KORG MS-20 MINI

MANUFACTURER DESCRIPTION

Korg’s 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 Korg’s 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 that’s 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.

The original analog circuitry

The MS-20 mini painstakingly replicates the original MS-20. A development team led by the original engineers themselves worked to recreate the original circuitry, and when it was necessary to substitute a part, these engineers made the decisions based on careful listening, in order to reproduce the original sound faithfully. 
In fact, the sound of the MS-20 mini has a somewhat bright and extreme quality to it because its sound is that of an original MS-20 in mint condition at the time it went on sale, before any of the components aged.

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 it’s 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.

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 that’s printed on the panel, even the beginner can start taking advantage of these possibilities right away.

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 Ω) 

Head phones: Head phones output (Stereo 1/8" mini phone jack, 33 Ω 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

 

SHIPPING

Shipping fees to ALL OTHER LOCATIONS will be calculated individually and added to customer invoices. Local duties, taxes and charges are not included in the sale price or ship charges. Detroit Modular is not responsible for any taxes outside of Michigan and or the USA. In the event that the customer refuses a shipment, all shipping costs to and from the country or State in which the item was shipped to are not refunded. Please be aware that in some cases return shipping can cost as much as double the original ship cost.

 Shipping Map

RETURNS

We have a 14-day return period. If for any reason, you aren't getting along with the new purchase we will take it back.  We will exchange for an alternative item or store credit, less the original shipping fees (this includes the shipping fees incurred by DM, and any free shipping items).  Items must be returned in the original packaging, with all included items and documentation, and be returned in the condition that they were sent.  Returned items for refund that are not broken or not being exchanged due to fault are subject to a 15% restocking fee.  Any item returned with damage, rack rash, or any other physical markings not allowing us to sell as new will be subject to a minimum of 25% restocking fee.


Defective units will be exchanged for the same unit within the 14-day period.


Items that can not be returned include: software, units with contents or packaging that is damaged or missing, and used gear. 


Please contact us before returning any items.  Credit will be issued according to your payment method, or if you prefer store credit.   If any product is damaged in shipping, you should contact us immediately so that we can address the issue promptly with the appropriate carrier. Any return sent back with out contacting us first will not be honored.

Always know that we will do whatever we can to make it right.  


PAYMENTS

We accept all forms of payment including Paypal.  If paying via Paypal the shipment must be directed to a confirmed address.  Shipments to Michigan addresses will include 6% Michigan sales tax.