Overview
Synthesis Technology
EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis)
Tone Generator
256 Mbyte (when converted to 16-bit linear format)
1,077 Multisamples
1,609 Drum Samples
Maximum Polyphony
80 voices, 80 oscillators max, single mode
40 voices, 80 oscillators max, double mode*
* The actual maximum polyphony will vary depending on oscillator settings such as stereo multisamples and velocity crossfading.

Sounds
Programs
640 total locations, 608 preloaded
Combinations
512 total locations, 384 preloaded
Drumkits
48 total locations, 32 preloaded
GM
256 GM2 programs, 9 GM2 drum kits

Program Structure EDS
Oscillator
OSC1 (Single), OSC1+2 (Double)
Stereo multisamples are supported
4 velocity zones per oscillator, with switching, crossfades and layers.
Filters
Four types of filter routing (single, serial, parallel, 24 dB)
Two multi-mode filters per voice (low pass, high pass, band pass, band reject)
Driver
Per-voice nonlinear driver and low boost
EQ
Three bands, with sweepable mid
Modulation
For each voice: two envelope generators (Filter & Amp)
Two LFOs
Two key tracking generators (Filter & Amp)
Two AMS mixers
Pitch EG
Common LFO
Two common key tracking generators
 
Combination Structure
Up to sixteen timbres
For each Timbre: keyboard and velocity split/layer/crossfade
INT, OFF, EXT and EX2 MIDI status settings
3-band EQ with sweepable mid
Pitch/Transpose
Use OSC1, 2 or Both
Force Osc Mode (PRG, MONO, LEGATO, POLY)
Portamento and Bend range settings
Controller filters
Modifications to the program settings via the Tone Adjust function
 
Drum Kit Structure
Stereo and mono drum samples
4-way velocity switches with crossfades and adjustable crossfade shapes (Linear, Power, Layer)
Exclusive keygroups
Per key 3-band EQ, Drive, Lo Boost, filter and level offsets
 
Effects
5 Insert Effects (stereo in/out), 2 Master Effects (stereo in/out), 1 Total Effect (stereo in/out) are available simultaneously
2 effect control busses, 2 effect common LFOs
170 types (can be used for Insert/Master/Total.) Note: double-size effects cannot be used as a Total effect.
Effects Presets: Up to 32 per Effect
3-band Track EQ (High, low, and sweepable mid band) Per Program in Program Mode, per Timbre in Combination mode (16 total), and per Track in Sequencer mode (16 total)
 
Sequencer
16-track MIDI sequencer with 480 ppq resolution
128 Songs, 20 Cue Lists, 210,000 notes (max)
Tempo: 40.00 – 300.00 BPM (1/100 resolution)
16 preset/16 user Template Songs
522 preset patterns, 100 user patterns (per Song)
Cue List function: 20 cue lists, Songs can be arranged consecutively or repeatedly in up to 99 steps, A cue list can be converted back into a song
Standard MIDI File (SMF) format 0 and 1 available
Auto Song Setup function (One Touch Record) for easily going from a Program or Combination into “record-ready” status
 
Dual Polyphonic Arpeggiator
Two arpeggiators, useable simultaneously
(Combination, Sequencer modes)
5 preset arpeggio patterns; 216 user arpeggio patterns (200 preloaded)
RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play/Recording)
A set of 100 patterns are available per Song

Drum Track
671 preset patterns/1,000 user patterns
Patterns created in Sequencer mode can be converted to drum track user patterns
Trigger Mode (Immediate, Wait for Keyboard), Sync (On, Off) and Zone (Key and Velocity) settings can be specified.
Program selection, 3-band EQ and effect bussing available
 
Audio Outputs
L/MONO, R - 1/4" TS (Mono), unbalanced
Headphones - 1/4" TRS (Stereo), Output Impedance: 33 Ohms, Maximum Level: 32+ 32 mW @33 Ohms

Interface
MIDI IN, OUT, THRU
Computer
USB type B connector (for MIDI interface, USB 2.0 supported)
 
System Requirements
Computer with the KORG USB-MIDI Driver

Windows
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition/Professional Service Pack 2 or later (MIDI Driver for the 64-bit editions is a Beta version), all editions of Microsoft Windows Vista (MIDI Driver for the 64-bit editions is a Beta version), computer supports Windows XP/Vista with USB port (Intel USB Host Controller recommended).

Macintosh
Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, Apple Macintosh with USB ports supports Mac OS X 10.3.9 (PowerPC/Intel-based supported).

Please use the latest Korg USB/MIDI driver.

M50 Editor/Plug-In Editor

Windows
Windows XP Home Edition / Professional Service Pack 2 or later, Intel Pentium III/1 GHz or faster, 512 Mbyte or larger memory (1 Gbyte or larger recommended.)

Macintosh
Mac OS X 10.4 or later, G4/800 MHz or faster (Intel-based Mac supported, G5 and/or Core Duo recommended), 512 Mbyte or larger memory (1 Gbyte or larger recommended)

General
Keyboard
88-key weighted action (RH3: Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 keyboard with 4-zone graded action response)
Controllers
Joystick, [SW1], [SW2]
Display
5.7 inch TouchView™ GUI, 320 x 240 dot
Control Inputs
Damper Pedal (half damper pedaling supported), Assignable Switch, Assignable Pedal
Common specifications
Frequency response: 20 Hz–20 kHz, +/-1.0 dB, 10 k Ohms load
THD+N: 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08 % 10 k Ohms load (typical)
Included Accessories
Three-Pronged IECC13 Power Cable
(Model D8B5518003B)
Owner’s Manual (M50 Operation Guide)
CD-ROM (M50 Parameter Guide (PDF)
Voice Name List (PDF)
KORG MIDI driver
M50 Editor stand alone and plug-in versions

Dimensions
M50-88:
55.47” (W) x 12.91” (D) x 5.94” (H)
Weight
M50-88: 45.86 lbs

Current Consumption
35 Watts