Korg X50 Operation Manual
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Korg X50 Operation Manual

Korg x50 music synthesizer operation guide
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  • Page 1 Operation Guide Operation Guide...

  • Page 2: Precautions

    Be careful not to let metal objects get into the equipment. If something does slip into the equipment, unplug the AC adapter from the wall outlet. Then contact your nearest Korg dealer or the store where the equipment was pur- chased. THE FCC REGULATION WARNING (for U.S.A.)

  • Page 3: About This Manual

    Thank you for purchasing the Korg X50 Music Synthesizer. To help you get the most out of your new instrument, please read this manual carefully. About this manual The owner’s manuals and how to use them The X50 come with the following owner’s manu- als.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Front and rear panel ... 11 Front panel ...11 Rear panel...14 Objects in the Display and their functions ...15 Basic Information... 17 About the X50’ modes ...17 Basic operations...19 Setup...23 Turning the power on/off... 23 Connecting the AC adapter ...23 Turning the power on...23...
  • Page 5 Using and Editing Multi sets... 69 MIDI considerations ... 69 Selecting a multi set ...69 Assigning a program to a track, and setting the volume and pan ...70 Copying the settings of a combination to a multi set ...72 What you can do in Multi mode ...73 Using Controllers ...74 Altering Programs to fit within a Multi set...74 Layers, Splits, and Velocity Switches...75...

  • Page 7: Quick Start

    This Quick Start is provided for those who just want to get started trying out the sounds right away. It explains how to set up the X50, how to select programs and control the sound, and how to lis- ten to the demo songs.

  • Page 8: Playing Programs And Combinations

    “basic” sounds of the X50 – programs. Note: If you don’t hear any sound when you play the keyboard: Check the connections once again. Also make sure that the X50’s VOLUME and the volume of your powered speakers or stereo amp are turned up appropriately.
  • Page 9 When you select a different Bank, that button’s LED will light, and the selected bank will appear in the left side of the display. For example, to select bank B, press the PROG BANK [B] button. The [B] button will light, and the name Bank B will appear in the left of the display.
  • Page 10 Quick Start Selecting combinations by bank and number 1. Press a [COMBI] button. (The button will light.) You will enter Combination mode. Notice that the upper line of the display indicates “COMBI 0: Play” (mode name, page number and name). Mode name Bank number...

  • Page 11: Using Controllers To Modify The Sound

    Using controllers to modify the sound You can operate the X50’s [MOD] wheel, [PITCH] wheel, [SW1][SW2], and realtime controllers to add expressive variation to your performances. [PITCH] wheel, [MOD] wheel You can use the [PITCH] wheel and [MOD] wheel located at the upper left of the keyboard to vary the pitch or adjust the depth of modulation.
  • Page 12 Quick Start 6. Turn knob [3] (EG-INTENSITY) to adjust filter EG intensity (the depth at which the filter EG is applied). Rotating the knob will affect the depth of the filter EG. Normally, rotating the knob toward the left will make the filter EG apply less deeply, and rotating it toward the right will make the filter EG apply more deeply.

  • Page 13: Using The Arpeggiator

    Most arpeggiators produce an arpeggio when you play a chord on the keyboard. In addition to this, the X50’s arpeggiator is a polyphonic arpeg- giator that is able to produce a variety of chordal transformations or phrases based on the pitch or timing of the notes you play on the keyboard.

  • Page 14: Listening To The Demo Songs

    Quick Start Listening to the demo songs The X50 contains demonstration songs. Take a moment to listen to these demo songs to experience the diverse sounds and rich expres- sive potential of the X50. 1 2, 3 1. Hold down the [CATEGORY] button and press the [AUDITION] button.

  • Page 15: Introduction

    A great selection of 512 programs In the Program mode, the X50 provides 512 user programs, plus 128 programs + 9 drum sets for GM compatibility. When shipped from the factory, it is loaded with high-quality programs that cover a wide range of musical needs.
  • Page 16 Effects that can creatively manipu- late the sound or generate subtle ambience The X50’s effects can be used in many ways, rang- ing from manipulating the sound dramatically to creating spacious reverberation. (☞p.9 “High- quality sound featuring the HI synthesis system”)

  • Page 17: Front And Rear Panel

    Front and rear panel Front and rear panel Front panel...
  • Page 18 [1], [2], [3], and [4] knobs to vary the arpeggio pattern in realtime. 6. MODE Use these buttons to enter modes. The X50 has four modes. (☞p.19) Press a button (the LED will light) to enter the cor- responding mode.
  • Page 19 11. PAGE, CURSOR [PAGE+][PAGE–] buttons You can use these buttons to move forward or backward through the different tabs in a page. By holding down the [MENU/OK] button and pressing these same buttons you can move for- ward or backward through the pages themselves, such as page 0, 1, 2, etc.

