Korg MS-20

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.

  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)