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{{short description|Patchable semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer}}
{{Redirect|MS-20|the planned spaceflight|Soyuz MS-20|other uses|MS20 (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox synthesizer
{{Infobox synthesizer
| image = Korg MS-20.jpg
| image = Korg MS-20.jpg
| image_caption = Korg MS-20
| image_caption = Korg MS-20
| synth_name = MS-20
| synth_name = MS-20
| synth_manufacturer = [[Korg]]
| synth_manufacturer = [[Korg]]
| synthesis_type = [[analog synthesizer|Analog]] [[subtractive synthesis|subtractive]]
| synthesis_type = [[analog synthesizer|Analog]] [[subtractive synthesis|subtractive]]
| polyphony = [[Monophonic (synthesizers)|Monophonic]]
| polyphony = [[Monophonic (synthesizers)|Monophonic]]
| timbrality = [[Monotimbral]]
| timbrality = [[Monotimbral]]
| oscillator = 2 VCOs per voice
| oscillator = 2 VCOs per voice
| filter = 2 [[high-pass filter|high-pass]]/[[low-pass filter|low-pass]]
| filter = 2 [[high-pass filter|high-pass]]/[[low-pass filter|low-pass]]
| attenuator = 2 VCA <br>2 envelopes
| attenuator = 2 VCA <br>2 envelopes
| lfo = 1
| lfo = 1
| ext_control = [[CV/Gate]] (all versions)<br/>[[MIDI]] (Mini and Kit)
| ext_control = [[CV/Gate]] (all versions)<br/>[[MIDI]] (Mini, Kit and FS)
| memory = none
| memory = none
| fx = none
| fx = none
| dates = 1978&ndash;1983<br>Mini: 2013-present<br>Kit: 2015
| dates = 1978&ndash;1983<br>Mini: 2013-present<br>Kit: 2015<br>FS: 2021
| price = [[US$]]750<br>Mini: $600<br>Kit: $1399
| price = [[US$]]750<br>Mini: $600<br>Kit: $1399<br>FS: $1399
| keyboard = 37 keys
| keyboard = 37 keys
| portamento = yes
| portamento = yes
| velocity = no
| velocity = no
| aftertouch = no
| aftertouch = no
}}
}}


The '''Korg MS-20''' is a patchable semi-modular [[Monophonic (synthesizers)|monophonic]] [[analog synthesizer]] which [[Korg]] released in 1978 and which was in production until 1983.<ref>http://www.cyborgstudio.com/synthmp3s/korg/ms20/manual/ms20servicemanual.pdf</ref> It was part of Korg's MS series of instruments, which also included the single oscillator [[Korg MS-10|MS-10]], the keyboardless MS-50 module, the SQ-10 sequencer, and the [[Korg VC-10|VC-10]] Vocoder. Additional devices included the MS-01 Foot Controller, MS-02 Interface, MS-03 Signal Processor, and MS-04 Modulation Pedal.
The '''Korg MS-20''' is a patchable semi-modular [[Monophonic (synthesizers)|monophonic]] [[analog synthesizer]] which [[Korg]] released in 1978 and which was in production until 1983.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cyborgstudio.com/synthmp3s/korg/ms20/manual/ms20servicemanual.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2017-10-27 |archive-date=2013-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625095306/http://www.cyborgstudio.com/synthmp3s/korg/ms20/manual/ms20servicemanual.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was part of Korg's MS series of instruments, which also included the single oscillator [[Korg MS-10|MS-10]], the keyboardless MS-50 module, the SQ-10 sequencer, and the [[Korg VC-10|VC-10]] Vocoder. Additional devices included the MS-01 Foot Controller, MS-02 Interface, MS-03 Signal Processor, and MS-04 Modulation Pedal.


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.
Although the MS-20 follows a conventional [[subtractive synthesis]] architecture with oscillators, filter, and VCA, its patch panel allows some rerouting of both audio and modulation signals, alongside 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 electronically identical to the original.
In response to a revived interest in monophonic analog synthesizers, Korg has reintroduced the MS-20 in various formats: the scaled-down MS-20 Mini, unassembled desktop and full-sized versions, and, in 2020, a full-sized reissue known as the MS-20 FS.


