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Average Price: $261

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$500

$1501+

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High-end

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Korg Monologue Gold, a compact monophonic analog synthesizer designed for musicians who crave versatility and power in a portable package. With its sleek 25-key design and user-friendly interface, this synth is perfect for both beginners and seasoned artists looking to explore new sonic landscapes. Drawing inspiration from its acclaimed sibling, the Minilogue, the Monologue offers a dynamic range of features that make it a standout choice for live performances and studio sessions alike.

Dive into the world of sound sculpting with the Monologue's dual VCOs, optimized for monophonic performance and capable of microtuning. The intuitive step sequencer, complete with 16 dedicated step buttons, allows you to create intricate patterns and store up to four knob movements per sequence. A new drive circuit adds a gritty edge to your sound, while the OLED oscilloscope provides real-time visual feedback, ensuring you can see exactly what's happening with your audio.

Moreover, the Monologue's E-to-E layout makes it easy to lay down bass lines with precision. Whether you're at home or on stage, the synth's ability to run on six AA batteries means you'll never miss a beat, even without a power source. Packed with preset patches crafted by the legendary Aphex Twin, the Monologue Gold is your ticket to a richer, more expansive sonic experience.

Key Features:

  • Monophonic analog synthesizer with dual VCOs
  • 25-key E-to-E layout
  • Onboard step sequencer with 16 dedicated buttons
  • OLED oscilloscope for real-time visual feedback
  • Runs on six AA batteries for mobile use
  • Preset patches created by Aphex Twin

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model Monologue Monophonic Analog Synthesizer
Finish Black, Blue, Gold, Red, Silver
Year 2016 - 2025
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Slim
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 25 Keys
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Korg Monologue Gold suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Korg Monologue Gold is suitable for beginners due to its intuitive interface and user-friendly controls, making it easy to learn the basics of synthesis.

What type of synthesis does the Korg Monologue Gold use?

The Korg Monologue Gold uses analog synthesis, providing rich and warm sound textures with a single voice of polyphony.

How many keys does the Korg Monologue Gold have?

The Korg Monologue Gold features 25 slim keys with synth action, ideal for expressive play and compact setups.

Can the Korg Monologue Gold connect to a computer for MIDI control?

Yes, the Korg Monologue Gold can connect to a computer via USB MIDI, allowing for seamless integration with DAWs and other MIDI-compatible software.

Does the Korg Monologue Gold have built-in effects?

The Korg Monologue Gold does not have built-in effects, but its analog signal can be processed through external effects units for added sound shaping.

Absolute Music

Absolute Music

Absolute Music: Korg Monologue

Video thumbnail for Absolute Music: Korg Monologue by Absolute Music

Absolute Music: Korg Monologue

Absolute Music

Absolute Music

Video thumbnail for KORG monologue by musictrackjp

KORG monologue

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musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for FINALLY bought a Korg Monologue — still worth buying? by BoBeats

FINALLY bought a Korg Monologue — still worth buying?

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BoBeats

Video thumbnail for Korg Monologue Demo and Review by PMTVUK

Korg Monologue Demo and Review

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PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Korg Monologue Epic UnBoxing! -GOLD- by JOHNG TV1

Korg Monologue Epic UnBoxing! -GOLD-

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JOHNG TV1

Reviews

PROS

  • Fully analog monosynth with rich bass tones

  • Intuitive programming with dedicated knobs and switches

  • Expressive LFO with audio rate capabilities for FM tones

  • Excellent first synth for learning synthesis

  • Portable design with natural-feeling keys

  • Powerful sequencer with 4 lanes of motion sequencing

  • Affordable price point for an analog synth

  • Build quality comparable to higher-end models

  • Ability to create deep, aggressive low-end frequencies

  • Stores sequences and sounds together in patches

CONS

  • 16-step sequencer limit restricts full backing tracks

  • Monophonic nature can be limiting for experienced pianists

  • Built-in drive may be too aggressive for some users

  • Lacks built-in delay and arpeggiator features

  • No confirmation prompt for patch overwriting

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Monologue Gold.

Features and functionality

  • The Monologue includes a step editor that enhances the fun of creating music and allows for complex modulation, acting as a multi-functional sequencer.

    Source
  • The Monologue's menus offer options like sequence resolution changes, often overlooked by new users until later exploration.

    Source
  • Enabling the oscilloscope display and parameter text labels provides visual aids for sound tweaking, enhancing the learning experience.

    Source
  • Monologue is noted for immediate use and sound-saving capability, unlike the Crave, enhancing usability for spontaneous music creation.

    Source
  • Lacks pattern chaining in the sequencer, but allows easy transposing of sequences, enabling dynamic performance adjustments.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest adding delay and reverb pedals, such as the Afterneath and MXR Deluxe Delay, to enhance the Monologue's sound character.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Monologue's filter is noted for superior performance in bass sounds compared to the Minilogue, and its LFO audio rate is exceptionally fast.

    Source
  • Monologue is favored for its dual oscillators, offering a thicker sound compared to Crave's single oscillator, which can sound thin.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The synth excels as a lead or bass synth and is capable of producing experimental sounds, despite its monophonic limitation.

    Source
  • Ideal for a setup with sequenced basslines and live lead playing, appreciated by amateur musicians for its integrated keyboard.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners emphasize that $150 is an excellent price for the Monologue, with many encouraging immediate purchase at this rate.

    Source
  • Monologue's price is competitive at around $200 used, compared to Crave's $250 new plus additional cost for a keystep, offering better portability and value.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite its basic features, users are consistently surprised by the Monologue's flexibility and sound design capabilities after extended use.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners find that connecting the Monologue to a stereo receiver via 1/4" to 1/8" cable works well for sound output without needing powered speakers.

    Source
  • Protecting the Monologue with a cover or cloth from smoke and dust is recommended, with a fine-haired painter's brush suggested for dust removal.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Korg Monologue review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Korg's Monologue Gold is a charmingly compact and portable monophonic synth that punches above its weight with features like microtuning and Korg's Motion Sequencing technology. While its limited envelope section leaves something to be desired, the synth makes up for it with a surprisingly flexible architecture and the ability to produce rich, metallic tones. The inclusion of battery power enhances its portability, though the flimsy pitch/mod slider is a drawback. Overall, the Monologue stands out amidst the competition, offering a unique blend of functionality and affordability.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 14 Ratings

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clabeux

Absolutely amazing!

This thing is super fun! Great sequencer with 4 lanes of motion sequencing. Sequences and sounds are stored together in patches. There are some awesome patches too that really show what this thing can do. If you're looking for a bass-synth, you HAVE to try this one before you decide. Or at least look at some videos. The price isn't too shabby either. Great build quality. Thank you Korg!

jonathanwrites

Inspiration in a small box.

If you are a bored musician, I suggest the Monologue. It will cure your boredom. Synthesizers, specifically analog synthesizers, are so much fun, you will feel like a kid playing with Lego... only now you're making sounds.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andy Morin uses Korg Monologue Gold

Andy Morin

Bassist, Keyboardist

Death Grips

...
Verified via Photo

in this instagram post, it's seen on the floor next to him

See how Caramel Chameleon uses Korg Monologue Gold

Caramel Chameleon

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via SoundCloud

Caramel Chameleon uses the Korg Monologue Gold, as shown in the track artwork for "MONOLOGUE Acid TEST #1" on SoundCloud. This image is also featured on his Instagram profile.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg Monologue Gold, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
grumo

grumo

Gear IQ 126

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