The Dance Music King? A Korg M1 VST Review

The Korg M1 is a classic synth in the dance music world and the virtual instrument is available for reproducing these sounds in the box so we review the Korg M1 for you.

Apr 04, 2025

This post explores the Korg M1’s legendary sound, advanced programming and intuitive interface. Musicians who are seasoned and budding home studio producers who are budding will find this information useful.

Introduction to the Korg M1

The Korg M1 is appreciated in the music industry. Many professional musicians and aspiring producers use its advanced technology and sound engine to generate a sound of an era like no other. With many dynamic and authentic sounds available, the Korg M1 lets musicians explore countless original possibilities while unleashing their artistic potential.

The first workstation synthesiser combined a powerful sequencer, a wide array of sounds and also featured an user-friendly interface. Musicians sought after this outstanding instrument, making it one of the most popular tools available during its period. Complicated arrangements, and compositions could be created by musicians and producers, thanks to the revolutionary architecture of the M1, all within a single device. It quickly gained a lot of popularity in many studio, and live performances, firmly creating it as a modern classic.

This VST virtual instrument version offers all the above within one Korg M1 plugin and it’s beautiful.

Getting Started with the Korg M1

Compared to some other plugins of this nature it has to be said the interface could look a bit dated. However in my opinion this does add to the charm.

Notable Features
Assign midi to dials
Excellent selection of presets
Simple install

The ability to build sound patches to mimic your favourite 80’s and 90’s tracks is a great feature for budding home producers. Some of the best tracks of this time have been created on the Korg synths. Just take a look at any old top of the pops re-runs and you will almost certainly see a Korg synth on the stage (usually not plugged in and just for show!).

Tracks and lead synths from the likes of Duran Duran, The Human League, Moby, Faithless and many more can be reproduced using the M1 synth. Check out some of the epic YouTube tutorials for creations of 90’s dance tracks.

Presets Available

This synthesiser provides many tones, from energetic pianos and lush strings to punchy basslines and ethereal pads, perfect for any musical style or production.

Alternative VST’s Available

If you are in the market for an 80’s/90’s rave icon synthesiser then aside from the Korg M1 you could be looking at the Yamaha DX7. There is a fantastic rendition of this within the Arturia range of plugins. They are accurately replicated in the Arturia plugin suite.

Who Uses This Plugin?

When checking out various artists Twitter and Equipboard profiles there are some huge names that use this plugin:

Laidback Luke
Eric Prydz
Avicii
Swedish House Mafia

to name just a few. You will be in good company using this plugin!

Where To Buy The Korg M1

There are plenty of online retailers promoting the Korg M1 plugin. I purchased my edition of the Korg M1 for review from Plugin Boutique. There are two editions you can purchase, a standalone version of the Korg M1 plugin or it also comes in the Korg Collection 5 bundle.

Buy Korg M1 Plugin