For performing keyboard players and gigging musicians, Korg introduced the PS60 Performance Synthesizer, "live-music oriented" keyboard instrument with premium sounds, professional effects, and more in a lightweight, compact size.

The PS60 offers straight-forward, dedicated control over the most essential functions. Its real time controls and sounds were created with the performer in mind, and have been optimized for the unique challenges and immediacy of playing live, according to Korg.

Thanks to Korg's EDS-i (Enhanced Definition Synthesis – integrated) sound engine, the PS60 delivers 440 sounds, which are organized into six categories: Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Strings, Brass, and Synth. Each category offers dedicated controls, making it easy to find just the right sound. You can layer up to six sounds or make split settings at the touch of a button to create new keyboard textures; up to 20 split / layered Performance settings can be created and saved for instant recall.

Any of 63 effects, including dynamics-type effects and amp modeling powered by Korg's REMS technology, can be assigned to an individual sound using 1 of the 5 insert effects. In addition, two master effects can be applied to the overall sound: a modulation-style effect offering four effect types, and a reverb / delay effect also with four effect types. There is also three-band EQ. The master effects and final EQ are selected and modified via dedicated hardware controls.

The PS60 uses Korg's Natural Touch keyboard, providing 61 full-size, semi-weighted keys to accommodate both the piano player and synthesist alike. Additional performance controls include a four-way joystick, octave up / down and transpose buttons, and a pair of footswitch / footpedal inputs for hands-free operation.

Sounds can be edited in greater detail by using the free PS60 Editor software. The PS60 can hold 512 Programs (440 are preloaded) and 20 Performance Settings (splits, layers, and so forth). The Plug-In Editor offers all the same features and allows the PS60 to be used as a plugin synth from within any VST, Audio Units, or RTAS-format DAW.

Korg is now shipping the PS60 Performance Synthesizer for $899 (MSRP). Learn more at korg.com.