Korg MS-20 Mini Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer

Korg MS-20 Mini Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer Overview :

The classic MS-20 recreated in mini size
An analog synthesizer that reproduces the original circuitry from 1978

Korgs MS-20 monophonic synthesizer, first introduced in 1978, is still a coveted instrument to this day, thanks to its thick, robust sound, its powerful, iconic analog filter, and its versatile patching options.
Over 300,000 people have enjoyed the distinct MS-20 sounds from the original, from Korgs MS-20 plug-in synth, and the iMS-20 iPad app.

Today, the sounds of the MS-20 have been reborn as the MS-20 Mini. The same engineers who developed the original MS-20 have perfectly reproduced its circuitry and fitted it into a body thats been shrunk to 86% of the original size, yet retains the distinctive look of the original that remains unfaded despite the passage of time.
The MS-20 mini will amaze you with its absolutely authentic analog synth sound.

Comments from the developers
Fifty years have passed since Korg was founded, and we have once again put our hand to an analog synthesizer. We took particular care to deliver smooth parameter adjustments, which are a distinctive feature of analog synthesizers. We also took special care to completely reproduce the original specifications of the MS-20. The analog circuits we designed 35 years ago still deliver the same unbeatable, powerful sound, from the ultra-low to the ultra-high range.

A limited edition model in a white monotone color.
The KORG MS-20 mini is now available as a limited-edition white monotone variation model. This model is the first new color to appear in the nearly 40 years since the original unit went on sale in 1978. Based on the black that is emblematic of the MS-20's distinctive presence, this new model features a clean white monotone for its front panel and knobs, while retaining the faithful circuitry, 5-pin MIDI, and USB MIDI of the black MS-20 mini. Combining a completely new freshness together with a vintage feel that befits the MS-20 as the original semi-modular synthesizer, this limited-edition model will be a great way to add classic MS-20 sounds to any setup!
Features :

• Overseen by the engineers of the original MS-20; a complete replication of the original analog circuitry:
• 2VCO / 2VCA / 2VCF / 2EG / 1LFO structure
• Self-oscillating high-pass/low-pass filters with distinctive distortion
• External signal processor (ESP)
• Extremely flexible patching system
• Faithful recreation of the MS20 at 86% of the size
• MIDI IN and USB connector
• Replicates every detail of the original, down to the package binding and the included manual

2VCO / 2VCF / 2VCA / 2EG / 1LFO structure
The MS-20 mini reproduces the distinctive synthesis of the MS-20; two oscillators with ring modulation, and envelope generators with hold and delay. The VCA maintains the basic design of the original, but its been modified to produce less noise than the original.

Self-oscillating high-pass/low-pass filters with distinctive distortion
One of the greatest characteristics of the MS-20 was its powerful filters, which provided resonance on both the high-pass and the low-pass. Maximizing the resonance would cause the filter to self-oscillate like an oscillator, producing a distinctive and dramatic tonal change that was acclaimed as inimitable, and was later used on the monotron and monotribe.
The filter circuit was changed mid-way through the production lifecycle of the MS-20; the MS-20 mini uses the earlier filter, which was felt to be superior due to its more radical sound.

MS-20 mini
External signal processor (ESP) for processing an external signal
The ESP carries on the experimental spirit of MS-20; it allows you to use the pitch or volume of an external audio source to control the synthesizer. For example you can input an electric guitar and use the MS-20 mini as a guitar synthesizer, or input a mic and use it as a vocal synthesizer.

Extremely flexible patching system
The patching system provided to the right of the panel lets you create complex sounds by plugging-in cables to change the connections between the various units. The possibilities are limited only by the user's imagination; different combinations of the modulation input/output and trigger, sample and hold, and noise generator can produce an incredible variety of sounds. By patching according to the MS-20 flow chart thats printed on the panel, even the beginner can start taking advantage of these possibilities right away.

MIDI IN connector and USB connector
MS-20 mini
The MS-20 mini provides a MIDI IN jack for receiving note messages, and a USB-MIDI connector that can transmit and receive note messages. You can even connect the MS20 mini to your computer and play it from a sequencer.

Specifications

• Keyboard C C: 37-notes (3 octaves), mini keyboard designed specifically for the MS-20 mini

Manual controller

Control wheel (center click), Momentary switch -->GND Input and Output Signal In: Amplifier Out, Band pass filter Out,CV Out (0 - +8.4V),ENV Out (0 - +5V), Trig Out (+5V-->GND),
Signal out: Signal output (mono 1/8" mini phone jack, 2Vp-p output impedance 3.5k )
Head phones: Head phones output (Stereo 1/8" mini phone jack, 33 48mW),
USB: Type B, USB-MIDI Input/Output
*Only note messages (velocity is not used) can be transmitted and received.
MIDI: MIDI Input

• *Only note messages (velocity is not used) can be transmitted and received. Power Supply DC9V Dimensions:
• (W x D x H) 493 257 208 mm / 19.41 x 10.12 x 8.19 inches Weight 4.8 kg / 10.58 lbs. Accessories AC adaptor (9V/1.7A), Patch Cord x 10

Detailed Specifications :

