Here’s another in-depth look at the new Korg MS-20 Mini synthesizer – this time via the inimitable Nick Batt of sonicstate.
For more on the new synth, see our earlier Korg MS-20 Mini posts and the Korg site.
Here’s another in-depth look at the new Korg MS-20 Mini synthesizer – this time via the inimitable Nick Batt of sonicstate.
For more on the new synth, see our earlier Korg MS-20 Mini posts and the Korg site.
Watched the video, curious how you think it compared to the IPAD app, Great review though cant wait to add one to the collection.
There is a good review at MacProVideo, that compares the MS-20 mini to the iMS-20 and the VST. Sometimes I wonder if the difference justifies £500. Nevertheless, I would love to have a MS-20 mini. If only I wasn’t also considering the Volcas or a Sub Phatty, I would have pre-ordered one by now. Not sure what Nick is saying about the CV limitations. I have seen videos of the mini played with modular and an Analog Four, and sounds amazing. Or was he referring as to use it the other way round, to control other synths?
thanks for the info john. that is the exactly the comparison i was looking for, for ages.
it is evident how both the legacy and ipad are lacking. both of which i enjoy.
on the other hand the ms20 might be actually harder to fit in a mix. so raw…
There’s a eurorack hz/1v conversion module coming out from Harvestman.
Now if the things would just start shipping!
Coming from someone who does not own any modular but is very interested:
Could you hypothetically get a 1v/oct module to track the pitch of the MS-20 mini keyboard if you ran the keyboard CV-out through a VCA before sending it to the VCO module?
Thanks
No. I mean, I’m trying to rack my brain around how that would work – I don’t think it’s possible. The MS uses Hz/Volt standard while Euroack uses the Volt/Octave standard. Going the other way around you could kind of control the MS from the Eurorack using the “total” CV input jack but it’s a PITA to do it that way (at least on an original MS-20 – I haven’t tried it on the mini). Also, not entirely sure why you’d want to control a Euro modular from the mini anyway – the MS-20 mini has mini keys so you’d be trying to control the modular with mini-keys when there are all kinds of full sized keyboards that could be used via a midi interface or regular v/o cv outs (e.g. an SH-101, Moog or Minibrute). I.e. it would only really make sense if you LOVE mini keys or really can only have one keyboard in your house. In any event, if you want to integrate it into a modular setup best bet would be to use the Harvestman interface mentioned above.
Ok, here was my thinking on this:
If you run a modulation signal through a VCA you can use the VCA to control the depth of the modulation (the range of the voltages). If you treat the hz/v CV signal from the keyboard as a modulation source in this way, could you use the VCA to scale the signal to more closely resemble a v/oct scale.
I’m new to this, and was just curious. I would like to build a eurorack setup eventually, and am looking for a way to start as inexpensively, and with as few modules as possible so I can gradually add on over time.
mmmm,I’m eating a hard boiled egg tomorrow in the morning.
sounds great but looks cheap, why bother with patch leads in twentieth century and a NO VELOCITY keyboard.
For fun
nice thorough review. wondering if nick was holding back on his opinions a bit. he said what I wanted to hear it is an ms 20. it sounds like an ms 20.
something ive wanted for a long time. extremely pleased that I’m going to have one to play with and won’t have to pay $2000+ for a 30 year old machine!
I would av paid extra for a decent keyboard with velocity and proper routing. those sockets have got deoxit written all over them. at least midgets will have a synth they can call their own.
Don’t you love negative comments from people who have no intention of buying it at any price…….
any price…………
how much would it cost for a velocity keyboard. i don’t wont to pay for nostalgia, i want to pay for something that is going to bring something new and different and offers flexibility in making music.
it cost about £50 to produce and ship to the UK and flog on for 500. please and you cant get velocity, its a fetishized gimmick sold to people who just want synths like the way people collect stamps.
a great sound housed in bygone age for the romantics and the fetishists
How do you know it costs £50, don’t be so foolish in your assumptions, in case you hadn’t noticed the MS20 is unique in its sounds and features, velocity is irrelevant unless you’re using some awful work station to mimic grand pianos……
Best go back to your bedroom and play with Ableton like a good little boy
let me put it to you like this mr analogue sheep following the heard
would you rather have the ms 20 voice in its out of date two bob body
or
the same voice in side the case of something like the roland Ghia, or a dsi evolver keyboard body, you know flexible, knobs per function, velocity, beam.
the mark up on synths is unbelievable if they sold like televisions you would have a moog for 500 quid and mopho for well under a 100. its simple production costs against consumers. but if you look at a lot manufactories say like dsi they use the same parts across models to keep cost down and profits up. so if you look at a company like korg with its array of keyboards you are telling me it was a great idea to produce a performace-less keyboard for 500 quid. so they kept it like the original ones in its backwards body just so all the sheep could run to the bank to spend their money on an analogue synth. do your self a favour and save another 300 pounds and get back to the future with an A4, a sub phatty, or another 100 for a mopho x4. at least some effort has gone in to trying to move these forwards and not backwards.
