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Average Price: $1,925
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$1501+
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Description
The Korg MS20 Desktop synthesizer is a powerful reincarnation of the classic MS20, designed for musicians and sound designers who crave vintage tones with modern flexibility. This desktop module retains the iconic analog circuitry that made the original famous, providing rich, warm sounds that are both nostalgic and versatile. Thanks to its semi-modular design, it offers endless sound-shaping possibilities without the need for patch cables, making it ideal for both studio and live settings.
With its dual VCOs, you can explore a wide array of sonic landscapes, from deep basses to soaring leads. The distinctive external signal processor (ESP) allows you to use external audio sources as a modulation signal, adding a unique layer of creativity to your performances. Whether you're looking to recreate the sounds of the past or forge new sonic paths, the MS20 Desktop offers a comprehensive toolkit, complete with a highly intuitive interface that invites experimentation.
Key Features:
- Dual Voltage-Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) for rich, dynamic sound
- Iconic analog signal path for authentic vintage tones
- Semi-modular design for flexible sound shaping without patch cables
- External Signal Processor (ESP) to integrate external audio sources
- Classic 2-pole VCF (Voltage-Controlled Filter) with high-pass and low-pass modes
- Detailed patchable modulation options for personalized sound creation
- Compact desktop format, perfect for studio or live use
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | MS20 Desktop |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Desktop Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Polyphony | 1 Voice |
FAQs
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Is the Korg MS20 Desktop synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Korg MS20 Desktop is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play one note at a time, which is ideal for bass lines and lead melodies.
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What type of synthesis does the Korg MS20 Desktop use?
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The Korg MS20 Desktop utilizes analog synthesis, providing rich and warm tones characteristic of vintage analog synthesizers.
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Can the Korg MS20 Desktop be used for live performances?
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Yes, the Korg MS20 Desktop is suitable for live performances due to its compact size and hands-on control, making it easy to tweak sounds on the fly.
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Does the Korg MS20 Desktop have patching capabilities?
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Yes, the Korg MS20 Desktop features a semi-modular design with patch points, allowing users to experiment with different signal paths and sound modifications.
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What are some standout features of the Korg MS20 Desktop's sound engine?
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The Korg MS20 Desktop's sound engine is known for its dual VCOs, flexible filter section, and external signal processor, which together offer a wide range of sound-shaping possibilities.
Videos
sonicstate
Korg MS-20 Desktop Kit - Review
Korg MS-20 Desktop Kit - Review
sonicstate
NAMM 2015: Korg MS-20 Desktop Kit and SQ-1 Sequencer
sonicstate
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg MS20 Desktop.
Mods and upgrades
Use cases and applications
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The MS-20 is praised for sound design capabilities, allowing for complex patching and creative exploration with its semi-modular design.
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The MS-20 can generate percussive sounds and bass lines, ideal for techno music, but requires multi-tracking for full drum kits.
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The mini is favored in punk/post-punk bands for its distinctive sound and performance despite its build quality concerns.
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Comparisons
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The Behringer K-2 can sound similar to the MS-20 if the volume levels are adjusted, though opinions vary on its exact sonic match.
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The MS-20 Mini's Hz/Oct pitch tracking is not standard, requiring conversion to work with most modular gear, unlike the desktop version which handles this natively.
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The Korg SQ-1 sequencer is deemed less user-friendly for detailed programming compared to DAWs, which offer greater sequencing power.
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Some users find the Behringer K-2 a better alternative in terms of pot quality and noise levels compared to the mini.
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Build quality
User experience
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Owners describe the MS-20's sound as instantly recognizable, with the filter adding a distinct character that stands out.
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Features and functionality
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Its External Signal Processor uniquely lets external audio affect the oscillators, adding versatility not typically seen in other synths.
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The MS-20 allows simultaneous use of both low pass and high pass filters, a feature not commonly found in other synths.
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The MS-20's USB port is for MIDI, not audio, necessitating an audio interface for recording.
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The mini features the original filter design, known for its distinct noise, which can be easily EQ'd out on a mixer.
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Other
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The MS-20 is monophonic, meaning it can only play one sound at a time, limiting its use for polyphonic pieces or complex arrangements without additional sampling.
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Setup and maintenance
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Owners suggest tuning the MS-20 before multi-tracking due to its analog nature, which can cause it to drift out of tune.
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Artist usage
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Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg MS20 Desktop, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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