Sound Librarian Owner’s Manual

E2
 Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................... 1
About the opsix Sound Librarian .............................................................................................................................. 1
Caution ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Operating requirements ........................................................................................................................................... 1
Installation ................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Using the Sound Librarian ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Starting the opsix Sound Librarian ............................................................................................................................ 5
Sending and receiving data ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Saving and loading data ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Editing Favorites ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
Views ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Program browser ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Global settings .......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Menus.................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Application menu (MacOS only) ............................................................................................................................. 10
File menu ................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Edit menu ............................................................................................................................................................... 11
View menu .............................................................................................................................................................. 11
Send/Receive menu ................................................................................................................................................ 11
Devices menu ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Help menu .............................................................................................................................................................. 12
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................... 13
Software won’t start up .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Can’t connect to the opsix ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Introduction

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Korg opsix Altered FM Synthesizer.

About the opsix Sound Librarian

The opsix Sound Librarian lets you view, organize, and share opsix data with a Mac or Windows computer via USB
and transfer sound data back and forth between the opsix and the computer.
For instance, you can:
• View the sound data stored on an opsix unit, including Programs, Favorites, and Global Settings
• Edit favorite data
• Send sounds from your computer to the opsix, and receive sounds on your computer from the opsix
• Back up and restore all of the opsix’s data
• Merge multiple libraries of programs together, selecting your favorites from each
• Edit metadata for programs, including the Name, Category, Author, and per-sound notes
• Exchange programs between an opsix hardware unit and the opsix native plugin

Caution
Do not disconnect your opsix, turn it off, or close the sound librarian while data is being transmitted.

Operating requirements
To use the opsix Sound Librarian, you need an opsix running software version 1.0.1 or later, a USB cable, and a USB-
capable Mac or Windows computer that satisfies the requirements below.
Important: For macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) or later, you will need to update to the latest opsix software version,
available at https://www.korg.com/support/download/product/0/874/

MacOS
Operating system: Mac OSX 10.12 or later, including macOS 11 (Big Sur) and 12 (Monterey).

Windows
Operating system: Windows 7 SP1 (32bit, 64bit) or later, including Windows 8 and Windows 10.
Important: For Windows 10 version 2004 or 20H2, make sure that your version of Windows fully updated via
Windows Update before installing the opsix Sound Librarian.
Touch panel operation is not supported.

Note: Full functionality is not necessarily guaranteed with all computers, even if they satisfy these system
requirements.

Installation
Check the software version of the opsix
1. Restart the opsix
The software version will appear in the upper right hand corner of the screen. The latest opsix software System
Updater can be downloaded from the Korg website (https://www.korg.com/support/download/product/0/874/). To
maintain compatibility with the Sound Librarian, please update whenever a new opsix software version is available.

1
Introduction

What’s installed on my computer, and why?

The Sound Librarian communicates with the opsix using networking over USB (as opposed to MIDI). Networking
uses the RNDIS protocol or the NCM protocol. An RNDIS driver is included with Microsoft Windows, but not
included with MacOS. To automatically identify and connect with the opsix over the network, the Sound Librarian
uses Apple Inc.’s Bonjour—which is included with MacOS, but not with Microsoft Windows.
So, the installation includes not only the Sound Librarian itself, but also HoRNDIS (an implementation of RNDIS) on
MacOS, and Bonjour on Windows.

Checking the USB Network settings on the opsix

1. Holding the [SHIFT] button, press the [EFFECT/GLOBAL] button.

2. Turn the [DATA ENTRY A] knob to select the "SYS" category.
3. Turn the [DATA ENTRY B] knob to select the "USB Network" parameter.
4. Windows: Turn the [DATA ENTRY C] knob to select "RNDIS".
macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later: Turn the [DATA ENTRY C] knob to select "NCM".
macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or earlier: "NCM" is recommended. If you want to connect the opsix with Windows
as well, select "RNDIS".
5. Turn the opsix off and on again.

