Korg has recently updated its opsix native to version 1.3 and after installing it I thought I’d do a review for you all. Opsix is called an altered fm synth by Korg which allows many parameters to have motion applied to them, and also an operator mixerwhich can dramatically alter the sound from other basic FM type synths. Take a look at the video below for a nice overview…
As you can hear there are some similarities to other FM synths, but I have found that the motion capabilities considerably add to the sound. The native plugin is exactly the same as the hardware synth as well, so patches made on the software can be uploaded to the synth and vice versa which is a great touch. This works for the other 2 native plugins as well, both of which are excellent!
I have been critical of Korgs software before, the ARP2600 is very high on cpu usage, whilst sounding great, and I’m happy to say that with the latest versions the native plugins both look and sound great with reasonable cpu usage. They also run nicely as standalone apps which is great if you want to use a second system to play or if you fancy forsaking a daw (as many). Not all standalone apps work as well, so bonus points to Korg for that…
The real bonus is that many Korg plugins are on sale, and at the time of writing this review opsix native is available for $99.99 (50% off) and also similar savings on soundbanks for it too….
https://www.korg.com/uk/news/2024/1111
So to summarise – a nice exciting take on FM synthesis, that runs well and is fairly good value at the current savings. $100 is still a little steep however compared to something like Pigments which has some nice FM synth capabilities, but far better than the normal $200 price point, which is frankly way too much!
Korg opsix native

Korg opsix native is a nice addition to the world of fm synthesis. Fairly priced this Christmas but otherwise a bit too much. Great performance and the fact you can send patches both ways means it is a generally useful synth and plugin combo
Pros
Easy to use (for FM)
Great sound, brings new sounds to the table
Performs well, especially given Korgs previous efforts.
Cons
It is still FM so can be harder to get what it is all about
Fairly cold sound often, though not as harsh as pure FM
It is very grey looking, a bit more colour wouldn't go amiss!

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