May 20, 2015 - The most recent in an increasingly long line of resurrections, Korg's MS-20M brings the legendary MS-20 synth to your desktop in all its.
A Limited-edition Synth and Sequencer Bundle!
The limited-edition Korg MS-20M and SQ-1 Bundle is the perfect bundle for electronic musicians looking for a way to tap into old-school analog synth sounds or add them to a hybrid analog/digital setup. The MS-20M is more than just a module version of the MS-20, it adds a ton of synthesis capabilities to the mix, courtesy of VCO sync, VCO frequency modulation, and pulse-width patching. This special bundle also comes with a SQ-1 sequencer, which offers hands-on sequencing with Volca-style interaction and dual CV/Gate outputs for complex sound manipulation.
Korg MS-20M Analog Synth Module/SQ-1 Sequencer Bundle at a Glance:- A desktop version of the MS-20
- A compact sequencer to compliment your synthesizer
- Onboard MIDI and USB lets you connect all your music gear
Back and smaller than ever, Korg's MS-20M analog synthesizer brings the legendary MS-20 synth in all of its glory, minus the keyboard, to your studio. This is no copycat knockoff either - the MS-20M 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-20M, including MIDI In, USB connectivity, VCO sync for added harmonic content, patchable PWM, and FM.
A compact sequencer to compliment your synthesizerKorg's SQ-1 sequencer is a modern version of the famed SQ-10 step sequencer. This compact unit has 2 x 8 steps, a large selection of I/O, and a variety of synthesizer modes. Step edit buttons, similar to the Volca, let you create and craft your music spontaneously. The flexibility of the SQ-1 lets you control everything from vintage analog synths tot he newest compact synthesizers. The sturdy metal case of this compact unit will hold up gig after gig. Call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for more information on the Korg SQ-1 Step Sequencer.
Onboard MIDI and USB lets you connect all your music gearHere's something die-hard synth nut 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-20M and SQ-1 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-20M and SQ-1 with the rest of your studio DAW.
Korg MS-20M Analog Synth Module/SQ_1 Sequencer Bundle Features:- A limited-edition modular MS-20 analog synthesizer module and SQ-1 sequencer bundle
- Expanded capabilities include VCO sync for added harmonic content, patchable PWM, and FM
- SQ-1 sequencer lets you connect to your digital synth rig for hybrid configurations
- Sequencing functions include spontaneous Volca-style editing and 2 channels of CV/Gate out
- Limited run of only 1,000 units produced
- Some basic assembly needed, requiring a screwdriver (not included) and small wrenches (included)
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Last July we reviewed Korg's limited edition MS-20 kit synth, which was essentially an exact clone of the original full-size MS-20 but with the two original filter revisions onboard.
It was a little fiddly to build but, once built, it nailed the key characteristics of both incarnations of the original MS-20, albeit with slight sonic differences which we can largely put down to improved manufacturing tolerances.
Moving onto NAMM this past January, Korg surprised us again with the launch of a module version of the MS-20 kit, the MS-20M, and to partner it, a new compact sequencer (the Korg SQ-1) which comes included with the MS-20M.
The last Korg MS module was the 1978 single oscillator (but very patchable) MS-50, and it's great that Korg have finally made a module/ desktop version of the classic MS-20 - firstly, as a lot of folks have been requesting this and, secondly, as people are increasingly working from smaller spaces and often don't want another keyboard hanging around.
The module is pretty heavy (and flat) but, as it has quite a large footprint (and takes up a fair amount of desk space), it's really worth considering wall-mounting or standing it up, especially as it's just that bit too long to be rackmounted.
Obviously it's saved Korg a few pennies not having to shrink down the circuitry but maybe they could have used the MS-20 mini's smaller circuit boards to make it more compact, though that would have meant a return to minijacks/no dual filter.
Like the limited edition MS-20 kit, the module arrives in a '70s-looking brown cardboard box with all the major parts boxed/bubble wrapped. The MS-20M is also a limited run of 1,000 units, though we have a feeling that, due to the killer new features onboard, Korg will be forced to reconsider their limited edition status - we reckon it's going to be the most popular MS-20 yet!
In the box, instead of plastic end panels, there are now real wood ends (stained black) which give the MS-20M a very sleek look, plus a shed load of screws, nuts and washers.
There's a spanner included for tightening the nuts on the front panel and another device for tightening the smaller knurled nuts that fit around the small junction sockets for interfacing with the SQ-1.
