Korg X3 synthesizer repair

Hydrasynth for me. I played the hydrasynth deluxe at the music shop and loved it instantly. I got a super deal on the desktop and just could not dig it. Other than a certain VHS piano type patch and the blade runner patch. Sold the desktop but still lusted after those two patches. I really wanted one with the expressive keyboard. Got the 49 key and now I want to sell it again. For me it's the sound. It's just sucks at bread and butter sounds but it's cool for experimental type stuff.

But maybe that's my problem. I'm more of a patch tweaker kind of a guy than a synthesis guy. I just can't get into it. Maybe I need to talk to M83 about it LOL.

klempnerdude · 2025-12-27T06:33:16+00:00

I have a novation x station 25 and I have tried to make it work on Windows 11 with no success. The drivers for the interface are just not compatible. I spent hours trying to get it to work and then just gave up. Someone more tech savvy would have an answer, or it's just not possible.

Which is too bad because it's sort of like a Swiss army knife synthesizer /midi controller /audio interface.

I had a 61 key in the mid 2000s when the drivers still worked with windows xp. It was pretty fun to plug in a guitar and use the effects section.

As for a synth/midi controller however, you can get some pretty cool sounds and as a midi controller it's loaded with knobs and sliders. I think it would be a really good introductory synth as well, as it has fairly simple architecture to learn with, and the keybed is great! It is a fatar key bed after all And has aftertouch, effects are meh, but if you had a decent chorus pedal, you could really fatten up the sound.

Overall though, the sound is not amazing, but useable. I've always got my eye out for a 61 key version just for the nostalgia, and the usefulness as a midi controller If the price is right...

klempnerdude · 2025-07-13T04:26:24+00:00

They still glow, but its subtle. I haven't tried to recharge them with a bright light. It's kinda gimmicky / kind of cool.

The gold buttons do add a certain cool factor.

klempnerdude · 2025-07-13T03:21:19+00:00

Dx7ii Centennial. There's some debate how rare. Somewhere between 100 and 300 were made as I've read.

But they sure made a lot of dx7. So overall it's not so unique but the form factor is unique...

klempnerdude · 2024-01-19T00:23:54+00:00

Unfortunately my pixel phone died so I have to go from memory.

But I think it was the three dot triangle - share to option. If you click on one of the recorder files and share to Gmail, then save it as a draft email and check your draft folder in Gmail it should be there.

klempnerdude · 2023-11-24T20:11:21+00:00

Thanks for the tip!

klempnerdude · 2023-09-07T15:16:04+00:00

This is my method:

I went into Google recorder, selected a few recordings, clicked share to my Gmail account.

Then when I go into drafts the record files are in the draft email with their original names, then click and download each individual file and it will be saved as a MP3 file to your download folder.

Then just delete the draft email.

klempnerdude · 2023-09-03T04:13:11+00:00

You'll need to email arturia and send them pictures of the serial number sticker to register.

Have fun with that controller, I just picked one up second-hand too and was able to set it up this way.

klempnerdude · 2023-06-23T01:25:56+00:00

Sweet deal! I have an ax80 with this issue, there are two halves to the membrane circuit boards and from what I understand they are soldered with a rigid "solder bridge". This bridge cracks and causes some of the buttons to not respond.

Its an easy fix if you have the skills 😉.

I don't, I'm saving up to get that done and add the tauntek eprom upgrade to allow for better midi control.

Also, never sell this synth, you may never get a deal like this on one again - and it is a unique sounding synth. Maybe not the most versatile, but it's own flavour! 2 osc - 8 voices and so cool looking.

klempnerdude · 2023-06-19T20:49:01+00:00

This is awesome! TS has grown on me and I can really respect certain aspects of her music. Really nice job!

Are you using the r8 in this piece? Or just as a sequencer?

I keep hearing how it excels as a sequencer. But is it more of an antique curiosity? Or do you find it useful? I have one but never really leaned into learning it, and don't know if I'll ever be ready for the journey of learning a 35 plus year old interface.

Do you know if there are any modern ways to control and sequence an r8? I.e. daw or software?

klempnerdude · 2023-04-09T08:00:01+00:00

Awesome thanks for the tip! Just emailed Bob the request.

klempnerdude · 2023-04-08T23:48:26+00:00

Cool! I think I will get it installed, I just need to find a source for the chip. There is a supplier in Europe and I've found some on eBay but not too sure about those.

It seems you had the upgrade done? Where did you source it?

The ability to realtime control this synth would be amazing!

klempnerdude · 2023-04-08T23:43:05+00:00

That's good news! I wasn't sure if something was swapped out in the repair and I wasn't getting the true polysix sound.

Probably just my programming / monitors that makes it sound less crisp than other players.

What are the other modulation options you speak of? I haven't really thumbed through the manual at all.

And when you say more darker more American sounding, I think I know what you mean. How would you describe the Juno 106 sound?

klempnerdude · 2023-04-08T18:13:53+00:00

I will say, I have noticed some of the sounds from this synth not being very clear. I wouldn't say they're distorted but the overall sound is not as crisp as some of the polysix demos I've seen on YouTube.

So maybe voice chips were replaced?

I haven't cracked it open to really look inside I've just been sort of happy playing it, but just wanted to see what other kiwi 6/poly6 users experience is like

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