All user reviews for the Korg Ms-20

Semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer.

USE

No need to book: you hack, attempts improbable patches until an adjustment that is quick sampler soon, because we know we will never fall exactly on it.

SOUNDS

Typed sonorities and aggressive, beautiful derriere with distortion. It is not realistic that we want, but a good big sound punchy. All waveforms are excellent, no complaints. Filters (Hi and Low) are very good, the resonance is a killer.

NOTICE GLOBAL

I use it for 1 year. It is an ideal synth for work around the subtractive synthesis, whether you beginner or expert. His aggressive sonorities altogether would probably agree not to everyone: it is a very noisy gear used in the world of industrial music, and quickly understand why. It sounds very typical, gross, for my part I enrich with good derriere effects (phaser, flanger, reverb, delay, etc) ... and there is happiness!
If you have the opportunity to get this beast at a reasonable price, do not hesitate.

With the buttons: they are bored. With "patches" (cables) remains stuck there for hours.

UTILIZATION

Forget the basics and manual: do anything. The MS-20 is made for this. Plus you always understand what you are doing because a patchable synth is 100% touch: you hold the control voltages between your fingers!

One of the keys of the MS-20 is the audio signal processor, which can do real hack. Do not hesitate either to make cords Y (three jacks).

SOUNDS

The MS-20 can not do good acoustic instrument sounds, with rare exceptions. Ask him to do against the effects and sound effects ... so here it is very hard! You have a really twisted idea? Make it!

The two independent low-pass filters and high-pass series allow many things.

His faults: the oscilloscope does not sound great, envelopes are soft.

OVERALL OPINION

I since 1978. The possibility of this synth are unique.

The friend Google will inform you better than me on the characteristics of MS20.
This is vintage so no memories, no connectors recent MIDI / USB kind.
Its black metal, its knobs that are "Clank!" and keys to the sound of old spring mattress in the attic make him a monster devastating look past that comes to haunt you with these sounds devastating!

UTILIZATION

This is my first big analog worthy of the name. The barrier to overcome is that of a knob = what function?
Once we got it the operation of the machine can be preset from an initial and traveled between different types of sounds one by one by grinding the front panel controls and you can really come across interesting and amazing things. A treat!

SOUNDS

This is the big mistake! So beware must adhere to the grain so special of course, but I adhere to 200%. I'm a fan. The bass is fat at will, they can be as well snapping paste (it is this synthesis term ...?) The lead can be as loud and aciiides smoothi ​​by setting out its filters. FX and other experimental sounds are obviously the game with good old MS20.
I was also very surprised and excited is the sound that is simply living and unstable, as many other analog you will tell me, but it made me violently kiffer.
If some people are surprised and may feel victimized by the machine, learn to tame the beast, make her scream at the right time and manage filters, modulations and other peaks with caution.

OVERALL OPINION

I won my love and MS20. I put my hands on different analog which are equally impressive (Minimoog travel, Bass Station, SH-101 ...) but MS still my heart stroke. It is subjective.
I used it for the first time experiencing it live a few days ago with a colleague on a Jomox for the rhythm and another on TB for sequences of bass, it is back to direct bacon and MS20 has everyone agrees! is soliiiide!
In short I recommend this synth for those who want an analog grain with a scalable, powerful and aggressive, off the beaten for their electro compos course trails.
I fear only one thing is that this old bird is a failure today because it is nickel but you never know what can we book the future ... although I think it's great that Korg has made a mini-MS20 reincarnation I find so puny and fragile next to the original ... But yet it runs very well, he and I we understand and feel that this is the beginning of a great story. I do never part.

#love #vintage #machine #gras #puissant #atypique # MS20!

Monophonic
3 octaves physical
100% Analog (no memory, no MIDI ...)
2 VCO, VCF, VCA + Full Patch bay

UTILIZATION

Once integrated the logic of "production" sounds, it does not stop fiddling with the buttons more!
To remember the sounds, there are leaves (yes paper) that represent the front of the instrument, simply fill the position of each button above for a given sound ... vintage to perfection.