  • Page 20: Rear Panel

    USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, and is an interface for transferring data between a com- puter, a keyboard and/or peripheral devices. Note: The USB connector of the X50 is only able to transmit and receive MIDI data. 5. Power supply Be sure to see “Turning the power on/off”...

  • Page 21: Objects In The Display And Their Functions

    Objects in the Display and their functions a: Current page d: Edit cell b: Tab c: Parameters a: Current page This indicates the current page within the selected mode. From the left, this area shows the mode name, page number: name, tab name, and the parameter name of the edit cell.
  • Page 22 Introduction * Scroll bar This indicates that the list contains more selections or parameters than can be shown in the screen at one time. Use the ClickPoint [π][†] to move within the list. Scroll bar * Page menu In Combination, Program, Global, or Multi modes, pressing the [MENU/OK] button will display a list of the pages in that mode.

  • Page 23: Basic Information

    Basic Information About the X50’ modes The X50 has a wide range of capabilities; it lets you play programs/combinations, edit them, play the X50’s sound generator using musical perfor- mance data from an external MIDI sequencer, and make settings that affect the entire X50, such as transposition and tuning.

  • Page 24: Combination Mode

    Introduction GLOBAL MODE DRUM KIT Drum Sample / Sample - H Assign Drum Sample / Sample - L ARPEGGIATOR PATTERN User Pattern: Preset-0 - 4 User Pattern: U000 - 250 PROGRAM MODE OSC 1 Insert / Master Effect Multi Sample - H Drum Kit Multi Sample - L PITCH1 FILTER1 AMP1...

  • Page 25: Basic Operations

    1. Selecting modes • In order to use a particular function on the X50, you must first select the appropriate mode. Press one of the front panel mode buttons to enter the corresponding mode.
  • Page 26 Introduction Using the [MENU/OK] button + numeric buttons [0]–[9] buttons to move • Hold down the [MENU/OK] button and use numeric buttons [0]–[9] to specify the page number you want to view. The specified page number will appear. The page that appears will be the page of the tab you selected most recently.
  • Page 27 [ENTER] button + keyboard (note name or velocity input) You can use the X50’s keyboard to specify the value of a parameter when you need to enter a note name or a velocity value. Hold down the [ENTER] button, and play the note that you want to enter;...
  • Page 28 Introduction 5. Writing (saving) When you’re finished editing, you can save your changes if necessary. For example if you’ve edited a program, your changed will be lost if you select another program or turn off the power. The same applies to a com- bination or multi set.

  • Page 29: Setup

    4. To prevent the plug from being pulled out accidentally, wrap the AC adapter cable through the cable hook located on the rear of the X50. Be careful not to bend the base of the plug unnecessarily. Connecting the AC adapter...

  • Page 30: Turning The Power Off

    The settings you edit in Global mode are remembered as long as the power is on, but will be lost when you turn off the power. 1. Lower the X50’s [VOLUME] slider. Also turn the volume of your powered monitor speakers or stereo amp down to zero.

  • Page 31: Connections

    If desired, you can connect these two individual (independent) outputs. They are unbalanced phone output jacks. These jacks allow you to send the X50’s sounds to external equipment independent of the (MAIN OUTPUT) L/MONO and R jacks. This can be con- venient when recording, or when using a complex live performance setup.

  • Page 32: Connecting A Damper Pedal, Foot Switch, Or Foot Pedal

    1. When using headphones, plug them into the headphones jack located on the front panel. Use the [VOLUME] slider to adjust the volume of the headphones. The X50’s headphone jack carries the same signal as the (MAIN OUTPUT) L/MONO and R output jacks.

