As @korgaustralia reports, there's also a new i3 and EK-50 L with upgraded speakers and design https://www.instagram.com/korgaustralia/

On a first look it seems that i3 can be considered as a speakerless arranger, which is something I can we interested in. We'll see.

EDIT: according to specifications (https://www.korg.com/us/products/synthesizers/i3/specifications.php)
it's only 4 kg/8.82 lbs. Can make a gigging life easier.

EDIT: there're already videos:

Hi Kabinopus,
That’s strange, an i3 ?
haven’t had a chance to read up on it, time tio go to sleep, had the i2 when it first came out in the early 90’s, be interesting to see if it’s similar to the original i3 from that period.

Thanks for the info. Looks very interesting.

Very interesting indeed. I never had the i3, but I did have the i30, now this would be something I'd drool over!

Not at all sure what the instrument is capable of from that demo. All I can say for sure is, if THAT guy was playing THAT instrument in a restaurant, I'd leave without finishing my meal. His voice selection in the first half of that video was nauseating. My opinion only (which hopefully I'm entitled to).

chas

It's not April 1st so I guess this isn't a bad joke......but COME ON. 64 note polyphony in this day and age? Entry level auto arranger? Is this maybe what Jeremy See is hinting at in his pre NAMM post?

I was thinking the SAME thing. We'd head out together.

This is a TOY and nothing compared to the original I3, the original was top back in the days.

I've just googled what the original i3 looks like and it looks fantastic! I can see why I loved the i30 so much.

I’m not impressed with the video either, and audio demos on Korg’s site are even more questionable, but it’s hard to say whether it’s a bad demo or a bad instrument. I used to be a faithful Yamaha’s believer, and still think that Yamaha is rather ahead in the competition (it’s also backed with sales reports), but now I tend to think that one instrument can’t cover all the needs and if you deal with music a lot you may benefit from having different tools for different needs. While 64 voices polyphony is not enough for piano playing, when it comes to other sounds you usually don’t need that much. And as an addition to digital piano this machine might be rather suitable. So far this is the only lightweight keyboard on the market without speakers with an arranger feature.

+1

YES...I had an i3 way back...followed with the i30

Both were way ahead of any other arranger at the time.

Yes I agree. In fact, I was initially a bit disappointed when upgrading to the PA80 from the i30, especially with the display was a huge backward step and the drums sounded weaker I thought.

All arrangers are toys. Not everyone is interested in the most expensive ones like the pa4x or Genos.

I wouldn't buy either one of these for a young person interested in music. They are a step backward. Shame on Korg for besmirching the i3 name and reputation. A used Pa500 would be better!

The original i30 (along with the Roland G1000) was one of the all-time greats. Maybe a high-water mark among arrangers. Subsequent evolution has been mostly about the quality of sound samples, articulations, etc. The core arranger functionality didn't develop much beyond these turn-of-the-century models. The software testing (for bugs, etc.) was probably more rigorous then too.

I often think I would be happy if I had only an i30 and G1000 in my home studio.

At least Korg comes with something affordable that has a great sound. Shame on Korg I don’t think so.

now there's a idea.

Hi,
The korg i2/i3 were in the top of the line category, along with the Technics kn2000
and Roland e86 .

Can’t understand why they would name the new board an i3??

Just advertising Bait to sell and make money..

Roland and Yamaha do the same. That’s how they survive and surprise us with new keyboards so now and then. So be happy people instead of complaining. These new Korgs are to compete with the lower priced Casio’s and Yamaha‘s and that is good news for us. Who cares how they call them?

Hi Frans,
referring only to the naming, looks nothing like the original.

Not aware of any Yamaha or Roland arranger named after a 27 year old model, but I could well be wrong. Haha

That was probably one of the most painful and irritating demos I have ever heard from any of the major keyboard manufacturers. Call has got to start to employ professional arranger players of the standard of Peter Baartman and Martin Harris . Korgs Keyboards generally are more capable than the competition but their demonstrators are awful . The only demonstrator they have that is exceptionally talented is a gentleman called Luke Edwards and Marco Parisi but when was the last time anyone saw a demo from Marco ?

You have to ask Korg why. Personally I don’t care. I like this new Korg no matter how they call it. I mean that Roland, Korg and Yamaha brings their old technology in new products. That’s how they survive. They are no innovative anymore. Will I buy one no I already own a ek50 and my next purchase will be the pa700 in the next few months. But it is good news for all of us these new models. These Korgs are the best sounding arrangers in this price tag and force Casio and Yamaha and maby even Roland to come with better sounding arrangers.

Hi Frans,
personally I think it’s great they’re bring out affordable good quality arrangers, don’t get me wrong, just found it a bit odd as to what they named it.

New video came around:



I think this time it sounds pretty decent. So far this keyboard seems to be rather unique for its portability and affordability.

But I'm yet to know how would it handle bossa nova.

Actually, the idea is rather close to Yamaha's MM6. That one was also all about "hip hop/rap" stuff.

Nothing new. Cut down version PA80/60/50 / micro arranger ( exact styles but less control) ( Triton engine)with less features ( no style writing / sound editing ) with no speakers but has battery power.

Looks like repackaged EK50 without speakers. Slimmer/ added MIDI out socket and 16 track sequencer. Super lightweight ( 8 pounds). Good price too.

Pa300 is miles ahead. ( too bad less outs and only USB midi)


Please check the following post.


http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/488548/Re:_New_Korg_arrangers_-_i3__a#Post488548

The pa600 is only 100 euro more here in the Netherlands and is a much better option then the i3. I had the ek 50 but you can’t edit nothing. To much reverb in some of the styles and no option to edit that and a lot more disadvantages.