Released in 2021 the miniKORG 700FS was a spectacular revival of the legendary 1970s miniKORG 700S analogue synthesizer, enhanced with additional functionality that wasn’t possible in the original. The miniKORG 700FS was so popular that its limited production run sold out so quickly, creating significant demand for increased production.
Korg has a long history of groundbreaking analogue synthesizers and has recently gained recognition for faithfully reproducing some of the rarest and most sought-after models. The miniKORG 700Sm is a tribute to the sound of the iconic miniKORG 700, the very origin of Korg’s analogue synth history, while being enhanced to meet the needs of today’s musicians.
Downsizing the miniKORG 700FS
The new miniKORG 700Sm retains all the features of the miniKORG 700FS while offering a slimmer keyboard and a size reduced to approximately 86% of the original. Additionally, the miniKORG 700Sm weighs just 5.8 kg (12.8 lbs), making it easy to transport.
The elements vital to an analogue synth
The true beauty and richness of the sounds produced by the miniKORG 700 could not be realized through analogue modelling technology that uses computational integrated circuitry such as DSPs and other devices to model analogue circuitry.
Although it’s possible to replicate a circuit by using the same parts and copying the design schematics or circuit board, there’s no guarantee that this will reproduce the original sound. This is because the components deteriorate over time, dramatically altering the sound. To accurately recreate the original sound, we had to rely on the experience and memories of the technicians who worked on the original product.
We were able to bring the original sound to life thanks to our team of technicians, who have gained invaluable expertise over the years through their work on numerous synthesizer revival projects. This team was guided by the legendary Fumio Mieda, a Korg engineer since the early 1970s and one of the designers of the original miniKORG 700S. Working closely with Korg’s sound designers, they meticulously reproduced the original sound as faithfully as possible. We hope that those who play the miniKORG 700Sm will experience it as a beautifully crafted and authentic recreation of the original.
Beautiful synth leads, thick bass – and more
The miniKORG 700 was Korg’s first synthesizer, and produced some of the most recognizable, rich and fattest analogue sounds of all time. The new miniKORG 700Sm features oscillators with an unmistakeable tone and an authentic recreation of the Traveler controller– a signature element of the miniKORG 700– designed to add extraordinary colour and expression to performances. Its sound fits seamlessly in today’s music, especially with its standout lead and bass synth tones.
The possibilities as a sub keyboard
The miniKORG 700 was originally designed as a sub keyboard, often placed atop organs (frequently used in the 1970s) to expand their sound palette. The miniKORG 700Sm, with its compact and portable form factor, stands out as a powerful solo instrument but also complements stage keyboards like electric pianos and organs seamlessly.
The controls on the miniKORG 700 were laid out below its keys in a row, allowing players to easily access them when the instrument was placed on top of an organ. This intuitive layout remains unchanged, offering simplicity, ease of use, and a unique look that sets it apart from any other instrument.
Modern functionality
When the original miniKORG 700 was originally released, electronic components were larger in size, limiting functionality due to the small space inside. Thanks to advancements in technology, we now have room to include a spring reverb as well as a joystick for pitch bend and modulation. The new version also features aftertouch for added expressiveness, as well as an arpeggiator, USB port, MIDI IN connector and a CV/GATE IN jack. We’ve also added memory programs to store settings, something that wasn’t available in the early 1970s.
Traveler controller returns
A unique feature of the miniKORG 700, the Traveler controller, consisted of two parallel sliders located below the keyboard. With these controls, players could adjust the cutoff frequency, with the upper lever controlling the low-pass filter and the lower lever controlling the high-pass filter. This gave players the freedom to adjust the expressive character of the sound according to the position of the levers. By moving the levers to the left and right while playing the keys, wah-wah and muted sounds could be created along with the iconic “traveling” sound.
Since the sound passing through the filter has a lower cutoff frequency and higher cutoff frequency than the frequencies set by the sliders, all frequencies are filtered and thus no sound is heard when the positions of the two sliders are inverted. In other words, making the two sliders cross would in theory produce no sound. To address this, the original miniKORG 700 featured protrusions on the sliders to physically prevent them from crossing.
The design was both a benefit and limitation of analogue circuitry. In the past– and even today– it’s impossible to design a filter with perfect characteristics. During the time that the miniKORG 700 was sold, some players would shave off the protrusions on the sliders to allow them to cross, in an attempt to create new sounds. In fact, some models sold internationally did not even have the protrusions to begin with. The miniKORG 700Sm also does not have the protrusions, opening endless sound design possibilities and allowing players to create patches in unique ways.
A second oscillator
The miniKORG 700 was a single-oscillator mono synth. One year later 1974, the miniKORG 700S was released with more space added to the left of the keyboard for a controller. This version also introduced a second oscillator, a ring modulator, and other enhancements. The new Sm model is a revival of the 700S, with its expanded functionality, including two oscillators that deliver powerful detuning and thick, penetrating sounds, particularly for bass and lead sounds.
Includes a custom soft case
The miniKORG 700Sm comes with a custom-made soft case designed to perfectly fit the instrument, ensuring both protection and portability. This case makes it easy to take your miniKORG 700Sm wherever you go, whether you’re performing, recording, or traveling, keeping your synth safe and secure.
Free music software bundle
The miniKORG 700Sm comes with a diverse variety of music software including Izotope (featuring “Ozone Elements” which lets you not only create songs but also master them using AI), “Skoove” which will help you improve your keyboard playing skills, “miniKORG 700S” from the Korg Collection software, as well as a wide range of software synths from Korg and other developers.
The miniKORG 700Sm comes with these great tools to help you take your music to the next level.
