M1 Music Workstation © 1988 Korg.
The Korg M1 Music Workstation was a landmark digital synthesizer that defined the modern concept of an all-in-one music production instrument. Developed by Korg, it combined PCM-based sample playback, digital filtering, onboard effects, and a built-in sequencer in a single unit. The M1 became one of the best-selling synthesizers of all time and set the standard for workstation keyboards throughout the 1990s.
The M1 is widely regarded as the first truly successful “music workstation,” integrating synthesis, sequencing, and effects into one instrument.
It used PCM multisamples combined with digital subtractive synthesis, enabling realistic acoustic instruments alongside synthetic textures.
Its built-in effects section (reverb, delay, chorus) was highly influential and helped define the polished digital sound of late-1980s and early-1990s pop music.
The famous “M1 Piano” and “Organ” presets became iconic and are still widely recognized in music production today.
It was extensively used in pop, house, dance, and film/TV scoring during the late 1980s and 1990s.
The M1’s success established the workstation format as a dominant paradigm in keyboard design for the following decade.
It featured 16-part multitimbrality and MIDI sequencing capabilities, making it suitable for complete song production without external gear.
Today it is considered one of the most influential digital instruments in music history.