MacOS
To install the software on MacOS:
1. Connect your opsix to the computer via USB.
2. Open the opsix Sound Librarian [version number] .dmg file in the Finder.
The disk image will open.
3. On the disk image, open the opsix Sound Librarian [version number] .pkg file.
The installer will start.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Enter your administrator password when
prompted.
The installation will run. Two separate items are installed: a driver (HoRNDIS) which allows the computer to
communicate with the opsix, and the Sound Librarian application. The “Registering updated components” part of the
installation may take a little while. The application is installed in Applications/KORG/opsix.
Important: During installation, macOS may show the warning dialog about a system extension being blocked. On
macOS 10.15 Catalina or earlier, follow the instructions under “How to allow a System Extension to be installed”
below, before proceeding. On macOS 11 Big Sur or later, you can safely ignore this message.
5. If you are using OSX 10.12 Sierra or 10.13 High Sierra, please restart your computer before using the
Librarian.

How to allow a System Extension to be installed

macOS Catalina has new, stricter rules about installing system extensions such as HoRNDIS, so you’ll need to go
through a few extra steps. After the installation begins, you’ll see a warning dialog appear: “System Extension
Blocked.”
1. In the dialog, press the button “Open Security Preferences.”
The Security & Privacy pane of System Preferences will open.

2
Introduction

At the bottom of the page there is a lock icon, with the note “Click the lock to make changes.”
2. Click on the lock.
A dialog appears: “System Preferences is trying to unlock Security & Privacy preferences.”
3. Enter your user name and password.
The Security & Privacy pane will be unlocked.
At the bottom of the page, there will be a message that “System software from developer “KORG INC.” was blocked
from loading.” Next to this message is a button labeled “Allow.”
4. Click the Allow button.
HoRNDIS should now be enabled.

Windows
To install the software on Windows:
1. Double click “Korg opsix Sound Librarian [version number] Installer.exe.”
The installer will start.
2. Follow the on screen instructions to complete the installation.
The installation will run. Two separate items are installed: Apple Inc.’s Bonjour, which allows the computer
to communicate with the opsix through RNDIS (see below), and the Sound Librarian application.
3. After the installation is complete, if you have not already configured the RNDIS driver, do so now.
The opsix uses Microsoft’s RNDIS to communicate with the computer. If you’ve had to update the opsix software or
have installed the opsix Sound Librarian, you’ll already have configured RNDIS, and can simply launch the Sound
Librarian and get going! Otherwise, follow the instructions below. Note that the process works slightly differently for
Windows 7, 8, and 10.
In some cases, the opsix may not be immediately recognized after installation. If this occurs, simply restart your
computer.

RNDIS configuration: Windows 7

After connecting the opsix to a computer running Windows 7, it will be visible in the Device Manger under “Other
Devices” and “Sound, video and game controllers.”
1. Plug in the USB cable from the opsix.
2. Open the Start Menu and select Control Panel.
The Control Panel will open.
3. Click on Hardware and Sound.
The Hardware and Sound window will appear.
4. Under Devices and Printers, click on Device Manager. The Device Manager will appear.
5. Confirm that a new RNDIS device is present under “Other devices.”
6. Right click on the new RNDIS device and select “Update Driver Software”.
7. Click “Browse my computer for driver software.”
8. Click “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.”
9. Select “Network Adapter” for the device type.
10. Select “Microsoft Corporation” for the Manufacturer and click “Next.” 11. Select “Remote NDIS
Compatible Device” for the Model and click “Next.”
A pop-up window titled “Update Driver Warning” will appear.
11. Click “Yes” to continue installing the driver.
Wait for the process to complete and close the window when done.
RNDIS configuration: Windows 8
After connecting the opsix to a Windows 8 computer, it will be visible in the Device Manger under “Other Devices”
and “Sound, video and game controllers.”
1. Plug in the USB cable from the opsix.
2. Open the Device Manager.
There are various ways to do this, but the easiest is via the Power User Menu:

3
Introduction

2a. Press the WIN (Windows) key and the X key together.
The Power User Menu will appear.
2b. Select Device Manager from the menu.
The Device Manager will appear.
3. Confirm that a new RNDIS device is present under “Other devices.”
4. Right click on the new RNDIS device and select “Update Driver.”
5. Click “Browse my computer for driver software.”
6. Click “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.”
7. Select “Network Adapter” for the device type and click “Next.”
8. Select “Microsoft” for the Manufacturer.
9. Select “Remote NDIS Compatible Device” for the Model and click “Next.”
A pop-up window titled “Update Driver Warning” will appear.
10. Click “Yes” to continue installing the driver.
Wait for the process to complete and close the window when done.
RNDIS configuration: Windows 10
1. Plug in the USB cable from the opsix.
2. Open the Device Manager.
There are various ways to do this, but the easiest is via the Power User Menu:
2a. Press the WIN (Windows) key and the X key together.
The Power User Menu will appear.
2b. Select Device Manager from the menu.
The Device Manager will appear.
3. Confirm that a new RNDIS device is present under the “Other devices” heading.
4. Right click on the new RNDIS device and select “Update driver.”
5. Click “Browse my computer for driver software.”
6. Click “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.”
7. If necessary, select “Network Adapter” for the device type and click “Next.” Otherwise, skip to the next
step.
8. Select “Microsoft” for the Manufacturer.
9. Select “USB RNDIS Adapter” for the Model and click “Next.”
A warning may appear: “Installing this device is not recommended.” If so, press “Yes” to continue.
Wait for the process to complete and close the window when done.

