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

KORG MS 20

UTILIZATION

Fairly simple and fun for anyone who knows a little analog synths

SOUNDS

It is a monophonic two oscillators and filter 12 dB / octave

OVERALL OPINION

I bought my MS 20 1978 (3600 francs, almost five times the minimum wage of
the time! )

I have lugged around, suddenly, he suffered a bit, I'm retyping the nickel and I think him a look MINIMOOG with a varnished wood with veneer in light blue or green LED ( I know, I a tad delirious ...) Anyway!

The word for that at the time, until the explosion "Jean Michel Jarre" and later the "advent of house music and other Bouzies, synths, Minimoog" was often confined to understand the roles of more or less approximate imitations of real instruments ....

Since that is known to reproduce the sounds of real instruments, so to speak perfectly, the REAL synths have finally become instruments in its own right in that the MS20 is a killer!! even if his side is a bit exaggerated ...

So be it! the filter 12 db Octave does not know what a Minimoog (compare like with like) but with a bit of fact, it tears serious!

I will miss the keyboard, noisy and unpleasant, but this bike knows almost everything: the sound of R2D2 and that of Marcia Baila MIsTOUKO of RITA (recorded in a kitchen ...) IS IT!!

BRAVO !!!!! THE MS 20

I do not remake the list filters rsons 2 trs individuals, ie dcoiffants and grimey. In SERIES was an HP and LP. What is gnial with this machine is that they can enter any two oscillating, guaranteed! For example, you can add bass with HP oscillating centering the lower part of the spectrum! It is hard enough.

Résumé for the sound of this synth I would say "vintaj". Everything that happens in spring of 20 years old at least. No need to add the plugin to breath, the whole is mixed recolor bouillifi effortlessly.

The opening of this synth is something that the Maoists can only imagine today. It's so direct, there is no better way to REALLY learn the synthse. Trs can EASILY connect a microphone, guitar, bass, a sampler of the prampli MS20 and route the sound from the machine.
One can for example sing into the microphone and the MS detects the height, the VCO will follow the Młoda. This is the kind of thing you can do so with a computer but we do no actually, because it does not lend itself. The Intrets of this machine is to be constantly available to all the desires that go through the head. In expert hands, the possibilities are standards ..

UTILIZATION

Must be in the spirit of this kind of machine. It is a semi-modular, of course, ie it is always prcabl to produce a sound, but to understand the possibilities and sounds out effectively we must also pay for his effort. Everything does not come like that ...

That said, I had a friend who knew nothing about the synthse and could spend hours out derrire the MS20 sounds and soundscapes absolutely fascinating. In fact the resonance with the bottom, move the knob of the filters produced nothing of any kind of variations is used trs experimental and contemplative like that, only good memories with VSTI Today we are more incitsa at all such experiments, and it is a shame.

SOUNDS

The sounds are electro principaly but you can do with it.

Filters both 12b/octave can not get sound or low bouncing pchus as the moog (24 dB). It remains boiled and company, and sometimes nasal (with the effect of the two bandpass filters utiliss SPOUSE). Can be quite acid sounds almost TB, but again, in bcp more dirty and less Dfine.

At the extreme rsonnance gives characters a little sour at the sound, which is sometimes boring ...

The same VCOs in them are quite pretty grungy, it's not the high-fidelity is sr.

OVERALL OPINION

I sold it for lack of money. But hey, I'm making a rplique double resonant filter, so it'll restitura much low cost.

It is, even today the price reaches (600 euro or more), an excellent machine which in any case will never be a collector, and with a good resale at that. The opening of this machine will always make the INTERESTED box as a super filter or mix the sound, or something or other, ca trs do well in a studio for all kinds of uses .... not to mention groups that typically seek to make this machine electro.

FINALLY a synth which has nothing to do with the products PLANTS want to sell us;
d there are no touch screen or fluorescent light or sound bank premach prefabricated and used to make a good bag.
Here is a rather non-real machine that gives you pleasure jubilant shoed a condition for agreeing to a Pancher can work it to the instrument.
So faiegnants fans and sounds of plants premache s refrain!