  • Page 33: Connecting A Computer

    (☞p.88) Connecting a computer Connecting a computer You can connect the X50 to your computer and use it as both an input keyboard and a MIDI sound module. You can also use the included editor to edit the X50 from your computer.
  • Page 34 Plug-In Editor. It is not possible to run multiple instances of X50 Editor/Plug-In Editor on the operating system. This means that it is not possible to use these editors to edit two or more X50 units simultaneously. Windows: • Computer...
  • Page 35 6. When all the selected applications have been installed, click [Finish] to exit the installer. Connecting a computer 7. The first time you connect the X50 to the USB port of your computer, the standard USB-MIDI driver provided by Windows will be installed automatically.
  • Page 36 Applications on your computer use this port to send MIDI messages to the X50’s internal sound generator, making it produce sound. Setting up the X50 Editor/Plug-In Editor For details on setting up and using the X50 Edi- tor/Plug-In Editor, see “Editor/Plug-In Editor Manual” (PDF). Mac OS X:...
  • Page 37 X50 as MIDI messages. Note: The USB connector of the X50 is only able to transmit and receive MIDI data. Note: Use the KORG USB-MIDI Driver if you’re connecting the X50 via USB to a computer that meets the requirements described in “KORG USB-...
  • Page 38 BAL 1: MIDI page) check box to uncheck it (☞PG p.82). When using the X50 by itself, leave Local Control turned on. (If this is off when X50 is used by itself, playing the keyboard will not produce sound.) Note: The X50’s Local Control setting can be turned Off by the Local Control Off message sent from the editor when you start up X50 Plug-In Editor.
  • Page 39 MIDI sequencer. However, you can also use Multi mode when you want to use the X50 as a master keyboard to control an external MIDI sound module. (Normally you will use Combina- tion mode if you’re using the X50 as a master key-...

  • Page 40: Connecting Midi Devices

    Setup Example connections when using the X50 Editor/Plug-In Editor If you want to mix the X50’s audio signals with the audio signals sent from your host application via your audio interface, or with audio signals from another sound module, make connections as shown below.
  • Page 41 Controlling X50’s tone generator from an external MIDI device When you wish to play or control the X50’s tone generator from an external MIDI keyboard or sequencer etc., use a MIDI cable to connect the MIDI OUT connector of the external MIDI device to the MIDI IN connector of X50.
  • Page 42 Setup...

  • Page 43: Playing And Editing Programs

    Playing and Editing Programs What’s a Program? Programs are the basic sounds of the X50. Programs are important elements of other modes as well. In Combination mode you can combine multiple programs to create complex sounds, and in Multi mode you can play multiple programs by...
  • Page 44 5. Play a note on the keyboard to hear the sound you selected. Alternatively, you can press the [AUDITION] button (the button will light) to turn on the Audition function and the X50 will automatically play a riff (phrase) suitable for the selected program. Overview: Program Banks When shipped from the factory, it is loaded with 512 Programs.
  • Page 45 DAW. For more details, see “Edi- tor/Plug-In Editor Manual” (PDF). MIDI channel setting In order to play the X50 via MIDI, the transmitting device (MIDI sequencer or computer) and receiv- ing device (the X50) must be set to the matching MIDI channel.

  • Page 46: Using Controllers

    To switch banks, send a Bank Select control change message (CC#0: upper byte, CC#32: lower byte). The X50 will switch to the program of the specified bank at the time that it receives a pro- gram change following the bank select message.

  • Page 47: Note Number

    Note Number Sounds can be programmed to change in character based on the note being played. As you play higher or lower on the keyboard, the note number can modulate the timbre–such as becoming brighter as you play higher. Envelopes may also become faster or slower;...
  • Page 48 ABLE Pedal” (☞p.88). Sending MIDI information from the various controllers When you operate a controller of the X50, the cor- responding or specified control change will be transmitted via MIDI. Pitch bend messages are transmitted only when you operate the [PITCH] wheel.

  • Page 49: Simple Program Editing

    X50, or you can start with an initialized Program to create sounds from scratch. On the X50, you can use the eight sliders in the Performance Editor display and the realtime con- troller knobs and switches of the front panel to...
  • Page 50 Playing and Editing Programs [SELECT] button 2. Rotate the desired knob to control the sound, etc. See the explanations that follow. A-mode controls In A-mode, knobs [1]–[4] will control/edit the fol- lowing functions. Note: Placing the knobs in the center (12 o’clock) position will produce the values specified by the program parameters.

  • Page 51: Saving Your Edits

    B-mode controls You can control parameters such as volume, porta- mento time, pan or filter and amp EG, pitch LFO, and master effect send levels etc. The B-mode function settings are made for each individual program, combination, or multi set. You can specify the B-mode functions separately for each individual program, combination, or multi set.

  • Page 52: Detailed Editing With Programs

    EG, LFO, keyboard tracking, AMS, Dmod, controllers In addition to the sections described above, the X50 provides ways in which the sound can be var- ied according to time, key range, or various types of performance expression. These are controlled...

  • Page 53: Basic Oscillator Settings

    For the one insert effect and the two master effects, you can choose from 89 effect types. The master EQ is a stereo three-band EQ. ARPEGGIATOR A program can use one arpeggiator. You can select an arpeggio pattern, specify the range in which the arpeggio will be generated, and specify the range of notes (keys) and velocities that will trig- ger the arpeggiator.
  • Page 54 Playing and Editing Programs Polyphonic/monophonic playing The Voice Assign Mode selects whether the Pro- gram will play polyphonically (Poly) or mono- phonically (Mono). When this is set to Poly, you can play both chords and melody lines. When this is set to Mono, only one note will sound even if you play a chord.
  • Page 55 6. Adjust the “Level” for High and Low multisamples to set their volume balance. Note: If you do not wish to use this function, set the “Velocity SW L → H” value to 001. Only the High multisample will sound. Reverse check box Reverse lets you play the selected multisample backwards, without looping.

