Korg MS-20
The Korg MS-20 is a patchable semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer which Korg released in 1978 and which was in production until 1983. It was part of Korg's MS series of instruments, which also included the single oscillator MS-10, the keyboardless MS-50 module, the SQ-10 sequencer, and the VC-10 Vocoder. Additional devices included the MS-01 Foot Controller, MS-02 Interface, MS-03 Signal Processor, and MS-04 Modulation Pedal.
| MS-20 | |
|---|---|
Korg MS-20 | |
| Manufacturer | Korg |
| Dates | 1978–1983 Mini: 2013-present Kit: 2015 FS: 2021 |
| Price | US$750 Mini: $600 Kit: $1399 FS: $1399 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Polyphony | Monophonic |
| Timbrality | Monotimbral |
| Oscillator | 2 VCOs per voice |
| LFO | 1 |
| Synthesis type | Analog subtractive |
| Filter | 2 high-pass/low-pass |
| Attenuator | 2 VCA 2 envelopes |
| Aftertouch expression | no |
| Velocity expression | no |
| Storage memory | none |
| Effects | none |
| Input/output | |
| Keyboard | 37 keys |
| External control | CV/Gate (all versions) MIDI (Mini, Kit and FS) |
Although the MS-20 follows a conventional subtractive synthesis architecture of oscillators/filter/vca, its patch panel allows some rerouting of both audio and modulation, and it includes an external signal processor. This flexibility led to its resurgence during the analog revival of the late 1990s.
In 2013, Korg responded to a revived interest in monophonic analog synthesizers by reintroducing the MS-20 in a reduced-sized form, as the MS-20 Mini. Apart from being 86% of the size of the original, the use of 1/8" jacks on the patch area, and the addition of MIDI capabilities, the MS-20 Mini is otherwise functionally identical to the original.