A workstation that trades pad precision for unparalleled live arpeggiation and modular flexibility.
The Korg M3 88 is a workstation belonging to the M3 series. It features a dynamic 88-note RH3 keyboard with aftertouch. It supports expansion via an EXB-Radias card to reach nearly 1700 sounds across HD-1, EDS, and optional MMT synthesis. KARMA functions as a highly sophisticated and flexible live arpeggiator. A Kaos Pad is accessible via the touchscreen. The onboard sampler is size-limited despite memory expansion. The instrument is modular: the module can be separated from the keyboard or added to a RADIAS rack. Its six pads are less accurate than those on an MPC.
It’s a workstation built around a responsive 88-note RH3 keyboard with aftertouch.
2:27
Live Control
KARMA and the Kaos Pad deliver immediate, screen-based performance control.
4:10
Expandable & Modular
Modular architecture and EXB-Radias expansion let you scale sound count and system layout.
5:25
Limits You Feel
The sampler is capped in size, and the six pads fall short of MPC-grade accuracy.
Worth your time?
Yes. Use the whole thing.
4/ 5
What works
live arpeggiation via KARMA
modular deployment with RADIAS
real-time manipulation via Kaos Pad
expansion to nearly 1700 sounds
What does not
support polyphonic aftertouch
include built-in effects beyond Kaos Pad
offer sample import without size restriction
provide MPC-level pad responsiveness
Use it if
live keyboard performers
producers building layered synth arrangements
users integrating hardware synths into modular workflows
Skip it if
beatmakers relying on pad timing
sample-heavy composers
players needing expressive keybeds beyond RH3
The written brief1 min read
What it is and what it was built for
The Korg M3 88 is a workstation belonging to the M3 series. It was built for performers and producers needing integrated synthesis, sequencing, sampling, and real-time performance control in one instrument.
How it works, in terms a player would use
The Korg M3 88 uses a dynamic 88-note RH3 keyboard with aftertouch. It runs a modular architecture: the sound module can be separated from the keyboard or paired with a RADIAS rack. Sound expansion is possible via an EXB-Radias card, enabling nearly 1700 sounds using HD-1, EDS, and optional MMT synthesis. KARMA operates as a live arpeggiator. A Kaos Pad is accessed through the touchscreen. The onboard sampler remains size-limited even with memory expansion. Six assignable pads are present but reported as less accurate than those on an MPC.
What it does better than anything else
It integrates KARMA as a highly sophisticated and flexible live arpeggiator. Its modular design allows separation of module and keyboard or integration with a RADIAS rack—uncommon in workstations of its class.
What it does badly
Its six assignable pads are less accurate than those on an MPC. The sampler is size-limited despite memory expansion capability.
What people made with it
The sources do not state what people made with it.
Who should use it, and who should not
Producers and keyboard players who prioritise live arpeggiation, modular signal routing, and synthesis-layer expansion should use it. Those who depend on tight pad timing or large-sample libraries should not.
Is it worth your time
Yes—if you need a flexible, expandable workstation with deep real-time control and modular deployment. No—if you rely on precise pad response or require large-sample workflows.
