7. The effects structure is slightly different. Whereas the R3 has two insert effects per timbre plus a master effect (5 effects total), the microKORG XL has two master effects and no insert effects. The R3 also has more effect algorithm than the microKORG, most notably reverb and cabinet simulation.

My name’s Rich, I’m a Marketing Specialist from Korg USA. I just wanted to jump in and provide a list of differences between the microKORG and the R3. Feature-wise (and price-wise), the microKORG XL sits right between the classic microKORG and the R3.

1. The R3 can use Modulation Sequences (recording smooth or stepped parameter movement over a series of steps), the microKORG XL cannot.

2. The R3’s vocoder has a Formant Motion function, which can record and store 16 chunks of 7.5-second formant data. The microKORG XL can store only a single formant shape (one vowel) using its Formant Hold function, just like the classic microKORG.
Since the microKORG XL lacks the dedicated Formant Hold button of the classic microKORG, here’s how you do it: With the knobs in Full Edit mode, turn knob #1 to “VC FILT,” then turn knob #2 to “EF SENS.” Then, while saying a vowel sound into the mic, turn knob #3 all the way up to “HOLD.” This is a great parameter for one of the assignable knob functions.

3. Let’s not forget hardware… the full-size keys, individual LCD displays, 8 buttons for presets and arpeggiator settings, and LED-lit knobs make playing and editing easier on the R3 (the XL’s new keys are a HUGE improvement, though).

4. A point for the microKORG XL here- it takes batteries, and the R3 doesn’t. They both come with power supplies.

5. Another XL point… The XL DOES have some updated PCM data in the form of acoustic/electric pianos, clavs, organs, and a couple other instruments. Both the XL and the R3 have DWGS waveforms, and the XL sacrifices some of those in favor of this new PCM data.

6. You can still edit arpeggios on the XL, but this time you’re doing it with the display and knobs versus the 8 buttons that you know from the classic microKORG and R3.
Here’s how: With the knobs in Full Edit mode, turn knob #1 to “ARPSTEP,” then turn knob #2 to select the step you want to change, then turn knob #3 to switch the step off or on.
Note that when you leave Full Edit mode and then come back, it remembers which page you were on. This makes the parameter a little quicker to get to during performance.

I hope this helps,
Rich F

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYpPB3ztZLk

dude reminds me of ralphy right when he finally gets his official red ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass on the stock and this thing which tells time.

he also composed this incredibly catchy track (in japanese) with nothing but the xl and garage band:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6hjxAFUPJ0

you guys are hating before you even know what you are talking about.

look at a high res photo and you will see that there is an ARP button a switch to raise or lower octave on the left below the volume and tempo knobs.

see for yourself:

http://www.musiciansbuy.com/MMMBCom/images/korg_microkorgxl.jpg

http://www.storedj.com.au/products/product.php?id=333

http://www.storedj.com.au/products/product.php?id=2199

that might not go down so well.

Waiting for some proper reviews though.