UTILIZATION

The sound is unique to these two oscillators that come into self oscillation, we obtain a raucous, plaintive, nasal, with a very very powerful filter ultra etandu and can go to the extreme low and high.
in fact c is opposite to the sound that I love minimoog D elsewhere this one being very serious baucoup rounder and fat.
to be able to compare guitar I would say that a 20 ms sound and moog type fender gibson sound.
'Guitarists understand "

SOUNDS

So here you plug the machine, nothing happens and then you turn a knob and voila that two out meeting starts at a complaint that teleports you all right in the vessels of intergalactic albator.
which is very well is that it is c baucoup lightest mini that, your back pressed RECOGNIZING.
No only the keyboard is not very pleasant (a little plastic grin)

OVERALL OPINION

I possess from about a year if I had to do a good 2nd choice and buy a 2nd day.
d elsewhere if a person sells in the region of a vaucluse.ou SQ10 to be able to drive I'm interested

Does everything said above. The only regret is that it is monophonic but keep in mind that this is one of the first Japanese synth.
No MIDI interface.

UTILIZATION

Although it can be used to fawn ncessaire fun it is to delve into the synthse analog. The modules can be drawn prcabls number of sounds from the machine but its strength is the array of patches that can rewire the machine envy. The trs potentomtres are sensitive and a very small change radically changes the sound. Use with finger and gently. In the era I had printed (computer stammered!) Sheets containing all the rglages so I can record and retrieve a particular sound Indispensable!
I use it with SQ10, complment natural.

SOUNDS

It's Premire PERIOD analog discrete components in the device that gives a grain and an inimitable sound particulire. Anything goes with patience.

OVERALL OPINION

Bought it came out in 78 I believe, and complements with a January 10 year APRS SQ. In the era I cre of "techno" and it made me laugh bcp traitaien DLIR crazy! Yes but with the mono SQ10 flight in Russia with the beats on the oscillators and filters to draw something indfinissable, indescribable. I also invested in an era Black Box make it wrong saying Polyphonic (outlaw). I always possde all 20 MS - SQ 10, my eyes is irreplaceable

Audio Signal
OSC 2 + Ring Mod -> Mixer -> VCFHP 12db + Q -> Q VCFLP 12db + -> VCA
Signal processor collection outdoor
Signals CONTRL
1LFO (with sorting and output waves Concurrent rect) + + 1HADSR 1DAD 1MVCA + + + 1 S & H + 1 1PORT Noise (White and Rose) + 1Roue Mod Switch + 1 ...
That's it!
Missing (in other ...) a second LFO with adjustable freq, the modular rsonances (indpendamment), the outputs of the oscillators patchable (+ sync hard and soft), multiple patch ... Finally, spare a glance that the cart on a modular MS20 ...

UTILIZATION

Ergonomics, simple or even simplistic at first glance ... But, in fact, far from being that simple. A system that is "modular" semi-cable IDAL for those who want to explore the world of subtractive synthse: no cables, you can create some sounds with wiring, you start Modular imagine you would be well.
In short, the top-level philosophy.
The manual seems succinct but is the philosophy of dpart: sr it must do some work to will appreciate the bbte!

SOUNDS

Just for filtering it to be MRIT cit. Both filters can SERIES sounds that can mimic Minimoog, ProOne, SH ... For my compositions, the sound can be dirty and greasy as soft and smooth to me like a glove, I draw what I want (except, of sr, when I imagine the head be a modular) ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use the MS20 since 1991. I sold in 1993 to pay me a half box and finally acquri again in 1998. I am fully satisfied and never wants me dbarasser
+: Grain, Ergonomics, Look
-: This is not a modular too bad, there is a Vostok awaits me!

Monophonic analog keyboard synthse subtractive.
Part "classic" my left, and some "patching" my right, a semi-modular so ...

connection? : 35 jacks if you flat, and a fairly standard number of possibilities, if only one ale really want to do research for hours ..

Via a Mac / PC you say? Buy while the Legacy collection, as the MS20 is IMHO a bug that is played plutt "roots", and an amp is the synth that Ragit as saturated as a guitar .. .

UTILIZATION

Configuration plutt Whereas simple if only the part prcable but thickens considerably when even if you patch the game Whereas plutt dpend ... so!

In any case there is something fun for hours!

