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Korg MS-20 Mini Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer

37-key Classic Analog Synthesizer with Mini Patch Bay, External Signal Processor, MIDI In, and USB for MIDI Connectivity
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Korg MS-20 Mini Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer
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A Legendary Synthesizer Reborn

Back and smaller than ever, Korg's MS-20 Mini analog synthesizer revives the legendary MS-20 synth in all of its glory, but at 86% of the original size. This is no copycat knockoff either — the MS-20 Mini is nearly identical to the original, with the same analog oscillators, first-generation filters, and a VCA that's been tweaked to reduce noise. You'll also find cool new additions onboard the Korg MS-20 Mini, including MIDI in and USB connectivity.

Just like the original, only smaller and cleaner

It's no secret that technology's gotten a lot smaller since the late '70s, so when Korg decided to bring the MS-20 back, they decided to drop down the scale, making the MS-20 Mini exactly 86% the size of the original. Best of all, they did it without changing any of the core components, with the exception of the voltage controlled amp (VCA), which they tweaked to be less noisy. They even shrank down the MS-20 Mini's patchbay, trading the 1/4" phono jacks for 1/8" mini jacks to make extra room.

External signal processor unlocks a world of creative options

Plug your guitar or microphone directly into the Korg MS-20 Mini and start tweaking. You won't believe the fun and funky sounds you can come up with. Utilizing the MS-20 Mini's external signal processor (ESP) section, you can use almost any sound source to control the pitch or volume of this incredibly flexible synth. It's all possible with the MS-20 Mini.

Onboard MIDI and USB lets you connect all your music gear

Here's something die-hard synth nuts would have given an arm and a leg for back in 1978: advanced connectivity via MIDI and USB. With its MIDI in port, you can easily incorporate your Korg MS-20 Mini into your live keyboard rig or add a full-sized keyboard to gain access to a much wider note range. USB opens up even greater possibilities, allowing you to integrate your MS-20 Mini with the rest of your studio DAW.

Korg MS-20 Mini Monophonic Analog Synthesizer Features:

  • The legendary 1978 Korg MS-20 analog synthesizer reborn
  • Built to 86% scale, making this MS-20 more portable than ever
  • Provides powerful vintage sound, from deep, growling basses to crisp, rounded leads
  • 2 oscillators with ring modulation provide a wide range of sound
  • Envelope generators with delay and hold add exciting motion to your tone
  • VCA maintains the original basic design, but with reduced noise
  • First-generation filter design (highpass/lowpass with peak/resonance) capable of self-oscillation
  • ESP utilizes the pitch or volume of an external audio source to control the synthesizer
  • 1/8" jack-based patching bay lets you create complex sounds
  • 37-note keyboard is also 86% the size of the original
  • MIDI in and USB connector provides keyboard and DAW MIDI connectivity
  • Includes original MS-20 owner's manual and settings chart

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Synthesizer
  • Analog/Digital: Analog
  • Number of Keys: 37
  • Type of Keys: Synth action, Mini-keys
  • Other Controllers: Pitchbend, Mod Button
  • Polyphony: Monophonic
  • Oscillators: 2 x VCO
  • LFO: 1 x LFO
  • Filter: 1 x Highpass 2-pole VCF, 1 x Lowpass 2-pole VCF
  • Envelope Generator: 2 x EG
  • Audio Inputs: 1 x 1/8" (signal in)
  • Audio Outputs: 1 x 1/8" (signal out)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/8"
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • MIDI I/O: In/USB
  • Other I/O: 1/8" CV Patching
  • Power Source: 9V DC power supply (included)
  • Height: 8.19"
  • Width: 19.41"
  • Depth: 10.12"
  • Weight: 10.58 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: MS20MINI

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

loved this synth for years

got this in 2015 and still love it. classic synth, timeless might i say.
Music background: music production 11 years
Rated 5/5

You feel like you own a piece of music history!

I own a Fantom G, Yamaha Motif ES, Micrkorg S, Aturia Microfreak, Deepmind 12, Roland Juno Gi, and a Moog Slim Phatty. I just added this synth to the collection and I'm in love! It's the only retro synth I own. I've always wanted either this, a MiniKorg 700, or a MiniMoog Model D. I love playing this synth! It's like a journey back in time. Just being in front of it puts me in a place of complete joy because it's so iconic! I also ordered the Korg SQ 1 and together they are a match made in heaven! I've only had it a few days and I'm overjoyed! If you want an iconic retro synth at an affordable price, grab this sweet synth! It's wonderful!!!! You feel like you own a piece of music history! No menu diving. Every parameter visible and instantly accessible. It's like a laboratory of sound where you explore, experiment and discover amazing results. I love this synth and highly recommend it to everyone from beginner to expert. It's where it all began. I'm so glad Korg brought back the MS 20!
Music background: Home recording enhusiast.
Rated 5/5

Amazing

My only complaint is that the main output is 1/8" instead of 1/4", but I probably should have paid more attention to that detail before buying. Doesn't change the 5 stars though because it's an awesome instrument and all I had to do was buy a new cord to be ready.
Music background: Audio engineer and foley artist
Rated 5/5

Awesome

First synth, freakin' love everything about it. Diverse, analog and just all out mind blowing.
Rated 5/5

Full of Character and Creativity, Great for Learning Synthesis

This is an absolutely wonderful instrument: full of character, super creative, and great for learning synthesis. As my first analog hardware synth, it has been awesome. It really helps to understand what you're doing when you use this thing, and once you do (the patch panel facilitates this learning) the possibilities open up in front of you and you can get lost for hours.

Sure, you can't save presets, but once you learn the ins and outs, it becomes easy to dial in the sound you want. And ultimately this is a much more empowering and creative route to take anyway. Still, I sometimes take photos of a particular patch, and I put a piece of white electrical tape on the front panel where I can write a patch name and date (with dry-erase marker) for easily cataloging patches. And, there are websites like 20patch where folks can save and share presets, as well as a big community of youtubers sharing patch ideas. Also, check out Marc Doty's videos!

For me, the external signal processor was another huge selling point. Running guitars or percussion loops through the MS-20 produces very interesting, and often surprising results.

Things to note:

This synth produces a tiny amount of white noise when a note is triggered, which is only really noticeable if you're playing a single triangle wave with a moderate to low lowpass filter cutoff. But you're probably not buying this baby to make gentle electric piano-type sounds. You wanna get nasty, right?

Second, and somewhat related, it's perhaps more of a challenge to get soft pad-type sounds out of the MS-20. But again, this isn't an all-arounder sonically -- it's known for its perhaps more aggressive, dark character. Though again, the breadth of sound you can produce with the MS-20 is crazy. It just always sounds like an MS-20. Which I love.

Thanks to Nick L at Sweetwater for answering my questions and ensuring super-speedy shipping!

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Carson McClain

This synth is one of my favorites. (I own the original along with the SQ-10 sequencer that was designed for it.) The filters and its mix of simplicity and complexity make it a classic. When you start patching cables and processing your other instruments through its filters, you'll be inspired to make sounds you never made before. The Korg MS-20 Mini is a must-have synth for any electronic musician.

Rob Parker

I have a sort of “revolving door” policy in my studio when it comes to synths, so I've owned dozens. However, I will never let go of my Korg MS-20 Mini. Iit delivers a powerful analog sound and has what are possibly my favorite filters of any synth! It's simple enough that anyone can create inspiring sounds, but if you're a synth nerd like me, three hours can pass by very quickly when patching and tweaking! There are so many features in the MS-20, I almost always discover something new every time I play with mine.
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