Korg Monotribe Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer

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$193.83 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (60)

2 Critic Reviews

6 Reviews

Find out who is using Korg Monotribe

27 wishlisted

138 saved

Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

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Reviews

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5.0 (17)

$193.83 12 available Used

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Average Price: $194

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Korg Monotribe Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

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Description

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Dive into the world of rich analog sound with the Korg Monotribe Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer. This compact powerhouse combines the warmth of all-analog circuitry with a user-friendly interface, making it a must-have for both budding musicians and seasoned synthesizer enthusiasts. Its design integrates a versatile ribbon controller that adds an expressive touch to your performance, allowing you to glide effortlessly between notes and create dynamic soundscapes.

The Monotribe is more than just a synthesizer; it's an all-in-one music-making machine, complete with a built-in sequencer and drum machine. The sequencer draws inspiration from the famed Electribe series, offering intuitive controls that let you craft intricate rhythms and melodies with ease. The onboard drum machine further complements your sonic explorations, enabling you to lay down solid beats that seamlessly intertwine with your synth lines.

Whether you're crafting ambient textures or pulsing dance tracks, the Monotribe's portable design ensures you can take your creativity anywhere. Its battery-powered operation means you can unleash your musical ideas in a studio, on stage, or even in the great outdoors.

Key Features:

All-analog circuitry for warm, authentic sound
Integrated ribbon controller for expressive playing
Built-in sequencer inspired by the Electribe series
Versatile drum machine for creating intricate rhythms
Compact and portable with battery-powered operation
Intuitive interface for easy sound manipulation

Product specs

Brand	Korg
Model	Monotribe
Finish	Black
Year	2011 - 2025
Categories	Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Analog
Polyphony	1 Voice

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Korg Monotribe Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer?: The Korg Monotribe offers a classic analog sound characterized by warm, rich tones and a single monophonic voice, making it ideal for bass lines, leads, and experimental soundscapes.
How does the ribbon controller on the Korg Monotribe work?: The ribbon controller allows you to play notes by sliding your finger along its surface, offering a unique way to control pitch and modulation with expressive, tactile interaction.
Is the Korg Monotribe suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Korg Monotribe is compact and portable, making it suitable for live performances, especially for those seeking to add analog textures and sequences to their setup.
Can the Korg Monotribe be integrated with other gear?: The Korg Monotribe can be synced with other gear using its sync in/out ports, allowing it to be integrated into larger setups for expanded musical possibilities.
Does the Korg Monotribe require any additional equipment to operate?: The Korg Monotribe runs on batteries or an optional AC adapter, making it a standalone unit that doesn't require additional equipment to produce sound.

Videos

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sonicstate

Korg Monotribe - SonicLAB Review

sonicstate

Korg Monotribe - Introduction In The Studio

Korg

Korg Monotribe Analogue Synthesizer

Kosmic Sound

Musikmesse 2011 - First Look Korg Monotribe Analog Ribbon Station

Encyclotronic

Korg Monotribe - Summer NAMM 2011

Korg

Korg Monotribe Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer Station - Korg Monotribe

American Musical Supply

Reviews

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PROS

Completely analog with fantastic sound quality
Intuitive sequencer with up to 16 steps and unique flux mode for bends/variations
Includes revered MS20 filter for superior sound shaping
Firmware update adds valuable features like sample & hold for LFO
Versatile LFO with fast and slow settings for varied textures
Can be synced with external gear for even more creative possibilities
Drums sound great despite not being editable
Encourages creativity with easy-to-install mods for extended functionality
Robust build quality with great action on pots and switches
Portable and battery-powered for music making on the go

CONS

Fragile design with some units having wobbly knobs
Lacks MIDI functionality out of the box, limiting connectivity
Tries to do too much without excelling in any one area
Drum sounds described as "small" and lacking punch
Limited by an 8-step sequencer without firmware update
Sequencer speed issues when synced to MIDI clock without modifications
No individual volume control for each drum sound
Cannot set bpm accurately without using an external app

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Monotribe Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer.

