KORG NAUTILUS-73 73-Key Synth Workstation

73-key Synth Workstation

The KORG NAUTILUS-73 is a 73-key synth workstation featuring nine sound engines, an innovative approach to synthesis, a vast library of samples, MIDI and audio recording, effects, and computational power. There is currently no other synthesizer that offers more in terms of sonic exploration and research, with such a logical and intuitive workflow. KORG has spent years refining various aspects of its technology: digital, analog, processing, and hardware, to provide every musician with an instrument they can truly connect with; the result is the incredibly powerful and unique KORG NAUTILUS-73.
The KORG NAUTILUS-73 boasts nine sound engines specialized in the reproduction or synthesis of specific timbral families. Starting with SGX-2, which generates a wide selection of acoustic pianos, drawing from a vast PCM library without loops, capturing all their nuances, even the slightest, articulated across 12 velocity levels, with string resonance, release noise, etc., to allow the performer maximum expressiveness. EP-1 realistically reproduces the sounds of the most famous electric piano models. CX-3 emulates the unmistakable sound of Tone Wheel organs; additionally, there are the MOD-7 synthesis modules: VPM / FM, PolysixEX, and MS-20EX for analog modeling, and STR-1 for physical modeling. Essentially, there is a dedicated sound engine for each timbral category. Used as Programs or combined in Combinations, these Sound Engines are capable of creating entirely new sounds.
On the KORG NAUTILUS-61, selecting various operational modes or musical resources within them does not cause any sound interruption. It is possible to recall various Programs or Combis, or switch from Program mode to Combi, or even switch between Songs on the Sequencer, always maintaining sound tails and effects during changes, with a seamless transition without interruptions. This feature is widely appreciated and praised by all musicians.

On the KORG NAUTILUS-73, sounds are divided into three main groups.

1. Exclusive Sounds: In this category, the KORG NAUTILUS-73 offers exclusive and unique sounds such as loops with musical phrases, prepared pianos, original percussion, and much more. Characteristic musical phrases from rare instruments, difficult to find and play, have been created and included in the internal sound library. Other unusual sounds include the "prepared" piano, with its modified timbre achieved by inserting screws, small pieces of wood, and other objects between the strings, yielding very evocative results; or percussion sounds created using ordinary objects like kitchen utensils or other items. These sounds can add unusual colors to compositions or arrangements and are also a valuable resource for musicians creating soundscapes and music for visuals.
2. Current Sounds: The KORG NAUTILUS-73 features the most up-to-date sounds suitable for the current music scene in genres like EDM, Electro, and Chiptune; with the most modern synth and drum kit sounds, along with special effects that also facilitate the creation of effective dance beats and grooves. The instrument's over 50 drum kits offer a wide variety of percussive sounds capable of adequately representing rhythmic evolution in musical styles over recent decades.
3. Standard Sounds: On the KORG NAUTILUS-73, all the essential sounds of the main timbral families for a workstation have been carefully selected and included: acoustic pianos, electric pianos, guitars, basses, and others, covering all genres. In the new acoustic piano sounds, the acoustics of the recording room were also sampled, with the possibility of personally mixing the direct sound with the ambiance; and a new electric piano model with a characteristic full-bodied timbre, particularly suitable for funk, has been added.

