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Average Price: $55

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$500

$1501+

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer, a compact powerhouse that redefined the analog synth landscape. Perfect for musicians on the go, this portable analog wonder offers a monophonic voice driven by a single oscillator, delivering authentic vintage sound in a sleek, pint-sized package. The Monotron's built-in ribbon controller invites spontaneous exploration and makes it an ideal tool for both seasoned synth enthusiasts and curious beginners.

Dive into a world of sonic possibilities with its intuitive controls, allowing you to manipulate pitch and filter cutoff effortlessly. The Monotron's simplicity is deceptive; beneath its minimalistic exterior lies a versatile sound engine that can be a delightful playground for tinkerers and DIY electronics aficionados. Whether you're adding texture to a live performance or experimenting in the studio, the Monotron's analog warmth and character stand out, making it a staple in the modern musician's toolkit.

Key Features:

  • Compact and portable design for music creation anywhere
  • Single oscillator monophonic voice
  • Built-in ribbon controller for expressive playability
  • Classic analog filter for rich, warm tones
  • Simple and intuitive controls for easy sound manipulation
  • Battery-powered operation for ultimate mobility

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model Monotron
Finish Black
Year 2010 - 2025
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Korg Monotron is ideal for beginners due to its simple interface with just five knobs and one switch, making it easy to explore analog synthesis without a steep learning curve.

What type of sound can I expect from the Korg Monotron?

The Korg Monotron delivers classic analog sounds with a rich, warm tone, thanks to its analog oscillator and filter. It is capable of producing a range of sounds from deep basses to bright leads.

How is the Korg Monotron powered?

The Korg Monotron is powered by two AAA batteries, making it highly portable and convenient for on-the-go music creation.

Can the Korg Monotron be integrated into a larger setup?

While the Korg Monotron is primarily a standalone unit, it can be integrated into a larger setup via its headphone output, allowing you to connect it to external amplifiers or recording equipment.

Does the Korg Monotron have any built-in effects?

The Korg Monotron does not have built-in effects, but its analog filter can be used creatively to shape and modify the sound, offering a range of tonal possibilities.

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UniqueSquared

Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synth | UniqueSquared.com

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Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synth | UniqueSquared.com

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UniqueSquared

Video thumbnail for Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synth Processing External Audio Overview | UniqueSquared.com by UniqueSquared

Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synth Processing External Audio Overview | UniqueSquared.com

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UniqueSquared

Video thumbnail for Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synth Programming Demo | UniqueSquared.com by UniqueSquared

Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synth Programming Demo | UniqueSquared.com

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UniqueSquared

Video thumbnail for monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer- Processing External Audio- In The Studio with Korg by Korg

monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer- Processing External Audio- In The Studio with Korg

Korg

Korg

Video thumbnail for monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer- Guided Tour- In The Studio with Korg by Korg

monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer- Guided Tour- In The Studio with Korg

Korg

Korg

Reviews

PROS

  • Compact and highly portable; ideal for on-the-go music creation

  • Features Korg's signature VCF, LFO, and VCO circuitry for quality sound

  • Can be used as an external filter, adding versatility to setups

  • Ribbon keyboard allows for unique slide and knob-twisting noises

  • Offers an affordable entry point into analog synthesis

  • Fun as a supplementary tool for noise and effects in studio setups

  • Battery-powered with an internal speaker for immediate playability

CONS

  • Small ribbon track limits precise manipulation

  • Some users find it too gimmicky, with novelty wearing off quickly

  • Not considered practical as a primary instrument for professional work

  • Sound can be noisy, may not suit all musical or recording environments

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Monotron Delay is noted for its challenging playability due to two octaves per inch, yet its delay effect is highly praised for its uniqueness.

    Source
  • The original Monotron is highlighted for its LFO-modulatable filter effect, ideal for processing granular synths through its MS-20-like filter.

    Source
  • The Monotron Delay is noted for achieving an 'infinite delay' mode by turning up the feedback, allowing for fun manipulation of time values to create rolling drones.

