Korg's MS-20 monophonic synthesizer, first
introduced in 1978, is still a coveted instrument to this day, thanks to
its thick, robust sound, its powerful, iconic analog filter, and its
versatile patching options. Over 300,000 people have enjoyed the
distinct MS-20 sounds from the original, from Korg's MS-20 plug-in
synth, and the iMS-20 iPad app.
Today, the
sounds of the MS-20 have been reborn as the MS-20 Mini. The same
engineers who developed the original MS-20 have perfectly reproduced its
circuitry and fitted it into a body that's been shrunk to 86% of the
original size, yet retains the distinctive look of the original that
remains unfaded despite the passage of time.
The MS-20 mini will amaze you with its absolutely authentic analog synth sound.
Highlights:
- Overseen by the engineers of the original MS-20; a complete replication of the original analog circuitry:
- 2VCO / 2VCA / 2VCF / 2EG / 1LFO structure
- Self-oscillating high-pass/low-pass filters with distinctive distortion
- External signal processor (ESP)
- Extremely flexible patching system
- Faithful recreation of the MS20 at 86% of the size
- MIDI IN and USB connector
- Replicates every detail of the original, down to the package binding and the included manual
A complete replication of the original analog circuitry
The
MS-20 mini painstakingly replicates the original MS-20. A development
team led by the original engineers themselves worked to recreate the
original circuitry, and when it was necessary to substitute a part,
these engineers made the decisions based on careful listening, in order
to reproduce the original sound faithfully.
In
fact, the sound of the MS-20 mini has a somewhat bright and extreme
quality to it because its sound is that of an original MS-20 in mint
condition at the time it went on sale, before any of the components
aged.
2VCO / 2VCF / 2VCA / 2EG / 1LFO structure
The
MS-20 mini reproduces the distinctive synthesis of the MS-20; two
oscillators with ring modulation, and envelope generators with hold and
delay. The VCA maintains the basic design of the original, but it's been
modified to produce less noise than the original.
Self-oscillating high-pass/low-pass filters with distinctive distortion
One
of the greatest characteristics of the MS-20 was its powerful filters,
which provided resonance on both the high-pass and the low-pass.
Maximizing the resonance would cause the filter to self-oscillate like
an oscillator, producing a distinctive and dramatic tonal change that
was acclaimed as inimitable, and was later used on the monotron and
monotribe. The filter circuit was changed mid-way through the production
lifecycle of the MS-20; the MS-20 mini uses the earlier filter, which
was felt to be superior due to its more radical sound.
External signal processor (ESP) for processing an external signal
The
ESP carries on the experimental spirit of MS-20; it allows you to use
the pitch or volume of an external audio source to control the
synthesizer. For example you can input an electric guitar and use the
MS-20 mini as a guitar synthesizer, or input a mic and use it as a vocal
synthesizer.
Extremely flexible patching system
The
patching system provided to the right of the panel lets you create
complex sounds by plugging-in cables to change the connections between
the various units. The possibilities are limited only by the user's
imagination; different combinations of the modulation input/output and
trigger, sample and hold, and noise generator can produce an incredible
variety of sounds. By patching according to the MS-20 flow chart that's
printed on the panel, even the beginner can start taking advantage of
these possibilities right away.
Faithful recreation of the MS20 at 86% of the size
MS-20's
design concept started by borrowing from the vertical layout found on
larger and more expensive modular synths of its time, and then creating a
more portable, inexpensive, and easier to use version.
To
make it even more approachable, the MS-20 mini has been shrunk to 86%
of the size of the original MS-20. In spite of its smaller size,
meticulous care has been taken to accurately reproduce the knob design
and the printing. The patch cables have been changed from 1/4" phone
plugs to mini-plugs, and the newly-designed keyboard is also 86% of the
original size.
Replicates every detail of the original
Our
effort to remain faithful to the original is not limited to the unit
itself. Even the package that contains the unit replicates the original
as far as possible. Also included are the original MS-20 owner's manual
and settings chart, explaining how to create sounds. Now you can
experience the excitement of the MS20, just like it was during its
original release in 1978.
MIDI IN connector and USB connector
The
MS-20 mini provides a MIDI IN jack for receiving note messages, and a
USB-MIDI connector that can transmit and receive note messages. You can
even connect the MS20 mini to your computer and play it from a
sequencer.
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