SP-303+Microkorg=Envelopes & Other Trickery (Chunkulator)

[BOOMBAP Bodega]

Many of you probably have a Microkorg keyboard laying around (or being used constantly) that you would like to get more use out of. You may also have a SP-303 that you wish had more "Serious Sampler" features. Through the magic of MIDI you can create a SUPER SP-303.

Simply Hook the MIDI OUT of the Microkorg into the MIDI IN of the SP-303. Make sure they are on the same channel. Now hook the Audio Out of the SP-303 into the two Audio Ins of the Microkorg. Make sure the Microkorg's Oscillator 1 is set to Audio in. Hook the Audio Out of the Microkorg to your Mixer/Speaker/DAW/Whatever.

Now the fun begins.

The most simple application is to use the Keyboard to play your samples with Velocity. You also can use two Filters by applying the Filter/EQ/Iso on the SP-303 and then applying the Microkorg Filter after. This way you can Low-Pass then follow with a Hi-Pass, Band-Pass, etc.

Adjusting the Amp envelope will also allow you to add an Envelope to your samples. This can be used to fade in and out your samples. The Filter Envelope can also be used to shape your samples.

Modulating on the Microkorg opens up interesting possibilities. Try having the LFO or Mod Wheel control the Filter.

To make a Chunkulator Synth (bigger then a Granular because the SP doesn't loop very small) loop a tiny portion of any audio and use the Microkorg to shape it into whatever sound you need. You can also then layer the sound with another Microkorg internal Oscillator to make it more powerful (or add white noise to a snare etc.).

Then there is the awesome Delays, Mod FX, and EQ at the end to run your samples through (bonus points to automate with a DAW/Sequencer).

The Arpeggiator can also be used to sequence your SP in crazy ways. Having a Random pattern Arp mixed with a Random LFO controlling Filter with an automated Delay could create some really interesting patterns (then control the LFO depth with the Pitchbend wheel, very loco). Also having the Arp play the SP's External Input Pad can create really unique patterns.

The Microkorg is a dope Synth but it doubles as a great MIDI Controller. Add it to the SP-303 and you've got some really cool possibilities available. Try everything. I'm sure there's more I haven't listed.

[ellaguru]

wow
now i need to take microkorg...

[nobdy]

oohh cool. I'm going to try this out!

[ellaguru]

oohh cool. I'm going to try this out!

i have a xiosytnh for now, i will try if a can do that on this too

[nobdy]

[Dirty Banks]

I have a Microkorg XL.
Def. trying this. Thanks for sharing the knowledge.

[BOOMBAP Bodega]

How could I forget the simple but effective use of a Velocity Controlled Filter. This livens up drums and makes every hit unique. Combine that with a Filter Envelope with quick Attack, long Release, and a low filter envelope amount (anywhere from 5-20). This creates ultra dynamic drums that sound natural and it works well on all drums.

Also using the second Timbre to add Sub Bass to a Kick can work well. Use a Sine Wave and adjust the Envelope settings to fit with the Kick. Put a High-Pass Filter on the Sub Bass/808 for more thump (play with resonance and cutoff to make the kick translate on smaller speakers as well). Use the Mod Matrix to Modify Pitch with the Amp Envelope for more of an 808 kick. A little Noise from the mixer can help give the illusion of Reverb as well.

The SP-303 and the Microkorg are a perfect match for each other. Use the Microkorg to Sample through adding EQ, Filtering, Panning, Effects, etc to anything you record.

Try creating a Arpeggiation for a Bass or Melody and the running it into the SP-303. Now use the External Input Pad to play the Melody Gate Style.

Remember to always MIDI every piece of gear you have to each other and experiment with the possibilities. Run audio through anything you can (especially if it has a filter). [size=150][/size]

[scopebeats]

thanks for the info man. would love to see a Video of this

[ellaguru]

thanks for the info man. would love to see a Video of this

quote!

[BOOMBAP Bodega]

Sadly I had to part ways with my beloved SP-303 a few months ago. I look forward to getting one again soon though. I have a more advanced setup now but I really miss being able to knock out microwave beats on the couch. It's a swift motherfffffer when it comes to chopping.