Korg

What Korg does

Korg Inc. is a publicly traded Japanese manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, music production software, and audio equipment, founded in 1963 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE:6646) with headquarters in Tokyo. The company operates globally through a U.S. subsidiary (KORG (USA)) and serves a diversified customer base spanning professional musicians and producers, hobbyists and enthusiasts, software-based producers, DJs and electronic-music performers, and educational institutions.

Korg's portfolio spans hardware synthesizers (KRONOS, NAUTILUS, multi/poly, opsix, wavestate, modwave, minilogue xd, microKORG, KingKORG NEO, miniKORG 700Sm), arranger keyboards (Pa5X), digital pianos (Liano, Liano Live, Poetry, B2+, E1 Air), DJ tools (KAOSS PAD V, KAOSS Replay, phase8), drum machines (drumlogue, MPS-10, KR-11), audio interfaces (microAUDIO 22/722), turntables (handytraxx series), tuners, metronomes, and MIDI controllers. Software products include KORG Collection 6 (21 modeled instruments using Component Modeling Technology), KORG Gadget 3 (40+ gadgets across Mac/PC/iOS/Android/Nintendo Switch/PlayStation), KORG Module (mobile sound app with 40+ expansion libraries), and a Nu:Tekt DIY kit line. The company's proprietary technologies include Acoustic Synthesis (physically vibrating steel resonators in phase8), Component Modeling Technology for software instrument recreation, and the Nutube vacuum tube co-developed with Noritake Itron Corporation.

Revenue is generated across hardware sales, software perpetual licenses, subscription channels (Splice rent-to-own at $15.99/month), freemium mobile apps with in-app purchases, downloadable sound libraries (including third-party developer content for KRONOS/NAUTILUS), and accessories. Go-to-market combines direct e-commerce, a global authorized dealer network, music instrument retail, and app-store/marketplace distribution. Marketing relies on industry trade shows (NAMM, Superbooth), content marketing, YouTube video content, artist endorsements, and community engagement via the Nu:Tekt DIY line. Pricing includes seasonal sales campaigns offering up to 50% off software products and tiered MSRP guidance through authorized dealers.

Name

Korg

Legal name

KORG Inc.

Website

https://korg.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1963

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Korg Inc. is a publicly traded Japanese manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, synthesizers, and music production software, founded in 1963 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE:6646). The company serves professional musicians, producers, DJs, hobbyists, and educators through global dealer networks and direct channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electronic Musical Instruments

NAICS

Musical Instrument Manufacturing (339992), Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (3343), Musical Instrument and Supplies Retailers (459140)

SIC

Musical Instruments (3931), Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651), Electronic Components & Accessories (3670)

akta.pro primary industry

Musical Instruments (Acoustic & Electric) (MPAIAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

DJ & Performance Gear (Controllers, Turntables, CDJs, Mixers) (MPAIAJAC), Live Sound & Stage Equipment (PA Systems, Amplification, Monitoring) (MPAIAJAD), Music Education Hardware (Practice Tools, Metronomes, Tuners, Lab Systems) (MPAIAJAJ), Musical Instrument Retail (Guitars, Keyboards, Drums, Band/Orchestra) (CRALAEAA), Pro Audio & Recording Equipment Retail (MI-adjacent) (CRALAEAC)

Keywords

• Electronic musical instruments
• Hardware synthesizers
• Music production software
• Digital pianos
• DJ production tools

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware Instruments: Korg generates primary revenue through selling hardware music production instruments including synthesizers, digital pianos, DJ equipment, tuners, and audio interfaces through retail and direct channels.
2. Software Instruments & Plugins: Software versions of hardware synthesizers (native plugins) including KORG Collection, multi/poly native, opsix native, wavestate native, modwave native, and KORG Gadget 3 are sold through direct download and Splice rent-to-own.
3. Mobile Apps: iOS and Android music apps including KORG Module, Kaossilator, and other mobile sound modules available through app stores with in-app purchases and expansion sound libraries.
4. Sound Libraries & Expansions: Expansion sound libraries for KORG Module, KRONOS, and NAUTILUS workstations sold as downloadable content through the KORG Shop.
5. KRONOS Sound Libraries: Third-party and Korg-produced sound libraries for KRONOS and NAUTILUS workstations available through KORG Shop.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Korg manufactures and sells electronic musical instruments including hardware synthesizers, digital pianos, DJ and production tools, drum machines, turntables, tuners, metronomes, and audio interfaces. The company also offers software equivalents of its hardware synthesizers (KORG Collection, KORG Gadget, KORG Module, and native plugins) for Mac/PC, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation. Products are sold globally through direct e-commerce, authorized dealers, app stores, and software marketplaces.