The DYNAMICS knob allows control over timbre and volume variations introduced by keyboard velocity, making them match the style required by the current song. By rotating this knob, a completely different feel can be achieved, even using the same sound. This provides an additional method to adapt the instrument to one's performance needs. Playing on the keyboard and turning the "Dynamics" knob to the left results in a softer sound with a wider dynamic range. This allows for delicate and expressive passages, ideal for accompanying vocalists or solo instruments. Conversely, turning the knob to the right makes the dynamic response more energetic and uniform; particularly useful when playing in a band or orchestra to make a timbre stand out more, such as in a solo.
The six RT (Real Time) knobs at the top left of the panel allow direct modification of PROGRAM and COMBI. A variety of functions can be assigned to each knob, such as timbre editing with Filter Cut Off, effect level; arpeggiator or Drum Track control with Gate, tempo speed, Swing, Snare type, and much more. In COMBI mode, different timbres can be grouped, and their volume controlled with a single knob. To prevent accidental modification during a performance, they can be pushed in, recessing them completely into the panel, thus locking their position. This also allows selecting only the most frequently used ones, while hiding the others.
The MODE button displays the selection of operational modes: PROGRAM, COMBI, SET LIST, SAMPLING, SEQUENCE, and GLOBAL, all on a single screen. In each MODE, access to functions is gained via TABs, while the PAGE buttons allow for deeper modifications with intuitive procedures. This navigation system always allows returning to the initial phase by simply pressing the MODE button. The display operates in Dark mode, which uses black as the main color to reduce eye strain. There are also 6 programmable shortcut keys that can be assigned to a range of functions such as: selecting Program or Combi modes, transport keys for the Sequencer, etc. Four different ready-to-use templates are available, but it is possible to create and save your own settings.
The nerve center of the KORG NAUTILUS-73 user interface is the large WVGA TouchView color display (800 x 480 pixels); with this, it is possible to directly select a sound, a parameter, and also modify values with a simple touch of a finger (Touch Drag). A series of graphical and interactive tools are available to facilitate programming, such as adjusting the grand piano lid opening on SGX-2, or connecting virtual patch cables on MS-20EX. The Display also features a very useful search function to locate and preview sounds based on characters stored in their title.
These modules provide effective interactive musical support for every performance, with a vast library of rhythmic and melodic patterns; additionally, 4 different scenes are available where different patterns can be set and recalled instantly; ideal for improvisation, performances, or for quickly creating complete songs or arrangements on the Sequencer.
The KORG NAUTILUS-73 SET LIST mode allows for personalized organization of sound resources. Each SET LIST is composed of a fundamental unit called a SLOT; each SET LIST contains 128 SLOTS, and 128 SET LISTs are immediately available. Each SLOT can be given a name and assigned a musical resource as needed: PROGRAM, COMBI, or SONG. From this, it is also possible to control parameters such as the volume of the selected resource, display text, or color it appropriately to highlight it within the list; each SLOT can also be moved and positioned as desired, or copied or deleted. This operational mode can meet any live need, thanks to the ability to program the exact succession of musical resources required. Finally, each SET LIST has a 9-band graphic equalizer, placed at the end of the audio chain and independent of the effects section, which can modify or correct the global timbral response of NAUTILUS depending on the environment in which we perform.
The KORG NAUTILUS-61 uses KORG's Open Sampling System, capable of quickly sampling an external audio source, or resampling a performance executed on NAUTILUS, regardless of the selected operating mode. The timbral possibilities offered by the instrument's vast internal sample library are significantly expanded by the USER SAMPLE area, which, thanks to VMT (Virtual Memory Technology), allows the use of personal samples, maximizing the workstation's SSD capacity. Samples in various formats can be loaded via the USB port: AIFF, WAV, SoundFont 2.0, and AKAI S1000/3000; if the amount of data is truly significant, a high-speed USB Ethernet adapter can also be used. On the KORG NAUTILUS-61, it is therefore possible to use samples and instruments created on a computer for your compositions, arrangements, or productions.
The KORG NAUTILUS-61 features a powerful Sequencer/Recorder with 16 MIDI tracks and 16 Audio tracks; an important resource for musical creations or personal arrangements; this section has functions that facilitate and stimulate musical inspiration, with the ability to record polyphonic arpeggiators, Drum Tracks, or RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play/Recording), resulting in professional quality in a short time.
The 16-track Audio Recorder captures up to 4 tracks simultaneously in 16 bit/24 bit 48 kHz format. During playback, effects can be added, the resulting output resampled, and the Wav file imported into a Sequencer track. Editing functions such as Copy, Paste, Normalize, and mixing automation are also present.
The KORG NAUTILUS-73 can produce up to 16 effects simultaneously, selectable from 197 different types, divided into 3 categories: Insert, Master, and Total FX. Insert effects apply to single or multiple timbres of the Timbre/Track in a Combi or the Sequencer. Master effects 1 & 2 can be regulated for all tracks with their respective sends (Send 1&2), while Total effects act globally on the entire instrument. Furthermore, for each timbre, MIDI, and Audio track of the Sequencer, a three-band equalizer is available to correct tonal balances or creatively modify the sound.
Any USB/MIDI Class-Compliant controller can be directly connected to the KORG NAUTILUS-73. Using a KORG USB MIDI controller with pads such as: nanoPAD, nanoPAD2, padKONTROL, it is possible to play percussive parts, or trigger chords in Chord mode.
The KORG NAUTILUS-73 employs a high-quality semi-weighted synth keyboard with a 6-octave range.
The KORG NAUTILUS-73 comes with a wide range of music software, including: Izotope's "Ozone Elements," an AI-based mastering software, "Skoove," an educational application to improve keyboard skills, "Lite Reason" DAW software, as well as various synth software from KORG and other brands. In other words, upon acquiring this synth, you have access to a variety of applications that help take your music to the next level.

