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Korg monotron

Item ID: monotron

Lightweight True-analog Ribbon Synthesizer with Internal Speaker, Headphone Jack, and Classic Analog Filter

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From Our Research Team:

Classic Analog Synthesis in the Palm of Your Hand!

Analog synths are cool — really cool, actually. They have a sound and feel that's unmistakable. But unless you're a hard-core synth fanatic, you likely don't need the power and tweakability (not to mention the cost) of a full-sized, pure-blood analog synth. That's what makes Korg's monotron so cool! It's a real analog synth that can fit in your hand. But its compact size doesn't mean the monotron skimps on cool features. In fact, its cup runneth over! Despite the small footprint, the monotron uses the same highly acclaimed VCF circuit that's found on Korg's classic MS-10 and MS-20 semi-modular synthesizers.







The monotron's extremely simple circuitry contains the basic building blocks of modular synthesis: one voltage-controlled oscillator, one voltage-controlled filter, and one low-frequency oscillator. The 1-knob approach to these controls makes conjuring crazy sounds intuitive and fun. Not a keyboard player? No problem! The monotron's easy-to-use ribbon controller lets players who are completely devoid of keyboarding skills sound as if they know what they're doing. Plus, via the aux input you can use the monotron's filter to process external audio!

Korg monotron Analog Ribbon Synth Features at a Glance:
  • Full-fledged true-analog synthesizer: VCO, VCF, LFO
  • Inspiring, easy-to-play ribbon keyboard
  • Intuitive, fun-to-tweak controls
  • Features the same classic analog filter found in the legendary Korg MS-10 and MS-20 synths
  • Filter any external source by using the audio-input jack
  • LFO can modulate either pitch or filter cutoff
  • LFO Rate knob features cool LED visual indicator
  • Battery operation and palm-top size equal true portability
  • Internal speaker/headphone jack lets you enjoy the sound anywhere — alone or with friends!

Korg's monotron is a pocket-sized powerhouse!
Specification Detail
Sound Engine Type(s) Analog
Polyphony Monophonic
Number of Presets 0
Expansion No Expansion
Number of Effects 0
Effects Types No Effects
Arpeggiator No
Sampling No
MIDI Sequencer No Sequencer
USB No
Number of Audio Inputs 1
Audio Input Types 1 x 1/8"
Number of Audio Outputs 1
Audio Output Types 1 x 1/8" (Headphone)
Number of Digital Inputs 0
Digital Input Types No Digital Inputs
Number of Digital Outputs 0
Digital Output Types No Digital Outputs
MIDI I/O No MIDI
Height 1.1"
Width 4.72"
Depth 2.83"
Weight .21 lbs.
Power Supply 2 x AAA Batteries
Manufacturer Part Number MONOTRON

monotron Image Gallery

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Reviews

based on 6 reviews

Impressive Synth Gadget!

by from
June 6, 2011
Music Background:
Really impressive item from Korg... there are many options with the cutoff filters and LFO modulation. For a really affordable price, the Monotron has a lot to offer. I recommend playing it with a Nin... read more [+]tendo DS stylus for the keypad on the ribbon controller. Very good analog sound from this neat synth. close [-]

Getting Mono is fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Dan Gallagher from Plattsburgh/ Montreal corridor
September 26, 2010
Music Background: lifelong synth fan

This is one of the most fun pieces of gear I've even encountered!

It generates sound via electronic means (rather than sampled means) and it's smaller than a cell phone. Many k... read more [+]ey enthusiasts desrcibe how a unit works "out of the box"- this wonderful piece of machinery was making Logan's Run/Devo: Hardcore/Axis: Bold As Love sounds in about ninety seconds. The Monotron makes oscilloscopes" dance" with a wonderful spectrum of old school blips, bleeps and sounds that transcend adjectives.

This is a real analog synth- it is very similar to old modular synths hundreds of times larger in regards to tone (and learning curve). Key Cadets-please don't expect an Emersonian do-it-all machine. It's not really a 'doe ray mee' tool; rather, it's a great noisemaker that will provide you with rad Mark Mothersbaugh style sonic decorations. The painted keyboard is counter-intuitive- 'C' isn't 'C' unless you tweek very patiently.


On that important note- it's hard to dial up a good chromatic scale on this wonder. I've seen home movies online of some cats playing "Amazing Grace" and Geddy's "Tom Sawyer" lead, but I must admit it takes a lot of patience if you'd like to use this melodically. In classic Korg fashion, incredible sounds come with tiny, tiny keys!

You deserve this machine.

Friends- we became keyboard players because of fun electronic noises- buy this and a holster so that you can serenade loved ones and cheering crowds anywhere!!!!!!!

close [-]

Cute!

by Djembe Records from Dallas, TX
September 22, 2010
Music Background: Project Studio Engineer / Musician
It's very small and a lot of fun! Sounds interesting and the filter is indeed great. It runs on two AAA cells and has 3.5 mm jacks for input (thru the filter) and output). The user interface is good. ... read more [+]There will be a lot of "hacks" for this little device. The ribbon controller is small but fine. You are probably not going to use this to play specific notes, like a keyboard. But with some practice you could. It is made in Japan (not China) and seems to be well made. This and a DAW on your laptop and you can make some music! It's very innovative!

joel in Dallas close [-]

Mostly awesome

by Drew Wheeler from Indianapolis, IN
March 16, 2012
Music Background: Independent Composer/Producer
This thing is pretty slick, the day I got it I spent hours just playing with the built in oscillator. The filter is amazing, and I had a blast running some of my own audio through it.

H... read more [+]owever there is a fairly prominent and ever-present white noise/hum which makes it a little less practical for studio use, for me anyway. Hopefully the Duo/Delay models will improve on this.

Pretty nifty little gadget overall, and not outrageously priced. close [-]

Sweetwater Advice

Mike Harris
A battery powered, true analog synth featuring the same filters used in the MS-20 and MS-10 synthesizer? Amazing! This is the ultimate gift for the music lover in your life!
Read more reviews

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See Also: Korg , Korg Table Top Synths

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