# KORG iM1 — 90's Synthesizer

> Faithful reproduction and evolution of the legendary M1 synthesizer for iPad. (iPhone/iPad app by KORG INC..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-im1/id966030326 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [KORG INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/363714046)
- Category: Music, Entertainment
- Price: $29.99 with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 1,007 App Store ratings · 296 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 200 MB
- Languages: American English, Japanese
- Released: 2015-05-25
- Data updated: 2026-08-26
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-im1/id966030326/reviews.md

## What is KORG iM1?

A complete reproduction - and more - of the legendary M1 that defined an era. Mobile Digital Synthesizer for the iPad.

● Selected by Apple as "App Store Best of 2015"
● Ranked #1 on the App Store on Top Paid Music category in more than 20 countries! (15/5/27)

Since it went on sale in 1988 the legendary M1 music workstation rapidly achieved record-breaking sales, becoming a mainstay of the music scene from the late 1980s and beyond. The common element of electronic instruments that have left their name in history is that they had a unique sound that was difficult if not impossible to replicate. Sounds such as the “M1 Piano” is instantly recognizable and have appeared on countless hit records over many years, and yet these are sounds that could only be produced by the M1. And that’s what you can now have on your iPad!

● A faithful reproduction of the original M1 Sound
The PCM data provides the library of the original M1. For the hardware, we analyzed the circuit diagram of the original design, and completely replicated it in software down to the last detailed parameters. Engineers with an exhaustive knowledge of the M1 made careful adjustments in order to obtain the sound of the original unit, something that cannot be obtained simply by sampling the original sounds.

● A continued evolution of the M1
Not content with simply reproducing the original, iM1 provides further evolutionary developments. Synth parts now have the Filter Resonance that was requested at the time of the original. The effect parts, originally consisting of only two effects, have been powered-up to 18 effects. The user interface has also been refreshed with additions such as a KAOSS pad. iM1 is the ultimate version of the KORG M1.

● A gigantic library encompassing 3,300 sounds and 34 cards*
In addition to all 19 of the ROM cards originally released for the M1, iM1 also covers the sounds of the M1EX which expanded the internal PCM of the M1, as well as the sounds of the T-series which appeared as an evolution of the M1. There’s also “BEST OF M1”, a selection of 100 great M1 programs. The new “Smart Sound Browser” makes it quick to find the desired sound. You can also view the sounds ranked by how often they are selected by iM1 users around the world.
*with all the expansion card installed via in-app purchase

● KAOSS pad lets anybody perform
iM1 features a KAOSS pad from the popular KAOSSILATOR, allowing you to perform intuitively just by touching the screen. By using the dual KAOSS pads to play phrases or adjust the sound, even people who are not accustomed to keyboard instruments or knowledgeable about synthesizers can enjoy performing the iM1. There’s also a conventional keyboard, as well as the “Smart Keyboard”, which lets you specify a scale setting and play phrases with a single finger.

● Use with KORG Gadget for song production
iM1 can be used together with Gadget, the music production DAW app that won the App Store Best App of 2014 award in Japan. If both apps are installed, you can use iM1 as a sound module within Gadget, taking advantage of the program sounds in iM1 for music production. iM1 also supports Audiobus and Inter-App Audio, so it can also be used for GarageBand etc.

● Connect a MIDI keyboard and use as a sound module
In addition to enjoying iM1 on its own, you can connect a USB MIDI keyboard* via a Lightning adaptor and play the iM1 as an external sound module. You can easily take along an even more powerful workstation sound module as part of your iPad-based compact mobile system.
*microKEY, nanoKEY etc.

● Interchangeable with the KORG Legacy Collection and the original M1
Sounds that you create in iM1 can be sent from your iPad via iTunes to a Mac/PC. If you have the Legacy Collection M1, you can use those sounds in a DAW.