  • Page 56: Using Lfos And Envelopes (Egs)

    Playing and Editing Programs the audio output jacks. (☞p.108 “Editing Drum Kits”) Selecting a drum kit 1. Access the PROG 1: Ed–Basic, Prog Basic page. 2. Set “Oscillator Mode” to Drums. 3. Access the PROG 1: Ed–Basic, OSC1 page. 4. Use the ClickPoint [√][®][π][†] to highlight “Drum Kit.”...

  • Page 57: Using Alternate Modulation

    Slope Time Attack Time Start Level Using Alternate Modulation AMS (Alternate Modulation Source) refers to any of the assignable modulation sources in X50, including: • Built-in physical controllers, such as the [PITCH] wheel, [MOD] wheel, and Real-Time Knobs • Incoming MIDI controllers •...

  • Page 58: Using Filters

    Mod1: CC#17), and raise the “AMS Intensity.” If Knob B Assign “Knob 1-B” is set to Knob Mod.1 (CC#17), vibrato will be applied when you turn the X50’s knob [1] or when CC#17 is received. Pitch EG When the Intensity value is set to +12.00, the pitch EG specified in the Pitch EG page will produce a...

  • Page 59: Filter Types

    Filter Types This selects the parts of the sound which will be affected by the filter, as described below. Low pass filter This is the most common type of filter, which passes the low frequency range and cuts the high frequency range.
  • Page 60 Playing and Editing Programs Modulating the filters You can modulate the filter cutoff frequency using the Filter EG, the LFOs, keyboard tracking, and other built-in and MIDI controllers. This is a great way to add a rich variety of tonal change to the sound.

  • Page 61: Using The Amp Section

    Using the Amp section The Amp section includes controls for volume and pan. You can control the volume using the Amp EG, LFO 1/2, Keyboard Track, and velocity, along with other AMS sources. Each Oscillator has its own Amp section: Amp1 for OSC1, and Amp2 for OSC2.

  • Page 62: Effects

    Amp2 “Pan” R127. This will make OSC1 go to the left speaker, and OSC2 go to the right speaker. With a setting of Random, the pan will change randomly each time you play a note on X50, pro- ducing an interesting effect. Pan AMS and Intensity “Intensity”...

  • Page 63: Playing And Editing Combinations

    Playing and Editing Combinations What’s a Combination? Combinations, or “Combis” for short, let you split and layer up to 8 Programs at once. A Combi is made up of 8 Timbres. Each Timbre has a Program, along with parameters for key and velocity zones, mixer settings, MIDI channel and Playing combinations Selecting combinations...
  • Page 64 MIDI device (DAW software or other sequencer, or MIDI controller) to the X50. If you’ve installed the included “X50 Plug-In Edi- tor” into your DAW program as a plug-in, you can easily select X50 programs or combinations from a list within your DAW software.

  • Page 65: Using Controllers

    For more details, see “Using Controllers” (☞p.59). Sending MIDI information from the various controllers When you select a combination on X50, a MIDI program change for the selected combination number will be transmitted on the global MIDI channel. At the same time, bank select, program change, and volume (CC#7) messages will be transmitted on the MIDI channel specified for...

  • Page 66: Simple Combination Editing

    X50, or you can start with an initialized Pro- gram to create sounds from scratch. On the X50, you can use the edit of COMBI 0: Play page and the realtime controller knobs and switches of the front panel to make simple...

  • Page 67: Realtime Controls [1], [2], [3], [4], [Select]

    want to adjust, and use the [VALUE] dial etc. to adjust the setting. A setting of C064 is center, L001 is far left, and R127 is far right. With a setting of RND, the stereo location will change randomly between left and right each time a note is played.

  • Page 68: Detailed Editing With Combinations

    (keys) or velocities that will trigger the arpeggiator. Insert Effect : Master Effect 1, 2 : 9-1...3 Insert Effect : 8-2, 3 1–1, 9–4, etc. indicate the X50 on-screen pages and tabs. Controller Setup : 7-5 Arpeggiator: 7-1...4 MasterEQ :9-4 AUDIO OUTPUT L/MONO, R AUDIO OUTPUT...