4
Using the Sound Librarian

Using the Sound Librarian

Starting the opsix Sound Librarian
1. Install the software and connect the opsix via USB, as described under “Installation” on page 1. A
USB connection is required.
2. Double click the application icon or any associated file type, like .op6program or .op6lib.
You can find the opsix Sound Librarian application in the following locations, depending on the operating system
being used:
On MacOS, the opsix Sound Librarian is installed into Applications/KORG/opsix.
On Windows, you can find the opsix Sound Librarian under KORG/opsix in All Programs, the Start Menu, etc.

Using the Sound Librarian with two or more opsix units

Important: Before connecting multiple opsixes, make sure to set each instrument’s System ID to a different
number.
To set the opsix’s System ID:
1. On your opsix, press and hold the shift button, then the EFFECT/GLOBAL button.
2. Use the A knob to navigate to the SYS category.
3. Use the B knob to select System ID.
4. Use the C knob to change the System ID.
The specific number isn’t important; just make sure that all connected opsixes have different System IDs.
5. Restart the opsix.
6. In the opsix Sound Librarian, use the Devices menu to select the desired opsix.
Note that data cannot be copied directly from one opsix to another; instead, use the save and load functionality.

Sending and receiving data

The various send and receive functions let you transfer data between your opsix and computer. This lets you import
new sounds, transfer sounds from one opsix to another, or back up and restore your data.

To transfer data between the opsix and your computer, select the command corresponding to the data you want to
transfer from the Send/Receive menu. A dialog may appear warning you not to disconnect the opsix. Once the dialog
has disappeared, the transfer is complete.

Warning: When receiving an individual program from the opsix, the currently selected program slot in the
librarian will be overwritten. Make sure it’s not a program you want to keep around!

Saving and loading data

The save and load functionality of the Sound Librarian allows you to backup, share, and organize your opsix data.
For a list of supported file types, please look at the table at the bottom of this section.

Loading data
To load data stored on your computer, do the following:

1. Click the File menu to open it.

2. Select the Load command corresponding to the file type you want to load.
A standard file open dialog will appear.
3. Navigate to the location of the file you want to open.

5
Using the Sound Librarian

4. Press Open to load the selected file into the Sound Librarian.
When loading individual program files, the currently selected program slot will be
overwritten. You can also load multiple program files at once by dragging & dropping them.

Saving data
To save the data in the Sound Librarian to your computer, do the following:
1. Click the File menu to open it.
2. Select the Save command corresponding to the data you want to export. A standard file save dialog will
appear.
3. Navigate to the location where you want to save your data.
4. Press Save to complete the process. When saving individual program files, the currently selected program will
be saved, with the file name automatically set to the name of the program. You can also save the multiple items
at once by selecting them in the list and performing the steps listed above.

Merging data
The opsix Sound Librarian allows you to merge a library file into the currently displayed programs, selecting only
the programs you want from a file.

1. Click the File menu to open it.

2. Click Merge Library.
A standard file load dialog will appear.
3. Navigate to the location of the file you want to open.
4. Press Open to select the file you want to merge from.
A separate merge window will appear.
5. Drag and drop the programs you want to import from the left to the right.
The destination index will highlight to indicate what program will be overwritten.
6. Click the large Merge button at the bottom of the window to perform the merge operation.
Closing the merge window without clicking the Merge button will cancel the operation.

File Types
The opsix Sound Librarian uses the file types below.
Type Extension Contents
Library op6lib All 500 programs and 64 favorites
Program op6program A single program
Favorites op6favs All 64 favorites (four banks of 16 favorites)
Global data op6global The global settings from the global view
All data op6all The contents of the other four data types wrapped up
into one

Editing Favorites
The opsix Sound Librarian displays the four banks of favorites in the main view below the program list. The four
buttons on the left-hand side labelled “bank select” toggle which group of favorites the 16 buttons on the right-hand
side display. The color will change to reflect which bank is selected. Each button in the “favorites” section represents
a single favorite assignment, and hovering your mouse over the button will display the full name and number of the
program in a tooltip.

