MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM synthesizer
OASYS version 1.3 adds the MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM synthesizer, a new EXi instrument that creates highly expressive and cutting-edge digital synthesis sounds. The MOD-7 is a powerful, semi-modular synthesizer, combining Variable Phase Modulation (VPM), waveshaping, ring modulation, PCM sample playback, and subtractive synthesis.
The MOD-7 includes six newly-designed VPM oscillators, plus a PCM oscillator, noise generator, audio input, two multi-mode filters, three 2-in/1-out mixers, and a 6-input main mixer—with a patch panel that lets you freely connect them all together, to create sounds in flexible and sophisticated ways. Exceptionally versatile, the MOD-7 produces everything from classic FM keyboards and bells to rhythmic soundscapes, from cut-through-the-mix synth basses to sparkling, epic pads—an incredible palette of sounds that can be used in a broad range of styles.
VPM refers to Korg's patented contributions to Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis, as made famous on classic Korg instruments such as the Prophecy and the Z1—and the MOD-7 takes this technology to a completely new level.
OASYS software version 1.3 includes a demo version of the MOD-7, which is fully functional except for a periodic fading in and out. Purchasing an authorization code removes this restriction.
To purchase an authorization code for the MOD-7, use the online shop.
MOD-7 Features
- Each of the six VPM oscillators can be used as a sine, triangle, square, saw, or waveshaping oscillator for FM or ring modulation, or as a waveshaper or ring modulator for other signals—either from elsewhere in the MOD-7, or from the audio input. You can choose from 101 types of waveshaping, and modulate the waveshaper's drive and offset.
- Korg's proprietary HD-1 class ultra-low-aliasing PCM oscillator includes four-way velocity switching for richly expressive sounds, and naturally supports user samples in addition to ROM and EXs. The MOD-7 then provides "vast" sample-mangling capabilities, with incredible flexibility and power. Use samples as FM modulators, and create incredibly rich processing environments combining multiple stages of filtering, waveshaping, and ring modulation, patched together however you'd like.
- Dual multi-mode resonant filters, including the MultiFilter first introduced on the AL-1.
- Noise generator with a dedicated filter and saturation.
- External audio input.
- Each voice includes four LFOs, ten retriggerable EGs, nine key-tracking generators, eight AMS mixers, and a per-voice step sequencer.
- All standard EXi functionality is also supported, including the Common LFO, Common Step Sequencer, Key Tracking 1 & 2, KARMA, EQ, and effects.
- You can layer the MOD-7 with any other EXi (AL-1, CX-3, STR-1 or optional MS-20EX and PolysixEX), or layer two MOD-7s together for a total of twelve VPM oscillators.
- Up to 52 notes of polyphony.
- 79 different template algorithms are provided, including all of the classic 6-operator FM synthesizer algorithms. These algorithms can then be modified as desired using patch cables.
- The MOD-7 can also load vintage DX-7 sounds, thousands of which are available on the internet. Once loaded, you can bring these sounds up to date using all of the MOD-7's unique features, layer them with other EXi, and process them with KARMA and the OASYS effects.
Audio demos
To hear the MOD-7 in action, you can listen to mp3 demos from the OASYS pages on the Korg USA or Korg Inc. (Japan) websites. Better yet, download the OASYS 1.3 update and play it yourself!