The TR Music Workstation, available in 61-key and 76-key versions, is the latest in the company's always-popular line of music workstations. The TR features Korg's HI (Hyper Integrated) synthesis technology--the same synthesis system used in the Triton. With 64 MB of PCM ROM containing 470 multi-samples and 518 drum samples, the TR also comes with many new samples including velocity-switched acoustic instruments like piano and acoustic guitar, woodwinds with realistic performance expressions, and much more. The internal memory offers a total of 512 programs, 384 combinations (each consisting of up to eight programs) and 24 drum kits plus an additional 128 General MIDI programs with nine drum kits.

The 16-track MIDI sequencer holds up to 200,000 notes and 200 songs. Sequences can be recorded in real time or via step entry--all fully under control of the powerful editing tools. The Cue List feature is a powerful song arrangement machine that allows assembly of a song from individual elements (intro, verse, chorus etc.) and storage of up to 20 variations of the same song. Beginning songwriters will like the Template Song function that has 16 songs containing pre-chosen programs and effects appropriate to various styles of music. Once you've chosen a song, there are 16 additional user locations for saving setup favorites. Also included are 150 preset drum patterns that match the provided genres.

Dual polyphonic arpeggiators are for the creation and playback of intricate pitched patterns and drum grooves. An intuitive interface, joystick, two assignable switches and four assignable knobs make the TR a performance oriented musical instrument. A stereo 3-band master EQ is available plus 89 different effects are assignable to two master effects slots and one stereo insert.

SD card (for up to 1GB) storage provides quick and easy backup of user-created programs, combinations, drum kits, sample data and songs. The TR also offers integral USB MIDI functionality, for easy connection to computer-based DAW systems. Sampling can be added to the TR with the EXB-SMPL Sampling option. The TR supports sample data in AIFF, WAV, Akai S1000/3000 and Korg formats. The Korg TR61 is $1,599 MSRP while the TR76 is $1,899. More at www.korg.com