Blog - the Korg DS-10
Sunday, March 16, 2008Well so much for posting every day this week. I was in the middle of writing an entry when the power went out. But it's back on this morning so here's what I was in the middle of writing:
A few people now have told me about Korg DS-10, synthesizer software for the DS based on Korg's MS-10 synthesizer.
This interests me for two reasons:
1.)
I am a synthesizer playing geek, and my main synth I use is a Korg.
(My MicroKORG, modified into a sort of homemade keytar thanks to my addition of a guitar strap mounted on the case.) I am also obviously a gaming geek.
So, combining Korg synthesizer tech with video game hardware is a magical combination in my book.
2.)
Through my electronic music production geekiness, and thanks to also being a gaming nut, I've been very curious for a long while now in the chiptune music scene, and dabble in it a bit myself. I already own synthesizer software cartridges for older gameboy models (Currently rocking Nanoloop (version 2.0.1), but I was told by one of the 8-Bit Peoples (specifically, Nullsleep) that they have been given permission to produce and sell new copies of LSDJ on their site, so I might snatch up a copy of that as well when it's available.)
I also own synthesizer cartridges for the Atari 2600, and for the original NES.
While we're on the topic of game hardware I use in my music, I also once programmed an interface to use a guitar controller as a MIDI instrument, with a DDR pad as the effects pedals.
In case you hadn't already thought of it, I had: I've indeed combined that setup with the above MIDI-controllable NES cartridge I own, and so, yes, I have in fact played music on an original NES using a Guitar Hero guitar and a DDR pad. In case you were wondering.
Game hardware has been utilized in music for quite a while now, and people have been making trackers and homebrew synthesizer solutions for them for years.
Although I'm not sure if the Korg DS-10 can be itself classified as chiptune, I have to wonder if its release was inspired by the chiptune gameboy music scene that's been enjoying a small underground popularity for quite a while now.
In any case, I think it's interesting that people are getting more serious about game hardware as a musical platform, because they are becoming extremely powerful for portable devices.
I remember seeing some pretty professional looking music software coming out for the PSP a while back. Now even a synthesizer giant like Korg is getting in on the act? I find it interesting indeed!
Of course, they lack the charm of 8-bit bleeps from the older chiptune tech. They also lack the severe 8-bit limitations that inspire many of the artists who use older gameboy models, etc, in their music.
But hey, portable electronic music still sounds pretty great to me. Bring it on, Korg. posted by Brian Shurtleff @ 4:30 PM
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