Korg MS-20 mini

The synth i always wanted

I knew about it a long time before I got it but it's even better than I thought. Perfect for any kind of electronic music you want it for.

Unique synth

This synth sounded really good in the second I opened it. Right after trying Behringer k-2 and discover how big disappointment it was, I ordered the ms-20 and discovered the real sound of it.

This synth is really one of the best for long mono pads and melodies. Recommended!

Unique sound

Amazing little machine. I'm not a huge fan of the mini keys and overall size but it's something I'm willing to ignore for this particular synth. The knobs feel a bit too wobbly but thankfully the big ones for cutoff and such feel nice and sturdy. It'd be nice if Korg could add something new for the reissue. For example, an attenuator would nice in the patch bay and I'd kill to be able to detach envelope 2 from the VCA. But you know what, maybe these limitations are part of this synth's beauty. This is my go-to synth at this particular time. Its unique sound makes it great for experimentation. It's way more likely to get a "happy accident" with this rather than the tamed sound of the ladder filter and that's exactly what I'm after. I just wish the build quality would feel a little better.

First synthesizer and love it!

Great learning synth! Mini version comes very close to the real deal

My First Keyboard Synth

Up until today, the only hardware synths I’ve used are the Behringer Wasp and Behringer TD-3, both are cool but this one is my first keyboard synth and my first proper semi-modular synth, it feels special.

The synth comes with an awesome “settings example” book that shows you cool patch ideas to get you started (amazing for a noob like me). The synth itself feels well built and sturdy, sounds incredible and I think is very easy to use.

The keys are perfect for me and I’m excited to start recording with it.

It’s an awkward size and shape to transport, would love a dedicated bag or case.

its ok

Its an 'ok' synth, you need to tweak and spend quiet a lot of time to get cool sounds though, so the final result is not only the important but the process of sound design, which is fun and also makes you learn a lot

I love it

Edit after 2 years.

I love how this instrument sounds.

I had to opportunity to compare it with the K2, and to my ears the MS-20 sounds slightly better.

The build quality is definitely not the best, one has to be a bit careful with it. Some knobs do not have the same resistance as others.

It feels a bit like a toy... A toy that sounds like a real instrument.

What you read is right, it is a noisy beast. And a Synth that has a real character. It is quite oldschool, I suppose one likes or dislike it.

You won't be surprised, you'll get a toy that sounds kick ass like an MS-20.

The Midi implementation is rather rudimentary, stuck on channel 1.

A dream come true

For years i hoped that some synth manufacturers would reissue some analogue gems from the past. The mighty Korg MS-20 was definitely one of them. When the news came that my hopes had come true i knew i had to have one of these in my arsenal. Unfortunately my budget just was not enough when the full size and desk editions were on the market - so this was a godsend.

Pros: The mythical sound of the original MS-20 in all its glory at a very accessible price! A worthy instrument and sound processor in any studio.

Cons: Minikeys, transformer

Simply the MS20 sound !

I mean we could debate over all the issues of this reissue of the ms20, but it sounds so incredible that it would be a waste of time.

Yes the knobs are a bit shaky, no it's not the easiest synth to start with given the layout, yes it's noisy.

But the sound. The sound is what matters, and the sound is simply amazing. If you're looking for the MS20 sound and you want to save a couple hundred bucks and some space in your studio, don't think about it twice.

Good analog sound

Its great as an addition to my collection of synths. I created some cool interesting sounds with this synth and some punchy bass too.

The quality is what you expect for a synth in this price range but it does what it suppose to do. Also the patch cables make it fun to experiment to generate new sounds.