Sampling Synthesizer
Here is the Korg DSS-1, an 8-voice, 16-oscillator sampler/synthesizer from the mid-1980s. This is an extremely deep machine – the editing capabilities are endless!
This was a very respectable sampler for the time, and utilized 3.5″ double side/double density floppy disks – like many of its counterparts. The internal memory of the DSS-1 can contain up to 32 patches at once, but there are four “Systems” named A, B, C and D (blocks of 32 patches each) on a disk, so one can save up to 128 patches on one diskette.
The DSS-1 features the typical Korg joystick, perfect for controlling pitch-bend, vibrato, filter modulation and other effects. Keyboard controls include velocity, aftertouch, and key transpose – all programmable. These features add a great level of expressivity to this instrument.
Like for the majority of samplers, it’s possible to assign (and split, layer etc) several individual samples to the keyboard (multi-sampling). The DSS-1 allows a maximum of 16 individual samples (although you can stretch it to 30 splitting the oscillators), and it’s possible to use any sample, at any of the available frequencies, and/or mix and match with the created ones via additive/hand drawn. Korg refers to this as a “multisound”. The DSS-1 can sample at four frequencies: 16kHz, 24kHz, 36kHz, and 48kHz.
Additionally, the DSS-1 can create new waveforms (one full cycle only – turning on the loop on/off parameter is needed to hear anything), in two ways: Additive Synthesis, and “Hand Drawn” (moving slider A to shape the waveform). There are many parameters to shape the newly created waveforms. I am including a few audio examples from both the Additive and Hand-Drawn methods below in the review.
Once a sample/multisound is created, it’s possible to edit many parameters, including very good-sounding VCF and VCA. The effects include equalizer, and two DDLs (Digital Delay Lines). These can be used in a variety of ways, often contributing greatly to the general sound of the DSS-1.
Korg DSS-1 audio demos
Additive Synthesis audio demos:
Hand Drawn audio demos:
Check out the original Korg DSS-1 Sound Library page for more audio demos from this wonderful machine.
Korg DSS-1 specs
| Year of release: | 1986 |
| Polyphony: | 8 |
| Sound generation method: | sampling, additive synthesis, “hand drawn” |
| Preset memories | 32 in memory, 128 on disk |
| MIDI: | In, out, thru |
| Sound expansion capabilities: | sampling; diskettes |
| Sequencer | no |
| Arpeggiator | no |
| Velocity | yes |
| Keyboard | 61-keys, with velocity and aftertouch |
| Aftertouch | yes |
| Dimensions | 1171 (W) x 436 (D) x 123 (H) mm |
| Weight | 18.5kg |
Korg DSS-1 photos
Korg DSS-1 manuals
Korg DSS-1 links