  • Page 69: Selecting A Program For Each Timbre

    MIDI Bank Select messages for changing banks on external MIDI devices. MIDI Channel Timbres that you wish to play from X50’s key- board must be set to the global MIDI channel. Your playing on the keyboard is transmitted on the global MIDI channel, and will sound any tim- bre that matches this channel.

  • Page 70: Layers, Splits, And Velocity Switches

    Velocity Switch: Keyboard playing dynamics (velocity) switches between different programs. On X50, you can use a different Program for each of up to eight Timbres, and combine two or more of the above methods to create even more complex setups.
  • Page 71 Keyboard X-Fade (keyboard Program A Program B crossfade): As you play from low notes to high notes, the volume of A will fade out, and the volume of B will fade in. Creating Key Splits and Layers Let’s create a Combi which combines both splits and layers, like the diagram below: Timbre 1 Brass...

  • Page 72: Altering Programs To Fit Within A Combination

    Playing and Editing Combinations Velocity Zone Slope Similar to Key Zone Slopes, as described above, these let you fade in and fade out sounds gradu- ally over a velocity range, instead of a simple hard switch. We’ll assume that you are continuing to edit from the preceding example.
  • Page 73 Adjusting the pitch You can make these settings in COMBI 2: Ed–Tim- bre Param, Pitch. Transpose, Detune (BPM Adjust) These parameters adjust the pitch of the timbre. • In a layer-type combination, you can set two or more timbres to the same program, and create a richer sound by using “Transpose”...

  • Page 74: Effects

    Playing and Editing Combinations Reso.HP: Adjusts the resonance level of the low pass filter or the cutoff frequency of the high pass filter for program OSC 1/2. The parameter that is controlled will depend on the filter type specified for the program. F EG Int: Adjusts the filter EG intensity (the depth of the filter EG) for program OSC1/2.

  • Page 75: Using And Editing Multi Sets

    In addition, you can use the arpeggiator and syn- chronize it to the tempo of your external MIDI sequencer. The X50 can also be used as a master keyboard to control your external MIDI sound modules. MIDI considerations In Multi mode you will normally switch programs and control the volume and pan etc.

  • Page 76: Assigning A Program To A Track, And Setting The Volume And Pan

    Receiving MIDI data from an external sequencer to play the X50 By default, the X50’s tracks 1 through 16 are set to MIDI channels 1 through 16, with track 1 receiving channel 1, track 2 receiving channel 2, and so on.

  • Page 77: Midi Channel

    This specifies the MIDI status of the internal tone generator for each track. If you want the X50’s internal tone generator to sound, choose the INT or BTH setting. These set- tings let you use your external MIDI sequencer to play the X50 as a multi-track sound module.

  • Page 78: Copying The Settings Of A Combination To A Multi Set

    MIDI channel. Play the keyboard, and you will hear the same sounds as when playing the combination. 9. Begin multi-track recording on your external MIDI sequencer, and operate the X50’s keyboard and controllers. When you perform multi-track recording, the multiple channels sounded by the arpeggiator will also be recorded at the same time.

  • Page 79: What You Can Do In Multi Mode

    9–1...3 Insert Effect : 8–3, 4 Track Insert Effect Master Effect Individual Outputs 1–1, 9–4, etc. indicate the X50 on-screen pages and tabs. Controller Setup : 7–5 Arpeggiator: 7–1…5 (A, B) AUDIO OUTPUT MasterEQ : 9–4 L/MONO, R AUDIO OUTPUT...

  • Page 80: Using Controllers

    Overview of editing pages The following pages let you edit a multi set in detail. • Select a multi set and play the X50’s keyboard. • Receive and play performance data from 0: Play an external MIDI sequencer.

  • Page 81: Layers, Splits, And Velocity Switches

    Layers, Splits, and Velocity Switches You can use keyboard regions and velocity to switch between different tracks in a combination, just as you can in a combination. For more details, see “Layers, Splits, and Velocity switches” (☞p.64). Effects Effects are covered in their own section of the manuals, so we won’t go into too much detail here.

  • Page 82: Control Via Midi

    This mode also permits you to use the X50 as a GM tone genera- tor. Parameters and performance data A multi set consists of tracks 1–16, parameters such as the multi set name, effect and arpeggiator parameters, and a tempo setting.
  • Page 83 MIDI message, see “MIDI transmission when the X50/microX’s controllers are operated” (☞PG p.166). Other MIDI control For details on how the X50 operates when trans- mitting or received control change messages, see “MIDI transmission when the X50/microX’s con- trollers are operated” (☞PG p.166). For more about MIDI in general, see “MIDI applications”...
  • Page 84 Using and Editing Multi sets...

  • Page 85: Effects Settings

    Effects settings The effect section of the X50 provides one insert effect, two master effects, one master EQ (stereo 3-band EQ), and a mixer that controls the routing of these components. Effects in each mode Program mode In Program mode, the insert effect can be used as...

