View other reviews for this product:
fredziak « A limited instrument, but a good instrument »
Published on 09/14/12 at 11:52The MS2000r is a virtual analog synthesizer. This is the version without keyboard Korg MS2000 which it shares most of the features. Through this instrument, Korg wanted to revive the spirit of old machinery 3 mythical MS20 synthesizer, sequencer step SQ10 and VC10 vocoder. The MS2000 together in fact these three features.
Without going into all the details, the MS2000 offers a classic subtractive synthesis with 2 oscillators per voice, a choice of 4 filters (low pass 24dB or 12 dB, bandpass and highpass), 2 envelopes (1 for VCA , 1 for filter), 2 LFO and a section called "Virtual Patch" offering various opportunities for modulation. Interesting idea: one of ocscillateurs comes with a collection of waveforms from Korg DW8000 and more traditional forms as well as the possibility of including an external signal. Are added some effects (delay, chorus, distortion) and an arpeggiator. The step sequencer can be programmed changes in three parameters choice of 16 no. Finally, the notorious limitations: only 4-voice polyphony, a bi-timbral rather small and not adjustable distortion (ON / OFF).
UTILIZATION
Most parameters are directly accessible via MS2000 buttons and knobs, which gives immediately a great usability and leads to the creation (even if the controls are a bit small). I regret the absence of general wheel in addition to + and - buttons to scroll through the programs or settings annexes.
The sequencer is very interesting to bring to life the sounds and is easy to use (although turning a knob is not the easiest way to place a note). For its part, the mode vocoder does what is expected of him. In short, to use, it is a machine straightforward as it is in fact much.
SOUNDS
Some criticize the MS2000 to have her too thin. I think it is precisely his interest with a similar positioning to the family of Roland JX8P (certainly less alive) versus "analog heavy." The waveforms DW8000 expand the palette much of this instrument. In addition, the sequencer, arpeggiator, and modulation matrix combination can carve new sound changes (the "Evolver").
All this makes the MS2000 synthesizer fairly faithful to its standard analog with openings towards more sophisticated world. Of course, you will not leave nor a Moog bass sounds or rich copper and an Oberheim. It does not stop to defend themselves in these areas, although it stands out above all for what I call "triturages in finesse."
To accompany these words, here is a small demo sounds of the machine, based on preset programs as well as my own:
http://www.arts21.net/fr/korg-ms2000r
OVERALL OPINION
I have a particular attraction for the MS2000, for both its ergonomics and sound. Claim that revived the old Korg would be wrong but these machines were a great source of inspiration for this new user-friendly instrument with a "personality" sound assertive. This is also so successful that Korg decline then this result, one side with the MicroKorg and the other with the Radias. Nevertheless, its limitations are frustrating but consoles himself by saying that a good instrument limited is better than bad!
Without going into all the details, the MS2000 offers a classic subtractive synthesis with 2 oscillators per voice, a choice of 4 filters (low pass 24dB or 12 dB, bandpass and highpass), 2 envelopes (1 for VCA , 1 for filter), 2 LFO and a section called "Virtual Patch" offering various opportunities for modulation. Interesting idea: one of ocscillateurs comes with a collection of waveforms from Korg DW8000 and more traditional forms as well as the possibility of including an external signal. Are added some effects (delay, chorus, distortion) and an arpeggiator. The step sequencer can be programmed changes in three parameters choice of 16 no. Finally, the notorious limitations: only 4-voice polyphony, a bi-timbral rather small and not adjustable distortion (ON / OFF).
UTILIZATION
Most parameters are directly accessible via MS2000 buttons and knobs, which gives immediately a great usability and leads to the creation (even if the controls are a bit small). I regret the absence of general wheel in addition to + and - buttons to scroll through the programs or settings annexes.
The sequencer is very interesting to bring to life the sounds and is easy to use (although turning a knob is not the easiest way to place a note). For its part, the mode vocoder does what is expected of him. In short, to use, it is a machine straightforward as it is in fact much.
SOUNDS
Some criticize the MS2000 to have her too thin. I think it is precisely his interest with a similar positioning to the family of Roland JX8P (certainly less alive) versus "analog heavy." The waveforms DW8000 expand the palette much of this instrument. In addition, the sequencer, arpeggiator, and modulation matrix combination can carve new sound changes (the "Evolver").
All this makes the MS2000 synthesizer fairly faithful to its standard analog with openings towards more sophisticated world. Of course, you will not leave nor a Moog bass sounds or rich copper and an Oberheim. It does not stop to defend themselves in these areas, although it stands out above all for what I call "triturages in finesse."
To accompany these words, here is a small demo sounds of the machine, based on preset programs as well as my own:
http://www.arts21.net/fr/korg-ms2000r
OVERALL OPINION
I have a particular attraction for the MS2000, for both its ergonomics and sound. Claim that revived the old Korg would be wrong but these machines were a great source of inspiration for this new user-friendly instrument with a "personality" sound assertive. This is also so successful that Korg decline then this result, one side with the MicroKorg and the other with the Radias. Nevertheless, its limitations are frustrating but consoles himself by saying that a good instrument limited is better than bad!