………deafened by the MS 20 label, (korg are not stupid, in fact they are damn right cynical)
Your logic is bizarre. Comparing an analogue synth to a mass produced TV.
Of course if every household on the face of the earth had an analogue synth in every room in their house they’d be far cheaper. But doesn’t that apply to everything that has a limited market?
Totally irrelevant comment.
You’re clearly offended by this synth, and by the people who are excited by it. You can choose to ignore it.
The good news is this will be very popular and with Korgs manufacturing there’ll be a steady supply. Down the line those of you who think its not worth 500 quid will be able to lick one up for 300 quid.
You won’t be whining then.
But none of them sound like the Korg, regardless of whether its an analog or VA. If you want a performance synth get a Nord Lead, otherwise….
Hope SonicState are not going to use this extremely annoying blue lighting on all reviews from now on. It’s just extremely distracting.
I thought it was just me… I thought is this video meant to be viewed with 3D goggles? After moments I switched-off, no longer able to watch the jerky zomming-in to out-of-focus close-ups. Nightmarish. Pity, because I’m a great admirer of this presenter’s style otherwise…
Whether you buy one of these or not, this is an incredibly exciting product which may be the beginning of an analogue renaissance from Korg. The Volta range suggests great, and inexpensive things are on the horizon.
Whilst I welcome an MS50 and SQ10 mini to complete the trilogy (no need for an MS10 at this price) I would like to see this technology used for new products rather than simply reissues.
Having said that I’d love to see a synth along the lines of the 800DV, but not a slavish copy.
There is a good review at MacProVideo, that compares the MS-20 mini to the iMS-20 and the VST version. Sometimes I wonder if the difference justifies £500. Nevertheless, I would love to have a MS-20 mini. If only I wasn’t also considering the Volcas or a Sub Phatty, I would have pre-ordered one by now. Not sure what Nick is saying about the CV limitations. I have seen videos of the mini played with modular and an Analog Four, and sounds amazing. Or was he referring as to use it the other way round, to control other synths?
I really don’t get all the hyperbole about this synth, its ‘uniqueness’ blah blah blah. Its sounds you can make with a zillion other mono synths, it has no aftertouch, sequencer, arp, no patch memory, blah blah blah, even in its day in was a cheap synth, so why all the hype!!
Its rather pathetic to be honest. I want companies that are looking to move things into the future……I’m not against re-issues and I’m glad korg are re=issuing the ms 20 but please all this ****ing over this is embarassing!!!
I fully agree, personally I think this was a great instrument 30 years ago when there had severe competition of other synths and these machines cot a fortune, but now it’s just not up to todays standards.
The built is cheapish : very small keys, mini jacks, external power supply, poor pots, …
Patching remains very restricted, the whole instrument is very restricted soundwise.
For the price you could buy a couple of modules for your modular system.
Of course this is a strictly personel opinion.
Guys, calm down. This is Korg celebrating 35 years by re-releasing a popular classic. Its an acknowledment of their analogue heritage and a following through of the promise of the monotrons. When the monotrons came out everyone asked if this meant a full on MS20 reissue was on the horizon, and Korg delivered.
No ones asking you to buy this synth, so stop whining about it like spoilt children who didn’t get the flavour ice pop they wanted. It’s exists, buy it or don’t buy it, but shut up crying about it.
I don’t see Korg reissuing the MonoPoly or Polysix, so relax, you’re senses won’t continue to be offended, but if this sells well you’re going to see analogue technology popping up in brand new synths at affordable prices because a market has been established.
If you’d prefer to spend your money on modules, go for it. But at 1100 for the Sub Phatty and 500 for the single osc, no patch storage Minibrute, it should be obvious that the MS20 mini is reasonably priced.
In two years you’ll be able to pick up 2 x MS20 minis for 600 secondhand and use those outdated patch leads to patch then together. That’ll be a 4 osc analogue monosynths for 600 quid. Still offended?