  • Page 86: Reverb Effects

    Effects settings Limiters (03: St.Limiter–04: Mltband Limit) limit the level of the input signal to a maximum level that you specify. Exciters (11: St.Exct/Enhcr) give the sound greater clarity and definition. Enhancers sharpen the out- line of the sound, bringing it to the front of the mix.

  • Page 87: Effect Settings For A Program

    Effect settings for a program Routing The structure of the insert effect, master effects, and master EQ is the same in each mode. How- ever, the routing will determine how the oscillator output of the program is sent to the insert effect and the master effects.
  • Page 88 Effects settings BUS Select (All OSCs) = 1/2 IFX / Indiv.Out BUS Select OSC 1 BUS Select = 1/2 OSC 2 Select from: IFX BUS mono x 2 BUS Select (All OSCs) = Off IFX / Indiv.Out BUS Select OSC 1 BUS Select = Off OSC 2...
  • Page 89 5. Move to the IFX page, and set the parameters of the effect that you selected for the insert effect. For details on the parameters of each effect, see PG p.104–. Selecting master effects, and chain settings The input level of the master effect is determined by the send level 1 and 2 settings (routing step 3, or insert effect step 4).

  • Page 90: Effect Settings In Combination, And Multi

    Effects settings Effect settings in combina- tion, and Multi Routing In Combination and Multi modes, you can specify the routing of each timbre/track to the insert effect and master effects. These settings are made in the same way in each of these modes. We will be using the example of Combination mode in our explana- tion here.

  • Page 91: Dynamic Modulation And Bpm/Midi Sync

    Dynamic modulation and BPM/MIDI Sync. Dynamic modulation and BPM/MIDI Sync. Dynamic modulation (Dmod) is a function that lets you use MIDI messages or the X50’s control- lers to control specific effect parameters in real- time. BPM/MIDI Sync. is another function that controls...

  • Page 92: Saving Edited Effect Settings

    X50’s master effects, or when you’re using a plug-in effect on your computer to process the sound of the X50 together with other sound sources.

  • Page 93: Global Mode

    This applies to the entire X50 regardless of the mode. For example, if you’ve connected the X50’s outputs to an external mixer and are using an external effect processor to apply reverb or cho- rus to the sound, you can turn off the X50’s master effects.
  • Page 94 Preference Page Recalling the last-selected mode and page at power-on The state of X50 when the power is turned on will depend on the setting of “Power On Mode”. If “Power On Mode” is set to Reset (factory set- ting), X50 will automatically select the Combina- tion mode 0: Play.

  • Page 95: Midi-Related Settings 1: Midi

    MIDI-related settings 1: MIDI MIDI Setup, MIDI Filter Here you can make MIDI-related settings for the entire X50, such as the global MIDI channel and the MIDI clock setting. You can also use the utility commands of this page to transmit MIDI System Exclusive data dumps.

  • Page 96: Setting Category Names 3: Category Name

    Global Mode 4. If you want the Track to use the scale saved with its individual Program, check the track’s “Use Prog’s Scale” check box. Tracks that are not checked will use the scale specified by Scale “Type” (Multi’s Scale). 5.

  • Page 97: Arpeggiator Settings

    (individual notes) In addition to this, the X50’s arpeggiator is a poly- phonic arpeggiator that is able to produce a vari- ety of chordal transformations or phrases based on the pitch or timing of the notes you play on the keyboard.
  • Page 98 “ =” EXT. This lets you synchronize the tempo with an external MIDI device. In this case you won’t be able to adjust the tempo on the X50. Adjusting the length of the arpeggiated notes (ARP–GATE) 1.
  • Page 99 Editing in the PROG 0: Play, Arp. Play page • Access the PROG 0: Play, Arp. Play page. Selecting an arpeggio pattern (Pattern) An arpeggio pattern can be selected from preset arpeggio patterns Preset-0–Preset-4 and user arpeggio patterns U000–250. With the factory set- tings, U000–250 contain a wide variety of preload user arpeggio patterns.
  • Page 100 Arpeggiator settings Octave: 4 Note: If a user arpeggio pattern is selected, the “Octave Motion” setting (GLOBAL 5: Arp.Pattern, Setup page) will affect the way in which the arpeggio is played. Selecting the playback order of the arpeggiated notes (Sort) “Sort”...