    Source
  • The Monotron Delay features a modifiable Triangle or Square LFO, which only modulates pitch, differentiating it from the original Monotron's reverse saw LFO that can modulate pitch or filter cutoff.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users report the Monotron Delay excels as an effect processor for external audio, enhancing other Monotrons with its lo-fi delay capabilities.

    Source
  • The Monotron's small ribbon controller is noted for its limitations in playability, but the pocket-sized filter is deemed surprisingly useful.

    Source
  • Pairing the Monotron Delay with a hardware vocoder can produce unique, alien-like vocal effects, expanding its creative applications.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Monotron DUO offers basic sound capabilities but is overshadowed by the original Monotron and Delay in terms of versatility and interest.

    Source
  • The Monotron Delay's delay effect is compared to the Volca Delay, which uses a PT2399 digital chip, highlighting the Monotron's analog uniqueness.

    Source
  • The Monotron Duo can quantize the ribbon to play scales and melodies, unlike the Delay, which spans the full pitch range, making it less suitable for precise note playing.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have successfully modified the Monotron Delay to add a resonance knob, enhancing the self-resonance on the filter, though it requires detailed soldering work.

    Source
  • Owners have modified the Monotron Delay to add resonance control to its filter, enhancing its use for processing other instruments through the auxiliary port.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's considered one of the best value sound toys for its price, especially when used as a reverb with low echo settings alongside devices like the PO-32.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the Monotron Delay more enjoyable for its noisy delay effect and ability to filter and add delay to external audio, despite its limited note-playability.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Korg Monotron

soundonsound.com

The Korg Monotron is a pocket-sized marvel that combines nostalgia with genuine analog sound. Its compact form belies its capability, featuring the iconic MS10/MS20 filter and true analog synthesis. While the ribbon keyboard might challenge those with larger fingers, it offers a unique performance experience reminiscent of a Stylophone. This synth shines as both a standalone instrument and an external audio processor, allowing for creative manipulation of external signals. Despite minor limitations like background hiss and a short ribbon, the Monotron's affordability and distinctive character make it a delightful addition to any synth enthusiast's arsenal.

positive

Review: Korg Monotron — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

For a superb little synth, the Korg Monotron packs an impressive punch, delivering true analog warmth at an unbeatable price. Its compact size and portability make it perfect for on-the-go synthesis, while the legendary MS-10 and MS-20 filter design adds depth. However, the plastic build feels fragile, and the tiny speaker underwhelms without external amplification. Despite its toy-like appearance, the Monotron proves to be a fun and expressive instrument, offering surprising tonal range and modulation capabilities. A great value buy for analog enthusiasts looking for a pocket-sized powerhouse.

positive

Korg Monotron review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Absolute Music Community – THE KORG MONOTRON ANALOG SYNTHESIZER REVIEW

absolutemusic.co.uk
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 11 Reviews and 97 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
artifex_adrift

More of a toy than anything

Firstly, I didn't buy the Monotron to integrate into a professional studio or anything. I build a lot of analog synthesizers and picked this up out of curiosity more than anything. It's really neat for the first day or so, but to be honest the size if probably the biggest issue. Since the ribbon track is so small, it's hard to manipulate with a great deal of precision. That and I personally don't really like overly tactile electronic instruments, so that's a downside for me when playing it. You can however patch it into other devices via patch cable and use it as a fun supplement to create some interesting sounds.

Like I say, it's more of a "gee-whiz" toy that loses its novelty fairly quickly, but I don't think any of us would realistically purchase one to record an album with anyway, so maybe give it a try if you're into low-cost gadget experimentation.

spaker

Size of a deck of cards real analog synth

Korg circuitry VCF, LFO, and VCO. Totally portable with internal speaker and battery power. It even has an input in case you'd like to apply another audio signal to those Korg circuitry Oscillators and Filter. Ribbon keyboard makes for cool sounding "slide while knob twisting" noises. I gave one of these to a young cousin who saw me playing with one. That was three years ago, before he had ever heard of a synth of any kind. He just filled his second modular rack last month and is trying to decide on either a third or one large rack to incorporate his dozens of synth modules. Everyone starts someplace.

jimmarchi1

I got a duo for my kid but I use it too, mostly as a guitar effect of just a general effect to treat another synth like a DX7 or the fake Rhodes samples in my P88. Kids love these little fuckers. some how when I let my son play with my big synths he makes patches that sound like the monotron.

finetales

Why not?