==Sound and features==
==Architecture==

===Audio path===

====Oscillators====
[[Image:Korg MS-20 VCO Section.jpg|right|thumb|MS-20 knob section]]
[[Image:Korg MS-20 VCO Section.jpg|right|thumb|MS-20 knob section]]
The MS-20 has two [[Voltage-controlled oscillator|VCO]]s. The output of VCO1 can be set to triangle, sawtooth, adjustable-width pulse or white noise. The output of VCO2 can be set to sawtooth, square, rectangle or [[ring modulator|"ring mod"]] which is in fact an [[XOR|exclusive-OR]] between the pulse output of VCO1 and the square wave output of VCO2. Although the pulse width of VCO1 is adjustable, there is no voltage control for this parameter and as a result pulse width modulation is not possible although mods have successfully achieved this. The VCOs have Hz/V voltage control inputs but note that oct/V scaling is available via judicious use of the "total" CV input socket.
The MS-20 features two [[Voltage-controlled oscillator|voltage-controlled oscillators]] (VCOs) with a variety of waveform outputs including triangle, sawtooth, pulse, and white noise for VCO1, and sawtooth, square, and narrow pulse waveforms, as well as a [[ring modulation]] option for VCO2. The MS-20 also boasts two voltage-controlled filters (VCFs) in series—a high-pass and a low-pass filter.


The MS-20 has a [[Low-frequency oscillation|low frequency oscillator]], labeled "modulation generator", which offers unique controls over the rate and shape of the waveform, which is sent to two outputs: pulse and sloped. This allows for a wide range of modulation effects, from changing the duty cycle of the pulse output to varying the shape of the sloped output, making it possible to achieve everything from sawtooth to square and triangle waves.
====Filters====
There are two [[Voltage-controlled filter|VCF]]s in series. The first is a 6&nbsp;dB/oct <ref>http://www.timstinchcombe.co.uk/synth/MS20_study.pdf</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.doepfer.de/A106.htm |title=A-106 |publisher=Doepfer.de |date=2010-06-18 |accessdate=2013-10-07}}</ref> high-pass, the second a 12&nbsp;dB/oct low-pass. Resonance ("peak" in Korg parlance) is adjustable but not voltage-controlled.


The synthesizer includes two envelope generators with various parameters, providing control over the dynamics and articulation of the sound. Additionally, the MS-20 features a noise source, a modulation VCA, and options for external control through a frequency-voltage converter and an envelope follower, enabling the synthesizer to be driven by external signals such as a voice or another instrument. Its patch panel allows for extensive connectivity and modulation routing, further expanding its creative possibilities.
Originally, the filters used Korg's proprietary [http://www.burningimage.net/synthesisers/Korg/Korg%2035/Korg%2035.pdf KORG-35] thick film IC. Later, the filters were redesigned to use off-the-shelf [[LM13600]] [[Operational transconductance amplifier|OTA]]s. MS-20 units fitted with LM13600 filters have a small daughter board; the front panel on such units ''often'' has a tell-tale mounting screw whose head is visible in the vicinity of the VCA block diagram. However, a report to the [http://machines.hyperreal.org/Analogue-Heaven/ Analogue Heaven] email list in January 2010 identified an MS-20 with the front panel screw but containing the Korg 35 filter thick film circuit rather than the expected LM13600 circuit.