  • Page 101: The Arpeggiator In Combination And Multi Modes

    “Auto Arp” (GLOBAL 0: System, Basic page). The arpeggiator in Combina- tion and Multi modes In Combination and Multi mode, the X50 provides dual polyphonic arpeggiator functionality that lets you use two arpeggio patterns simulta- neously. The settings in each of these modes are made in the similar way.
  • Page 102 Arpeggiator settings For other combinations, you can press the [ARP ON/OFF] button (the button will light) to turn on the arpeggiator. In Combination and Multi set, depending on the arpeggiator A, B settings, the arpeggio may not start when you press the [ARP ON/ OFF] button to turn it on.
  • Page 103 Dual polyphonic arpeggiator set- tings The dual polyphonic arpeggiator functionality lets you do the following things. • Assign an arpeggiator for each timbre. Choose from Off, (arpeggiator) A, or (arpeggiator) B. ☞step 5 • Independently specify whether A and B will operate.
  • Page 104 Arpeggiator settings In the GLOBAL 0: System, Preference page, uncheck the Memory Protect “Combination” check box. (☞p.88) 10.The “Status,” “MIDI Channel” and “Assign” settings shown in the display of steps 2 and 3 can be made so that certain timbres will sound only when the arpeggiator is On, and will be silent when the arpeggiator is not Off.

  • Page 105: Creating A User Arpeggio Pattern

    Program, Com- bination, or Multi set that uses this same pattern. Initializing an arpeggio pattern With the factory settings, all of the X50’s user arpeggio patterns U000–U250 contain preloaded data. If you want to create a new arpeggio pattern, choose an appropriate arpeggio pattern and ini- tialize it.
  • Page 106 Arpeggiator settings Editing a user arpeggio pattern in Program mode If you enter this mode from the Program mode, your editing will apply to the arpeggio pattern specified for the selected program. 1. In Program mode, select a program for which the arpeggio pattern you wish to edit is selected, or a program that you wish to use as a basis for editing the arpeggio pattern.
  • Page 107 Tone10: [–] button Tone11: [./HOLD] button Tone No. Lgth(Length) Creating an example pattern 1. Set “Step (Step No.)” to 01, and press the [0] button. 2. Set “Step (Step No.)” to 02, and press the [1] button. 3. Set “Step (Step No.)” to 03, and press the [2] button.
  • Page 108 Arpeggiator settings Other examples of creating a user arpeggio pattern Melody pattern 1. Set “Step (Step No.)” to 01, and press the [0] button. Set “Ptch (Pitch Offset)” to +00. 2. Set “Step (Step No.)” to 02, and press the [0] button.
  • Page 109 Fixed Note Tone No. Fixed Note No. Mode(Fixed Note Mode) If “Fixed Note” is checked, you will be able to set “Tone No.” and “Fixed Note No.” Select “Tone No.,” and then set “Fixed Note No.” to specify the note number that the tone will sound.

  • Page 110: Saving A User Arpeggio

    Arpeggiator settings Dual polyphonic arpeggiator editing in Combi and Multi modes Here we will use a combination as an example in our explanation. The same procedure applies when editing an arpeggio pattern in Multi mode. If you have entered this mode from the Combina- tion mode, the arpeggio pattern selected by the combination will be affected by your editing.

  • Page 111: Synchronizing The Arpeggiator

    Synchronization with an external sequencer in Program, Combination, or Multi modes When the X50 is the master If “ (Tempo)” is INT, the arpeggiator will operate based on the timing of the internal MIDI clock. “ (Tempo)” will be INT if GLOBAL 1: MIDI “MIDI Clock”...
  • Page 112 Arpeggiator settings...

  • Page 113: Using Drum Kits

    You can use Drum Kits only in Programs whose “Oscillator Mode” is set to “Drums.” Drum Kit memory structure The X50 has 49 Drum Kits, divided into Internal, User, and GM (General MIDI) groups as shown below. You can edit or write into any of the locations except for the GM bank, which cannot be erased.

  • Page 114: Editing Drum Kits

    Using Drum Kits Saving and comparing data • The edits you make in Global mode will be lost when the power is turned off, so you need to write (save) your edits if you want to keep these changes. Three types of data are handled in Global mode: user drumkit settings (GLO- BAL 4), arpeggiator settings (GLOBAL 5), and all other global settings (GLOBAL 0–3).

  • Page 115: Using Hold

    2. Select the High “Drum Sample.” Press the [CATEGORY] button to view a list of the drum samples organized by category. For details on how to make a selection, see “Selecting programs by category” (☞p.38). 3. Select a drum sample name in the list so that it is highlighted.

  • Page 116: Saving A Drum Kit

    Using Drum Kits Controlling effects for each key A drum kit lets you set the insert effect and master effect send for each key. 1. Access the PROG 8: Ed–InsertFX, BUS page. 2. Make sure that the “Use DKit Setting” check box is checked.

