Korg brings the analog synthesis of the MS-20 back to a compact format: same circuit, same filter, truly analog, with the addition of MIDI In and USB.

For those looking for a true analog synthesizer, the Korg MS-20 mini represents the essence of semi-modular sound synthesis in a compact format, conveniently placed on our desks or consoles. A perfect instrument for those who, in addition to the typical analog sound, want to delve into the world of modular synthesis, thanks to a special section that allows the user to modify the interconnection between the circuit modules via patches. An essential instrument in educational contexts in which sound synthesis is studied.

The Korg MS-20 mini is a perfect replica of the MS-20 . The design team was led by the same engineers who produced the original model in 1978, with the aim of recreating the same circuitry. The synthesis structure is the same as the original instrument. The MS-20 mini has two oscillators with ring modulation, envelope generators, hold and delay. The VCA has been optimized to generate less noise than the original model, without changing its base structure. One of the most important distinctive features of the MS-20 was represented by the powerful resonant high-pass and low-pass filters. Maximizing the resonance created a self-oscillation of the filter, which constituted a real peculiarity, a drastic change in sound defined by many as "inimitable". The same system also used in the other analog synths currently part of the Korg catalog: monotron and monotribe. Halfway through its production cycle, the MS-20 changed the filter circuit: the MS-20 mini implements the first filter adopted in the original model, considered by many to be the best, for its characteristic intervention. At the time, another strong point of the monophonic analog synthesizer from Korg was the input for external signal processing (ESP). This allowed - and allows in the new mini model - to use the pitch and volume of an external audio source to control the synthesis engine. Thanks to the patchbay integrated on the right of the panel, it is possible to connect the various modules together in order to create more complex sounds. The sonic possibilities are confined to the user's imagination, as different combinations of modulation in/out trigger, sample and hold and noise generator can give life to an invaluable variety of sounds. Thanks to the silkscreen printed on the patchbay panel, these operations will be easy to perform even for novice users. 

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The MS-20 mini features a MIDI input traditional DIN format and a USB MIDI port for transmitting and receiving notes only (no velocity, no controller). You can therefore play the mini-MS-20 using other MIDI keyboards, or from your computer. At the same time, with the instrument's keyboard you can play the software instruments installed on your computer. The efforts to obtain a rigorous reproduction of the original were not limited to the product alone. Even the box perfectly reproduces that of the time, including the original product manual, with the relative setting instructions.

Korg MS-20 mini strengths:

- Meticulous replica of the original MS-20
- Designed by the same engineers as 1978
- 14% smaller size
- Structure: 2VCO/2VCA/2VCF/2EG/1LFO
- Self-oscillating high-pass and low-pass filters
- External signal processing (ESP) 
- Flexible patching system
- MIDI In and USB I/O connections (notes only, no velocity and controls)
- Perfect replica: from the circuit to the box, up to the manual

Introduced in 1978, the Korg MS-20 monophonic synthesizer remains one of the most sought-after analog synthesizers to this day, thanks to its big, powerful sound, iconic analog filter, and versatile patching options. Nearly 400,000 people have enjoyed the distinctive sound of the MS-20, in the original version, in the virtual version available for PC and Mac, and as an iPad app (iMS-20). Designed by the same engineers who took part in the original MS-20, this new version uses the same circuitry and the same attractive look, while reducing the instrument's size by approximately 14% . The MS-20 mini brings authentic analog sound into the hands of today's musicians, DJs, and producers.

Comments from the Korg MS-20 mini designers

50 years after the founding of Korg , we have returned to an analog synthesizer. We have paid special attention to providing the precise and continuous control of parameters required by analog synthesis. The same attention we have paid to reproducing the original specifications of the MS-20. The analog circuitry we designed 35 years ago continues to generate an inimitable sound, powerful across the entire frequency range, from ultra-low to the highest frequencies. We invite you to try this instrument for yourself, to appreciate this sonic experience firsthand.

