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Average Price: $54
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$500
$1501+
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Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Korg Monotron DELAY Analog Ribbon Synthesizer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Delve into the realm of analog synthesis with the Korg Monotron DELAY Analog Ribbon Synthesizer. This pocket-sized powerhouse is more than just a fun gadget—it's a full-fledged musical instrument. With its intuitive ribbon keyboard and five easy-to-tweak knobs, creating rich, dynamic melodies has never been simpler.
The monotron DELAY is not just about its compact size, but also its gigantic sounds. With the Space Delay, you can generate echo effects reminiscent of the early days of synth. This feature alone can add an authentic edge to your analog sounds and create sweeping, cosmic soundscapes.
Moreover, the monotron DELAY comes equipped with a dual-waveform Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) for added versatility. Whether you're a DJ looking to get the party started or an experimental musician wanting to explore new sonic territories, this little synth is your ticket to an endless world of sound exploration.
The monotron DELAY is also designed for the modern musician. With its aux input, you can apply its rich filter and delay effects to any external sound, opening up even more possibilities for musical creation.
Key Features:
- Space Delay with Time and Feedback controls for analog-style echoes
- Pitch LFO with selectable Waveshape, Rate, and Intensity controls
- VCF with Cutoff Control
- Wide-range ribbon controller keyboard
- Original Analog (VCF) Filter taken from the classic MS-10 & MS-20
- Aux input jack allows you to apply filter and delay to any audio source
- Built-in speaker and battery power for true portability
- Headphone jack for private use
Owner's manual
Korg Monotron DELAY Analog Ribbon Synthesizer User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Portable Handheld Synthesizer |
| Polyphony | Monophonic |
| Effects Types | Space Delay |
| Analog Inputs | 1 x 1/8" |
| Analog Outputs | 1 x 1/8" (Headphones) |
| Power Supply | 2 x AAA Batteries |
| Height | 1.1" |
| Width | 4.72" |
| Depth | 2.83" |
| Weight | 0.21 lbs. |
FAQs
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What type of sound does the Korg Monotron DELAY produce?
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The Korg Monotron DELAY produces monophonic sounds with a unique Space Delay effect, allowing for analog-style echo and atmospheric tones.
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How is the Korg Monotron DELAY powered?
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The Korg Monotron DELAY operates on two AAA batteries, making it highly portable for on-the-go music creation.
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What is the purpose of the ribbon controller on the Korg Monotron DELAY?
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The ribbon controller allows you to play notes by sliding your finger along its surface, offering expressive control over pitch and modulation.
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Can the Korg Monotron DELAY connect to external audio sources?
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Yes, the Korg Monotron DELAY features a 1/8" input for connecting external audio sources, allowing you to process them with its delay effect.
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Is the Korg Monotron DELAY suitable for live performances?
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While primarily designed for experimentation and portable use, the Korg Monotron DELAY can be used in live settings for adding unique effects and textures to your sound.
Videos
sonicstate
Review: Korg Monotron DUO and DELAY
Reviews
PROS
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Compact, portable, and easy to carry
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Surprisingly powerful analog sounds for its size
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MS-20 filter adds fantastic sonic character
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Fun and intuitive to use, with immediate sound design capabilities
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Can process external audio for creative effects
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Versatile: works for live performance, sound design, and experimental music
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Affordable, offering good value for the range of sounds
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Built-in speaker and headphone jack for flexible listening options
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Ribbon controller allows for unique pitch sweeps and effects
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Can be modded for enhanced capabilities or to add a power supply
CONS
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No MIDI capabilities for precise note control
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Ribbon controller makes playing specific notes challenging
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Very noisy, may require post-processing to clean up the signal
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Limited musical utility without modification
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Battery power only; frequent battery changes needed
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Built-in speaker quality doesn't do justice to the synth's capabilities
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Knobs are small and closely spaced, which might be cumbersome for some
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Output is mono and requires a stereo cable for certain applications
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Some units have reported durability issues
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Ribbon keyboard accuracy and responsiveness not suited for all musical tasks
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Monotron DELAY Analog Ribbon Synthesizer.
