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Originally Posted by Beermaster  A PS 3200 is not a 3100 x 2 ! - Its still a 12 voice architecture much the same as a PS3100 but with the big memory storage computer. It actually has loses a function of the PS3100 ( I think its the ensemble effect ? ) |
The major difference between the PS-3100/3300 and a PS-3200 are the missing Resonators. Instead the PS-3200 got a 7 band EQ. Korg had to simplify its design to support the preset function that the 3200 has. The PS-3200 sounds very different than the other two. However there are 48 Voices. The architecture is 2 x 12 VCO with octave dividers. You may count them as 96 pseudo oscillators.
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Originally Posted by Beermaster I was very close to buying a 3300 last year but after long discussions with UKs best tech ( who happen to have two 3300s being repaired......... a LOoooooonng time process ) |
Agree, I just repaired mine. It took me a while. Also they need to be tuned every once a while. Maybe an effect of aging capacitors.
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Originally Posted by Beermaster The overall impression I got from people who've had them is that although many hail them as the ultimate polysynths there is however a bit of a myth about how they sound. Both of the guys I talked to described the sound as 'thin' and not powerful in a Memorymoog type way. Both however said that they were glossy and unique, but probably mainly due to the 'ensemble' effect/filter ( which is available as a modular unit from MOTM and others ). The PS range also have some weird 'quirk's ( or bloody strange control issues ) - for example changing the attack stage of an EG alters the Decay settings ! |
The PS-3300 sounds nothing like a Memory Moog. If you want that MM sound you need to buy the Moog.
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Originally Posted by Beermaster The BIG issues are that the circuit boards themselves which are not coated in conventional protective layers and hundreds of electrolytic caps that erode leaking a highly corrosive gel everywhere - this eats in to the un-protected tracks on the board making it very expensive and difficult to repair. - A lot of months of work with a very experienced Tech ... not cheap. |
That is just one of the problem. The bigger issues are with the sockets for the PCB boards. The plastic has an issue getting extremely hard and then it breaks. My 3300 sounded always flat compared to the PS-3100. Finally I replace all of mine. That is close to 1000 wires you have to re-solder. It took me two weeks to replace all of them. Now it sounds great. My next project is to recap the entire synth.
From all of the PS-Series, I believe the PS-3100 is the best. But don't expect an usual poly synth. These are better used for experimental sounds. The PS-3200 is a great string machine. Not so good for experimenting. What about the big guy? Yes it is 3x the 3100, but I don't think is it three times better. Still I love mine!
One more thing: If you are looking for a modular synth, don't look at the PS-Series. The PSs are semi-modular at most. Due to the full polyphony, Korg had to cut corners and simplify circuitry. Never mind this thread's name, I only wanted to clarify their Voice/VCO structure.