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Precise replica of the original MS-20 circuitry

The Korg MS20 mini is a perfect replica of the MS20. The design team was led by the same engineers as the original model, with the aim of recreating the same circuitry, meticulously evaluating, with meticulous comparisons, the use of possible replacement components for those no longer available on the market today. The synthesis structure is the same. The MS20mini has two oscillators with ring modulation, envelope generators, hold and delay. The VCA has been optimized so that it generates less noise than the original model, without however changing its base structure. One of the most important distinctive features of the MS-20 was represented by the powerful resonant high-pass and low-pass filters. Maximizing the resonance created a self-oscillation of the filter, which constituted a real peculiarity, a drastic change in the sound defined by many as "inimitable". The same system also adopted in the other analog synths currently part of the Korg catalog: monotron and monotribe. Halfway through its production cycle, the MS-20 changed the filter circuit: the MS-20 mini uses the first filter implemented in the original model, considered by many to be the best, for its drastic intervention. At the time, another strong point of the monophonic analog synthesizer from Korg was the input for external signal processing (ESP). This allowed, and allows in the new mini model, to use the pitch and volume of an external audio source to control the synthesis engine. For example, you can connect an electric guitar to the input and use the MS-20 mini as a guitar synth, or connect a microphone and use your voice to generate melodies. Thanks to the integrated patchbay on the right of the panel, it is possible to connect the various modules together in order to create more complex sounds. The sonic possibilities are confined to the user's capacity for imagination, as different combinations of modulation in/out trigger, sample and hold and noise generator can give life to an invaluable variety of sounds. Thanks to the silkscreen printing on the patchbay panel, these operations will be easy to perform even for novice users.

Perfect reproduction of the MS20 in compact dimensions

The concept base the design of the MS-20 was based on the reproduction of the layout of expensive modular synths of the time, revised to bring a more affordable and user-friendly product into the hands of the user. To adapt to current market needs, the MS-20 mini is reduced, occupying only 86% of the footprint of its predecessor. Despite its small size, meticulous work has been done to perfectly reproduce the knobs and the panel of the instrument. The patch connectors have been modified, which are now mini-jack type (no longer ¼” Jack) and the keyboard. This has been redesigned specifically, thus saving about 14% of the size that occupied the original model.

Replica of the Korg MS20 in every detail of the original

The efforts to obtain a rigorous reproduction of the original were not limited to the product alone. Even the box perfectly reproduces that of the time, including the original product manual, with the relative setting instructions (the presets of the past ...).

MIDI IN and USB connectors of the Korg MS20-mini

The MS-20 mini has a traditional MIDI input in DIN format and a USB port for the transmission and reception of MIDI notes only (no velocity, no controller). You can then play the mini-MS-20 using other MIDI keyboards, or from your computer. At the same time, with the instrument's keyboard you can play the software instruments installed on your computer.

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KORG MS-20mini TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Control section

Keyboard: 37 notes (3 octaves from C to C) specially designed mini key
Voltage Controlled Oscillator 1 (VCO 1):
Scale: 32', 16', 8', 4' (6 octaves, +cent, -cent)
Waveform selector: Triangle, Sawtooth, PW-Square, White Noise (4 modes)
Pulse width adjustment: 1:1 - 1:infinity
Voltage Controlled Oscillator 2 (VCO 2)
Scale: 16', 8', 4', 2' (6 octaves, +cent, -cent)
Waveform selector: Sawtooth, Square, Pulse, Ring modulator (4 ways)
Pitch Control (± 1 octave)
VCO Master control: Master tune(± 100cent)
Bearing (max. 10sec)
Frequency modulation intensity by MG/T.EXT (-5V - +5V)
Frequency modulation intensity by EG1/EXT (-5V - 0V)
VCO Mixer:
VCO 1 volume control
VCO 2 Level Volume Control
Voltage Controlled High Pass Filter (VCF HPF):
Cutoff frequency (50Hz -15,000Hz)
Peak (flat-self OSC)
Modulation intensity of the cutoff dalMG/T.EXT (-5V -+5V)
Modulation intensity of the cutoff from EG2/EXT (-5V -+5V)
VoltageControlled Low Pass Filter (VCF LPF):
Cutoff Frequency(50Hz -15,000Hz)
Peak (flat-self OSC)
Modulation intensity of the cutoff dalMG/T.EXT (-5V -+5V)
Modulation intensity of the cutoff from EG2/EXT (-5V -+5V)
Envelope Generator1:
Delay(10sec)
Attack (10sec)
Release(10sec)
Envelope Generator2:
Hold (20sec)
Attack (10sec)
Decay (10sec)
Sustain (0V -5V)
Release (10sec)
LFO modulation generator:
Waveform (rising and falling sawtooth, triangle, wide enarrow pulse, square)
Frequency (0.1Hz -20Hz)
Manual Controls:
Control wheel (center click)
Momentary switch-->GND
Power switch and Volume: Volume
LED indicators: KBD trigger, modulation generator intensity, power
External Signal Processor (ESP)

