David's Korg DS-8 Page

I am no longer updating these pages. I will leave them up indefinitely for the benefit of DS-8 users all over the world, but I do not plan to add any more content.

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KORG DS-8

Introduction/Background
In 1987, the Yamaha DX-7 (and its multiple incarnations) was undoubtedly the most successful commercial synthesizer of the time. Curiously, though, the DX-7 employed one of most incomprehensible synthesis schemes ever realized: FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesis. Attempting to make a more "user friendly" implementation of FM synthesis, Korg created the DS-8.

The DS-8 never experienced much popularity. While some may argue that its short life in the spot light was because it lacked capability and it never really lived up to its expectations, I am of the opinion that its demise had more to do with a changing market than anything else. Within months after introducing the DS-8, Korg released its monumental M1 and the rest is history: FM faded away as waveform sampling became the "next big thing."

(Incidentally, the Korg 707 is essentially a small, 4-octave DS-8 intended for live, stand-up performances. There are a few minor internal differences, but it has the same programming architecture as the DS-8.)

DS-8 Features

FM synthesis, a la subtractive synthesis "paradigm"
8 voice multitimbral
Multi-effect digital delay
100 patches / 10 combinations
Most major MIDI functions
Split keyboard
Velocity and Aftertouch keys
Performance sliders for timbre and amplitude envelope

DS-8 Reviewed
DS-8 advertisement, circa 1987 Keyboard Magazine reviewed the DS-8 in July, 1987. Here is an excerpt:

"...what does it sound like? There's an unambiguous answer to that one: It sounds a lot like a DX7 (the old one, that is). Considering the ways in which Korg has limited access to FM parameters ..., the DS-8 is capable of producing a remarkable variety of sounds."

"As for features, the DS-8 is pretty competitive with other relatively inexpensive synthesizers, and it's multi-timbral to boot. "

My opinion:
It is easy to program (compared to Yamaha DX series FM synthesizers) and its real-time sliders can add spontaneity to live performance and studio sessions. Its MIDI capabilities are pretty good considering how old it is. For a while, I used my DS-8 as my primary MIDI controller and it did quite well. Its keyboard isn't too clunky and the unit seems well built.

However, being an FM synthesizer, it doesn't make very "approachable" or "familiar" sounds. The DS-8 is good for unique solo voicing and textural layering but it isn't well suited to be a stand alone unit (meaning I would not recommend it as a first or only keyboard.)

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My DS-8

DS-8 Today
A used DS-8 today would probably go for about $100-$200, depending on condition and accessories. I certainly wouldn't pay more than that. Because it never really caught on, there aren't many sounds for it and not much support for it. It makes a decent MIDI controller. If you intend on buying one, ask the owner if he or she has replaced the battery.

Copyright � 1995-2000, 2011 David C. Copley last updated Dec2011 after nearly a decade of being archived

`FUNCTION`	`TRANSMITTED`	`RECOGNIZED`	`REMARKS`
`Basic Channel` `Power On` `Setting Range`	`1 -- 16` `1 -- 16`	`1 -- 16` `1 -- 16`	`Memorized`
`Mode` `Power On` `Message Default`	`-` `1` `x`	`-` `1` `OMNI=On/Off`	`Ignore`
`Note Number` `Actual Notes`	`24 -- 108` `---------`	`0 -- 127` `24-108`	`-`
`Velocity` `Note On` `Note Off`	`-` `o` `x`	`-` `o`	`9n, v=1..127`
`Aftertouch` `Keys` `Channels`	`x` `o`	`x` `o`	`-`
`Pitch Bender`	`o`	`o`	`-`
`Control Change` `1` `2` `6` `7` `10` `64` `65` `96` `99`	`-` `o` `o` `o` `o` `x` `o` `o` `o` `o`	`-` `o` `o` `o` `o` `o` `o` `o` `o` `o`	`-` `Pitch MG` `Timbre MG` `Data entry**` `Volume` `Panpot` `Damper pedal` `Porta switch` `Data increment` `Data decrement*`
`Program Change **` `Actual Number`	`0 -- 9` `------`	`0 --99` `0 -- 127`	`-`
`Exclusive ***`	`o`	`o`	`voice dump, etc.`
`Common` `Song positions` `Song select` `Tune`	`-` `x` `x` `x`	`-` `x` `x` `x`	`-`
`Real Time` `Clock` `Command`	`-` `x` `x`	`-` `x` `x`	`-`
`Auxiliary` `Local ON/OFF` `All Notes OFF` `Active Sensing ****` `Reset`	`-` `x` `x` `o` `x`	`-` `o` `o` `o` `x`	`123 -- 127`