SOUNDS

Do not expect the perfect Imitiation existing acoustic instrument can sometimes say that a sound approach known. I use this synth to produce electronic sound, adding the delay with an external effect are obtained super-tips, bass, techno sounds, effects (shooting lazer, drops of water etc. etc.). The BIG advantage is that all parameters are accessible in real time while you play ... just turn the knobs filters etc. ... big advantage over some machines or digital one reaches one parameter at a time. No wonder the new machines are left with more and more sliders frontage

OVERALL OPINION

I use this synth for 31 years! and it still works perfectly! I have many machines and the only one ever tempt me to part is the MS20!

Well Korg claims that the MS 20 was the first major popular analog synth that was created back then. I would have to say that it wasn’t. Also to me the unit isn’t that portable, Korg claims that it is. But compared to todays equipment its not that portable. So don’t think you will be able just to pack it up and take it with you wherever you go. It might look small but its really not that small (I don’t know the dimensions off the top of my head but just know its not little).


UTILIZATION

Using will take some time, it really took me a while to get to know this board and to understand how everything works. I don’t design sounds, so I just mess around until I get something that I like. Getting a sound that I like could be accomplished with the Korg MS 20 but it wont happen quick. I would sit down and mess with the MS 20 and before I knew it 4 hours would pass. That is a good thing to some people but to me with this unit it wasn’t a good thing. It just took too long and by the time I got the type of sound I wanted, I forgot the melody that I wanted to play. Then I would just start messing around, it would end up being a pointless session.


SOUNDS

The sounds are ok, it just takes so long to get it the way that I want it. Maybe if I had more knowledge of sound design I could do this easier.


OVERALL OPINION

I wouldn’t purchase this unless you have some knowledge of how sounds are made and created. I also wouldn’t get this if I didn’t have any experience with vintage gear. It will leave your mind lost when trying to get your sound in order. There are a lot of vintage keyboards that are great, this one is just ok.

it is a subtractive synthesizer, sculpture and sound amplification and low and high pass filters controlled by a current from what one wants: the keyboard, a roulette wheel, etc. .. a génrateur
no MIDI connections: it dates from 1972
and it is monophonic.

UTILIZATION

answer these questions would answer the question, play the violin, it's simple and easy?

SOUNDS

they must work, sculpt the sound.
we create them completely
the only flaw: the filters have slopes to 12 dB / octave. (Mini Moog and Oberheim 24 dB / octave)

OVERALL OPINION

used since its purchase, μIl is old, monophonic, fragile, it must be stable to heat. but what a joy!

Analog synth
An octave
Sounds are multiple but highly dependent on the knowledge of the user.
He asked quite a few hours of taking hands but with some patience you will be filled.
But monophonic recording each note you will come to an ultra powerful polyphonic.
Compatible CV gate you can also play through a guitar or any electric instrument.

To buy, but remember that you must be fairly passionate! Otherwise you will always have the same sounds and you will be disappointed.

UTILIZATION

Configuration, but simple for novices to allow time to apprehend it.
Manuel, very clear but do not hesitate to watch videos on the net.
Editing sounds a bit complicated

SOUNDS

Versatile!
Modulation and pitch at same patch am.
Big bass, big lead, pad, but all in mono.

OVERALL OPINION

Use for 10 years.
It has little suit any musical style.
But not very versatile ultra settled in his field.
This is a jewelry

Monophonic synth
In fact it's more an emulator sounds kind of ringer Nokia 3310 ...
Modulation and envelope generator that you éjecteront magnets from your speakers and shall burn your tweeters.

UTILIZATION

It is difficult to get a usable sound, prepare your Jacks 6.35

SOUNDS

Mono, so you go to the beep tuuuut via an obligatory by the oouiiiiiiiiiiiiipp.
Oh I forgot the chhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
No internal memory.
And not possible to make agreements is the key after key ...

OVERALL OPINION

In short, very little interest, except as to the prestigious groups that have played with, (but they were doing with their time) or for very massive style that will give your set, but in this case do not put 2000 dollards, take in a HS.
To be honest, when I recovered one, I thought I was going to enjoy myself ...
I passed on after 3 months.
Well, some will cry "foul", but I stay on my point, when I see the prices shown for Cygnus of MS20 is allucinant!