1. 
   
2. Control Section:
   

Input signal level

Low cut frequency (50Hz - 2,500Hz)

High cut frequency (100Hz - 5,000Hz)

CV adjust

Threshold level

2. 
   
3. Entrance and Exit:
   

External signal input

Output stage

Band pass filter output

CV Out (0 -+8.4V)

ENV Out (0 -+5V)

Trig Out (+5V-->GND)

3. 
   
4. Indicators (LED) : peak and trigger
   

PatchPanel

1. 
   
2. Keyboard:
   

Voltage control output from keyboard (exponential, 0 to +8V)

Keyboard trigger output (+5V-->GND)

Voltage control input VCO-1 + VCO-2 (0 -+8V; linear)

VCO-2 voltage control (0 - +8V; linear)

2. 
   
3. VCO: VCO-1 + VCO-2 frequency control input (OCT/V) (-5V -+5V)
   
4. VCF:
   

Input for external signals (3Vp-p max.)

External High pass filter cutoff frequency control input (2OCT/V) (-5V -+5V)

External Low pass filter cutoff frequency control input (2OCT/V) (-5V -+5V)

4. 
   
5. VCO + VCF: Total external modulation input (T.EXT) (-5V - +5V)
   
6. VCA: External initial gain control input (0 -+5V)
   
7. EG:
   

EG 1 envelope signal normal output (-5V -0V)

EG 1 envelope signal reverse output (+5V -0V)

EG 1 + EG 2 trigger input (-->GND)

EG 1 trigger input (-->GND)

EG 2 envelope signal reverse output (+5V -0V)

7. 
   
8. MG:
   

Triangle output (Positive Sawtooth -Triangle -Negative Sawtooth) (5Vp-p)

Rectangle output (Wide Pulse - Square - Narrow Pulse) (0 - +5V)

8. 
   
9. Noise Generator:
   

Pink noise output (5Vp-p)

White noise output (5Vp-p)

9. 
   
10. Sample & Hold:
    

Clock trigger input (-->GND)

Sample signal input (5Vp-p max.)

S/H output (5Vp-p max.)

10. 
    
11. VCA Modulation:
    

Control voltage input (0 -+5V)

Signal input (-5V -+5V)

Signal output (-5V -+5V)

11. 
    
12. Manual controls:
    

Control wheel output (-5V+5V)

Momentary button output (-->GND)

Audio output: 1/8" mini mono jack, impedance 3.5k Ω (2Vp-p)

Headphone output: 1/8" mini-jack, impedance 33 Ω (48mW)

USB/MIDI: USB Type B port for sending and receiving MIDI notes

MIDI IN DIN format (receives note messages only)

Power/Consumption: DC9V; 9W

Dimensions and weight: 493×257x208 mm, 4.8 Kg

Included accessories: AC adapter (9V/1.7A) KORG KA-350 and 10 Patch Cords