== ''MS-20'' reissues ==
A useful illustration of the Korg-35 filter in-circuit is shown here <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20150619232549/http://www.punkdisco.co.uk/misc/gear/Korg/MS20/Disassemble1.jpg</ref> and some photographs illustrating the later LM13600 filter daughterboard are shown here <ref>{{cite web|url=http://nwheaton.homemail.com.au/korgms20.htm |title=KORG MS-20 "VERSION 2" |publisher=Nwheaton.homemail.com.au |date=2006-05-11 |accessdate=2013-10-07}}</ref> (both URLs valid as of May 4, 2013). The tonal difference between the two is that the original Korg-35 filter has a slight amount of hiss which overdrives into the sound at high resonant settings. This causes the filter to have more of a "screaming" effect similar to it being used with a distortion pedal. The revised filter has most of this noise cleared up and is less aggressive sounding.
[[File:KORG MS-20 Kit - 2014 NAMM Show (by Matt Vanacoro).jpg|thumb|The fully built MS-20 Kit – the limited edition kit version of the MS-20 Mini.]]
At the 2013 [[NAMM Show]], Korg announced the MS-20 Mini, a compact version of the iconic Korg MS-20, scaled down to 86% of the original's size. The MS-20 Mini was developed by the same engineers responsible for the original instrument, ensuring a faithful replication of the MS-20's original electronic circuits. The modernized version introduces 1/8-inch input and output jacks, a [[MIDI]] input jack, and [[USB]] MIDI connectivity for both input and output.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.residentadvisor.net/review-view.aspx?id=13710 |title=RA Reviews: Korg - MS-20 Mini (Tech) |publisher=Residentadvisor.net |access-date=2013-10-07}}</ref>


The following year, at the 2014 NAMM Show, Korg announced that it would release a limited edition full-size unassembled MS-20. Like the MS-20 Mini, this kit adds MIDI and USB connectivity. Additionally, the MS-20 Kit includes two different filter types: one used in earlier MS20s or a slightly warmer filter used on later MS20s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NAMM 2014: Korg MS20 Kit (Video) |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/news/namm-2014-korg-ms20-kit-video |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=www.soundonsound.com}}</ref>
====Output====
The final component in the audio path is a [[Voltage-controlled amplifier|VCA]]. It is a single-transistor design, based on a selected [http://www.datasheetcatalog.org/datasheet/nec/2SC945.pdf 2SC945] which is an NPN silicon device (equivalenced by 2N2222A according to the Towers' International Transistor Selector book, update 5 ({{ISBN|978-0-572-02121-4}}, 90100)).


At the 2015 NAMM Show, Korg unveiled the MS-20M Kit, an unassembled desktop module version of the MS-20, excluding a keyboard and sold with the Korg SQ-1 step sequencer. This version incorporates self-oscillating high-pass/low-pass filters with distinctive distortion, toggle switches for VCO synchronization and FM, and a choice between the original filter designs. It also features a PWM IN jack for pulse width modulation, compatibility with various CV/GATE standards (Hz/V and V/Oct, S-Trig, and V-Trig), a MIDI IN connector, USB MIDI connectivity, and a junction patch bay for SQ-1 integration.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogersonpublished |first=Ben |date=2015-01-23 |title=NAMM 2015: Korg MS-20M Kit synth, SQ-1 step sequencer hands-on and video |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/namm-2015-korg-ms-20m-kit-synth-sq-1-step-sequencer-hands-on-and-video-614129 |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=MusicRadar |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Korg MS20M & SQ1 |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/korg-ms20m-sq1 |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=www.soundonsound.com}}</ref>
===Modulation===
[[Image:Korg MS-20 Patch-Feld.jpg|thumb|MS-20 patch field]]


In 2019, [[Behringer]] announced its low-cost clone of the MS-20, the K-2.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/out-of-nowhere-behringer-announces-its-ms-20-clone-the-k-2|title=Out of nowhere, Behringer announces its MS-20 clone, the K-2|date=1 August 2019|website=MusicRadar.com|access-date=22 April 2021}}</ref>
====Modulation generator====
The MS-20 has a low frequency oscillator, labelled "modulation generator". It has two controls (''rate'' and ''shape'') and two outputs (pulse and sloped).


At the 2020 NAMM Show, Korg announced a full size reissue of the MS-20, called the MS-20 FS, which retains features from the 2013 kit release such as the Rev1 and Rev2 filter types as well as MIDI compatibility through both 5-pin DIN and USB connections.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Korg re-re-release MS20 |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/news/korg-re-re-release-ms20 |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=www.soundonsound.com}}</ref>
The shape control was a rather unusual feature for the time. It affects the duty cycle of the pulse output and the shape of the sloped output. When the control is at the anticlockwise end, the pulse width is very high (pulse output stays high for most of the cycle) and the sloped output is an upward sawtooth wave. At the clockwise end, the pulse width is very low (pulse output stays low for most of the cycle) and the sloped output is a downward sawtooth wave. At midway, the pulse width is 50% (pulse output is a square wave) and the sloped output is a triangle wave.

The pulse output is available through the patch panel. It is unipolar (0 or +5V) and suitable for triggering the S&H or the envelope generators.

The sloped output is bipolar (-2.5V to +2.5V). Like the pulse output, it is available through a dedicated jack on the patch panel. It also feeds the top modulation bus and so can be used to modulate the frequency of the VCOs and the cutoff frequency of either or both VCF without patching.

====Envelopes====
There are two envelope generators. EG1 has Delay, Attack, and Release parameters, whilst EG2 has Hold, Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release. The envelope generators have S-trig trigger inputs.

====Other sources and options====
The MS-20 also includes a noise source (pink and white), a separate [[vactrol]]-based modulation VCA, a wheel controller, and a trigger button. It is possible to connect the MS-20 to a step sequencer like the SQ-10 (another product by Korg). This involves making use of the CV input and the trigger input which connects straight to the SQ-10, this means that the synthesizer and the step sequencer can work in synchronisation to play the notes when the next step of the sequencers pattern is triggered. In theory it is possible to connect any analogue sequencer to the MS-20 providing it has a trigger and CV output.

===External signal processor===
The MS-20 includes a frequency-voltage converter, envelope follower and gate extractor which can be used to drive it with an external signal. By connecting the output of the F-V converter to the CV input of the VCOs (VCO 1+2 CV IN) and the output of the gate extractor to the trigger input of the envelope generators (TRIG IN), the operator can play the MS-20 through his/her voice or another instrument.

Instead of triggering the envelope generators, one can connect the output of the envelope follower to the main VCA's INITIAL GAIN input. In that mode of operation, the envelope generators are not used and the envelope of the MS-20's output is simply that of the external signal.

== ''MS-20'' reissues ==
[[File:KORG MS-20 Kit - 2014 NAMM Show (by Matt Vanacoro).jpg|thumb|The fully-built MS-20 Kit - the limited edition kit version of the MS-20 Mini.]]
In January, 2013, Korg announced at [[NAMM]] that the company would release the Korg MS-20 mini. It is 86% the size of the Korg MS-20. The mini was designed by the engineers who developed the original MS-20. It aims to be a faithful re-release of the original electronic circuits of the MS-20. The MS-20 mini features 1/8" input and output jacks, a [[MIDI]] IN jack as well as [[USB]] MIDI (input and output).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.residentadvisor.net/review-view.aspx?id=13710 |title=RA Reviews: Korg - MS-20 Mini (Tech) |publisher=Residentadvisor.net |date= |accessdate=2013-10-07}}</ref>

In January, 2014, Korg announced that they would release a limited edition full-size unassembled MS-20. Like the MS-20 Mini, the module kit adds MIDI and USB connectivity. The MS-20 Kit also includes both MS-20 filter revisions, selectable by the user.

In January, 2015, Korg announced at the 2015 NAMM show they would release an unassembled desktop kit called the "MS-20M Kit." This kit does not include a keyboard and is being sold as a bundle with the Korg SQ-1 step sequencer. This version features self-oscillating high-pass/low-pass filters with distinctive distortion, toggle switches for VCO 1 to 2 sync / VCO 1 to 2 FM, a toggle to switch between rev 1 and rev 2 filter designs, PWM IN jack allows pulse width modulation, supports all CV/GATE specifications: Hz/V and V/Oct, S-Trig and V-Trig, a MIDI IN connector and USB MIDI connector, and adds a junction patching bay for integration with SQ-1.


==Software emulations==
==Software emulations==
There is a software emulator of the MS-20 included in the [[KORG legacy Collection]]. As well as a standalone emulator, the Legacy Collection provides the MS-20 as a virtual instrument ([[Virtual Studio Technology|VST]]). The external signal processor is implemented separately as a VST effect called MS-20EX. This same software emulated MS-20 was also part of the LAC-1 expansion for the [[Korg OASYS]] and is one of the [[Korg Kronos]] sound engines.
There is a software emulator of the MS-20 included in the '''KORG legacy Collection'''. As well as a standalone emulator, the Legacy Collection provides the MS-20 as a virtual instrument ([[Virtual Studio Technology|VST]]). The external signal processor is implemented separately as a VST effect called MS-20EX. This same software emulated MS-20 was also part of the LAC-1 expansion for the [[Korg OASYS]] and is one of the [[Korg Kronos]] sound engines.


[[KORG DS-10]] is a music creation program for the Nintendo DS that emulates the Korg MS range of synthesizers.
[[KORG DS-10]] is a music creation program for the Nintendo DS that emulates the Korg MS range of synthesizers.


[[KORG iMS-20]] is an MS-20 emulator for the [[iPad]].
[[KORG DSN-12]] is an MS-20 emulator for the [[Nintendo 3DS]].


'''KORG iMS-20''' is an MS-20 emulator for the [[iPad]].
==Notable users==
{{Div col|cols=2}}

* [[Add N to (X)]]
* [[Air (French band)|Air]]
* [[Alec Empire]]
* [[Alphaville (band)|Alphaville]]
* [[Aphex Twin]]
* [[Apoptygma Berzerk]]
* [[Arcade Fire]]
* [[Asian Dub Foundation]]
* [[Astral Projection (group)|Astral Projection]]
* [[Atoms for Peace (band)|Atoms for Peace]]
* [[Autechre]]
* [[Ákos Nagy]] [https://www.youtube.com/user/akosostenuto]
* [[Beborn Beton]]
* [[Broadcast (band)]]
* [[Chicks on Speed]]
* [[Chrislo Haas]]<ref name="esch">Rudi Esch, [https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=GUn_DAAAQBAJ&pg=PT257#v=onepage&q&f=false ''Electri_City: The Düsseldorf School of Electronic Music'', page 257], [[Omnibus Press]]</ref>
* [[Cluster ensemble]]
* [[Coil (band)|Coil]]
* [[Ian J. Cook (musician and sound designer)]]
* [[Covenant (band)|Covenant]]
* [[Daddy DJ]]
* [[Daft Punk]]
* [[The Dandy Warhols]]
* [[David Scott Stone]]
* [[Depeche Mode]]
* [[Der Plan]]
* [[Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft]]
* [[Die Krupps]]
* [[Digitalism (band)|Digitalism]]
* [[Steve Hillier]] of [[Dubstar]]
* [[Einstürzende Neubauten]]
* [[Electrosexual]]
* [[Eliot Lipp]]
* [[Erasure]]
* [[Ernest Blackwell]]
* [[Felix Kubin]]
* [[Fad Gadget]]
* [[The Faint]]
* [[The Fall (band)|The Fall]]
* [[A Flock of Seagulls]]
* [[Foals (band)|Foals]]
* [[Fortran 5]]
* [[Friendly Fires]]
* [[Eloy Fritsch]]
* [[Front 242]]
* [[Front Line Assembly]]
* [[Futurians (band)|Futurians]]
* [[Gaudi (musician)|Gaudi]]
* [[Greg Anderson (guitarist)|Greg Anderson]]
* [[Goldfrapp]]
* [[Gorillaz]]
* [[Susumu Hirasawa]]
* [[Ian Cook]]
* [[Indochine (band)|Indochine]]
* [[Information Society (band)|Information Society]]
* [[Jon Hopkins]]
* [[Juno Reactor]]
* [[Justice (band)|Justice]]
* [[Kas Product]]
* [[Kevin Schmidt]]
* [[Kid606]]
* [[KMFDM]]
* [[Klaxons]]
* [[Kurt Dahlke]]<ref name="esch"/>
* [[Ladytron]]
* [[Laibach (band)|Laibach]]
* [[Legowelt]]
* [[Liaisons Dangereuses (band)|Liaisons Dangereuses]]
* [[Mr. Oizo]]
* [[MSTRKRFT]]
* [[Neon Indian]]
* [[Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark]]
* [[The Presets]]
* [[The Prodigy]]
* [[Röyksopp]]
* [[Safety Scissors]]
* [[Scooter (band)|Scooter]]
* [[Severed Heads]]
* [[Shapeshifter (band)|Shapeshifter]]
* [[Lee Jason Simeone|Simeone]]
* [[Simian Mobile Disco]]
* [[Simon Posford]]
* [[Skinny Puppy]]
* [[Skyphone]]
* [[Snap!]]
* [[Snarky Puppy]]
* [[Soulwax]]
* [[Spleen United]]
* [[Stephen O'Malley]]
* [[Robert Görl]]<ref name="esch"/>
* [[Rodrigo Etchebarne]]
* [[Trentemøller]]
* [[Ufomammut]]
* [[Villa Rosa]]
* [[Vince Clarke]]
* [[William Orbit]]
* [[Wumpscut]]
* [[Yann Tiersen]]
* [[Yuksek]]
* [[Zen Paradox]]
{{Div col end}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite magazine|title=Retro: Korg MS-20|page=50|magazine=[[Future Music]]|issue=43|date=May 1996|publisher=Future Publishing|issn=0967-0378|oclc=1032779031}}
*{{cite magazine|title=Korg MS20|page=80|magazine=Music Technology|date=June 1989|issn=0957-6606|oclc=24835173}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.korganalogue.net Korg Kornucopia - Korg analogue synthesizer information, manuals and resources]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140812203530/http://www.korganalogue.net/ Korg Kornucopia - Korg analogue synthesizer information, manuals and resources]
*[http://www.burningimage.net/synthesisers/Korg/ More Korg info]
*[http://www.vintagesynth.com/korg/ms20.shtml Vintage Synth Explorer Korg MS-20 page]
*[https://www.youtube.com/user/Newueel Korg MS-20 instruction videos]