It's fun to mess around and make chaotic noise with, but where I think it shines the most is as an external filter for a different synth. There's an awesome YouTube video of someone running a Kawai K1 through it that inspired me to get it in the first place. Really cheap to pick up (even though this classic version (which is the best one IMO) isn't made anymore) and a fun way to get an MS-20 filter sound. It's noisy but for <$50 what do you expect? The MS-20 is noisy.

digitalwint3r

The Korg Monotron, the original mini badass.

I own all three monotrons but I have to in terms of making synth growl noises with all three of them I think the original would be the most appropriate for making those sorts of sounds because this synthesizer allows you to modulate the pitch and cutoff really well.

spleentaste

AMAZING FILTER FOR A COMPACT SYNTH

it's an amazing synth very compact which you can use as a synth or a filter...for only 20$....

C

Korg Monotron. Fun filters.

The Monotron has some fun features that great to incorporate into any studio. Strictly use it for the filters. Not very usable as an instrument for me.

xaqary

Yep

I have one. I can't imagine I can add anything that already hasn't been said.. Fun unit, super fun as a teaching tool.

jimmarchi1

I got mine for Lucian but I play with it more. I use the filter input a lot while tracking guitars and mixing drum loops and stuff.

xaqary

Yeah it's a super fun piece. I used it a ton when I first got it but it's gotten fairly dusty. I should really break that sucker back out. That's one of the awesome things about adding gear here is I remember all the options I have.

fiddler

Nice toy, prefect for annoying friends or the wife :D

N

i call it satan!!!

Satan it is the nastiest shit i ever had to make noises...

jeromy

I love this box

Great effect in literally anything...

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Disclosure uses Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

Disclosure

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video of Disclosure playing live, a Korg Monotron can be seen as part of their equipment setup.

See how Albert Hammond Jr uses Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

Albert Hammond Jr

Singer, Guitarist

The Strokes

...
Verified via Korg

In an interview with Korg, Albert Hammond Jr discusses his use of the Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer.

See how Virtual Riot uses Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

Virtual Riot

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:20 in Virtual RIOT's "Studio Time #2", it is quite blurry but you can make out a Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer.

See how Mick Gordon uses Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

Mick Gordon

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:24 in the video titled "Mick Gordon - 11. BFG Division" on YouTube, Mick Gordon can be seen using the Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer.

See how Liam Howlett uses Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

Liam Howlett

Music Producer

The Prodigy

...
Verified via Theprodigy

Korg Monotron Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer From Korg's press release 2010

Liam Howlett of The Prodigy is set to use the Korg Monotron Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer at a large festival date.

The synth was shown to him just 10 minutes before stepping on to the stage at this years Southside Festival in Neuhausen, Germany.

Playing to an audience of over 4,000 fans, Howlett reportedly “got carried away with playing on it”.

One day later, he used it again during their set at the Hurricane Festival in Scheessel, Germany.

The Prodigy are currently touring Europe and are due to play to 65,000-strong crowd at the Milton Keynes Bowl next month.

Powered by two alkaline AAA batteries, the compact monotron can be held in one hand. Although small enough to easily carry with you, the amazing monotron is packed with KORG’s legendary analog technology, generating thick and powerful sounds. Concentrating on the most important sound parameters, the controls have been streamlined as much as possible. The panel contains only five knobs and one switch. With this level of simplicity, now anyone can easily enjoy the world of analog synthesizers.

Palm-sized, battery-powered, ribbon-controlled analog synth with expressive effects and popular Korg filters.

Analog synths were once massive, temperamental monsters, but the Korg monotron proves that big things now come in small packages. The true analog monotron synthesizer fits in your pocket and makes it possible for you to play anytime, anyplace.

Although it is small enough to hold in one hand, the Korg monotron synth delivers enormous, dazzling sounds. The controls have been streamlined for ease of use—concentrating on the most important sound parameters, the panel contains only five knobs and one switch. With this level of simplicity, now anyone can easily enjoy the world of analog synthesizers. It's simply a blast to play.

