Korg RADIAS
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Korg RADIAS is a virtual analog synthesizer, released by KORG corp. in 2006. RADIAS' MMT (Multiple Modelling Technology) engine was based on Korg's Oasys AL-1 synthesizer module, providing for several different synthesis methods, two of which may be combined in a single voice e.g. Phase Distortion (PD) Synthesis can be combined with Subtractive Synthesis (Virtual Analogue). The different synthesis methods employed by MMT represent the majority of methods used historically in other Korg synthesizers: The digital wave subtractive method was first used in Korg's DW series of machines and Phase Distortion was first used in their DS8 Synthesizer. This flexibility allows for very realistic emulations of past Korg synthesizers (both digital and analogue), though stays away from trying to emulate Korg's M1 and Wavestation series (these machines used PCM sample playback and Wave Sequencing / Vector Synthesis respectively, something that MMT does not emulate). As well as using the in-built waveforms (digital & analogue emulations) for the basis of sound creation, the RADIAS also allows for the input of an external signal which may be routed through the various sound shaping devices (filters / pitch envelopes etc.). The RADIAS has a comprehensive matrix modulation specification and to further enhance a sound the 'Wave Shaper' module allows for various sound distortion effects.
A 16-band vocoder with Formant Shift function is also available.
RADIAS also takes advantage of KKS (Korg Komponent System) which allows the user to detach the RADIAS-R module from the dedicated RADIAS-KB keyboard. The RADIAS-R module can be bought separately but the keyboard cannot. The RADIAS-R module can be installed on the M3-73 or M3-88 and played simultaneously with the M3 module using the M3's keyboard.
SuperSaw waveforms and Unison mode. Radias has an ability to stack up to 5 waveforms in 1 oscillator, using only 1 voice of polyphony. Also, there is an additional unison mode, which can also stack 5 waveforms, but uses additional voices. You can use these modes in combination, to create very intense Super waveforms (SuperSaws, but also super triangles, sines and squares). The result can contain up to 25 detuned waveforms.
All these functions with 24-voice capability are accomplished on 2 TMS320VC5502 DSP chips from Texas Instruments. Each DSP chip has up to 600 Millions Multiply-Accumulates Per Second with 16bit fixed point.
Some Innovative Features
A dual comb filter, which not only allows you to use 2 filters in various configurations for each timbre, but also to "morph" different filter types.
"Format Motion Record" allows you to record spoken phrases and then trigger them with the keyboard using Vocoder function
RADIAS is now discontinued and in fact replaced by R3. Korg R3 is a less expensive version of RADIAS, has a smaller keyboard and less polyphony, lacks some abilities (like PCM sounds and drum synth) but has the same MMT sound engine.
Some famous RADIAS users: