Korg MS-20 mini

The reincarnation of the classic MS-20 - now in mini size!

An analogue synthesizer faithfully reproducing classic functions from 1978.

First introduced in 1978, the Korg MS-20 mono synthesizer is still a musical staple today, thanks to its thick and robust sound, unmistakable analog filter and variable signal processing options. The sound of the original MS-20 is loved by more than 300,000 users (counting the MS-20 plug-in synth, and the iMS-20 iPad app).

Today, the MS-20 returns in the form of the MS-20 Mini. The same engineers who designed the MS-20 were involved in its development, and although the overall dimensions are only 86% of the original, you still have the same original in front of you.

The MS-20 mini will surprise you with its absolutely authentic analogue synthesizer sound.

Creators' comment
Fifty years have passed since Korg was founded, and we have once again created an analog synthesizer. In doing so, we focused on the smallest details that are crucial to these instruments. At the same time, we also focused on making sure that this instrument retains all the specifics of the original MS-20. The analog circuitry that we designed 35 years ago still guarantees that unmistakable, amazing sound throughout the entire range, from the bass to the top end.

We encourage you to try one of these new instruments, as it's the only way to get a feel for its capabilities.

Complete reproduction of the original analog circuits
The MS-20 mini replicates the original MS-20 in detail. The development team, led by the engineers behind the birth of the MS-20, recreated the original analog circuitry, and when a part did need to be replaced, it was decided by them based on their experience, so that the sound was as close to the original as possible. In fact, the MS-20 mini still has a slightly brighter and better sound quality, matching the sound of the original MS-20 when it went on sale - after all, over time some components did become obsolete.

2VCO / 2VCF / 2VCA / 2EG / 1LFO structure
The MS-20 mini faithfully reproduces the synthesis on the MS-20; two oscillators with ring modulation, and envelope generators with hold and delay functions. The VCA retains the basic design taken from the original, it has been modified only in the direction of generating less noise.

Self-oscillating high-pass/low-pass filters with subtle distortion
One of the main features of the MS-20 was its powerful filters, providing resonance in both high-pass and low-pass. Maximum resonance could cause the filter to self-oscillate, similar to an oscillator, resulting in inimitable changes in tone. This feature was subsequently used in the monotron and monotribe. Over the years of the MS-20's production, this filter was changed and a different one began to be used; however, the MS-20 mini uses the very original filter, which has a more radical sound.

xternal signal processor (ESP) for external signal processing
ESP reflects the experimental spirit of the original MS-20; it allows you to use the pitch or volume from an external audio source to control the synthesizer. For example, you can plug in an electric guitar and use the MS-20 mini as a guitar synthesizer, or plug in a microphone and use it as a voice synthesizer.

Extremely flexible signal routing system
A signal routing system using patch cables and jacks allows you to create very complex sounds. The possibilities are limited only by the user's imagination; combinations of interconnecting different units can generate an incredible variety of completely different sounds. A table taken from the MS-20, printed on the control panel, will help the beginner to find his or her way around

An exact replica of the MS20 scaled down to 86% of its original size
For better handling and consistency, the MS-20 mini has been reduced to 86% of the original MS-20 size. However, despite the smaller size, the exact design of the buttons or printing is retained down to the last detail, exactly as it was on the original. The interconnecting cables have so-called Mini-plugs instead of the original 1/4" phone plugs, and the newly designed keyboard is also reduced to exactly 86% of the original keys.

Reproduction of all details
The effort to preserve all the details of the original didn't stop with the instrument itself. Even the cover is, as far as possible today, as similar to the earlier one as possible. And the same goes for the user manual (and the tables of settings for creating sounds from the original MS-20). So you can experience the wonderful feeling of the new MS-20 in exactly the same way that players enjoyed it when the synthesizer was first introduced in 1978.

MIDI IN connector and USB connector
The MS-20 mini offers a MIDI IN jack for receiving MIDI messages, and a USB-MIDI connector that can receive and send MIDI messages. The MS20 mini can even be connected to a computer and played via a sequencer.

Dust cover for Korg MS-20 mini: DECKSAVER Korg MS-20 mini cover