This is a research synthesizer (sound) monodic with possibilities of patching. No presets, no possibility to memorize anything (have a pen and paper manufacture or punched cards).

UTILIZATION

Operation is both simple and complex. Simple because all the settings are the eyes (no menu implausible), but it is necessary to understand the operating principles of synthesizers to get out some chose.Le manual is essential (except the experience of sound synthesis), can be download from Korg.

This synthesizer is used only if on stage to make punch cards (from memory there is a model in the doc) on which there settings and patching, then just stack them in the order pieces and then it pops gradually as (I did it for several years).

SOUNDS

The possibilities are endless in its shade near the generators are old and are not capable of the same dynamics as the recent, the envelopes are not as sophisticated as some current (no slope). and the keyboard is not dynamic (ie we forget the Velocity).
Outside these limits all is permitted even to use the guitar synthesizer.

I moderate the note because in comparing the current synthesizer, it is necessarily behind.

OVERALL OPINION

This synthesizer is quite Dement even today by its total freedom it provides. Obviously if you are looking for neat sounds you hear everywhere is certainly easier.

This synthesizer is mythical, the evidence he is one of four models that Korg has reproduced in app ($ 39)

Small semi modular synth and patchable,
mono only,
with 2 oscillators,
and an excellent low pass filter and high pass.

No presets or memories, one must set yourself every time.

UTILIZATION

There was a manual, but analog synthesis has to be learned by trying and in accordance with the concept of the signal,

construction is not so easy if we recreate the stamps from the beginning and requires a good knowledge and good knowledge of each module,

patch the game is perhaps the most complex because it is possible to route signals différemments with other results.

SOUNDS

Not sound realistic, even if we can get closer with the analog and meticulous research, or examples from the manual.
But a synth like this is designed to create sounds and effects of new and original.

The style of music is clearly electro, experimental or acid or hovering.
Ideal for leads, bass, sweeps, stamps evolving atmospheres and strange effects
like any monophonic synth.

To the left of the keyboard is a modulation wheel to be patched to the effects of pitch (frequency of the height of the oscillator) or modulation of the filter, etc. ... a small buttons can also have effects, it must be connected as I recall.

No expression on the keyboard that is too old, the volume remains the one set at the start.

OVERALL OPINION

I got the original several times years ago (80-90), also the new format USB clone which sold at the beginning with the legacy collection.

The original is very particular and thorough knowledge and application of research time stamp or special effects.
The advantage with clone USB is that little store in the computer the result of such research, which is not possible with the original vintage.

For the latter we must also thoroughly check the working condition because it was created in the early 80's and electronics requires the care, repair or overhaul. Checked the knob and all the buttons

A nice little synth but complex requires a lot of dedication and time.
Shame about the lack of memories, which brings it closer to the concept of modular large, and this one is a small, but still quite complex.
Remains the best solution is to say the software, but have the USB controller is not obvious, because I think it does produce more.
A search for occas on AudioFanzine example ...

Monophonic synth VCO + VCF double (2 filters) + VCA + Ring Modulator basic.

Patchable

No MIDI, No Computer: that Dad electronics (transistors and ICs)

UTILIZATION

teaching but not intuitive:

Without a minimum of cramming on sound synthesis, no salvation: you shall not go out as the "pisserie" synth.

Without a minimum of precautions electrical / electronic, you can gun down the beast in the patching anyhow: attention to IN / OUT and electrical voltages.

SOUNDS

it's a synth, so it produces synth sounds very typical year 70/80: you have to take

OVERALL OPINION

I use it since 1989.
At the time, I had access to Kobol without keyboard synths class of electro-acoustic at the CNR of Amiens.

Have an MS20, it's a bit recapture the spirit of Kobol.

Today, you have to have a good reason or justification for a project to acquire such an object.
Maintenance is to be considered before buying: capacitors can "dry" and slam it must therefore have the "service manual" and a soldering iron to carry hand.

If the mail scares, better patch of VSTs