Apart from these, all you'll need for assembly is a crosshead screwdriver, about three hours and some patience!
Build it
Assembling the MS-20M is a little less fiddly than the keyboard version but it's still monotonous, especially as there are now even more nuts and washers to fit than on the keyboard version due to the extra junction sockets onboard.
Build-wise you add the circuit boards for the filters/oscillators, the patch panel, the ESP and finally the junction socketry and MIDI/power board and, like the MS-20 kit, the module is powered by a wall wart.
As mind-numbing as it is building the module, it's still weirdly satisfying and you'll be giving yourself a nice pat on the back when it powers up successfully!
Thankfully, you can't go far wrong; there's no soldering required and the instructions are clear (though be sure to add nuts on top of the plastic spacer sheet before installing the patch panel as that part isn't clear in the manual.)
General build quality and fit and finish are great once built and the all-metal panel/chassis and sturdy-feeling knobs should stand the test of time just like the older keyboard versions - we would have no qualms casing this up and touring with it.
So how does the MS-20 differ from the MS-20 keyboard kit? Well, in most ways it's the same (two oscillators, two envelopes, two filters and a plethora of modulation options for making bubbles, squeaks, evolving sounds, basses, leads and sound effects). However, there are several key new features included.
What's new?
Korg has now added oscillator sync (activated via a switch between the two oscillator waveform selectors) which really sounds superb; then there's FM which is activated by a switch between the oscillator footage controls and this adds yet another level of sonic versatility to the already versatile MS-20 engine.
Note that when FM is selected, the MG/EXT dial (under Frequency Modulation) becomes an FM intensity control for dialling in all manner of gritty/manic textures and by turning the EG2/EXT dial you can affect just oscillator 2.
A switch has also been added in the filter section so you can instantly flick between the two filter revisions whilst playing for different effects - it's much better having this switch than having to power off and hold down key combinations (as you do on the MS-20 kit).
Some useful changes have also been made to the patch panel. There's a PWM input so you can connect an external LFO into the PWM socket to obtain PWM effects, or alternatively, take the output from the triangle wave of the modulation generator and PWM is applied to the square wave of VCO1.
People have been doing this mod themselves for years (as PWM sounds particularly great on the MS-20) so this is a great inclusion.
One other biggie is that there are now CV inputs for both Hz/Volt and Volt/ octave gear, making it much easier to interface the MS-20M with all types of CV equipment without having to convert voltages. (Note: the dedicated VCO2 CV input jack has been lost and there doesn't appear to be a patch point for tapping into this on the circuit board.)
In terms of new patch panel socketry, added are: V/OCT VCO1+2 CV IN (the Hz/V VCO1+2 CV IN is still included), a new TRIG IN OV to High input jack, an EG2 NORMAL OUT jack and a TRIG SW out for the trigger switch.
Sound-wise the MS-20M excels at making resonant/screaming/dirty sounds but it's also great for making drum sounds, thick basses and short/ punchy sounds.
The frequency range of the LP and HP filters is also huge and you can go from ear-piercing resonant squeals to super subby lows in seconds. (Note: this writer's original MS-20 is a go-to dirty bass and FX machine and in this role the MS-20M is still hard to beat.)
Of course, the MS-20M can also make softer/more pretty sounds but there's nothing quite like turning up the peak on both filters, adding some filter modulation and letting the madness begin!
Once again, it's the inspiring unpredictability of the filters and the distortion/break-up at the extremes that makes the MS-20M such a versatile, characterful and fun synth.
Sonically, compared to the originals (and like the mini and keyboard kit) the MS-20M is a little brighter and louder (and the way it distorts is slightly more restrained compared to our original Korg 35 model) but, rest assured, the essential character is there and it's all super-authentic.
We love the fact that you can now quickly flick between the dirtier (and inherently noisier) 35 filter and the more bassy/tighter/hi-fi sound of the LM13600 filter with the flick of aswitch. Coupled with the new FM, PWM input, and osc sync modes, this is now the most sonically versatile MS-20, period.
To conclude, the MS-20M is the best MS-20 yet, offering the classic MS-20 sound but now expanded with osc sync, FM, PWM, more comprehensive CV abilities, junctions for splitting/multiplying signals, MIDI in/USB and a desktop/ module configuration.
If you've been lusting after the MS-20 sound, then this is the MS-20 to get. But be quick - these 1,000 units will sell out fast!