Product overview

Korg is a Japanese musical instrument manufacturer founded in 1963, offering a comprehensive portfolio of hardware synthesizers, software instruments, DJ/production tools, digital pianos, audio interfaces, and recording equipment. The product lineup includes flagship workstations (KRONOS, NAUTILUS), analog modeling synthesizers (multi/poly, opsix, wavestate, modwave, minilogue), arranger keyboards (Pa5X), DJ tools (KAOSS PAD V, phase8), software suites (KORG Collection 6 with 21 instruments, KORG Gadget 3 with 40+ gadgets, KORG Module), digital pianos (Liano, Poetry, B2+), drum machines (drumlogue, MPS-10), turntables (handytraxx series), and accessories (tuners, metronomes, MIDI controllers). The company utilizes Component Modeling Technology (CMT) for software instrument recreation and Acoustic Synthesis technology in the phase8. Products span hardware, software (Mac/PC, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation), and DIY kit formats.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KORG Gadget: All-in-one music production software for Mac, iOS, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation
• KORG Module
• KORG Collection
• KRONOS
• NAUTILUS
• microKORG
• Kaoss Pad
• volca
• minilogue
• Nutube

Products and services

• phase8 Eight-voice acoustic synthesizer using physically vibrating steel resonators for haptic sound generation. Features envelope shaping, polymetric sequencer, analogue wavefolding, and pitch-dependent modulation.
• KAOSS PAD V Dynamic effect sampler with reimagined touch interface, dual-touch operation, Voice FX engine for real-time vocal processing (harmonies, pitch-shifting), 8-bar sampling, and integrated USB audio interface.
• microAUDIO 22 Compact audio interface delivering 24-bit/192kHz audio, versatile mic/line/Hi-Z inputs with 48V phantom power, zero-latency monitoring, and USB-C connectivity, bundled with Filter Ark plugin.
• microAUDIO 722 Hybrid audio interface incorporating KORG's legendary analogue filter from the miniKORG 700S, providing warm analog tone shaping with 24-bit/192kHz audio and MIDI connectivity.
• KORG Collection 6 Synthesizer collection software featuring 21 instruments including TRINITY, PS-3300, SGX-2, Filter Ark, M1, TRITON, MS-20, and ARP 2600, using Component Modeling Technology for authentic analog recreation.
• KORG Gadget 3 All-in-one music production software with over 40 gadgets, genre select system, VST3 and AUv3 support, and five insert effects across Mac/PC, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation.
• KORG Module High-definition mobile sound module app for iOS/Android with over 40 expansion sound libraries, featuring renowned piano libraries like SYNTHOGY Ivory.
• KRONOS Flagship stage synthesizer workstation offering comprehensive sound engine, piano sounds, and professional performance capabilities with powerful synthesis and sampling features.
• NAUTILUS Music workstation synthesizer with extensive sound library and synthesis capabilities for live performance and studio production.
• multi/poly Analog modeling synthesizer delivering warm analog sounds with digital flexibility, featuring eight voices of polyphony at an accessible price point.
• multi/poly module Desktop synthesizer module version of multi/poly with the same analog modeling sound engine in a compact modular format at sub-$1000 price point.
• multi/poly native Software synthesizer version for Mac/PC featuring the same sound engine as the hardware multi/poly, allowing seamless sound exchange between hardware and software.
• opsix FM synthesizer that rethinks FM synthesis with expanded capabilities, offering full-spectrum sound design potential with enhanced modulation options.
• opsix mk II Enhanced full-spectrum FM synthesizer with improved sound design capabilities and modulation over the original opsix.
• wavestate Wave sequencing synthesizer with organic, inspirational sound generation capabilities and powerful modulation features.
• wavestate module Desktop module version of the wavestate synthesizer for modular and Eurorack setups.
• wavestate native Software version of wavestate for Mac/PC featuring wave sequencing synthesis capabilities.