SOUNDS

Sounds? The MS20 is the most violent synth I've ever heard is a real resentment that s'chappe of this little machine ...

It is capable of anything, from the time when the agressivit is required, thus making it a machine INTERESTED trs for many things (FX crazy, sounds Technodes), but in turn imposes also have other synths to balance things ...

For example, for low tasty, warm and powerful, I prfre my Moog Prodigy 1000 times ... it does not have the opportunities dixime modulations of MS20's up to you ...!

Do not forget, when a achte MS20, was a two-in-one, since he can swing any source ... guitar, bass, bote rhythms, voices, etc ...
he gives his personality all that goes into it ... and is not ngligeable because you can end up driving envelopes duly by a guitar solo ... or modulate the Golfrapp voice as ...

In any case, it is a VERY strong personality is machine sr!

OVERALL OPINION

I do not use it long enough to boast of having been around (guys who for 20 years say they have not yet made the rounds of all fawns ... ) but what I am sr is that it is a machine for the express trs INTERESTED, and even if it is a bit surct today cel is an excellent investment for whatever musician express ...

on the other hand should get their hands dirty, but should not be rcompens

I do not return to the config, everybody knows. It's monophonic two oscillators, two VCF and cool stuff like Sample & Hold or Ring Modulator. How many sounds? Full, I did not count is infinite. It's not midday, the three-octave keyboard is basic and not dynamic. Its addition, the panel that allows patching any rewiring will. Of course, the sounds are not mmorisables, but with a good camera numrique ...

UTILIZATION

For someone who does not have a basic understanding of synthse, the first sight is not empty. Fortunately, the original manual is clear and trs examples of patches are donns INTERESTED. After one hour, we understand the basic concepts and within a few days, we come to "think MS20" CRER sound that was in the head ... The pleasure is in search of sounds to the point of sometimes stay on for hours without producing any music but s'tre bored one second.

SOUNDS

Sounds: standards for those who like Emerson, Szajner, Shulze the years 75-80. Do not try to sound ralistes with MS20, it is not in a. On the contrary. IDAL is for low-tech (with SQ10 is perfect) or spacey sounds and other effects spciaux. The inputs allow processing of other instruments that are giving away boxes of effects. The weak point is the keyboard way too plastic. If coming out on Korg MS20 with a keyboard dynamics and aftertouch, they would be a misfortune ...

OVERALL OPINION

I bought my first MS20 in 1981, and another the following year. To control has had two SQ10. I complt all by a VC10. Everything looks the same, what!
This is the ultimate synth. We start from nothing and you get what you want, provided the master bte. For the initiation synthse, there is no better and the price is the one not far from the sound of the modular. O In the era I'm spar (for lack of space and time), was worth nothing and now they are found to the price of nine ...
I console myself with the Korg Legacy Collection, which is missing from the default hard (rglages instability of sensitivity, congestion) but adds polyphony.

Type 3 MS20 octaves
analog switch
Fully programmable non-editable non noon but can be midifibr /> monophonic

UTILIZATION

It takes a little work, but c is especially feeling a little practice and that we will make the best of him
not to rely too much on the manual to explain the analogy the VCO and filters etc ...

SOUNDS

C is the wonderful world of MS20 start if you want the prfabriqu of cl n hand it is not for you. The more you fiddle with the knobs aimerz? Cable everything will be taken up a switchboard for you a standard sound palette, heavy bass leads to aggressive it sounds MS 20

OVERALL OPINION

Never to spare, do not use after the miniutes if you pass sleepless nights.
Jel I found 6 years ago in a flea market for 200 francs the case of the century.
You have to see, the use demonic.

RAS

UTILIZATION

It's really the o the rub and that's the reason I post this notice. Before you actually dpensiez your money, know that this machine is virtually unusable live. Or you rgler on a sound and you do not touch more! The slightest error in the pitch and it sounds compltement false. In short, galre ...

SOUNDS

DIFFERENT zillions of sounds and finally it seems to always return the same thing ...
Trs cold and without a lot of music.

OVERALL OPINION

Rflechissez before your purchase. We really tried to insrer in our group, and alch little bit on the case. It's taking head and without even realizing it we ended up not using it. Well OK, the look is nice, but a vox continental ct ... And I'm not talking about the sound!