Korg MS-20

The Korg MS-20 is a monophonic analog synthesizer that was built by the company KORG 1978-1983. He is one of the most legendary synthesizers this time and is still used by musicians like and acted as a collector's item.

• 3.1 The Korg SQ -10 analog sequencer

• 4.1 Myth MS-20
• 4.2 The MS-20 as a software
• 4.3 The MS-20 mini

Construction

In addition to the MS-10 was formed in 1978 built the MS-20 the most important representatives of Korg's MS- series. Due to its semi - modular design and patchable signal paths, it offers a high degree of flexibility. Unlike the polyphonic synthesizers of a year earlier presented PS Series MS - synthesizer convinced by their smaller size. While the models of the PS partly estimated that only 100 pieces ( PS- 3300) were built, could the MS-20 will be in its preparation time about 20,000 copies.

The MS- 20 has a keyboard with 37 keys, which corresponds to three octaves. The striking of the keys corresponds to different voltages with which the VCO of the synthesizer were voted. The internal signals are divided into audio signals and control signals. The latter form from their value range of a voltage of -5 volts to 5.

The standard sound synthesis (without patch cable) goes off when a MS-20 by two VCOs that can be operated in the modes triangle, sawtooth, pulse and noise. There is also another noise generator in the modes pink noise and white noise are available. The second VCO can be additionally modulated by ring modulation by the first VCO. The signals of the two VCOs are then mixed by the mixer before the signal is first high-pass filter and then passed through a through a low pass filter.

This Signalflußkette is complemented by two envelopes, the first of which ( EG1) as delay -Attack - Release (DAR ) and the second (EG2 ) and Attack - Decay - Sustain - Release envelope ( ADSR ) is used with Hold option. A curiosity is that in effect on the cutoff frequency by the second envelope the effect of Sustainlevels is inverted ( ie: high sustain level = closed filter, low sustain level = open filter, it should be the other way around ). The VCOs and filters are also modulated as a modulation generator (MG) ​​designated LFO.

Outside of the predetermined signal path, there is a sample and hold block and a block to route external signals through a separate filter section, and to derive the control voltage, and triggers. A wheel controller to the left of the keyboard can be also used for the generation of control voltages.

Comparable Synthesizer

Korg MS-10

The Korg MS-10 was the entry level model of the MS series. In contrast to MS-20 it has 32 instead of 37 keys. He also has only one VCO which can generate the waveforms triangle, sawtooth, noise and pulse wave in the footages from 4 'to 32'. As the MS-20, it has a LFO waveforms sawtooth (up and low), which ( in the middle) temporarily are infinitely adjustable over triangle into each other. ( Produced quantity: 10.000 )

Korg MS-50

The Korg MS -50 is a keyboard -less expander.

ARP 2600

See the 2600

Accessories and conversions

The Korg SQ -10 analog sequencer

The Korg SQ -10 was developed as an analog step sequencer for the Korg Synthesizer MS - series, but also with other voltage-controlled synthesizers used. He has 12 steps (steps ) can be set for itself three control voltages (channels A, B and C). Channels A and B are connected in series so that the SQ -10 then has 24 steps.

MS 20 now

Myth MS-20

With the start of the retro wave of analog synthesizers and early 1990s, also started the MS-20 in terms of popularity to rise again. While synthesizers such as the Roland TB -303 were especially popular in the techno and acid house scene, the most popular one MS-20 through its " dirty " sounds in the more experimental music scene. Reason for this behavior are sound especially the series filter, the cause for self-resonant behavior is not the typical whistles, but rather a " squeal". Even today, among other things, by this property, especially in the industrial scene, many MS-20 in use.

MS -20 as a software

• Korg Legacy Collection

In addition to the MS-20 here the Polysix and Wavestation in software is simulated. In addition, a scaled down by about 20 percent version of the MS-20 is supplied as a USB input device with all the knobs and buttons. The simulation of the MS-20 has been extended to 32-voice polyphony, and a Unison mode.

• Korg Legacy Collection Analog Edition 2007

Since early 2007, the emulation of the MS-20 is available in a package with the Polysix and the newly added Mono / Poly. The MS- 20 hardware controller was saved, which is reflected in a significantly lower purchase price compared to the old Legacy Collection.

• Korg DS-10 for Nintendo DS

For the Nintendo DS, there is a synthesizer based on the MS - ​​tone, but which on the one hand additional properties ( step sequencer, KAOSS PAD, effects, etc. ) has, on the other hand has not all components of a MS-20. (missing pulse width modulation, no sample -and-hold, etc.).

• Korg iMS -20 for iPad

The iMS -20 is available since November 9, 2010. It extends the functionality of the original device to a pattern Composer, two Kaoss pads, various effects, mixers and six drum tracks. The drum sounds can be built and configured through an easy adaptiere MS -20 surface. The iMS -20 is suitable therefore for making arrangements simple songs with up to seven tracks. Using the Camera Connection Kit and a Powered USB hub connected to it, the MS-20 Legacy Controller with the iMS -20 software can be used on ipad.

The MS -20 mini

At the NAMM show in January 2013 presented the Korg MS-20 mini ago. This is an analog synthesizer, like his role model as far as possible, but only accounts for 86% of its size and its electronics is made in contrast to the original model in SMD design.

The following major artists have the MS-20 used or set it still a: Air, Apoptygma Berzerk, Beborn concrete, DAF, Liaisons Dangereuses, Depeche Mode, Aphex Twin, Jean Michel Jarre, Portishead, The Prodigy, OMD, Einstürzende Neubauten, KMFDM, Die Krupps, Mittageisen, front 242, Laibach, Digitalism, The Sound of Arrows, Röyksopp, Alphaville, Daft Punk and many more.