• modwave Wavetable synthesizer with distinctive timbres, Kaoss Physics, and Motion Sequencing 2.0 for extreme sound design.
• modwave mk II Enhanced wavetable synthesizer with nearly double the polyphony, expanded free-running LFOs, and advanced modulation capabilities.
• modwave native Software version of modwave for Mac/PC featuring wavetable synthesis with Kaoss Physics.
• minilogue xd Next-generation analog synthesizer with digital multi-engine alongside analog signal path, offering huge potential for sound design and performance.
• microKORG Compact synthesizer with vocoder and synthesizer capabilities, building on the legacy of the iconic microKORG series.
• KingKORG NEO Virtual analogue synthesizer with ultra-realistic sounds and performance power, featuring larger-than-life sound capabilities.
• Pa5X Professional arranger keyboard with new sounds, refreshing workflow, and entirely new arranger functionality for performing musicians.
• Grandstage X Completely redesigned stage piano with striking new look and inspiring new sounds for live performance.
• miniKORG 700Sm Authentic revival of the classic miniKORG 700 with thick bass, powerful leads, and rich analog sounds.
• FISA SUPREMA World's most powerful digital accordion combining passion, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge innovation.
• FISA SUPREMA C Compact, lighter version of FISA SUPREMA digital accordion for enhanced portability.
• KAOSS Replay Flagship KAOSS DJ system with curated collection of effects from previous KAOSS PAD generations for professional DJ performances.
• NTS-3 kaoss pad kit DIY synthesizer kit for building customizable effects units, part of the Nu:Tekt kit line for makers and learners.
• NTS-1 digital kit mkII Build-it-yourself synthesizer kit offering synthesis with customizable effects, part of the Nu:Tekt DIY line.
• NTS-2 oscilloscope kit Multi-tool oscilloscope kit for modern musicians useful for synth exploration and signal troubleshooting.
• drumlogue Drum machine combining analog modeling with digital flexibility for innovative beat creation.
• MPS-10 Drum sampler offering user control and professional performance capabilities.
• KR-11 Compact, simple rhythm box providing a fun way to practice and play anywhere, anytime.
• handytraxx 1bit Premium vinyl turntable with 1bit recording capability for high-quality audio capture.
• handytraxx tube Analog turntable bringing warm tube sound character to vinyl playback.
• handytraxx tube J Premium Hi-Fi turntable featuring JICO Clipper MM cartridge for high-fidelity audio reproduction.
• handytraxx play Portable vinyl performance turntable designed for mobile DJs and performers on the go.
• Liano Live All-in-one digital piano designed for creators with built-in recording and streaming capabilities, featuring portability and modern connectivity.
• Poetry Premium digital piano dedicated to Chopin with focus on classical piano expression and the beloved Chopin sound.
• B2+ Entry-level digital piano for beginners through experts, designed to start the piano journey easily and authentically.
• E1 Air Digital piano combining beauty in sound and form with elegant design and quality sound.
• MetroClip Visual metronome allowing performers to focus on performance while seeing the tempo through innovative design.
• Pitchblack X Next-generation pedal tuner featuring ULTRA BUFFER technology for enhanced performance and tuning accuracy.
• ST1K New standard tuner specifically designed for analog and modular synthesizers with enhanced accuracy.
• TM-70T Compact tuner and metronome combination in one unit for practicing musicians.
• nanoKEY Fold Portable MIDI keyboard controller that folds for easy transport, designed as the ultimate portable music companion.
• Keystage MIDI 2.0 controller featuring poly aftertouch for expressive performance with creative inspiration.
• BM-1 Bluetooth MIDI interface enabling smart music production free from cables.
• Filter Ark Filter design plugin combining classic analog filter models (MS-20, Polysix, miniKORG 700S, ARP Odyssey) with new physically modeled resonators and vowel-based filters.
• KORG Gadget for PlayStation KORG Gadget music production software adapted for PlayStation gaming console.