To assign a program to a favorite, do the following:

1. Select the bank of favorites you want to assign a program to using the Bank Select buttons.
2. Find the program you want to assign to a favorite in the program list.

6
Views

3. Click and drag the program from the program list to the button representing the favorite you want to
assign and drop the program.

Exchange programs with opsix native

opsix program files (.op6program) are compatible with opsix native. You can exchange programs between an opsix
hardware unit and opsix native via the Sound Librarian.

To transfer opsix programs to opsix native:

1. Receive the desired program from an opsix hardware unit in the Sound Librarian.
2. Select the programs you want to use in opsix native.
3. Save the programs, as described on page 6.
4. Select the folder to save the program in the dialog. Then click “Save” (Mac) or “OK” (Windows).
5. Move the saved files into Documents > KORG > opsix native > Presets > User. You will then be able to see
the programs in opsix native under the Browser > Bank > User.
Tips: The folders under the Presets folder are recognized as Bank in the opsix native browser. So you can
organize the programs by the folders in the Presets folder.

To transfer opsix native programs to an opsix hardware unit:

1. Select the programs you want to send from Documents > KORG > opsix native > Presets
2. Drag & drop them into the sound librarian. The programs will load in the list.
3. Transfer the desired programs as described on page 5.

Views
This section provides a brief explanation of the opsix Sound Librarian's screens and their functions.

Program browser
This is the main window of the opsix Sound Librarian. It displays the currently loaded favorites and program data.
Program browser view

7
Views

Connection status Transmit buttons

Bank Select
Favorites

Metadata columns
For each item, the list shows the Name, Category, Author, and Notes. You can drag the top of the columns to re-
arrange them, or to resize the columns.
Click on a column heading to sort; click again to reverse the sort order. The triangle icon shows which column is
selected for sorting, and the direction of the triangle (up or down) shows the sort order.

Inspector
This panel lets you view and edit the metadata for the selected items, including the Name, Category, Author, and
Notes. If more than one item is selected and the items have different settings for a metadata field (such as the name or
category), the field will show the note “<Multiple Values.>”
The Inspector panel can be hidden or shown by using the Show/Hide Inspector panel button in the upper right corner
of the window.

8
Views

List and selection

This list shows the currently loaded programs, as sorted by the header columns.
Click on an item in the list to select it. If it is open, the inspector will display the program’s metadata.
Select multiple non-continuous items by holding down the command key on MacOS, or the Ctrl key in Windows.
You can also select a range of items by using Shift.

Global settings
This window shows the currently loaded global data in a list.
Global settings view

The name of the parameter is shown on the left-hand side of the list, and the value is displayed on the right-hand side.
You can edit the values by clicking and dragging up or down.

9
Menus

Menus
Application menu (MacOS only)
Preferences
Displays the Preferences dialog box, which contains three parameters: Automatically read data from opsix, Warn
before writing data to opsix, and Program list text size.
Automatically read data from opsix
If this option is selected, the Sound Librarian will automatically read all of the data from an opsix when it is
connected to your computer. This is on by default.
Warn before writing data to opsix
If this option is selected, the Sound Librarian will display a warning message before transmitting data to a connected
opsix.
List text size
This option allows you to adjust the size of text in the program and global lists.

About
This displays the software version of the opsix Sound Librarian.

File menu
New Library
Creates and loads a new library of 500 programs, replacing whatever is currently loaded into the Sound Librarian.

Load Library
Allows you to select a library file on your computer to load into the Sound Librarian, replacing whatever is currently
being displayed.

Save Library
Saves the current library to your computer.

Merge Library
Allows you to merge the contents of a library from your computer into the currently loaded library.

Load Program
Loads an individual program into the currently selected index.

Save Program
Saves the currently selected program to your computer.

Load Global
Loads global settings into the Sound Librarian from your computer.

Save Global
Saves the global settings from the Sound Librarian to your computer.

Reset Global Settings

Resets the global settings in the Sound Librarian to their default values.

10
Menus

Load Favorites
Loads four banks of 16 favorites from your computer into the Sound Librarian.