{{Korg}}
{{Korg}}
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[[Category:Analog synthesizers]]
[[Category:Analog synthesizers]]
[[Category:Monophonic synthesizers]]
[[Category:Monophonic synthesizers]]
[[Category:Modular synthesizers]]
[[Category:Musical instruments invented in the 1970s]]

Latest revision as of 22:43, 14 March 2024

"MS-20" redirects here. For the planned spaceflight, see Soyuz MS-20. For other uses, see MS20 (disambiguation).
MS-20
Korg MS-20
ManufacturerKorg
Dates1978–1983
Mini: 2013-present
Kit: 2015
FS: 2021
PriceUS$750
Mini: $600
Kit: $1399
FS: $1399
Technical specifications
PolyphonyMonophonic
TimbralityMonotimbral
Oscillator2 VCOs per voice
LFO1
Synthesis typeAnalog subtractive
Filter2 high-pass/low-pass
Attenuator2 VCA
2 envelopes
Aftertouch expressionno
Velocity expressionno
Storage memorynone
Effectsnone
Input/output
Keyboard37 keys
External controlCV/Gate (all versions)
MIDI (Mini, Kit and FS)

The Korg MS-20 is a patchable semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer which Korg released in 1978 and which was in production until 1983.[1] 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.

Although the MS-20 follows a conventional subtractive synthesis architecture with oscillators, filter, and VCA, its patch panel allows some rerouting of both audio and modulation signals, alongside an external signal processor. This flexibility led to its resurgence during the analog revival of the late 1990s.

In response to a revived interest in monophonic analog synthesizers, Korg has reintroduced the MS-20 in various formats: the scaled-down MS-20 Mini, unassembled desktop and full-sized versions, and, in 2020, a full-sized reissue known as the MS-20 FS.

Sound and features

[edit]
MS-20 knob section

The MS-20 features two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) with a variety of waveform outputs including triangle, sawtooth, pulse, and white noise for VCO1, and sawtooth, square, and narrow pulse waveforms, as well as a ring modulation option for VCO2. The MS-20 also boasts two voltage-controlled filters (VCFs) in series—a high-pass and a low-pass filter.

