Korg Introduces iS35 and iS55 Interactive
Music Workstations
July 23, 1999
Korg USA announces the next generation of Korg Interactive Music Workstations,
the iS35 and iS55. Both instruments offer new and creative ways to compose
and perform music in very affordable packages. The iS35 and iS55 keyboards
share the heritage of Korg's critically-acclaimed A12 Synthesis System
with powerful sequencing and accompaniment features as well as many live
performance functions.
Each instrument features a 61-note keyboard with velocity control (aftertouch
on the iS35), 32-note polyphony, and 384 high-quality factory sounds (including
full General MIDI soundset). A wide selection of 144 Styles (128 ROM and
16 RAM) and 192 Arrangements (128ROM + 64 RAM) covering all musical styles
as well as an EDIT PROGRAM function for easy control of parameters such
as filter Cutoff, Attack Time and Effects Vibrato Intensity is also included.
The iS35 and iS55 also feature a total of 16 drum kits on each instrument
(two are fully editable).
The iS35 includes an extra 2MBs of dedicated piano PCM for an extremely
rich and realistic piano sound. For added expression, both instruments
feature an integrated pitch bend/modulation controller, and sustain/control
pedal inputs, with an additional assignable pedal input on the iS35.
The accompaniment system on the iS35 and iS55 provides users with a variety
of performance/editing options. Each Arrangement offers four Variation,
two fills, two intro and two endings. A 40,000-event Backing Sequencer
takes advantage of the extensive onboard accompaniment features to quickly
lay down chord and melodic ideas, with full editing capabilities. Using
the Backing Sequencer, the user can play along with one of the iS35 or
iS55's high quality Styles (pop, rock, jazz, and ethnic) using the MIDI
instrument of their choice, and the live performance will be recorded
as a song. Counter melodies and other parts can then be recorded on eight
additional tracks. The resulting Backing Sequence is editable and can
later be converted to a Standard MIDI File for further editing on a computer,
or printed out as sheet music.
Both instruments have direct-from-disk playback of SMFs, with a Jukebox
function for pre-selecting a full set of songs for ease of operation in
a live setting. SMFs can then be fully edited using the 16-track sequencer.
The lyrics included in most of SMF formats can be shown on the iS35 and
iS55's LCD display.
Two independent onboard digital multi-effect processors provide authentic
hall and room reverb as well as 47 other fully editable effects on the
iS35 and iS55. The iS35 also has a microphone/line/guitar input which
enables additional effects processing, including 4-part harmony and reverb
for vocals, and compression, distortion and reverb for guitar. This feature
makes the iS35 perfect for the performing musician who wants an all-in-one
accompaniment system.
The iS55 includes a 2 x 8 Watt amplifier with two dual cone speakers
housed in a bass reflex box and the iS35 features a 2 x 14 Watt amplifier
with a four speaker system, also housed in a bass reflex box, for professional
quality sound reproduction. In addition, using the on-board 3.5"
Floppy Disk Drive allows both instruments' operating systems to be upgraded
quickly from floppy disk.
Additional iS35M features include:
- Additional 2 MBs of dedicated stereo panned piano
- Separate MIDI channels for Upper 2 and Lower tracks
- LYRICS data preserved on Save
- Arrangement and Program Preview functions
- Controls assignable to the Programmable Pedal/Footswitches
- Up to 32 additional user sales
The Korg iS35 and iS55 feature a new, stylish dark casing. They will
be available in Fall, 1999, with pricing to be announced shortly.
For more information,
visit Korg at www.korg.com. | 
