Micron, MicroKorg or XioSynth?

[rocklibrarian]

I recently got to try a MicroKorg XL, a new model they have. I think it's $500 but it's much improved. I was debating between that and the Korg R3 which is also great but I think the XL wins. The presets are fantastic, bigger keys than the MicroKorg...definitely give it a try.

I have an XL. It looks and sounds great, but the build quality is deplorable.

That's too bad. For $500 you'd think they could build a decent enclosure.

[rickenmetal]

The Xiosynth doesn't have MIDI in, just MIDI out and USB, so if you ever plan to use a sequencer other that the computer it's useless. No interest to me, so I can't comment on the sound as I never bothered to listen to any demos.

The Micron has some really good sounds if you go in and program the sounds, but the interface is tedious.

I tried the keys on a MicroKorg and they seemed really stiff and I didn't like the feel, even though I like small keys. They interface is also not very good.

For that price I would say get a controller keyboard and a used Korg MS2000. It's the same engine as the MicroKorg, but it has a much better interface and many more possibilities. Check out some demos on youtube.

[FooperSuzz]

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