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WINTER NAMM, ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, January
24th, 2013 - Korg's MS-20 monophonic synthesizer, first introduced in 1978,
is still coveted to this day for its thick, robust sound, powerful, iconic
analog filter, and versatile patching options. It has now been reborn as the
new MS-20 mini. The same
engineers who developed the original MS-20 have perfectly reproduced it in a
body that's been shrunk to 86% of the original size, yet retains the distinctive
look of the original.
The MS-20 Mini offers the same distinctive
synthesis that made the original MS-20 popular: two oscillators with ring
modulation, and envelope generators with delay and hold. The VCA (Voltage
Controlled Amp) maintains the original basic design, but it's been modified to
produce less noise. Particular attention has also been paid to delivering smooth
parameter adjustments, which are a distinctive feature of analog synthesizers.
Special care was also taken to completely reproduce the original specifications
of the MS-20, to deliver the same powerful sound, from deep, growling basses to
crisp, rounded leads.
One of the most well-known - and still most sought
after - characteristics of the original MS-20 was its powerful filters, which
provided both high-pass and low-pass with peak/resonance. Maximizing the
peak/resonance would cause the filter to self-oscillate; producing a distinctive
and dramatic tonal change that was acclaimed as inimitable, and was used many
years later on Korg's monotron and monotribe. The filter circuit was changed
mid-way through the production lifecycle of the MS-20; the MS-20 mini uses the
earlier filter, which was felt to be superior due to its more radical
sound.
The ESP (External Signal Processor) functionality carries on the
experimental spirit of MS-20, allowing users to utilize the pitch or volume of
an external audio source to control the synthesizer. For example, an electric
guitar can be used as an input signal, and the MS-20 mini can be used as a
guitar synthesizer, or the mic input can allow it to be used it as a vocal
synthesizer.
The patching system enables the creation of complex sounds
by allowing the rerouting of both modulation and audio (both the internal
oscillators and external audio). Different combinations of the modulation
input/output and trigger, sample and hold, and noise generator can produce an
incredible variety of sounds. By patching according to the MS-20 flow chart
printed on the panel, musicians of all levels can take advantage of these
possibilities right away.
To make it even more approachable, the MS-20
mini has been shrunk to 86% of the size of the original, with meticulous care
taken to accurately reproduce the knob design and the printing. The patch cables
have been changed from 1/4" phone plugs to mini-plugs, and the newly-designed
keyboard is 86% of the original size as well.
The MS-20 mini is equipped
with a MIDI IN jack for receiving note messages, and a USB-MIDI connector that
can transmit and receive note messages. Users can also connect the MS20 mini to
a computer and play it from an external sequencer.
For added
authenticity, the MS-20 mini packaging replicates much of the original. Also
included are the original MS-20 owner's manual and settings chart.
The
Korg MS-20 Mini will be available May 2013 for a U.S. Street price of $599.00
Additional product information is available at Korg.com.
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