Save Favorites
Saves the currently displayed favorites to your computer.

Get Plug-in Coupon…

opsix owners are eligible for a significant discount on the opsix native plug-in. This command generates a coupon
code tied to the opsix hardware’s unique ID. An internet connection, Sound Librarian 1.1.0 or greater, and opsix
software version 2.0.1 or greater are required.

Edit menu
Initialize Program
Resets all of the parameters in the selected program or programs to default.

Duplicate Program
Copies the selected program or programs to the specified destination.

Select All
Selects every program in the Sound Librarian.

Deselect All
Deselects every program in the Sound Librarian.

Preferences (Windows only)

This shows the Preferences dialog. For more information, see “Preferences” on page 10.

View menu
This menu shows all of the Sound Librarian’s available views. Select a view’s name to display it.

Program Browser
Displays the program browser view.

Global Settings
Displays the global settings view.

Send/Receive menu
This menu shows all of the options for transferring data to and from an opsix unit.

Send All Programs

Exports all of the currently loaded programs to the connected opsix unit.

Receive All Programs

Imports all of the programs from the connected opsix unit.

Send Program

11
Menus

Exports the currently selected program to the connected opsix unit.

Receive Program
Imports the currently selected program from the connected opsix unit.

Send Global Settings

Exports the current global settings to the connected opsix unit.

Receive Global Settings

Imports the global settings from the connected opsix unit.

Send Favorites
Exports the currently loaded favorites to the connected opsix unit.

Receive Favorites
Imports the favorites from the connected opsix unit.

Send All Data

Exports the library, favorites, and global settings to opsix unit.

Receive All Data

Imports the library, favorites, and global settings from the connected opsix unit.

Devices menu
This menu shows the all of the opsix units connected to the computer and selects one of them to be used by the Sound
Librarian. If there are multiple opsixes, you can change between them at any time.
Data cannot be copied directly from one opsix to another; instead, use the save and load functions in the file menu.
Important: Before connecting multiple opsix, make sure to set each instrument’s System ID to a different number.
For more information, see “Using the Sound Librarian with two or more opsix” on page 5.

Help menu
Show PDF Manual
This opens the opsix Sound Librarian PDF manual, as saved to the disk during installation. Note that if the manual
has been moved to a different location on disk, it may not open properly.

About opsix Sound Librarian (Windows only)

This displays the software version of the opsix Sound Librarian.

12
Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting
Software won’t start up
Make sure that your computer meets the operating requirements
See “Operating requirements” on page 1.

Check whether other applications might be running

If other applications are running, it is possible that they might somehow interfere with the opsix Sound Librarian. As
a troubleshooting step, quit the other applications.

Can’t connect to the opsix

Make sure that the opsix is connected via USB
The Sound Librarian requires USB and cannot communicate with the opsix over 5-pin DIN MIDI.
If you are using a USB Hub, try connecting the opsix directly to your computer
A usb hub might interfere with the connection.
Try a different USB cable
A faulty cable might interfere with the connection.

Confirm that the opsix is running software version 1.0.2 or later

To check the software version number, restart the opsix.
Check the USB Network settings on the opsix
Check the USB Network settings, as described on page 2.
Make sure that the opsix has been detected by the connected computer
Windows 7/8.1/10: open the Device Manager (see the instructions for RNDIS configuration under “Windows” on
page 3) and check the “Other Devices” tab. If the opsix does not appear, repeat the RNDIS configuration procedure.
Mac OS: open the System Preferences application, in the Applications folder. Go to the Network panel and check the
list of networks and network devices on the left of the window.

Make sure that the required network ports are not blocked by a software firewall
When communicating with the opsix over USB, the Sound Librarian uses TCP ports 50000 and 50001, and Bonjour
uses UDP port 5353. These won’t be affected by an external firewall in a separate server or router, but can be
blocked by a software firewall running on the same computer.
Disable VPN software
In some cases, VPN software may interfere with communication to the opsix.
Confirm that you have the latest version of the Sound Librarian
You can download the latest version from the Korg website (http://www.korg.com/ ).

Try restarting your computer

In some cases, the opsix may not be immediately recognized after installation. If this occurs, simply restart your
computer.

13
Troubleshooting

Apple, Mac and the Mac logo, Bonjour, the Bonjour logo, and the Bonjour symbol are trademarks of Apple Inc.,
registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the US and other countries.
All product names and company names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.

14