The KORG PS-3300 Returns!

A look at the reissue of the mysterious Korg PS-3300, first released in 1977, along with some history about it and footage of its creator, Fumio Mieda.

Huge thanks to Korg for letting me snaffle their prototype to make this video and for letting use some of their interview footage.

NOTE - Korg have asked that I make it clear that this unit is their working prototype and that the release date and price of production units is still to be finalised at the time of uploading and that they will announce that officially themselves in due course. Thanks for your understanding.

0:00 Intro Jam
1:38 A little history
3:54 Demo 1
4:53 Overview
7:38 Resonators
10:50 Temperament Adjust
14:35 Semi Modular Polyphony
15:08 Demo 2
16:22 Legacy
17:58 Demo 3
18:39 Summary
19:34 Outro Jam

PS details:
The nerdy details that I didn't expressively cover in the video are as follows:
The output section has discrete outputs for each channel, but there's an S-Trig controlled switch for each, so they can be sequenced on and off, (as well as just switched on and off).

They've added a balanced main/mono output at the end, the original had x2 unbalanced/mono mix outputs.

There's two CV inputs to control the overall level of all channels simultaneously. One is pre the channel switches and the other is post.

There's 2x4 junctions (mults).

There's a sample and hold circuits with input, output and clock speed. The 'syncro' control locks the S&H frequency to the wave cycle of a sampled voltage.

The General Envelope Generator (GEG) is a single envelope with Delay, Attack and Release times. There's two trigger inputs, an auto switch and three outputs; inverted, non-inverted bipolar and non-inverted unipolar.

There is one voltage processor (the original had two, but MIDI has replaced one on the reissue). There's an input and output and two limiters with a -/+5v range each.

The keyboard has a lot of controls! Firstly, a damper output. Next comes an S-Trig output with an associated trigger select knob (off, 1 - 5). Like the 'Silence note trigger select' I discussed in my Trident video, this is the number of keys you need to hold down before a trigger is fired.

Next, there are trigger outputs for both detached and legato playing (aka single, multiple). There are then three trigger outputs with switches (an obvious thing is to use these to control the three channel switches in the output section). There's then a momentary switch with trigger output, aftertouch CV (an update) and a joystick ('X-Y Manipulator') with X and Y trimmers for CV level.

The updates include patch memory (originally found on the PS-3200), which also saves temperaments. There's USB to dump in and out patches and temperaments. MIDI in/out/thru have been added, as has channel after touch with a CV output in the keyboard. The original was 48 key, the reissue is 49 too. The envelope generators have been simplified to ADSR and the old damping control is now in the keyboard. There's also a balanced mix out, as discussed above. The unit is as wide as the original, but slightly shorter and a lot thinner (the original was about 40cm deep!)

[AlexBallMusic]

A note - Korg have asked that I make it clear that this unit is their working prototype and that the release date and price of production units is still to be finalised at the time of uploading and that they will announce that officially themselves in due course. Thanks for your understanding.

[cromulence]

The fact that KORG has actually committed to making this is bonkers. It’s nice that there is a company truly in it for the musicians and not just chasing the cheapest profit making box.

[Hainbach]

Love the opening song, puts me in a perfect mood for the rest of the video

[Toolsquatch]

I swear, if you taught a synth masterclass I'd be in the front row every day: the history, the information, the demonstrations that help us understand what makes these synthesizers stand out...fabulous as always, thank you!

[toi_techno]

Most of the time I find really expensive stuff that only rich people can afford irritating but sometimes the things are so cool I'm just glad they exist

[jimmy_jamesjams_a_lot]

You, of all, Alex, have obviously honored them with so many demonstrations and exhibitions of these rare synthesizers, that Korg obviously wishes to honor you by giving you reciprocation for your efforts! No man whom I can think of can demonstrate these machines with the genuine enthusiasm and passion that you could provide. And what you do with them, it’s always more than I could hope for. Now I want 3 filters for each of my keys!

[LisaBellaDonnaMusic]

Incredible video Alex!! Such a truly remarkable instrument. Only had an opportunity to use one many years ago, but it made a life-long lasting impression.
Again, wonderfully done (as always). Crazy to think the Vannelli Brothers took THREE of these out on the road back in 78/79.

[kevinhartnell]

Stunning demos! <3 Thank you for your continued priceless contributions to the historical documentation of the world of synths. You are greatly appreciated.

[supercompooper]

I've seen many demonstrations of this but this one actually is excellent and really shows off the heart of this instrument. Thank you so much.

[arnaudduvivier]

Bonjour,
Avec vous, bien davantage qu'avec d'autres vidéos, on prend conscience de ce qu'est cette machine!
Merci pour tout votre travail.

[jdrukman]

I am fortunate to be in a band with a guy who owns an original ps3300. We used it a lot on our last record. It’s a completely unique and utterly bonkers machine. I’m so happy they are reissuing it now.

[Vim-Wolf]

Your jams .... ❤ For the first time I really understand why so much fuss is made about this behemoth.

[Knightsnare]

Hey Alex, I just wanted to say how much I love your videos! You really nail everything – the way you break down the history, composition, and technical aspects is spot on. Your jams are incredible, and even the color grading is super cool! ‘Studio Tour’ has been like dancing around in my head for the last month. Keep up the amazing work!

[MrPresentTime]

Alex, your demo music/performances are such a refreshing change from the load of boring and uninspired demo material that is all over YouTube. This is a fantastic synth, and you honor it with this video. Thanks for the great peek into this marvelous synth!

[RinnEryr]

13:12 That’s the most beautifully fragile sound I heard coming from a vintage analogue synthesiser. The PolyBrute is really capable of going there, but it just misses the immediate temperament adjustment like the KORG.

Great video, Alex. And I love you team up this synth with the KORG drum machine. Love that snaredrum.

[electronictiger]

Alex, I think you are the perfect candidate to showcase this old behemoth reborn, considering your love for old Korg synths. So congratulations on that! As always, excellent stuff. Well done!!

[DetroitMicroSound]

Stunning stuff! And you produce really incredible results with it! Nice one Alex!

[heimlichvonbladderburst]

On the subject of temperaments, it has always impressed me that Korg still implement temperaments in modern digital synths. My Z1 and Radias both (if my ancient brain remembers correctly) have custom temperaments. If you want to know what the fuss is about, try using Pure Major and play some Major triads - it sounds so so sweet! Once you've heard that, you'll realise how dirty the equal temperament major is. If you've got a Korg with custom temperaments, you owe it to yourself to try them out.

[BrucePercyPhoto]

A machine I drooled over in the Korg brochures I used to get through the post as a teenager. Always dreaming of what it would sound like. It's an amazing feat to see Korg reissue this machine. Alex you always do a fantastic job of demo'ing the machines. I always prefer a working track to get an idea. Nice an catchy too :-)

[andrewjacobs]

Mr Balls Usp is his great ability to provide historic context to these great machines… oh and killer jams 😀