Korg MS-20

About

The Korg MS-20 is a semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer introduced by Korg in 1978. It features two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) with various waveforms, including triangle, sawtooth, pulse, and white noise for VCO1, and sawtooth, square, and narrow pulse for VCO2, along with a ring modulation option. The synthesizer includes two voltage-controlled filters (VCFs): a high-pass and a low-pass filter, both of which are highly regarded for their rich, warm tones. Additionally, it has a low frequency oscillator (LFO) and two envelope generators (EGs) that provide control over sound dynamics. The MS-20's patchbay is a key feature, allowing users to reroute audio and modulation signals, enhancing its versatility and creative potential. This flexibility, combined with its robust sound design capabilities, has made the MS-20 a favorite among electronic musicians. Korg has released several versions, including the MS-20 Mini and the full-sized MS-20 FS, each maintaining the original's analog circuitry and adding modern features like MIDI connectivity. The MS-20's influence on music production is significant, offering a timeless sound that continues to inspire artists today.