Korg celebrates 20th anniversary of The M1

The year 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of the famous Korg M1 Music Workstation, the product that first defined the workstation category and redefined music making. Back in 1988, the M1 was the first product that combined a keyboard with realistic sounds (the first to use completely PCM-sampled wave ROM), sequencing and digital multi-effects in a single package. Because the M1 was essentially an "all in one keyboard studio," it enabled many DIY musicians to emerge. This concept was so widely embraced by the music community that it was quickly adopted and carried forward as a new platform by many companies, effectively helping to create a whole new generation of music.

Today, despite the rise in popularity of computer use in many aspects of music making, the music workstation continues to enjoy popularity and has taken on an additional role as it embraces new computer technology. Products such as the Korg M3 work seamlessly and powerfully with both computer platforms and integrate with most DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) platforms via their dedicated processors. The M3 provides a wealth of hardware control over software (a control surface, mappable pads and buttons, ribbon, KAOSS screen and more) for an enhanced music-making experience. Software applications can also be greatly expanded or enhanced when used in tandem with a workstation such as the M3 or Korg KARMA.