More info at korg.com

## Key features

- Faithful reproduction of original M1 sound
- Expanded filter resonance and 18 effects
- Gigantic library of 3,300 sounds
- Intuitive KAOSS pad for performance
- Smart Sound Browser for quick sound selection
- Compatible with KORG Gadget

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $29.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| M1 Cards Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| T1 Cards Pack | $4.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of KORG iM1?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Authentic M1 sound reproduction
- 💰 Great value for money
- 🎹 Faithful recreation of the original hardware
- 🎨 Powerful sound customization options
- 🔗 Works well with MIDI controllers
- 🎧 High-quality preset sounds
- 🏆 Essential for fans of the original M1

**Cons**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or stability issues
- 🔇 Low output volume compared to other apps
- 🤔 Confusing UI for patch editing and saving
- 🔴 Missing AUv3 support for integration with DAWs

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Disappearing or missing purchased sound cards
- Bluetooth MIDI connectivity issues
- Compatibility problems with certain iOS versions or devices

**Most requested features**

- Add AUv3 support for better DAW integration
- Improve preset management and saving capabilities
- Increase master volume control options
- Expand sound library with more cards/expansions

## Recent user reviews (10 of 296)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-im1/id966030326/reviews.md

### 3/5 — I want the Triton

*2026-07-30, version 1.2.0*

I love the m1 and its ability to layer and multi midi track. I need some new sounds and would love to have the full version of the triton too.

### 5/5 — Siiiick

*2026-06-12, version 1.2.0*

Better than the actual m1

### 5/5 — hours of fun

*2026-05-31, version 1.2.0*

I love classic synthesizers and being able to noodle around with hundreds of M1 patches to my hearts content for the cost of a trip to a burger joint is awesome. I use it inside iMPC Pro and it works great.

### 5/5 — THE ….. M1 !!!!!

*2025-12-14*

iM1 est assurément l’app synthé la plus fiable de toutes celles que j’ai pu obtenir à ce moment. 

J’ai pris tous les packs de cartes y compris T1 qui est la génération d’après. 

L’appli est stable et supporte très bien la cohabitation dans AUM (certaines, pourtant de synthés réputés décrochent). 

iM1 n’a subit aucun désagrément pendant la grosse mise à jour iOS iPhone de 18.x à 26 alors que d’autres app de zics ont eu des vapeurs, des latences ; qui se sont résolues au bout de deux jours, mais iM1 est resté tout le temps opérationnelle. (Apple a changé sa façon de numéroter les iOS). 

Le module de recherche d’un son par critères de sonorité ou ambiance sonore souhaitée est très bien fait. Ne changez rien ! 

A priori uniquement disponible en roastbeef, je suis en train de traduire la doc en bon solognot. Je la mettrai en ligne une fois finie … un jour … :) …. Que les bretons, les berrichons, les corses, gens du pays d’oc et les autres se rassurent, vous la comprendrez aussi. :) 

C’est mon appli fétiche ; même si j’en utilise d’autres pour des gros sons. Elle fonctionne toujours ! 

Je l’utilise principalement pour les petites sorties sans matos "lourd", pour les petites répèt’s, en vacances …. 

Elle est toujours là. Soit dans l’iPad ou l’iPhone. Et j’ai toujours avec moi le "fameux" camera connection kit sans lequel aucun clavier midi ne peut-être connecté (les derniers devices Apple sont en USB C et s’en passent). 

Mon utilisation est uniquement le presets déjà faits. Je n’ai pas le temps ni l’envie de chercher à créer ni modifier des sons. 

La communication de l’audio en numérique via l’USB passe très bien. J’ignore si l’appli y est pour quelque chose mais j’utilise toujours, soit un boîtier carte son, soit un clavier compatible audio USB dont les DAC dans les deux cas sont bien meilleurs que ceux d’un iPad quelle que soit sa génération (la sortie casque n’est pas faite pour ça). Mais une fois envoyé sur une petite sono personne n’est capable de dire que le son produit provient d’une app iOS ! 

