The DW-8000 features a five-octave keyboard with
aftertouch capabilities affecting modulation, filter, and volume, alongside 64 preset slots, a joystick, an arpeggiator, and
MIDI. The front panel features two buttons for program and parameter selection, numeric keys for choosing program and parameter numbers, and a data slider with +/— buttons for more precise parameter editing, echoing the design used on the
Korg Poly-61, Korg's first synthesizer with digital controls. The DW-8000 employs Korg's Digital Waveform Generator System (DWGS), which features sampled waveforms stored across four 256 Kbit ROM chips. These waveforms range from standard synth shapes like
sawtooth,
square, and
sine, to more complex sounds including bells, clavinets, acoustic and electric pianos, organs, guitars, and saxophones. A unique sample is utilized for each octave, and the waveforms were created using additive synthesis, which were then encoded onto the ROM chips. The DW-8000 features two oscillators, offering controls to modify their relative volumes and detune the second oscillator, creating a rich chorus-like effect. There are various key assign modes, including polyphonic and polyphonic
portamento. Unison modes combine all eight voices for a fuller monophonic sound, however, it lacks the ability to detune voices in unison mode. The DW-8000's
voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) and
voltage-controlled filter (VCF) are analog, which contributes to its rich sound. The VCF's resonance produces a clear whistle at high settings and a warm sound at lower pitches. Keyboard velocity and aftertouch can control volume and filter cutoff, and vibrato can be added using
aftertouch. Both the VCA and VCF envelopes feature six-stage
envelopes featuring Attack, Decay, Break Point, Slope, Sustain and Release stages, allowing for complex envelope shapes to be created. The DW-8000 features a digital
delay effect with adjustable delay times up to 500 milliseconds, and controls for delay time, feedback, effect level, and modulation. These settings allow for a range of effects including
flanging,
double tracking and long echo effects. These delay settings can be saved with the synth patch for easy recall. It also features an 'auto-bend' option for initial note slides. It allows subtle or pronounced note adjustments, akin to a trumpet's entry or portamento. Settings include time, intensity, and the ability to choose whether it affects oscillator one, two, or both. The built-in arpeggiator includes controls for tempo control, octave range, pattern modes for up/down and assign, and a Latch function for sustaining arpeggios after releasing the keys. It can also sync to external MIDI clock signals. The DW-8000 can store 64 patches, and the optional MEX8000 memory expander allows users to access four more banks, each holding 64 patches. == EX8000 ==