Specifications

• 73 Keys: Natural Touch Semi-Weighted, C – C, Velocity Sensitive, No Aftertouch.
• Synthesis Types: SGX-2 Premium Piano (Acoustic Piano) 100 Voices; EP-1 MDS Electric Piano (Electric Piano) 104 Voices; HD-1 High Definition Synthesizer (PCM) 140 Voices; AL-1 Analog Synthesizer (Analog Modeling) 80 Voices; CX-3 Tonewheel Organ (Tonewheel Organ Modeling) 200 Voices; STR-1 Plucked String (Physical Modeling) 40 Voices; MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer (VPM Synthesis) 52 Voices; MS-20EX Component Modeling Technology (Analog Modeling) 40 Voices; PolysixEX Component Modeling Technology (CMT Analog Modeling) 180 Voices
• PCM Presets: 496 MB / DISK 2.3G (ROM 1,771 Multisamples, 3,955 Drumsamples)
• Internal PCM Sound Libraries: EXs301 German2 D Piano; EXs302 Italian F Piano; EXs303 Japanese Upright U Piano; EXs304 Prepared Piano; EXs305 Historical Keyboards; EXs306 Vintage Keyboards 2; EXs307 Strings & Synths; EXs308 Guitar Collection; EXs309 Bass Collection; EXs310 World Essence; EXs311 Background Loops; EXs312 SFX & Hits; EXs313 Found Percussions; EXs314 Expansion Drums; PCM RAM Capacity Approx. 2GB
• Wave Sequences: 598 User memory, 377 Preload; Support stereo multisamples, single note synchronization, and Tempo (BPM) based settings.
• Disk Mode: Load, save, utility, data filer function (save/load MIDI System Exclusive data), CD-R/RW (UDF format read/write), ISO9660 Level 1.
• Controls: Joystick, Switches 1 & 2
• Arpeggiator Controls: On/Off, Latch, Gate, Velocity, Length, Swing, Tempo
• DRUM TRACK: On/Off, Swing, Drum SD, Tempo
• Display: "TouchView" graphical user interface, 7-inch color TFT, WVGA (800 x 480), adjustable brightness
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-22kHz, +/-1.0dB, 10k Ω load
• THD+N: 20Hz-22kHz, 0.01%, 10k Ω load (typical)
• S/N: 95dB (typical)
• Dynamic Range: 95dB (typical)
• Crosstalk: 95dB, at 1kHz (typical)

Outputs

• Outputs: L/MONO, R, Individual 1-4: 1/4” TRS Balanced
• Output Impedance: 350 Ω Stereo; 175 Ω Mono (L/MONO only),
• Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu,
• Maximum Level: +16.0 dBu (when load impedance is 600 Ω or higher)
• The Slider: MAIN VOLUME controls only AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/MONO and R

Headphones

• Phones: 1/4” stereo phone jack
• Output Impedance: 33 Ω,
• Maximum Level: 60+60 mW (when load impedance is 33 Ω),
• MAIN VOLUME Knob (connected to: AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN)

Inputs

• Audio Input 1 & 2: 1/4” TRS Balanced
• Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
• Nominal Level: LINE +4 dBu
• Maximum Level: LINE +16 dBu
• Nominal Level: MIC –22 dBu
• Maximum Level: MIC -10 dBu
• Source Impedance: 600 Ω
• USB-B: 24-bit, Sampling Frequency: 48 kHz, 2 Audio Channels
• Controls: Damper pedal (Half Damper supported), Assignable Switch, Assignable Pedal

USB

• USB A (TYPE A): for connecting USB devices such as: QWERTY keyboard, MIDI controllers, ethernet adapters, mass storage devices
• USB B (TYPE B): Audio/MIDI Interface, MIDI: 1 (16 channels) input / 1 (16 channels) output, Audio: 2 input channels / 2 output channels

Other

• MIDI: In, Out, Thru
• Disk Drives: 60 GB SSD (2.5”)
• Power Supply: AC power terminal, Switch.
• Power Consumption: 40 W
• Included Accessories: AC power cable, Quick Start Guide