When comparing Roland JD-XI Interactive analog-digital crossover synthesizer vs Korg Microkorg, the Slant community recommends Korg Microkorg for most people. In the question“What is the best vocoder?” Korg Microkorg is ranked 1st while Roland JD-XI Interactive analog-digital crossover synthesizer is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Korg Microkorg is:
The sound quality that the Korg Microkorg has a warm quality to it. This helps to reduce the digital feel and gives it a more natural sound. Some even consider this to be quite comparable to analog synths.
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Pros
Pro You can download extra sound packs for it
Pro The pattern sequencer is very easy to use
It will appeal even to the novices to these type of instruments.
Pro Good layout
The stuff that you need the most is always accessible in the front panel.
Pro Superb drum kits
They sound very neat and they are highly customizable.
Pro Compact and portable
Its dimensions are 575 x 245 x 85 mm, and all of its keys are mini keys. This allows you to transport it virtually anywhere.
Pro Produces sound that is very close to analog synths
The sound quality that the Korg Microkorg has a warm quality to it. This helps to reduce the digital feel and gives it a more natural sound. Some even consider this to be quite comparable to analog synths.
Pro Offers a lot of amazing features for the price
Despite being quite affordable for a synthesizer, the Microkorg offers a rich feature set and great sound which makes it a good option for beginners or for those who want to bring their synth skills to the next level.
Pro Easy to transport to gigs because it is very compact
The Microkorg, as the name goes, is very easy to bring to events. It features mini keys and a compact chassis so it doesn't take up a lot of space and isn't too bulky to bring on the go.
Pro Can be used as a MIDI controller
Cons
Con The analogue track is monophonic
This synth has 3 polyphonic digital tracks, but the analog track is monophonic, meaning you can only record one key sound at a time, which limits its usefulness.
Con Vocoder is sensitive to noise
Depending on how close your mouth is to the microphone, you can get very different results.
Con There is no easy way to mute drum pods
Con Some may find this uncomfortable due to the mini keys used
In order to achieve the compact footprint, Korg has decided to use mini keys in the Microkorg's design. While this definitely has its advantages in terms of portability, the flatter and slimmer surface of the keys and the reduced key travel can make it hard for traditional piano/keyboard players to play, at least at the start.
Con Being a digital synthesizer may be a no for some
Being a digital synthesizer means that this may not be a great option for those who want a pure analogue sound. However, there are some who think that this can sound very close to an analogue synth.