The MS-20 has a low frequency oscillator, labeled "modulation generator", which offers unique controls over the rate and shape of the waveform, which is sent to two outputs: pulse and sloped. This allows for a wide range of modulation effects, from changing the duty cycle of the pulse output to varying the shape of the sloped output, making it possible to achieve everything from sawtooth to square and triangle waves.

The synthesizer includes two envelope generators with various parameters, providing control over the dynamics and articulation of the sound. Additionally, the MS-20 features a noise source, a modulation VCA, and options for external control through a frequency-voltage converter and an envelope follower, enabling the synthesizer to be driven by external signals such as a voice or another instrument. Its patch panel allows for extensive connectivity and modulation routing, further expanding its creative possibilities.

MS-20 reissues

[edit]
The fully built MS-20 Kit – the limited edition kit version of the MS-20 Mini.

At the 2013 NAMM Show, Korg announced the MS-20 Mini, a compact version of the iconic Korg MS-20, scaled down to 86% of the original's size. The MS-20 Mini was developed by the same engineers responsible for the original instrument, ensuring a faithful replication of the MS-20's original electronic circuits. The modernized version introduces 1/8-inch input and output jacks, a MIDI input jack, and USB MIDI connectivity for both input and output.[2]

The following year, at the 2014 NAMM Show, Korg announced that it would release a limited edition full-size unassembled MS-20. Like the MS-20 Mini, this kit adds MIDI and USB connectivity. Additionally, the MS-20 Kit includes two different filter types: one used in earlier MS20s or a slightly warmer filter used on later MS20s.[3]

At the 2015 NAMM Show, Korg unveiled the MS-20M Kit, an unassembled desktop module version of the MS-20, excluding a keyboard and sold with the Korg SQ-1 step sequencer. This version incorporates self-oscillating high-pass/low-pass filters with distinctive distortion, toggle switches for VCO synchronization and FM, and a choice between the original filter designs. It also features a PWM IN jack for pulse width modulation, compatibility with various CV/GATE standards (Hz/V and V/Oct, S-Trig, and V-Trig), a MIDI IN connector, USB MIDI connectivity, and a junction patch bay for SQ-1 integration.[4][5]

In 2019, Behringer announced its low-cost clone of the MS-20, the K-2.[6]

At the 2020 NAMM Show, Korg announced a full size reissue of the MS-20, called the MS-20 FS, which retains features from the 2013 kit release such as the Rev1 and Rev2 filter types as well as MIDI compatibility through both 5-pin DIN and USB connections.[7]

Software emulations

[edit]

There is a software emulator of the MS-20 included in the KORG legacy Collection. As well as a standalone emulator, the Legacy Collection provides the MS-20 as a virtual instrument (VST). The external signal processor is implemented separately as a VST effect called MS-20EX. This same software emulated MS-20 was also part of the LAC-1 expansion for the Korg OASYS and is one of the Korg Kronos sound engines.

KORG DS-10 is a music creation program for the Nintendo DS that emulates the Korg MS range of synthesizers.

KORG DSN-12 is an MS-20 emulator for the Nintendo 3DS.

KORG iMS-20 is an MS-20 emulator for the iPad.

References

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  1. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-06-25. Retrieved 2017-10-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. ^ "RA Reviews: Korg - MS-20 Mini (Tech)". Residentadvisor.net. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  3. ^ "NAMM 2014: Korg MS20 Kit (Video)". www.soundonsound.com. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
  4. ^ Rogersonpublished, Ben (2015-01-23). "NAMM 2015: Korg MS-20M Kit synth, SQ-1 step sequencer hands-on and video". MusicRadar. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
  5. ^ "Korg MS20M & SQ1". www.soundonsound.com. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
  6. ^ "Out of nowhere, Behringer announces its MS-20 clone, the K-2". MusicRadar.com. 1 August 2019. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
  7. ^ "Korg re-re-release MS20". www.soundonsound.com. Retrieved 2024-03-14.

Further reading

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