Review: Korg Module General 128 - Sand, software and sound

Korg have released a new expansion pack for Korg Module — General 128.

General 128 is one of those expansions where you say “Why didn’t they release this on Day One?” Essentially, General 128 is a 108MB General MIDI sound set minus drums.

Most of us will not sequence MIDI tunes using Korg Module. However, General 128 covers all of the bases, making Korg Module generally useful in a flash. As GM sound sets go, all of the voices are reasonably pleasant and usable enough.

The only real knock on voice quality is their rather plain sonics. The effect programming is very ordinary. Once suitably dressed, individual voices are brought to life. For example, throw a little tremolo on that electric piano. Having a small memory footprint, one shouldn’t expect many (any?) velocity-switched multi-samples. To my ears, most of the voices are very “uni-dimensional” single level multi-samples which just get softer or louder with touch.

This isn’t all bad! I stumbled onto Korg’s introductory sale while casting around for new voices to layer within Module. [The introductory sale price, $9.99 USD, is good through Monday, 31 October 2022.] It’s much easier to layer up simple timbres than harmonically rich, dynamic sounds. For example, you wouldn’t use the oboe for an exposed solo, but it does add a reediness to a French horn producing a more WW section-like tone.

Allowing for the sound set limitations (i.e., one velocity layer), my favorite voices are the Acoustic Grand (warm), Electric Piano 1 (What’d I Say), Synth Strings 1 (warm, not too synthetic), French Horn (fanfare-ish), Bassoon (warm double reed), Flute (simple without devolving to Mellotron).

At the introductory price, the General 128 expansion is a no-brainer. In addition to Korg Module, the pack can be used in Korg Gadget Glasgow and as an AUv3 plug-in. General 128 might get me using Korg Gadget — maybe sequence a demo.

Big picture, I’m feeling quite comfortable with my iPad rig these days and I think it’s rehearsal ready. I would use either the Korg Microkey Air or Arturia Keylab Essential 49 depending upon my degree of laziness on any given day.

I tried going wireless with the Arturia Keylab Essential getting good results with the Yamaha MD-BT01 5-pin Bluetooth dongle. Only the MIDI OUT side is connected since the Arturia doesn’t have a 5-pin MIDI IN port. Connects up to Korg Module without problems. I don’t recommend the Yamaha UD-BT01 USB Bluetooth adapter for the Arturia; I get stuck notes.

I’m also getting more confident with the Roland (Boss) Ev-1-WL Bluetooth expression pedal, now that I understand its darned flashing lights and colors.