking portability and power without sacrificing keyboard feel and function, the microKEY is an ideal way to create a compact and customized MIDI command center. Free editing software and a selection of included software bundle licenses and discount coupons make the microKEY even more cost effective.

For added flexibility and control, the microKEY 37- and 61-key models both serve double-duty as a USB hub. Two USB ports (Type A) allow users to expand their control center by adding on a Korg nanoPAD2, nanoKONTROL2 or any other USB device. The Mac and PC-compatible microKEYs also run on USB power, making them well-suited for on-the-go laptop musicians. For iPad musicians, the microKEY-25 can be used to control apps such as the Korg iMS-20 via MIDI (see korg.com for details).

All microKEY models feature velocity-sensing mini keys, using the same Natural Touch keybed found on the Korg microKORG XL and microSTATION. This keybed has been designed with careful attention to the touch and feel: the proportions of the black keys and white “waterfall” keys have been adjusted for optimal playability, with a key touch that makes it easy to play chords, glissandos and rapid-fire phrases. The microKEY also accurately conveys the dynamics of the user’s performance to any software package.

Octave Shift buttons, when used in conjunction with the Key Transpose function, enable the full range of notes in the MIDI specification to be covered. For added expression during a performance, the 37- and 61-key models feature a pitch bend wheel and modulation wheel. The 25-key model features a built-in arpeggiator, a sustain/tap button, and an assignable joystick for pitch bend, modulation, or any other control change.

Free “Korg KONTROL Editor” software enables users to customize microKEY for their production or performance system. Eight velocity curves plus fixed velocity (nine total types) are provided, as well as options for specifying the control change number of the modulation wheel or joystick and the maximum and minimum values.

In addition to the Korg Legacy Collection software included with the microKEY-61, all microKEY models ship with the following software licenses and discount coupons so users can start making music right away:

A license to download “M1 Le,” a limited edition of Korg’s M1 software synthesizer that brings the sounds of the M1 Music Workstation to computer musicians. Users may also upgrade to the full “M1 software synthesizer,” “Wavestation v1.6 software synthesizer,” or “MDE-X v1.2 multi-effect plug-in” bundles (included with 25- and 37-key models only).

1. A license to download Toontrack’s software drum sound module “EZdrummer^® Lite,” giving users access to numerous high-quality drum sounds. Visit www.toontrack.com for details.
2. A discount coupon for Ableton’s “Live,” “Live Suite,” or “Live LE” DAW software, widely popular for its sophisticated functionality. For details on this software, please refer to www.ableton.com or www.h-resolution.com
3. A license for “Lounge Lizard Session,” the physical modeling sound module from Applied Acoustics Systems, famed for its richly expressive electric piano sounds. For details on this software, please visit www.minet.jp/aas/lounge-lizard-session
4. A license for "Ultra Analog Session," the analog modeling synthesizer from Applied Acoustics Systems, acclaimed for its fat, powerful sounds. For details on this software, please refer to www.minet.jp/aas/ultra-analog-session

Korg microKEY keyboard and MIDI controllers will be available as follows:

Model                         Availability                                        Pricing Info\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_                   

microKEY-25                        September 2012                               U.S. street price $69.99

microKEY-37                        In stores now                                    U.S. street price $79.99

microKEY-61                        August Summer 2012                        U.S. street price $179.99

For more information, please visit www.korg.com.

—For more information, contact Korg, 316 South Service Rd, Melville, NY 11747.

Tel: (631) 390-6500; Web: www.korg.com.

Korg USA is exhibiting at Booth #906 at the Summer NAMM trade show in Nashville, TN