Korg m50-73 User Guide

Page of 120
Program
Combination
Sequencer
Effect
Arpeggio
Drum Track
Global
Media
73
Arpeggiator function
Using the arpeggiator while you play
The arpeggiator is a function that automatically 
generates arpeggios (patterns of individual notes 
derived from a chord). Most arpeggiators produce an 
arpeggio when you play a chord on the keyboard.
The M50’s arpeggiator is also polyphonic, and can 
produce a variety of chordal transformations or 
phrases based on the pitch or timing of the notes you 
play on the keyboard. These functions let you use the 
arpeggiator to play a wide range of patterns including 
drum or bass phrases, and guitar or keyboard backing 
riffs. It is also effective to use the arpeggiator as part of 
the sound-design process when creating subtly-
moving pads, synth-sounds, or sound effects.
The M50’s Dual Arpeggiator feature lets you use two 
simultaneous arpeggio patterns in Combination mode, 
and Sequencer mode. You can take advantage of this in 
many ways, including a separate arpeggio pattern for a 
drum program, and another applied to a bass program, 
or using a keyboard split or velocity to switch between 
two arpeggio patterns.
The M50 provides five preset arpeggio patterns: the 
standard UPDOWNALT1ALT2, and RANDOM
You can also create and store 1,028 of your own user 
patterns. The factory settings contain a wide variety of 
arpeggio patterns stored in these user locations. 
Using the arpeggiator in 
Program mode
1. Press the PROG switch to enter Program mode, 
and select a program. For details, please see 
“Selecting Programs” on page 27
As you select various programs, you will notice that 
the ARP ON/OFF switch LED will light for some 
programs. For details, please see “Linking the 
arpeggiator to program, combinations” on page 77. 
When you press the keyboard, the arpeggiator will 
start.
For other programs, you can press the ARP ON/OFF 
switch (the LED will light) to turn on the arpeggiator. 
Arpeggios will begin sounding when you play the 
keyboard.
2. As described in the following sections “Settings 
using controllers” and “Settings in the display,” 
move the controllers or modify the parameters to 
change the way in which the arpeggios are played.
Settings using controllers
Arpeggiator on/off
• Each time you press the ARP ON/OFF switch, the 
arpeggiator will be switched on/off.
When the arpeggiator is turned on (the LED will light) 
and the selected arpeggio pattern will begin when you 
play the keyboard.
Note: 
The on/off status is saved when you write each 
program.
In Combination and Song modes, the arpeggios 
may not start when you press the ARP ON/OFF 
switch - depending on the saved settings. You may 
need to play a key, press a chord trigger switch, 
etc. (see PG page 110).
Adjusting the arpeggiator tempo
• Rotate the TEMPO knob or TAP TEMPO 
switch to adjust the tempo.
The “
 =” display in the upper right of the 
LCD will change. The tempo can be adjusted 
over a range of 40.00–300.00 bpm. The LED 
will blink in time with the specified tempo.
As an alternative to using the TEMPO knob or TAP 
TEMPO switch, you can also set the tempo by 
selecting “
=” in the display, using the numeric keys 
0–9 to enter the tempo, and pressing the ENTER 
switch. You can also set the tempo by using the 
VALUE controllers. The LED will blink in synchro-
nization with the tempo you specify.
Note: 
The tempo setting is also saved when you write a 
program.
Note: 
The arpeggio playback speed is affected by the 
Reso
 setting (Prog P0: Play– Arpeggiator page), or 
Resolution
 (P7: ARP/DT– ARP Setup page).
If the Global P1: MIDI– MIDI Basic page MIDI 
Clock
 parameter is set to External MIDI, External 
USB, or set to Auto and MIDI Clock messages are 
being received, the display will indicate “
 =” EXT, 
meaning that the M50 is synchronized to an 
external MIDI device. In this case, you won’t be 
able to change the tempo by operating the M50.
The chord you played on 
the keyboard is sounded as 
an arpeggio (broken chord)