Mods and upgrades

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Owners recommend the Miditribe I/O by Amazing Machines for syncing with DAWs, enhancing the Monotribe's functionality significantly.
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A firmware update enables the Monotribe to support analog CV/Gate input via the Sync In port, compatible with devices like the Keystep or SQ-1 with a simple splitter cable.
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Comparisons

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Compared to the MicroKorg, the Monotribe is favored for its simplicity and lack of menu diving, appealing to beginners.
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Features and functionality

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The Monotribe is described as a "poor man's 303," excelling as an acid box with a powerful MS20-style filter and active step function.
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The Monotribe's ribbon keyboard is often criticized for its awkwardness, making it more practical to use the unit as a sound module with an external MIDI keyboard.
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In Wide mode, the ribbon keyboard works fine, but in Narrow and Key modes, most keys produce the same note.
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Value and pricing

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Purchasing a used Monotribe and Volca Keys for €100 each can be a cost-effective alternative to buying a new Monotribe.
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Despite its historical significance in the affordable analogue boom, the Monotribe is unlikely to appreciate significantly in value, suggesting it's better used than stored.
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Setup and maintenance

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Soldering skills can allow for a DIY MIDI mod, saving costs compared to buying a commercial MIDI mod kit.
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Reassembling the unit resolved an issue with the ribbon keyboard, suggesting that loose connections may cause irregular behavior.
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Cutoff knob affects only half of its sweep; owners are unsure if it's a defect or a design trait.
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Use cases and applications

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When linked to a gate/CV output, the Monotribe delivers impressive acid basslines, enhancing its role in acid music production.
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Software and compatibility

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Re-uploading firmware is suggested as a potential fix for ribbon keyboard issues, though it's considered a long shot.
Source

Critic Reviews

Korg Monotribe

soundonsound.com

Korg's Monotribe is a quirky yet charming analogue groovebox that hits high notes with its rich MS20 filter and intuitive hands-on controls. It expands on the Monotron with added drum voices and a sequencer, offering a playful and engaging user experience. However, it falls short with its small ribbon controller, shared output for synth and drums, and limited external signal processing. Despite these limitations, the Monotribe's affordability and sonic character make it a worthwhile buy for those seeking a portable, self-contained analogue instrument that's ripe for creativity and personal modification.

positive

Full Review

Korg monotribe review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Korg Monotribe is a standout in the resurgence of analogue synths, offering a rich sound and engaging workflow. Its fully analogue drum section and flexible step sequencer are highlights, while its portability makes it ideal for spontaneous music-making. However, the drum section is limited, lacking tweakable options for its otherwise excellent sounds. Despite this, the Monotribe's synth section is versatile, capable of producing a wide range of tones, from deep bass to delicate strings. If you enjoyed the Monotron, the Monotribe's enhanced features and usability will likely impress.

positive

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 60 Ratings

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coulmier

about 7 years ago

A personal favourite and future classic

One of the most unruly of synths that there is. It’s a right bitch to tame and it doesn’t alway play nice, but when you work out how to use it and you catch it on a good day it will blow you away with what it’s capable of.

Based on part of the MS-20 it is truly analogue apart from the 4 part drum sequencer on board.

I wish they carried the build, size and design over to the Volcas. It is very robust and has great action on the pots and switches.

It will mostly be a noisy mofo, but you will love it all the same.

A classic

tinnedfish

114

over 6 years ago

Big synth in a small box, and it works in the Car!

This is the most "fun" synth I own. You can pop it on to make space noises and robot farts, quickly build a rhythm and start singing, or incorporate it into a midi chain and use it for beat and flourish (midi is an add-on kit - google it). It also uses batteries and it's small! I pop it on a goose-neck mount in my car, connected to the car stereo, and enjoy the traffic jams.

jordansynth

182

almost 10 years ago

Decent small monosynth/simple drum synth

For the price, it really can't be beat. The drums sound decent and the extremely simple synth section can produce very usable basses, melodies and percussive tones (the envelopes are actually quite quick). There are tons of easy to install mods for it as well, adding MIDI, VCO modifications, etc.