Review: Korg Module Pro – iPhone and iPad as a Sound Module

Take your piano with you and make music wherever you go: With Korg Module Pro, this admittedly tempting idea becomes reality. The sound module app for iPhone and iPad offers a world of keyboard sounds, including electric and acoustic pianos. But is Module Pro a quality piano app?

From the update to version 3.0 in July 2019 onwards, ‘Korg Module’ has been known as ‘Korg Module Pro.’ However, the iOS app is still a pure sound module – unlike Korg Gadget, which is a complete music studio with many individual sound modules that you can combine in a sequencer. At least version 3.0 allows you to combine up to two sounds into modules.

Update 3.0: New Features and Improvements

With new features, Korg Module Pro remains the right choice for anyone who wants to play keyboard sounds with an app. In addition to the numerous sound library expansions, the Module Performance Expansion is particularly interesting. Offered as a paid expansion per in-app purchase, it adds both layer/split capabilities and the ability to control virtual instrument knobs and switches with MIDI controllers.

A Pro Feature: Module Performance Expansion

This expansion lets you use two sounds as a layer or split combination in Module. The functions are hidden in the Set List area, where you have to click on the key icon. This opens a dialog with two parallel instruments, which you can easily combine via the Global Channel. Or you can assign the instruments to separate MIDI channels, e.g. to play the instruments using two master keyboards (electric piano plus organ). You could also control both instruments via two Korg Gadget tracks.

Interesting and important for each of these constructs is the possibility to control the sound parameters of each module instrument. Just use the Learn function in the settings to assign them, and control the instruments externally with the appropriate knobs and buttons. Awesome!

What’s the Right App Version?

Previously, there were three versions, but as of July 2019, there are only two versions of the virtual sound module: Korg Module and Korg Module Pro. If you have been using the free LE version, you can continue with Korg Module. Both versions support in-app purchases and allow you to add many great sounds through further library expansions.

Additionally, the iPad version of Korg Module offers more ease of use and more features than the iPhone version. For example, it comes with a player/recorder function, allowing you to play along with playbacks or record your own performance. Unfortunately, Korg Module on iPhone lacks this feature lacks this feature.

Many Features, Easy Handling

Korg Module Pro literally explains itself: Simply connect a MIDI keyboard to the iPhone, start the app and you’re ready to go. The user interface has a clear layout, though it may be a bit fiddly to use on an iPhone. We recommend switching to the 2D display, which enlarges the displayed controls. However, an iPad is undoubtedly more comfortable.

Using a MIDI Keyboard to Play Korg Module Pro

If you want to use Korg Module Pro as a piano app, you should connect a weighted hammer action MIDI keyboard to your iPhone or iPad. This will change the feel of the app’s piano sounds. The ability to freely adjust the dynamic curve is a great feature, as it allows you to adapt the dynamic behavior of Korg Module to virtually any MIDI keyboard.

There are several ways to connect iOS devices to a MIDI keyboard or digital piano. You can connect instruments with USB MIDI using Apple’s Camera Connection Kit. Further, some adapters also allow wireless connection via Bluetooth MIDI. Korg Module can handle both and will automatically display the available options.

The best choice is a digital piano that supports USB Audio/MIDI for connections to mobile devices. Examples include the Korg B2, B2n, or Korg Liano.

Korg Module Pro: My Little World of Keyboard Sounds

The selection of sounds is visually appealing and easy to understand thanks to the different categories: A.piano, E.piano, Organ, Clav, Strings, Brass, Synth – the whole world of keyboard sounds on your phone!

In addition to the individually and lovingly designed interface, each instrument offers specific parameters to customize the sound according to your taste. The acoustic piano, for example, lets you gradually adjust the damper resonance. On the electric piano, you can adjust the mechanical noise and a tremolo effect.

Good Sounds Are Fun to Play!

Respect – for an app, it truly sounds excellent! However, we would expect nothing less from a manufacturer like Korg. After all, the sounds are taken from the archive of the popular workstation series that Korg has been optimizing for decades.

The acoustic piano sounds brilliant, with a rich stereo image. In addition, the presets offer you different variations of the sound, sometimes rocky with a lively attack, sometimes mellow, and sometimes percussive-wirey. The Electric Piano category contains a Rhodes and an FM piano. Again, there are many different variations of the sounds, offering you everything you need for rock, pop, jazz, soul, or funk.

If you’re looking for vintage, the Clavinet sound is very inspiring. This funky sound is even available with different pickup settings. The other sound categories include nice smooth vintage organs, strings, and pads, as well as lots of synth sounds.

In-App Purchases for More Sounds

You can install additional sounds from within the app via the iTunes Store. As long as you have a fast Internet connection, this works quickly and easily. If you miss a Wurlitzer among the electric pianos, you can add one from the App Store for just under 11 Euros. If you are looking for other Korg workstation sound collections, they are also available here.

You can also find third-party products on the App Store, such as KA Pro sound sets. Pianists should search for Synthogy Ivory. Downloading content for Synthogy Ivory Mobile Grand or American D Mobile Grand requires 2GB of data. While this may take a little longer, the wait will be rewarded with a great piano sound. If you also want to upgrade your electric piano, check out the Scarbee Classic EP-88M.

Conclusion: A Powerful Sound Module for iOS

Play piano anywhere, anytime – even on your phone. But is Korg Module Pro really a piano app? No, it is not! If you want to use Module for piano practice, you will miss the metronome. And from a technical standpoint, Module’s piano sounds fall short compared to today’s digital pianos. Even budget digital pianos offer higher-quality sounds.

However, you have to admit that the overall quality is impressive. Korg Module Pro sounds good and offers many additional high-quality sounds via in-app purchases. For example, you could even install a detailed Steinway grand piano sample with Synthogy Ivory Mobile Grand and American D Mobile Grand. Scarbee Rhodes is another great piano expansion. If you want to play piano on the go with an iPhone or iPad, you won’t find a more flexible solution.

Korg Module Pro – Overview

Release date: 11.2014
Concept: Sound Module app for iOS / App Store
System requirements: iOS 11 or later, 1.4 GB free disk space
Manufacturer: Korg Inc.