The Korg MS-20 FS Monophonic Analog Synthesiser (Blue) is a faithful reissue of the original full-sized analogue synthesiser featuring the circuitry of the iconic, late 1970s MS-20. Its versatile patching options, two versions of analogue filters, and the ability to process external signals makes this diminutive powerhouse very attractive to the analogue synthesiser 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.
The high- and low-pass filters have a switch for early and late models, and feature resonance and distinctive distortion, which 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 synthesiser or have the source manipulated by the filters. A flexible hardwired patching system provides nearly endless possibilities.
The synthesiser 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 over MIDI, but you can modulate signal amplitude via VCA patch points). Connecting the unit to a computer allows it to be triggered from a sequencer. The Korg MS20 FS ships with a power adapter and ten patch cords.
Key Features:
- Full-sized MS-20 is a reissue of the original synthesiser from the 1970s with fully analogue circuitry.
- 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 and low-pass filters with distinctive distortion, which includes a switchable early or late model designs.
- 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.