Voilà : RAS :)

**Developer response:** Hello. 
Thank you for your review, we are glad to know you enjoy the KORG iM1.
Sorry we only released in English and Japanese, and we appreciate your efforts in translating to your own dialect.

All the best,

KORG App Team

### 5/5 — この音！

*2025-12-03*

懐かしい！
今聴いてもすばらしい。
ありがとうございます。

**Developer response:** レビューをいただきありがとうございます。
KORG iM1をお楽しみいただければ幸いです。
今後ともよろしくお願いいたします。

コルグアプリチーム

### 5/5 — Switching between patches between combi and program

*2025-12-02, version 1.2.0*

Fix this bug please

### 4/5 — Time for AUV3 update

*2025-12-01*

Thanks for bringing back this legend. Now make the Legendary IMS 20 into an AUV3

**Developer response:** Hello.
Thank you for your 4 stars review.
We are glad to know you enjoyed the iM1 AUv3.
We are working on making all or our apps AUv3, gradually.
Best regards,

KORG App Team

### 5/5 — 助けてください。

*2025-11-21*

日頃からGaragebandの方でプラグインとして使わせていただいておりますが、本日から「iM1はお使いのipadでは使用できません」というメッセージが表示されてGarageband経由で開けなくなりました。
容量は不足しておらず、強制再起動等色々試してみましたが復旧しませんでした。
とても気に入っていたアプリだったのでかなり落ち込んでいます。
もうガレージバンドでは使えなくなってしまうのでしょうか。

**Developer response:** ごレビューありがとうございます。
恐れ入りますが、サポートチャンネルよりご連絡いただけますでしょうか。
https://support.korguser.net/hc/en-us/requests/new
今後ともよろしくお願いいたします。
コルグアプリチーム

### 3/5 — MAPEO MIDI ABIERTO PORFAVOR

*2025-10-20, version 1.2.0*

Hola compre la app porque se q es muy buena
Soy tecladista de música popular desde Santa Cruz - Bolivia
Le doy uso extenso es más.. es mi único instrumento en la actualidad
Pero ojalá tomen en cuenta estas sugerencias
MAPEO MIDI TOTAL
MEJORAR EL SUSTAIN DE LOS OSCILADORES
AGREGAR UN 3er CANAL DE EFECTOS
MEJORAR LA INTERACCION DE LAS ENVOLVENTES 
Si actualizan y generan cobro adicional pagaría sin pensarlo
Gracias

### 5/5 — Incredible Quality

*2025-10-17, version 1.2.0*

I’ve deliberately ignored this due to there being no legitimate reason for the non AU compatibility - and I’m so glad I held off! 
I had the pleasure of owning several of these incredible keyboards in the mid to late 90’s and on, and other than the Wavestation, the 01/RW and Trinity Moss there have been very few to inspire so much from the presets alone. The M1 took several months to really get to grips with, it’s sound, the sequencer, the effects - everything about it was mind-blowing and I loved it. The feel of it, the action, everything - utterly jaw dropping. 
Well since this went AUv3 and dropped in price it was a no-brainer, and I’ve not had so much fun with a soft-synth since the Legacy Collection was first released. 
The software behind this though, including all the cards I could never afford has taken me right back - I’ve sat for hours being inspired again purely from the presets alone - I know there’s no sequencer and it could probably benefit from it, but aside from that, the faithful reproduction compared to the hardware version is like no other synth available - this is a must for anyone who’s owned the M1 and those that haven’t, because it really is the most incredible piece of musical electronics engineering bar none! The Triton LE was more inspiring than the Triton Studio, the Extreme was awesome, the Trinity Moss was a dream, and the Korg Kronos is unbelievable - but this is the Queen of them all, and to be without it now I have it again is unimaginable - the depth of programmability is phenomenal, it truly is a beautifully inspiring piece of software and I couldn’t rate it highly enough. Get it, get the cards, and enjoy, because I guarantee that no other softsynth will ever be as inspirational as this is - on almost every level it’s identical to the original in terms of sound, even better in some cases, less so in others - but nothing else touches it! I love it, so thank you Korg for making an old-timer extremely happy and blown away! It’s incredible.

