The white 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 VKeyboard Trigger Output: +5 V to GroundVCO-1 + VCO-2 Control Voltage Input (Linear Response): 0 to +8 VVCO-2 Control Voltage Input (Linear Response): 0 to +8 VVCO: VCO-1 + VCO-2 External Frequency Control Input (Oct/V): -5 to +5 VVCF:External Signal Input: 3 V p-p maximumExternal High Pass Filter Cutoff Frequency Control Input (2 Oct/V): -5 to +5 VExternal Low Pass Filter Cutoff Frequency Control Input (2 Oct/V): -5 to +5 VVCO + VCF: Total External Modulation Input (T.EX): -5 to +5 VVCA: External Initial Gain Control Input: 0 to +5 VEGEG 1 Envelope Signal Normal Output: -5 to 0 VEG 1 Envelope Signal Reverse Output: +5 to 0 VEG 1 + EG 2 Trigger Input to GroundEG 1 Trigger Input to GroundEG 2 Envelope Signal Reverse Output: +5 to 0 VMG (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-pWhite Noise Output: 5 V p-pSample and Hold:Clock Trigger Input to GroundSample Signal Input: 5 V p-p MaximumS/H Output: 5 V p-p MaximumModulation VCA:Control Voltage Input: 0 to +5 VSignal Input: -5 to +5 VSignal Output: -5 to +5 VManual Controller:Control Wheel Output: -5 V to +5 VMomentary Switch Output to Ground