Korg - MS-20 FS Monophonic Analog Synthesizer (Blue)

The blue Korg MS-20 FS is a faithful reissue of the original full-sized analog synthesizer featuring the circuitry of the iconic, late 1970s MS-20. Its versatile patching options, two versions of analog filters, and the ability to process external signals makes this diminutive powerhouse very attractive to the analog synthesizer aficionado.

A development team led by the original engineers strove to painstakingly replicate the MS-20, both in sound and form. The sound comes from an architecture featuring two oscillators (one with ring modulation) and envelope generators with hold and delay. The VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) maintains the basic design of the original, but has been modified to produce less noise.

The high- and low-pass filters have a switch for early and late models, and feature resonance and distinctive distortion, which can deliver radical sounds when they are pushed into self-oscillation. Additionally, external sources such as an electric guitar or vocals can be used to control the synthesizer or have the source manipulated by the filters. A flexible hardwired patching system provides nearly endless possibilities.

The synthesizer features a MIDI In jack for receiving note messages, and a USB-MIDI connector that can transmit and receive note messages (there is no velocity information over MIDI, but you can modulate signal amplitude via VCA patch points). Connecting the unit to a computer allows it to be triggered from a sequencer. The Korg MS20 FS ships with a power adapter and ten patch cords.

Keyboard:

Keyboard Control Voltage Output (Exponential): 0 to +8 V

Keyboard Trigger Output: +5 V to Ground

VCO-1 + VCO-2 Control Voltage Input (Linear Response): 0 to +8 V

VCO-2 Control Voltage Input (Linear Response): 0 to +8 V

VCO: VCO-1 + VCO-2 External Frequency Control Input (Oct/V): -5 to +5 V

VCF:

External Signal Input: 3 V p-p maximum

External High Pass Filter Cutoff Frequency Control Input (2 Oct/V): -5 to +5 V

External Low Pass Filter Cutoff Frequency Control Input (2 Oct/V): -5 to +5 V

VCO + VCF: Total External Modulation Input (T.EX): -5 to +5 V

VCA: External Initial Gain Control Input: 0 to +5 V

EG

EG 1 Envelope Signal Normal Output: -5 to 0 V

EG 1 Envelope Signal Reverse Output: +5 to 0 V

EG 1 + EG 2 Trigger Input to Ground

EG 1 Trigger Input to Ground

EG 2 Envelope Signal Reverse Output: +5 to 0 V

MG (Modulation Generator):

Triangle Output: Positive Sawtooth, Triangle, Negative Sawtooth (5 V p-p)

Rectangle Output: Wide Pulse, Square, Narrow Pulse (0 to +5 V)

Noise Generator:

Pink Noise Output: 5 V p-p

White Noise Output: 5 V p-p

Sample and Hold:

Clock Trigger Input to Ground

Sample Signal Input: 5 V p-p Maximum

S/H Output: 5 V p-p Maximum

Modulation VCA:

Control Voltage Input: 0 to +5 V

Signal Input: -5 to +5 V

Signal Output: -5 to +5 V

Manual Controller:

Control Wheel Output: -5 V to +5 V

Momentary Switch Output to Ground

• Full-sized MS-20 is a reissue of the original synthesizer from the 1970s with fully analog circuitry
• Overseen by the engineers of the original MS-20
• Incorporates a dual VCO (voltage-controlled oscillator), dual VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier), dual VCF (voltage-controlled filter), dual EG (envelope generator), and a single LFO (low-frequency oscillator) structure
• Self-oscillating, high-pass and low-pass filters with distinctive distortion, which includes a switchable early or late model designs
• External signal processor (ESP)
• Highly flexible patching system
• MIDI In and USB connector
• Replicates every detail of the original, down to the package binding and the included manual