Korg Z1

Z1
Korg Z1 ribbon controller, pitch wheel, and assignable mod wheel
Manufacturer	Korg
Dates	1997
Price	$1,500–$2,000
Technical specifications
Polyphony	12
Timbrality	6
Oscillator	Depends on synthesis type
LFO	4
Synthesis type	Physical Modelling Synthesis, Analog Modelling Synthesis, VPM (Similar to FM) Synthesis
Filter	LPF, HPF, Dual BPF
Aftertouch expression	Yes
Velocity expression	Yes
Effects	2 FX units with 15 FX each, 3 master FX, master EQ
Input/output
Keyboard	61-key
Left-hand control	2 assignable wheels, 4 switches, X/Y Ribbon controller
External control	MIDI

The Korg Z1 is a physical modelling sound synthesiser released in 1997. Touted as a polyphonic Prophecy, the Z1 implements 13 synthesis types, all derived from the original OASYS synthesizer.

The Korg Z1 uses the same Multi-Oscillator Synthesis System (MOSS) tone generator found in the Korg Prophecy. The MOSS tone generator is a direct descendant of the later abandoned Korg OASYS (Open-Architecture SYnthesis System) development platform. Later implementations of the MOSS tone generator were available as optional expansion boards for the Korg Trinity and Triton workstations.

Optional ADAT expansion available providing 48 kHz digital output, as well as word clock input.

Optional DSP board that adds 6 voices of polyphony to the Z1, totaling in 18 voices of polyphony.

The MOSS system, as implemented on the Z1, offered 13 different synthesis algorithms in the form of programmable oscillators. The various synthesis algorithms employed various synthesis techniques such as physical modeling synthesis, analog modeling synthesis, and Korg's own VPM synthesis. Some of the various synthesis algorithms can be combined together to create a vast range of sound.

A standard virtual analog oscillator, this oscillator generates the standard waveforms typically used by an analog synthesizer such as sawtooth waveforms, pulse waveforms, and triangle waveforms. Wave shaping is available to add various harmonic characteristics to the generated sound.

This oscillator creates pitched sound from noise or an impulse. It can create a wide variety of sounds—not only noisy sounds, but also sounds ranging from synth-bass to strings.