The Go to product viewer dialog for this item. was the definitive "workstation" of the early 90s, serving as the high-powered successor to the legendary Korg M1
. While Korg has not yet released a dedicated "01/W" plugin within its official Korg Collection, the demand for a Korg 01/W VST
remains high due to its unique "Waveshaping" synthesis and warm, 16-bit sound signature. The History and Legacy of the 01/W
Released in July 1991, the 01/W was meant to be the "M10" (the name "01/W" is famously "M10" written upside down). It improved upon the M1 by doubling the PCM samples to 254 and increasing polyphony to 32 voices. It became a staple for artists like Rick Wakeman, Phil Collins, and Vangelis, who favored its thick pads and evocative soundtracks. Key Features of the 01/W Sound
AI² Synthesis Engine: An improved version of the AI synthesis found in the , featuring higher-quality 16-bit, 32kHz samples. korg 01 w vst
Waveshaping: A unique feature that adds non-linear distortion to samples to create complex harmonics. This allows for "metallic" or "aggressive" tones that traditional ROMplers cannot produce. Warmth and Depth: Unlike the "sparkly"
is often described as "warmer" and "darker," making it a favorite for ambient textures and sci-fi scoring.
Massive Sound Library: The original hardware offered 200 programs and 200 combinations across two banks. Finding a Korg 01/W VST Today
While a 1:1 official Korg recreation is still on many wishlists, there are several ways to get these sounds in your DAW: The Korg 01/W is a master ambient synth from 1991 The Go to product viewer dialog for this item
We didn’t just sample the 01/W. We emulated it. The Korg 01/W VST faithfully recreates the original 6‑MB PCM waveform ROM, the resonant digital filters, and—most crucially—the gritty, slightly dark character of its 18‑bit DACs. Every waveform, from the iconic “Universe” pad to the biting “Pick Bass” and “Saw Lead,” is here, with all the aliasing and warmth that made the hardware so beloved.
The most authentic way to experience this synth today is through the Korg Collection, specifically the software plug-in version of the 01/W.
To understand the VST, you have to understand the hardware. Released in 1991, the Korg 01/W was the successor to the legendary M1. While the M1 defined the "clean" pop sound of the late 80s, the 01/W was Korg’s attempt to be more experimental.
It wasn't just a sample player; it introduced Waveshaping. This allowed users to take a static PCM sample and distort its waveform in real-time using mathematical tables. In the hardware era, this was a menu-diving nightmare. In the VST era, it is a creative goldmine. The Sound
In the timeline of synthesizer history, the early 1990s represent a polarizing era. It was the dawn of digital workstations, a time when the warm hiss of analog gave way to the crystalline, pristine sheen of early PCM samples. Standing tall among this revolution was the Korg 01/W series.
While hardware units from 1991 are now aging giants requiring maintenance and desk space, the spirit of the 01/W has found a new life in the software realm. Whether through official Korg Collection plugins or third-party emulations, the Korg 01/W VST represents a specific, highly usable flavor of nostalgia that modern producers are rediscovering. This article explores why this "classic" workstation still matters in a DAW-based world.
In 2024, Korg announced the "Korg Collection 4" with the Prophecy and the EP-1, but still no 01/W. However, there is hope. The recent re-release of the Korg 01/W as a "sound library" for the Korg Module (iPad) suggests Korg hasn't forgotten it.
If that iPad sound set gets ported to the desktop VST format, we may finally have a genuine Korg 01/W VST by 2026.
Until then, your best bet is SampleScience’s "The 01" or layering the Korg Triton VST with a bit-crusher.