Features and functionality
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The Monotron Delay uses a PT2399 delay chip, commonly found in many effect pedals and synths, allowing for DIY modifications.
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The Monotron Delay outputs mono sound but requires a stereo cable, potentially causing confusion in setups.
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The Monotron Delay can create waves of white noise through filter sweeps, though some users wish for a resonance knob for even more control.
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User experience
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Some owners describe it as noisy and squeaky but appreciate its ability to create gritty textures and unique sounds.
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Owners have used the Monotron Delay for over six years, noting its consistent performance despite its simplicity and affordability.
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Multiple owners highlight the Monotron Delay as offering excellent value for its price, especially in experimental and noise-heavy music contexts.
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Use cases and applications
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It's been used effectively in outdoor settings to mimic natural sounds, creating a unique experience at festivals.
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Owners enjoy using the Monotron Delay for creating gated rhythms by feeding it into a modular system with a VCA.
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Users report that the delay effects become increasingly glitchy as the battery voltage drops, adding unique character to sounds.
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The Monotron Delay excels in creating infinite delay modes, which can transform into low rolling drones with feedback and time adjustments.
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When paired with hardware vocoders, the Monotron Delay can produce unique alien-like voices, adding a new dimension to sound design.
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Comparisons
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The Monotron Delay is compared to the Gen X-1, with some suggesting the latter offers more features for the price.
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The Breath Delay pedal by Aural Dream is noted for sounding similar to the Monotron Delay but with easier integration due to 1/4 mono jacks.
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The new Stylophone offers less noise and more control, making it a potential alternative for those seeking a quieter experience.
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Other
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It's been noted that while perceived as a toy, it can expand the sonic palette of musicians with more traditional synths like the DX7 or D-50.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 26 Reviews and 138 Ratings
41029
hypothetically you could use it to cover "good vibrations" by the beach boys, right? That synth sound is a moog with a ribbon controller.
98
top notch
worth the cash sturdy great on the go! i love this thing i mean it is literally so very very very good
222
dark!
out of all the monotrons, this was the obvious choice. for when you're an astronaut stranded in space, and on the brink of death as the darkness surrounds you, the korg monotron delay will be the soundtrack of your demise!
1558
this comment is great,i just want my monotron delay right now
196
Powerful !
With some little mods it can be turned into a good mono synth !!!
One of my favorites
Every time I pick up my Delay I want to make industrial music. Simple as that. It's a wonderful instrument -- extremely versatile and addictive to play.
Great Noise Maker
Not really for accurate note playing but fantastic for making noisy little sounds and a great Delay effect.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this Instagram photo from archy’s page you can clearly see a korg monotron in the top circled in red
During Legowelt’s Studio Tour for Future Music Magazine, Legowelt plays us a sample at 11:01 on his Yamaha DX7 Synthesizer, which is running through his Korg Monotron analog box.
The DELAY Analog Ribbon Synthesizer Can be heard throughout many of Jacks songs, whether being used as a synthesizer (Some notable examples being at the start of "Cunk" and very predominantly through Merry Christmas (Uncles in Heaven)) or as a delay in many other songs.
At 4:40 in the video in which Celldweller shows off his studio to Future Music Magazine he says "They look like toys [the Korg Monotrons] and they're actually priced like toys in a way, but so was the TB-303 when it first came out, so don't underestimate the power of this thing, it has a true MS-10[sic], MS-20 filter built in to it".
In the YouTube video titled "Experimental music hardware starter setup on a budget," Hainbach features the Korg Monotron DELAY Analog Ribbon Synthesizer as part of his setup.
Mujuice uses the Korg Monotron DELAY Analog Ribbon Synthesizer, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Rl0.
Album Usage
The Korg Monotron DELAY 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 DELAY Analog Ribbon Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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