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Korg MS-20 Mini - Monophonic Analog Synthesizer (Black)

BH #KOMS20MINI • MFR #MS20MINI
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Korg MS-20 Mini - Monophonic Analog Synthesizer (Black)
Key Features
  • Miniaturized Replica of Original
  • Flexible Patching System
  • 2 Oscillators
  • Ring Modulator on Oscillator 2
The black MS-20 Mini from Korg is a fully functioning analog synthesizer featuring the circuitry of the iconic, late 1970's MS-20 synthesizer, but shrunk to 86% of the original size. Its versatile patching options, analog filters, and the ability to process external signals makes this diminutive powerhouse very attractive to the analog synthesizer aficionado.
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Korg MS-20 Mini Overview

From Manufacturer

The black MS-20 Mini from Korg is a fully functioning analog synthesizer featuring the circuitry of the iconic, late 1970's MS-20 synthesizer, but shrunk to 86% of the original size. Its versatile patching options, analog filters, and the ability to process external signals makes this diminutive powerhouse very attractive to the analog synthesizer aficionado.

A development team led by the original engineers strove to painstakingly replicate the MS-20, both in sound and form. The sound comes from an architecture featuring two oscillators (one with ring modulation) and envelope generators with hold and delay. The VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) maintains the basic design of the original, but has been modified to produce less noise.

High- and low-pass filters with resonance and distinctive distortion can deliver radical sounds when they are pushed into self-oscillation. Additionally, external sources such as an electric guitar or vocals can be used to control the synthesizer or have the source manipulated by the filters. A flexible hard-wire patching system provides nearly endless possibilities.

The synthesizer features a MIDI In jack for receiving note messages, and a USB-MIDI connector that can transmit and receive note messages (there is no velocity information). Connecting the unit to a computer allows it to be triggered from a sequencer.

Miniature MS-20 is a complete replica of the original analog circuitry at 86% of the original size
Overseen by the engineers of the original MS-20
Incorporates a dual VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator), dual VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier), dual VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter), dual EG (Envelope Generator), and a single LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) structure
Self-oscillating, high-pass/low-pass filters with distinctive distortion
External signal processor (ESP)
Highly flexible patching system
MIDI In and USB connector
Replicates every detail of the original, down to the package binding and the included manual

Korg MS-20 Mini Specs

Keyboard
37-note mini keyboard
Polyphony
Monophonic
Multitimbral
No
Synthesis Method
Voltage-controlled analog
Control Section
Voltage Controlled Oscillator 1 (VCO 1)
Scale: 32, 16, 8, 4' (6 octaves, +cent, -cent)
Waveform: Triangle, Sawtooth, PW-Square, White Noise, (x 4 modes)
Pulse Width Adjust: 1:1 to 1:Infinity

Voltage Controlled Oscillator 2 (VCO 2)
Scale: 16, 8, 4, 2' (6 octaves, +cent, -cent)
Waveform: Sawtooth, Square, Pulse, Ring Modulator, (x 4 modes)
Pitch: +/-1 Octave

VCO Master Control
Master Tune: +/- 100 cents
Portamento: Maximum 10 sec
Frequency Modulation Intensity by MG/T.EXT: -5 to +5 V
Frequency Modulation Intensity by EG1/EXT: -5 to 0 V

VCO Mixer
VCO 1 Level
VCO 2 Level

Voltage Controlled High Pass Filter (VCF HPF)
Cutoff Frequency: 50 Hz to 15 kHz
Peak: Flat to self OSC
Cutoff Frequency Modulation Intensity by MG/T.EXT: -5 to +5 V
Cutoff Frequency Modulation Intensity by EG2/EXT: -5 to +5 V

Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter (VCF LPF)
Cutoff Frequency: 50 Hz to 15 kHz
Peak: Flat to self OSC
Cutoff Frequency Modulation Intensity by MG/T.EXT: -5  to +5 V
Cutoff Frequency Modulation Intensity by EG2/EXT: -5 to +5 V

