Korg MS-20 mini Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer

37-key Classic Analog Synthesizer with Mini Patch Bay, External Signal Processor, MIDI In, and USB for MIDI Connectivity

The MS-20 Mini from Korg is a fully functioning analog synthesizer featuring the circuitry of the iconic, late 1970's MS-20 synthesizer, but shrunk to 86% of the original size. Its versatile patching options, analog filters, and the ability to process external signals makes this diminutive powerhouse very attractive to the analog synthesizer aficionado.

A development team led by the original engineers strove to painstakingly replicate the MS-20, both in sound and form. The sound comes from an architecture featuring two oscillators (one with ring modulation) and envelope generators with hold and delay. The VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) maintains the basic design of the original, but has been modified to produce less noise.

High- and low-pass filters with resonance and distinctive distortion can deliver radical sounds when they are pushed into self-oscillation. Additionally, external sources such as an electric guitar or vocals can be used to control the synthesizer or have the source manipulated by the filters. A flexible hard-wire patching system provides nearly endless possibilities.

The synthesizer features a MIDI In jack for receiving note messages, and a USB-MIDI connector that can transmit and receive note messages (there is no velocity information). Connecting the unit to a computer allows it to be triggered from a sequencer.

Features:

• Miniature MS-20 is a complete replica of the original analog circuitry at 86% of the original size
• Overseen by the engineers of the original MS-20
• Incorporates a dual VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator), dual VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier), dual VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter), dual EG (Envelope Generator), and a single LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) structure
• Self-oscillating, high-pass/low-pass filters with distinctive distortion
• External signal processor (ESP)
• Highly flexible patching system
• MIDI In and USB connector
• Replicates every detail of the original, down to the package binding and the included manual

Specifications:

• Keyboard: 37-note mini keyboard
• Polyphony: Monophonic
• Multitimbral: No
• Synthesis Method: Voltage-controlled analog
• Control Section: Voltage Controlled Oscillator 1 (VCO 1)
• Scale: 32, 16, 8, 4' (6 octaves, +cent, -cent)
• Waveform: Triangle, Sawtooth, PW-Square, White Noise, (x 4 modes)
• Pulse Width Adjust: 1:1 to 1:Infinity
• Voltage Controlled Oscillator 2 (VCO 2)
• Scale: 16, 8, 4, 2' (6 octaves, +cent, -cent)
• Waveform: Sawtooth, Square, Pulse, Ring Modulator, (x 4 modes)
• Pitch: +/-1 Octave
• VCO Master Control
• Master Tune: +/- 100 cents
• Portamento: Maximum 10 sec
• Frequency Modulation Intensity by MG/T.EXT: -5 to +5 V
• Frequency Modulation Intensity by EG1/EXT: -5 to 0 V
• VCO Mixer
• VCO 1 Level
• VCO 2 Level
• Voltage Controlled High Pass Filter (VCF HPF)
• Cutoff Frequency: 50 Hz to 15 kHz
• Peak: Flat to self OSC
• Cutoff Frequency Modulation Intensity by MG/T.EXT: -5 to +5 V
• Cutoff Frequency Modulation Intensity by EG2/EXT: -5 to +5 V
• Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter (VCF LPF)
• Cutoff Frequency: 50 Hz to 15 kHz
• Peak: Flat to self OSC
• Cutoff Frequency Modulation Intensity by MG/T.EXT: -5 to +5 V
• Cutoff Frequency Modulation Intensity by EG2/EXT: -5 to +5 V
• Envelope Generator 1
• Delay Time: 10 sec
• Attack Time: 10 sec
• Release Time: 10 sec
• Envelope Generator 2
• Hold Time: 20 sec
• Attack Time: 10 sec
• Decay Time: 10 sec
• Sustain Time: 10 sec
• Release Time: 10 sec
• Modulation Generator (LFO)
• Waveform: Positive Sawtooth, Triangle, Negative Sawtooth, Wide Pulse, Square, Narrow Pulse
• Frequency: 0.1 to 20 Hz
• Manual Controller
• Control wheel (center click)
• Momentary switch --> Ground
• Power Switch and Volume
• Volume
• Indicators
• Keyboard Trigger LED
• Modulation Generator Rate LED
• Power On LED
• External Signal Processor: Control Section
• Input Signal Level
• Low-Cut Frequency: 50 Hz to 2.5 kHz
• High-Cut Frequency: 100 Hz to 5 kHz
• CV Adjust
• Threshold Level
• Input and Output
• Signal In
• Amplifier Out
• Band-Pass Filter Out
• CV Out: 0 to +8.4 V
• ENV Out: 0 to +5 V
• Trig Out: +5 V --> Ground
• Indicators
• Peak Indicator LED
• Trigger Indicator LED
• Control Section
• Input Signal Level
• Low Cut Frequency: 50 Hz to 2.5 kHz
• High-Cut Frequency: 100 Hz to 5 kHz
• CV Adjust
• Threshold Level
• Input and Output
• Signal In
• Amplifier Out
• Band-Pass Filter Out
• CV Out: 0 to +8.4 V
• ENV Out: 0 to +5 V
• Trig Out: +5 V --> Ground
• Indicators
• Peak Indicator LED
• Trigger Indicator LED
• Patch Panel: Keyboard
• Keyboard Control Voltage Output (Exponential): 0 to +8 V
• Keyboard Trigger Output: +5 V --> Ground
• VCO-1 + VCO-2 Control Voltage Input (Linear Response): 0 to +8 V
• VCO-2 Control Voltage Input (Linear Response): 0 to +8 V
• VCO
• VCO-1 + VCO-2 External Frequency Control Input (Oct/V): -5 to +5 V
• VCF
• External Signal Input: 3 V p-p maximum
• External High Pass Filter Cutoff Frequency Control Input (2 Oct/V): -5 to +5 V
• External Low Pass Filter Cutoff Frequency Control Input (2 Oct/V): -5 to +5 V
• VCO + VCF
• Total External Modulation Input (T.EX): -5 to +5 V
• VCA
• External Initial Gain Control Input: 0 to +5 V
• EG
• EG 1 Envelope Signal Normal Output: -5 to 0 V
• EG 1 Envelope Signal Reverse Output: +5 to 0 V
• EG 1 + EG 2 Trigger Input: --> Ground
• EG 1 Trigger Input: --> Ground
• EG 2 Envelope Signal Reverse Output: +5 to 0 V
• MG
• Triangle Output: Positive Sawtooth, Triangle, Negative Sawtooth (5 V p-p)
• Rectangle Output: Wide Pulse, Square, Narrow Pulse (0 to +5 V)
• Noise Generator
• Pink Noise Output: 5 V p-p
• White Noise Output: 5 V p-p
• Sample and Hold
• Clock Trigger Input: --> Ground
• Sample Signal Input: 5 V p-p maximum
• S/H Output: 5 V p-p maximum
• Modulation VCA
• Control Voltage Input: 0 to +5 V)
• Signal Input: -5 to +5 V
• Signal Output: -5 to +5 V
• Manual Controller
• Control Wheel Output: -5 V <-- 0 V --> +5 V
• Momentary Switch Output: --> Ground
• Connectors: 1 x 1/8" (3.5 mm) TS mono mini Signal Output (2 V p-p, output impedance 3.5 kOhms)
• 1 x 1/8" (3.5 mm) TS mono mini External Signal Input
• 1 x 1/8" (3.5 mm) TRS stereo mini Headphone
• 1 x 5-pin DIN MIDI In*
• 1 x USB Type-B**
• * Only note messages received (velocity not used)
• ** Only note messages transmitted and received (velocity not used)
• Power Requirements: 9 VDC via included external power supply
• 9 W consumption
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 19.4 x 10.1 x 8.2" (493 x 257 x 208 mm)
• Weight: 10.6 lb (4.8 kg)

Includes:

• Korg MS-20 Mini - Monophonic Analog Synthesizer (Black)
• External Power Supply
• 10 x Patch Cables
• Limited 1-Year Warranty