## Frequently asked questions about KORG iM1

### What is KORG iM1?

KORG iM1 is a mobile digital synthesizer app for iPad that faithfully reproduces the legendary M1 music workstation. It offers the original M1 sounds, expanded features like increased effects and filter resonance, and intuitive performance tools.

### What are the key features of KORG iM1?

Key features include a faithful reproduction of the original M1 sound, an expanded library of 3,300 sounds (including original ROM cards and T-series sounds), an intuitive KAOSS pad for performance, and compatibility with KORG Gadget for song production.

### How much does KORG iM1 cost?

The app itself is free to download. However, additional expansion cards, which unlock the full sound library, are available as in-app purchases.

### What devices is KORG iM1 compatible with?

KORG iM1 is designed for the iPad. Specific iOS version compatibility is usually detailed in the app store listing, but it is optimized for modern iPad models.

### Who is KORG iM1 for?

This app is ideal for musicians, producers, and anyone interested in recreating the iconic sounds of the 90s M1 synthesizer. Its intuitive interface, including the KAOSS pad, also makes it accessible for beginners looking to explore electronic music creation.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.2.0 — 2024-03-31

- iPhone is now supported.
- AUv3 is now supported. You can use iM1 in other iOS music production apps.
- Various other tweaks have been made to improve stability.

### 1.0.10 — 2022-09-27

Fixed a problem in which once the Octave parameter of OSC 2 was changed, it could not be changed thereafter.

### 1.0.9 — 2022-05-26

Some Sysex file types could cause the app to crash. This has been fixed.

### 1.0.7 — 2019-09-25

• Now supports iOS13.
• Other improvements and bug-fixes.

### 1.0.6 — 2017-06-14

• Fixed a problem Smart Sound Browser’s “POPULAR” did not work.

## Apps similar to KORG iM1

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Synth Pro: Analog Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synth-pro-analog-synthesizer/id1635988723) | 4.6 (544) | Free | Music |
| [AudioKit Synth One Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-synth-one-synthesizer/id1371050497) | 4.9 (26,818) | Free | Music |
| [Zeeon synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zeeon-synth/id1230960440) | 4.8 (209) | $14.99 | Music |
| [NERD Synth A2x + AUv3](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564) | 4.9 (1,342) | $5.99 | Music |
| [King of Digital D1: Epic Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/king-of-digital-d1-epic-synth/id6467825289) | 4.9 (1,248) | $7.99 | Music |
| [Drambo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drambo/id1469365718) | 4.8 (324) | $24.99 | Music |

## More apps by KORG INC.

- [KORG iELECTRIBE for iPad](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-ielectribe-for-ipad/id363714043)
- [KORG iMS-20](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-ims-20/id401142966)
- [iELECTRIBE Gorillaz Edition](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ielectribe-gorillaz-edition/id430288460)
- [SyncKontrol](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synckontrol/id438617344)
- [KORG iKaossilator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-ikaossilator/id452559831)
- [KORG iPolysix for iPad](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-ipolysix-for-ipad/id579232173)

All apps by KORG INC.: https://appshunter.io/developer/363714046

## Related topics

[korg ipolysix](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/korg-ipolysix) · [korg m1](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/korg-m1) · [analogyx1](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/analogyx1) · [korg ims 20](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/korg-ims-20) · [korg ielectribe](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/korg-ielectribe) · [korg](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/korg) · [korg module](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/korg-module) · [korg piano](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/korg-piano) · [korg ims](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/korg-ims) · [korg gadget](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/korg-gadget) · [korg gadget 3](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/korg-gadget-3)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-26.*