The Verdict Up Front: The KORG 01/w VST is a meticulous emulation of one of the most underrated powerhouses of the early 90s. It captures the unique "Waveshaping" hybrid engine that sits halfway between a classic ROMpler and a gritty experimental synth. While it may lack the immediate "vintage analog" prestige of the M1 or MS-20, it offers a sonic palette that is surprisingly modern, aggressive, and deep.
Unlike its younger sibling, the Korg M1, which received a pristine, official VST release (Korg M1 Le / Korg Collection M1), the 01/W has been conspicuously absent from Korg’s software lineup. Korg has reissued the Triton, the M1, the Wavestation, and even the MS-20, but the 01/W remains a hardware-only ghost.
WaveShaping is the "secret sauce" of the 01/W. It acts as a sophisticated distortion that adds overtones to clean signals based on 60 unique non-linear tables. How to use it: Select a Program: Enter EDIT PROG mode. korg 01 w vst
The 01/W uses AI2 Synthesis, which expands on the M1's engine with more PCM samples and advanced modulation.
The original’s secret was layering two programs—each with its own pitch, filter, amplitude envelope, and dual LFOs—to create evolving, complex textures. Our VST brings this dual‑timbral architecture into your DAW with a completely modernised interface: KORG Collection 01/w: The Hybrid Monster Reborn The
YouTube script — "5 Signature Korg 01/W Sounds (in a VST) — How to Use Them"
Combinations (Combis) allow you to layer up to 8 Programs across the keyboard. Korg M1 VST (Released 2016) – Incredible success
Korg 01/W VST: A Faithful Emulation