Korg MS-20 mini

Live classic techno music

Among techno musicians, the Korg MS-20 semi-modular synthesizer is considered a living classic. And it's not surprising, because this big guy can simultaneously purr like a tractor, give out powerful techno kicks, or create interesting atmospheric sounds from ordinary filtered noise. And its iconic two-band filter is perceived by many musicians as a separate sound engine. The only problem is that the synthesizer is old and go and find it on the market. And if you find it, then get ready to fork out, on eBay they can ask for several thousand dollars for it. So kudos to Korg management for listening to the fans and releasing an updated, slightly scaled down and simplified version of their classic.

The same essence, but in a smaller case

So what has changed? The Mini has been shrunk to 86% of its original size while retaining the distinctive look of the original. Instead of 6.3 mm jacks for patch cables, minijack jacks are now used, the keys have become a little narrower. Otherwise, the MS-20 mini offers the same circuitry that made the original MS-20 so popular: two ring modulation oscillators + noise generator + noisy filter + advanced patch matrix.

The famous double filter

The sound processor has not gone anywhere either, which allows you to plug an external sound source into the MS-20 mini and use the synthesizer as a semi-modular filter + effects processor. For example, you can connect an electric guitar to it, turning it into a guitar synthesizer, or plug in a microphone and get an experimental vocal synthesizer. A fairly flexible patch matrix allows you to reconfigure this handsome man to your heart's content. The only pity is that they did not add polyphony, but this is a debatable issue. Many fans of the original synth and owners of the VST versions argue that the polyphony will kill the original spirit of the MS-20.

Alternative for fans of modular synthesis

By the way, if you've always dreamed of a European version of the MS-20, then pay attention to the recent Behringer K-2, which is a complete copy of the classic MS-20, but a little cheaper and without a keyboard.