At The NAMM Show 2012, Synthmaker Korg today announced the expansion of its Monotron series of analog synths with the introduction of two new models, the Korg Monotron DUO, and the Monotron DELAY.

The Monotron Series are pocket-size analog ribbon synthesizers that make analog synthesis and “knob tweaking” accessible to musicians of all budgets and skill levels.

The Monotrons have battery power and a built-in speaker, and a headphone output “for private use,” or for connecting to an amplifier or PA system. The front panel of the Monotrons have five knobs and a front-panel switch, offering “hands-on” analog control. The ribbon keyboard can be used for picking out melodies or creating effects. The Monotron Series uses the same highly acclaimed VCF circuit as Korg’s classic MS-10 and MS-20 semi modular synthesizers from over 30 years ago. The AUX input jack allows any audio source to be placed into the signal path and processed by this coveted analog filter, for tone-bending filter effects on any sound or instrument.

Monotron DUO

The Monotron DUO includes a second oscillator (VCO) with separate tuning. Tuning the oscillators in unison creates a rich, thick, analog tone; tuning them in intervals is ideal for classic soloing sounds and for generating new effects. The X-MOD (cross modulation) circuit taken from Korg’s classic Mono/Poly can introduce a mild or razor-sharp edge to the overall sound; everything from a rich vibrato to extreme metallic sounds reminiscent of an FM synth. The Ribbon keyboard can be set to a Chromatic, Major, or Minor scale for easy playing across a selectable four-octave range.

Monotron DELAY

In addition to its analog oscillator, filter, and LFO, the Monotron Delay also provides a “Space Delay” effect equipped with Time and Feedback. This delay circuit even reproduces the pitch changes that occur when the delay time is varied, just as on an “old-school” tape echo.  As with the filter, the delay effect can be added to any external sound via the Aux In jack. A trim pot on the back panel can continuously adjust the shape/direction of the LFO’s waveshape to deliver even more versatility. Finally, the ribbon keyboard offers a wide, four-octave range, and glows under black light illumination (!)– along with some of the front panel artwork

The Monotron, Monotron DUO, and the Monotron DELAY are all currently available, and the suggested Retail Price is $70.00 apiece.

Note: While Korg announced these at the NAMM show, Synthtopia has covered the two new Monotribes previously