  • Page 117: Other Functions

    (☞p.88). Loading individual banks or data items The X50 allows you to load individual banks, pro- grams, or combinations. Multi set, drum kits andarpeggio patterns can also be loaded individu- ally or as a group.

  • Page 118: Assigning A Name (Rename)

    Other functions Assigning a name (Rename) You can modify the name of any program, combi- nation, multi set, category, arpeggio pattern, etc. The following table shows the items that you can rename, and the corresponding page. Item to rename Program name PROG 0...9 Utility: Write Program COMBI 0...9 Utility: Write Combination name...

  • Page 119: Setting The Functions Of [Sw1] And [Sw2]

    Setting the functions of [SW1] and [SW2] [SW1] and [SW2] are the two switches below the [PITCH] wheel and [MOD] wheel. These on/off switches can perform a number of different func- tions, such as modulating sounds or effects, or locking the modulation values of the [PITCH] wheel.

  • Page 120: Adjusting The Display Contrast

    Utility menu items. [ENTER] button + keyboard By holding down the [ENTER] button and press- ing a note on the keyboard of the X50, you can per- form the following input operations. • Input note number values or velocity values...

  • Page 121: Appendices

    Using the “X50 Editor/Plug-In Editor” control plug-in software to save data You can use the “X50 Editor/Plug-In Editor” con- trol plug-in to save X50 data. For more details, see “Editor/Plug-In Editor Manual” (PDF). Page PROG 0...9 Utility: Write Program COMBI 0...9 Utility: Write Combination...

  • Page 122: About The Edit Buffer

    PROG 0: Play, COMBI 0: Play, and MULTI 0: Play, the data of the selected program, combina- tion, or multi set is called into the X50’s edit buffer. When you edit the parameters in pages such as 0: Play, your editing will modify the data in the edit buffer.

  • Page 123: Troubleshooting

    MIDI device, or may be responding to a request for output. If so, make sure that the X50 is not writing data from an external connected MIDI device or transmitting data in response to a request, or that any such operation has been completed.

  • Page 124: Programs And Combinations

    Appendices In GLOBAL 0: System, Foot page, make sure that “Damper Polarity” or “Foot SW Polarity” is set correctly. ☞PG p.80 Noise or oscillation is heard When using the BPM/MIDI Sync. function to control the delay time of an effect, noise may occur in the delay sound.
  • Page 125 Is the MIDI driver installed for the USB port you’ve connected? → The driver must be installed for each USB port you use. If you connect the X50 to a USB port other than the port you used when installing the KORG USB-MIDI Driver for Windows XP, you’ll need to reinstall the KORG USB-MIDI...

  • Page 126: Specifications And Options

    Appendices Specifications and options Specifications Operating temperature +0 – +40 °C (do not allow condensation) System HI (Hyper Integrated) Synthesis System Keyboard 61 key Synthesis types Sound Engine Maximum polyphony Waveform memory Oscillator Filters Programs Modulation Number of timbres, Combinations master keyboard functionality Number of tracks, master...

  • Page 127: Operating Requirements For Connection To A Computer

    DC 12V voltage Power Consumption Accessories AC adapter, Operation guide, CD-ROM (X50 Editor/Plug-In Editor, KORG USB-MIDI driver, Parameter guide) Operating requirements for connection to a computer KORG USB-MIDI Driver operating requirements Computer A computer with a USB port, that satisfies the requirements of Microsoft Windows XP...

  • Page 128: Midi Implementation Chart

    Appendices MIDI Implementation Chart...
  • Page 129 MIDI Implementation Chart...

  • Page 130: Index

    Appendices Index Numerics 10’s HOLD 39 Alternate modulation 51 Amp 55 Amp EG 55 AMS 51 ARP ON/OFF 91 Arpeggiator 91 Adjusting the tempo 92 Link 88 On/Off 91, 97 Arpeggio pattern 93 Initialization 99 User arpeggio pattern 99 ASSIGNABLE PEDAL 27, 88 ASSIGNABLE SWITCH 26, 88 Assigning a name 112 Audio output 25...
  • Page 131 Mode 17 Combination mode 57 Global mode 87 Multi mode 69 Program mode 37 Select 19 Modulation Amp 55 Filter 54 Pitch 52 Monophony 48 Multi mode 69 Multi Mode (Global) 33 Multi set 69 Multisample 48 Multi-timbre 33 Mute 70 Note Number 41 Oscillator 47 Oscillator Mode 47, 107...
  • Page 132 Please also retain your receipt as proof of purchase otherwise your product may be disqualified from the manufacturer’s or distributor’s warranty. 4015-2 Yanokuchi, Inagi-city, Tokyo 206-0812 Japan  2006 KORG INC.

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