Envelope Generator 1
Delay Time: 10 sec
Attack Time: 10 sec
Release Time: 10 sec

Envelope Generator 2
Hold Time: 20 sec
Attack Time: 10 sec
Decay Time: 10 sec
Sustain Time: 10 sec
Release Time: 10 sec

Modulation Generator (LFO)
Waveform: Positive Sawtooth, Triangle, Negative Sawtooth, Wide Pulse, Square, Narrow Pulse
Frequency: 0.1 to 20 Hz

Manual Controller
Control wheel (center click)
Momentary switch --> Ground

Power Switch and Volume
Volume

Indicators
Keyboard Trigger LED
Modulation Generator Rate LED
Power On LED
External Signal Processor
Control Section
Input Signal Level
Low-Cut Frequency: 50 Hz to 2.5 kHz
High-Cut Frequency: 100 Hz to 5 kHz
CV Adjust
Threshold Level

Input and Output
Signal In
Amplifier Out
Band-Pass Filter Out
CV Out: 0 to +8.4 V
ENV Out: 0 to +5 V
Trig Out: +5 V --> Ground

Indicators
Peak Indicator LED
Trigger Indicator LED
Control Section
Input Signal Level
Low Cut Frequency: 50 Hz to 2.5 kHz
High-Cut Frequency: 100 Hz to 5 kHz
CV Adjust
Threshold Level

Input and Output
Signal In
Amplifier Out
Band-Pass Filter Out
CV Out: 0 to +8.4 V
ENV Out: 0 to +5 V
Trig Out: +5 V --> Ground

Indicators
Peak Indicator LED
Trigger Indicator LED
Patch Panel
Keyboard
Keyboard Control Voltage Output (Exponential): 0 to +8 V
Keyboard Trigger Output: +5 V --> Ground
VCO-1 + VCO-2 Control Voltage Input (Linear Response): 0 to +8 V
VCO-2 Control Voltage Input (Linear Response): 0 to +8 V

VCO
VCO-1 + VCO-2 External Frequency Control Input (Oct/V): -5 to +5 V

VCF
External Signal Input: 3 V p-p maximum
External High Pass Filter Cutoff Frequency Control Input (2 Oct/V): -5 to +5 V
External Low Pass Filter Cutoff Frequency Control Input (2 Oct/V): -5 to +5 V

VCO + VCF
Total External Modulation Input (T.EX): -5 to +5 V

VCA
External Initial Gain Control Input: 0 to +5 V

EG
EG 1 Envelope Signal Normal Output: -5 to 0 V
EG 1 Envelope Signal Reverse Output: +5 to 0 V
EG 1 + EG 2 Trigger Input: --> Ground
EG 1 Trigger Input: --> Ground
EG 2 Envelope Signal Reverse Output: +5 to 0 V

MG
Triangle Output: Positive Sawtooth, Triangle, Negative Sawtooth (5 V p-p)
Rectangle Output: Wide Pulse, Square, Narrow Pulse (0 to +5 V)

Noise Generator
Pink Noise Output: 5 V p-p
White Noise Output: 5 V p-p

Sample and Hold
Clock Trigger Input: --> Ground
Sample Signal Input: 5 V p-p maximum
S/H Output: 5 V p-p maximum

Modulation VCA
Control Voltage Input: 0 to +5 V)
Signal Input: -5 to +5 V
Signal Output: -5 to +5 V

Manual Controller
Control Wheel Output: -5 V <-- 0 V --> +5 V
Momentary Switch Output: --> Ground
Connectors
1 x 1/8" (3.5 mm) TS mono mini Signal Output (2 V p-p, output impedance 3.5 kOhms)
1 x 1/8" (3.5 mm) TS mono mini External Signal Input
1 x 1/8" (3.5 mm) TRS stereo mini Headphone
1 x 5-pin DIN MIDI In*
1 x USB Type-B**
* Only note messages received (velocity not used)
** Only note messages transmitted and received (velocity not used)
Power Requirements
9 VDC via included external power supply
9 W consumption
Dimensions
19.4 x 10.1 x 8.2" (493 x 257 x 208 mm)
Weight
10.6 lb (4.8 kg)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
13.5 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
23 x 13 x 13"

Korg MS-20 Mini Reviews

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