Control Section

• Keyboard C C: 37-notes (3 octaves), mini keyboard designed specifically for the MS-20 mini
• Voltage Controlled Oscillator 1 (VCO 1) Scale (32', 16', 8', 4') (6 octaves, +cent, -cent)
• Wave form (Triangle, Sawtooth, PW-Square, White Noise) (4 modes)
• Pulse width adjust 1:1 - 1:infinity
• Voltage Controlled Oscillator 2 (VCO 2) Scale (16', 8', 4', 2') (6 octaves, +cent, -cent)
• Wave form (Sawtooth, Square, Pulse, Ring modulator) (4 modes)
• Pitch ( 1 octave)
• VCO Master control Master tune ( 100cent)
• Portamento (max. 10sec)
• Frequency modulation intensity by MG/T.EXT (-5V - +5V)
• Frequency modulation intensity by EG1/EXT (-5V - 0V)
• VCO Mixer VCO 1 Level
• VCO 2 Level
• Voltage Controlled High Pass Filter (VCF HPF) Cutoff frequency (50Hz - 15,000Hz)
• Peak (flat - self OSC)
• Cutoff frequency modulation intensity by MG/T.EXT (-5V - +5V)
• Cutoff frequency modulation intensity by EG2/EXT (-5V - +5V)
• Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter (VCF LPF) Cutoff frequency (50Hz - 15,000Hz)
• Peak (flat - self OSC)
• Cutoff frequency modulation intensity by MG/T.EXT (-5V - +5V)
• Cutoff frequency modulation intensity by EG2/EXT (-5V - +5V)
• Envelope Generator 1 Delay time (10sec)
• Attack time (10sec)
• Release time (10sec)
• Envelope Generator 2 Hold time (20sec)
• Attack time (10sec)
• Decay time (10sec)
• Sustain level (0V - 5V)
• Release time (10sec)
• Modulation Generator (LFO) Wave form (Positive Sawtooth - Triangle - Negative Sawtooth, Wide Pulse - Square - Narrow Pulse)
• Frequency (0.1Hz 20Hz)
• Manual controller Control wheel (center click)
• Momentary switch -->GND
• Power switch and Volume Volume
• Indicator LED (KBD trigger, Modulation Generator rate, Power ON) External Signal Processor Control section

Input signal level

• Low cut frequency (50Hz - 2,500Hz)
• High cut frequency (100Hz - 5,000Hz)
• CV adjust
• Threshold level
• Input and Output Signal In

Amplifier Out

• Band pass filter Out
• CV Out (0 - +8.4V)
• ENV Out (0 - +5V)
• Trig Out (+5V-->GND)
• Indicator (LED) Peak indicator
• Trigger indicator Patch Panel

Keyboard

• Keyboard control voltage output (Exponential) (0 - +8V)
• Keyboard trigger output (+5V-->GND)
• VCO-1 + VCO-2 control voltage input (Linear response) (0 - +8V)
• VCO-2 control voltage input (Linear response) (0 - +8V) 2. VCO VCO-1 + VCO-2 external frequency control input (OCT/V) (-5V - +5V)
• VCF External signal input (3Vp-p max.)
• External High pass filter cutoff frequency control input (2OCT/V) (-5V - +5V)
• External Low pass filter cutoff frequency control input (2OCT/V) (-5V - +5V)
• VCO + VCF : Total external modulation input (T.EXT) (-5V - +5V)
• VCA
• External initial gain control input (0 - +5V)

EG

• EG 1 envelope signal normal output (-5V - 0V)
• EG 1 envelope signal reverse output (+5V - 0V)
• EG 1 + EG 2 trigger input (-->GND)
• EG 1 trigger input (-->GND)
• EG 2 envelope signal reverse output (+5V - 0V)
• MG Triangle output (Positive Sawtooth - Triangle - Negative Sawtooth) (5Vp-p)
• Rectangle output (Wide Pulse - Square - Narrow Pulse)(0 - +5V)
• Noise Generator
• Pink noise output (5Vp-p)
• White noise output (5Vp-p)
• Sample and Hold
• Clock trigger input (-->GND)
• Sample signal input (5Vp-p max.)
• S/H output : (5Vp-p max.)

Modulation VCA

• Control voltage input (0 - +5V)
• Signal input : (-5V - +5V)
• Signal output : (-5V - +5V)
• Manual controller
• Control wheel output (-5V<--0V-->+5V)
• Momentary switch output (-->GND)

Signal out

• Signal output (mono 1/8" mini phone jack, 2Vp-p output impedance 3.5k )
• Head phones : Head phones output (Stereo 1/8" mini phone jack, 33 48mW)
• USB : Type B, USB-MIDI Input/Output
Head phones : Head phones output (Stereo 1/8" mini phone jack, 33 48mW)
• USB : Type B, USB-MIDI Input/Output
• *Only note messages (velocity is not used) can be transmitted and received.
• MIDI Input
• *Only note messages (velocity is not used) can be transmitted and received.

Others

• Power Consumption : 9W
• Power Supply : DC9V

Dimensions

• (W x D x H) : 493 257 208 mm / 19.41 x 10.12 x 8.19 inches
• Weight : 4.8 kg / 10.58 lbs.
• Accessories : AC adaptor (9V/1.7A), Patch Cord x 10

Made in China