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability7 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Native InstrumentscoreTechnology or Integration · 23 January 2025KORG and Native Instruments joined forces for seamless integration, providing NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) compatibility and Komplete 15 Select Bundle with Keystage and other Korg products.
• SplicecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Splice serves as a distribution partner for Korg's software products including KORG Collection and native plugins, offering them through a rent-to-own model at $15.99/month, expanding accessibility to subscription-minded customers.
• Reason Studios (Propellerhead)Technology or Integration · 11 July 2018Collaboration added Stockholm gadget to KORG Gadget for Mac, expanding the integration between Reason and Korg platforms.
• Noritake Co., LimitedcoreTechnology or Integration · 22 January 2015Strategic partnership for Nutube vacuum tube technology. Korg and Noritake co-developed the Nutube, an innovative vacuum tube technology featured in select Korg products, providing authentic analog tube sound in a compact, energy-efficient form factor.
• Raspberry Pi FoundationcoreTechnology or IntegrationKorg uses Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 in synthesizers to achieve sub-$1000 price points, enabling competitive hardware at accessible prices while maintaining quality standards.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Yamaha: Yamaha is a much larger music industry incumbent with deep presence in synthesizers (MODX, Montage), digital pianos (Clavinova), arranger workstations (Genos), and pro audio. The scale gap makes Yamaha a broad incumbent rather than a like-for-like peer, but it directly contests Korg across virtually every category.
• Casio: Casio competes primarily in the entry-level digital piano and keyboard segment with the Privia and Celviano lines, overlapping with Korg's B2+, E1 Air, and Liano. Casio's mass-market retail distribution and aggressive pricing make it a meaningful competitor for beginner and education segments.

Direct peers

• Roland: Roland is Korg's closest direct competitor, offering synthesizers, digital pianos, drum machines, and DJ gear across overlapping product lines including the Juno, TR-8, and Fantom series. Both companies compete across hardware, software plugins, and arranger workstations.
• Moog Music: Moog is a direct competitor in the analog and semi-modular synthesizer space with products like the Subsequent 37, Matriarch, and Moog One. Both companies target professional synthesizer players and emphasize hand-built craftsmanship and signature sound character.
• Native Instruments: Native Instruments competes directly with Korg's software plugin line through Komplete, Massive, and Kontakt, and is also a Korg integration partner via NKS. The strategic duality — competitor and collaborator — reflects significant overlap in DAW-based producer audiences.
• Arturia: Arturia competes with Korg in both hardware synthesizers (MiniBrute, MicroFreak, MatrixBrute) and software instruments (V Collection, Pigments). Arturia's aggressive software pricing and hardware/software integration strategy closely mirrors Korg's native plugin approach.
• Sequential (Dave Smith Instruments): Sequential is a direct competitor in the professional analog and hybrid synthesizer market with the Prophet-5, Prophet-6, and Take 5. Both companies target the same professional and prosumer synthesizer players with premium-priced instruments.
• Elektron: Elektron competes directly in the hardware groovebox and synthesizer space with Digitakt, Analog Four, and Octatrack. Both companies emphasize performance-oriented workflow, deep sequencing capabilities, and prosumer/professional pricing tiers.

Emerging players

• Teenage Engineering: Teenage Engineering competes with Korg in the portable and unconventional synthesizer space (OP-1, OP-Z, Pocket Operators) and emphasizes design-forward, lifestyle-oriented positioning. The two companies also partner — Korg's volca line and Teenage Engineering share overlapping entry-level synth buyers.
• Music Tribe (Behringer): Music Tribe owns Behringer and related brands that aggressively clone classic synthesizers at sub-$300 price points (Neutron, Crave, Model D), directly threatening Korg's volca and minilogue entry-level lines. While not directly comparable in product philosophy, it competes intensely for hobbyist wallet share.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/korgusa
• Facebookfacebook.com/korg.iapps

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Korg