The Korg MS-20 is a type of synthesizer that can be customized. It was made by Korg in 1978 and produced until 1983. It was part of Korg's MS series, which included the single oscillator MS-10, the keyboardless MS-50 module, the SQ-10 sequencer, and the VC-10 Vocoder. Other devices in the series were the MS-01 Foot Controller, MS-02 Interface, MS-03 Signal Processor, and MS-04 Modulation Pedal.
The MS-20 uses a common method of sound creation that includes oscillators, filters, and a VCA. However, its patch panel allows some signals to be redirected, including both audio and modulation signals, and it can connect to an external signal processor. This ability to change how signals are routed helped the MS-20 become popular again during the analog revival of the late 1990s.
Because of renewed interest in monophonic analog synthesizers, Korg reintroduced the MS-20 in different versions. These include the smaller MS-20 Mini, a desktop version that needs to be assembled, a full-sized version, and in 2020, a full-sized reissue called the MS-20 FS.
Sound and features
The MS-20 has two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs). VCO1 produces triangle, sawtooth, pulse, and white noise waveforms, while VCO2 generates sawtooth, square, narrow pulse waveforms, and includes a ring modulation option. The synthesizer also includes two voltage-controlled filters (VCFs) connected in series—one is a high-pass filter, and the other is a low-pass filter.
The MS-20 has a low-frequency oscillator labeled "modulation generator." This oscillator controls the rate and shape of its waveform, which is sent to two outputs: pulse and sloped. These outputs allow for changes in the pulse’s duty cycle and the sloped waveform’s shape, enabling the creation of sawtooth, square, and triangle waves.
The synthesizer includes two envelope generators with adjustable settings, which control how sounds begin, develop, and end. It also has a noise source, a modulation VCA, and external control options through a frequency-voltage converter and an envelope follower. These features allow the synthesizer to respond to external signals, such as a voice or another instrument. The patch panel provides many connection options and allows for flexible routing of signals, increasing the instrument’s versatility.
MS-20reissues
In 2013, Korg introduced the MS-20 Mini at the NAMM Show. This version is smaller than the original MS-20, with a size that is 86% of the original. The same engineers who designed the original MS-20 created the Mini, making sure its electronic parts are the same as the original. The updated version includes 1/8-inch input and output jacks, a MIDI input jack, and USB MIDI connections for both input and output.
In 2014, Korg announced a limited edition full-size MS-20 kit at the NAMM Show. This kit is not fully assembled and includes MIDI and USB connectivity. It also includes two types of filters: one used in earlier models and another with a warmer sound found in later models.
At the 2015 NAMM Show, Korg released the MS-20M Kit. This is a desktop version of the MS-20 that does not include a keyboard. It comes with the Korg SQ-1 step sequencer. The kit includes self-oscillating high-pass and low-pass filters with unique distortion. It has toggle switches for VCO synchronization and FM, and allows users to choose between original filter designs. It also includes a PWM IN jack for pulse width modulation, support for different CV/GATE standards, a MIDI IN connector, USB MIDI connectivity, and a junction patch bay for SQ-1 integration.
In 2019, Behringer announced a low-cost copy of the MS-20 called the K-2.
At the 2020 NAMM Show, Korg introduced a full-size reissue of the MS-20 called the MS-20 FS. This version includes features from the 2013 kit, such as Rev1 and Rev2 filter types. It also supports MIDI through both 5-pin DIN and USB connections.
Software emulations
The KORG Legacy Collection includes a software version of the MS-20. This collection offers the MS-20 as a standalone emulator and as a virtual instrument (VST). A separate VST effect called MS-20EX is also available, which acts as an external signal processor. The same software version of the MS-20 is included in the LAC-1 expansion for the Korg OASYS and is part of the Korg Kronos sound engines.
The KORG DS-10 is a music-making program for the Nintendo DS that copies the Korg MS series of synthesizers. The KORG DSN-12 is an MS-20 emulator designed for the Nintendo 3DS. The KORG iMS-20 is an MS-20 emulator created for the iPad.