Ribbon controller keyboard offers easy expression Borrowing the enjoyment of performing with a simple touch from Korg's wildly popular KAOSS products, the monotron synth's ribbon controller keyboard takes this ease of use even farther. Simple finger gestures can produce expressive effects such as vibrato and glide.

1VCO, 1VCF, 1LFO - Modular synthesis building blocks The Korg monotron's circuit is radically simple: one voltage-controlled oscillator, one voltage-controlled filter, and one low frequency oscillator. As a result, the process of sound creation is intuitive, and instantly understandable. And it's tons of fun. This Korg synth provides the joy of sonic creativity that's at the heart of analog synthesis.

The famous Korg filter This Korg synthesizer starts with the same highly acclaimed VCF circuit as KORG's classic MS-10 and original MS-20 semi-modular synths, and adds extra oomph to the resonance. Originally released over 30 years ago, these synthesizers are still coveted today for their aggressive, dynamic filters. The VCF Cutoff knob sets the frequency or tone of the filter; the VCF Peak (resonance) knob adds emphasis.

Semi modular satisfaction Just as on the original MS-20, the monotron's filter can be patched into, allowing any external audio source to be processed by the monotron's filter. The input jack (AUX input) built into the Korg synthesizer's compact body inserts the AUX input into the signal path right before the VCF. This provides a great way to connect a KAOSSILATOR, a keyboard, a guitar, a digital audio player or even an unmixed track to the Korg monotron synth and enjoy tone-bending filter effects.

Versatile LFO provides audio and visual excitement The LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) can affect either the oscillator pitch or the filter cutoff. Both the speed and the intensity are individually adjustable, so you can create anything from a gentle vibrato to swooping tone changes of galactic proportions. As you turn the LFO Rate knob—featuring an embedded LED—the speed of the modulation effect and the speed of the blinking LED will change in tandem.

Listen anywhere—alone or with friends The ultimate in compactness, the Korg monotron synth includes a built-in miniature speaker. Along with the battery operation, this feature allows you to enjoy the monotron everywhere. There's also a headphone output that you can use when creating sounds at home, for recording, or for connecting to an amplifier or PA system. When used, it cuts off the speaker so you get personal monitoring or so that you get the full effect of your larger speaker system.

monotron key features: VCO Voltage Controlled Oscillator VCF with Cutoff and Peak Control LFO can be applied to the Pitch (VCO) or Filter(VCF) Ribbon controller keyboard Original Analog (VCF) Filter taken from the classic MS-10 & MS-20 Aux input jack lets you apply filter to any audio source Built-in speaker and battery power for Go Anywhere Analog sound Headphone jack for private use

See how Chris Carter uses Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

Chris Carter

Keyboardist

Throbbing Gristle

...
Verified via Photo

Chris has Monotron near the bottom of the screen in this image.

See how Grant Nicholas uses Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

Grant Nicholas

Singer, Guitarist

Feeder

...
Verified via Photo

In the 3rd picture you can see the Monotron in Grant's studio.

See how Cosey Fanni Tutti uses Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

Cosey Fanni Tutti

Guitarist, Singer

Throbbing Gristle

...
Verified via The Quietus

Background: Apple MacBook Air running 'Guitar Rig 4' and 'Ableton Live 8' software Foreground: Korg Monotron synthesiser As used by: Cosey Fanni Tutti

See how Elektrokid uses Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

Elektrokid

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

For my WALL-E

See how Alvin Risk uses Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

Alvin Risk

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

"With great power comes great responsibility."

In this Facebook post, Alvin Risk can be seen with his Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer.

See how Michael Stipe uses Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

Michael Stipe

Singer

R.E.M.

...
Verified via YouTube

Used for "Überlin", as can be seen in this September 10, 2010 video.

See how Liquid Stranger uses Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

Liquid Stranger

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

in this photo we can see his monotron..

Album Usage

The Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer has been featured on the following albums:

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 Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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ryunocore

ryunocore

Gear IQ 81

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