Korg released the DS-8 in 1986 to compete with the Yamaha DX7. The DS-8 is a FM synth which uses the same 4 operator synth engine as in the Yamaha 4 op synths like the DX21 and TX81Z. However, the DS-8 included a few digital effects such as chorus, flange, delay and also analog-like controls for modulators and envelopes. The DS-8 features 8 voices of polyphony and is 8 parts multi timbrel, a 5 octave 61 note velocity and aftertouch keyboard and it stores 100 programs and 10 combinations. The first time we heard the word "combis".

In 1987 Korg followed up the DS-8 with the release of the Korg 707. A four octave keyboard that also included strap on hooks so you could play it guitar style. Probably one of the first remote keyboard controllers that I can think of. The synth engine is similar to the DS-8 without the on-board effects. As in most FM synths, the DS-8 and Korg 707 are good at producing Basses, E-Pianos, Synths and Effects so we tried to focus on those types of sounds in putting together our collection.

Our DS-8 and Korg 707 sounds are available in system exclusive (.syx) or standard midi files (.mid) for Mac or PC computers. Also available in Alesis Data Disk format. Sorry, but we do not offer the sounds on RAM or PCM sound cards. The cards have not been made in many years and we no longer support that format.

Korg DS-8 FM Synthesizer

If your computer has a midi interface or sound card connected to the USB port, you can use your midi interface or sound card to load in the sounds. We provide the software along with your order that will load in the sounds for you. Midi interfaces are an inexpensive alternative to purchasing RAM or PCM cards and we sell them starting at under $100. Our sounds will also get you back in business if your DS-8 or 707 battery has died and you lost all the sounds in the memory.

If your just getting into synthesizers and on a budget, a used DS-8 or Korg 707 is worth looking into. You can probably pick one up for a good price on Ebay.