KORG M1 Le v2.1.0

M1 Le, the limited edition of the M1 V2 software synthesizer which faithfully recreates the iconic sounds of the pioneering M1 music workstation (featured in the KORG Software Bundle), has been updated to M1 Le V2.

The KORG Software Bundle is available with KORG controller products and some KORG synthesizer products.

What’s new in M1 Le V2

• Refined design, similar to M1 V2.
• Support for Retina & 4K, with adjustable screen size.
• Compatible with AU, VST2, VST3, and AAX plug-ins.
• Integrated with KORG Software Pass.
• Native support for Apple Silicon.
• Compatible with the latest macOS and Windows.

Upgrade paths and campaign window

With this update, KORG Collection - M1 V2 has been added to the upgrade lineup from M1 Le V2. You can choose between upgrading to KORG Collection - M1 V2, which gives you full access to all the features of the M1, or upgrading to KORG Collection 5, a bundle of all 17 products.

Users who migrate to (or newly register with) KORG ID between September 22 and October 13, 2025 are eligible to purchase KORG Collection - M1 V2 at a special limited-time discount. After the campaign ends, a continuing discounted price remains available.

About the hardware M1 and KORG Collection M1 V2

The M1, released in 1988, is an epoch-making synthesizer that defined the music scene of the late 80’s and the 90s. Its synthesis system with digital multi-effects, based on high-quality PCM, featured a unique sound which was epoch-defining. In addition, as the original music workstation “all-in-one unit”, it came with an 8-track sequencer, drastically changing the composing and production style of musicians everywhere.

The KORG Collection M1 V2 is an upgrade of the M1 software from 2005, and has been refined for modern production environments. We added the much requested high-resolution and scalable interface. The preset sounds include all 3,300 programs, including those from the expansion ROM cards, giving the legendary sounds of the M1 through the latest software as a plug-in.

Major features

• A complete reproduction of the ai synthesis system.
• High-resolution interface for Retina and 4K.
• A massive collection of over 3,000 preset sounds.
• Features a new sound browser for quickly searching by instrument or character.
• Includes an EASY mode that gives you instant access to important parameters.
• Resonance, VDA modulation, 18 master effects.
• Interoperable with an original M1 and iM1 for iPad.
• A free upgrade for owners of the previous KORG Collection M1.
• A free demo version is also available.

Synthesis architecture

The M1 was equipped with the ai (advanced integrated) synthesis system that used PCM waveforms and digital effects processor. While many of the preset sounds were based on PCM sounds, they not only possessed the realness of those sounds but also a unique sounding character, which shows us how advanced the KORG voicing technology has always been.

In the KORG Collection M1, the PCM data provides the library of the original M1. For the hardware, we analyzed the circuit diagrams of the original design, and completely replicated the circuitry in software down to the last detail. Engineers with an exhaustive knowledge of the M1 made careful adjustments in order to obtain the sound of the original instrument, something that cannot be obtained simply by sampling the original sounds. We’ve also designed the iM1 so that programs and combinations are entirely independent – a capability not possible on the original unit.

Interface scaling

We have made major GUI refinements to the KORG Legacy Collection DIGITAL EDITION M1 software released in 2005. The high-resolution graphics allow it fit into modern Retina & 4K environments. By supporting six levels of scalability, usability has been drastically improved. Enjoy features that are easy to use and give the satisfaction unique to the M1 and control the many parameters at a high resolution.

Preset sounds and expansion content

Sounds such as the “M1 Piano” and “M1 Organ” are instantly recognizable and have appeared on countless hit records over many years, and yet these are sounds that could only be produced by the M1. Numerous unique M1 sounds were taken up by musicians and producers around the world, and are still in use today. KORG Collection M1 has all of the M1’s preset sounds. In addition to all of the 19 PCM ROM cards originally released for the M1, KORG Collection M1 also covers the sounds of the M1EX that expanded the internal PCM of the M1, as well as the sounds of the KORG T1/T2/T3 synthesizers which we released as an evolution of the M1. It comes with 3,300 preset sounds, as well as the massive collection of the sounds from the 34 ROM cards.

Program browser

When you have vast numbers of preset programs, you might lose yourself trying to find that perfect sound, wasting time that you could be making music. The KORG Collection M1 comes with an easy to use program browser that allows you to filter by musical instrument category and sound character. These two types of tags will lead you to the sound you are looking for instantly.

EASY mode

The KORG Collection M1 comes with the characteristic vast number of parameters to meet your most specific needs. For when that level of control is a bit too much, the newly designed EASY mode will allow you to shape your sound on a single page. You can quickly access frequently used parameters like oscillator and effect selections, as well as filters and EQ adjustments, so that making rough edits of sounds and minor adjustments of presets is an effortless process.

Resonance, modulation, and master effects

Not content with simply reproducing the original, the new KORG Collection M1 provides further evolutionary developments. Synth parts now have the filter resonance missing from the original M1 as well as VDA modulation. The effect section, originally consisting of only two master effects, have been powered-up to 18 insert effects which include a compressor effect that’s ideal for balancing out the sound.

Interoperability with original M1 hardware and iM1 for iPad

Sounds created with KORG Collection M1 maintain compatibility with the original M1. By transferring data via SYS EX (in the system exclusive format) you can make your dreams come true as you play nostalgic sounds through the plug-in, even as your original M1 might be in storage!

Updates for existing KORG Collection license holders

Users who already have the plug-ins from the KORG Collection series can update to version 2 at no charge.

Demo version

The KORG Collection M1 V2 is available as a free demo version that lets you evaluate full synthesis behaviour for trial use before purchase.

• A KORG ID account is required.
• There is no demo version of the ARP ODYSSEY and LegacyCell.
• The software can only be used for 20 minutes at a time.
• The ability to save edited programs is disabled.