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Korg DW-6000

Analogue synthesizer

DW-6000
Manufacturer	Korg
Dates	1985
Technical specifications
Polyphony	6
Timbrality	1
Oscillator	2 DWGS waveforms per voice
LFO	1
Synthesis type	Analog/digital hybrid using subtractive synthesis
Filter	4-pole resonant low-pass
Attenuator	ABBDSR envelope generator
Aftertouch expression	no
Velocity expression	no
Storage memory	64
Effects	Chorus
Input/output
Keyboard	61-key
Left-hand control	Joystick
External control	MIDI

The Korg DW-6000 is a polyphonic hybrid digital-analog synthesizer released in 1985. It blends digital waveforms with an analog filter and amplifier, also incorporating a chorus effect to create an enriched analog sound. The DW-6000 features six-note polyphony and was quickly succeeded by the DW-8000, also released in 1985, which introduced a velocity sensitive keyboard with aftertouch, a built-in arpeggiator, increased polyphony and waveforms, and substituted the chorus effect with a digital delay effect.^[1][2]

The DW-6000 is a six-voice hybrid digital-analog synthesizer and features a five-octave keyboard, memory for 64 presets, a joystick and MIDI implementation. The front panel features two buttons for program and parameter selection, numeric keys for choosing program and parameter numbers, and a data slider with +/— buttons for more precise parameter editing, echoing the design used on the Korg Poly-61, Korg's first synthesizer with digital controls.^[1][3]

The DW-6000 employs Korg's Digital Waveform Generator System (DWGS), which features sampled waveforms stored in a pair of 256 Kbit ROM chips. Eight digital waveforms are available, each with unique overtone characteristics, and their graphical representations are displayed on the front panel. A unique sample is utilized for each octave, and the waveforms were created using additive synthesis, which were then encoded onto the ROM chips. The DW-6000 features two oscillators, offering controls to modify their relative volumes and detune the second oscillator, creating a rich chorus-like effect.^[1][4][5]

The key assign modes allow standard polyphonic playing as well as and polyphonic portamento. In Unison mode, all six dual-oscillator voices of the synth converge on a single note and are automatically detuned. The DW-6000's voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) and voltage-controlled filter (VCF) are analog, which contributes to its rich sound. Both the VCA and VCF envelopes feature six-stage ''ADBSSR' envelopes featuring Attack, Decay, Break Point, Slope, Sustain and Release stages, allowing for complex envelope shapes to be created.The DW-6000 includes a programmable stereo chorus, providing two outputs, which helps create a more analog sound.^[1][4][3]

Criticism of the DW-6000 focused on its lack of a touch-sensitive keyboard, a feature becoming standard by the end of 1985, the single parameter control which slowed down editing, and the absence of RAM cartridge storage. However, it received praise for its sound quality, especially its piano sounds, brass effects, and metallic and bell-like digital sounds, which were reminiscent of the pricier PPG Wave.^[1][5][6]

The DW-6000 initially faced challenges due to its high recommended retail price of around £1,200, which was quickly adjusted to £999 to stay competitive. The announcement of the upcoming DW-8000, which featured a velocity-sensitive keyboard, impacted its sales negatively. The subsequent release of the DW-8000 eclipsed the DW-6000, as the new model introduced velocity and pressure sensitivity, 16 waveshapes, a sophisticated arpeggiator, and a programmable digital delay line for each sound, all at a similar price point of approximately £1200.^[6]

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