Korg MS-20 mini Reviews

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.

A piece of magic

My first ever synth; what a glorious piece of kit! It never fails to sound fresh. I found sequencing it with the Arturia Beatstep Pro to be a real treat. I program one of the sequencers to trigger notes on the MS20, get a bit of rhythm going then use the velocity and gate out of one of the other sequencers on the Beatstep Pro through the patchbay on the MS20 to add depth to the sound. It's simply awesome.

If you're new to synths just know it doesn't have memory or anything so you'll have to take a note of a patch you make. If you zero all of the knobs and video yourself patching a sound, you can get it again but if you don't video it you'll likely never get that sound again which is just the nature of the beast. Highly recommend this purchase! Oh and when buying make sure to get a mono minijack to 1/4 inch jack so you can actually get audio out of the thing, otherwise you'll have to do it all in headphones which can be dangerous to the ears as the MS20 has a moreish, gritty sound and is tempting to crank the volume up!

Good luck!

Amazing synth for the price

There is so much synth here for the price. Can't recommend this it enough! Gorgeous analogue sound, excellent fx section and user upload-able waveforms. It's a no brainer at this price point

best synth

very good sound love it

Korg MS-20 mini

I like this Analogue Synth, hi has a great sound !!!!

Nice but

Nice but a very high hiss sound can be heard when using through headphones. Nobs do not look that sturdy..

Cool Retro sound but some features are lacking quality

This is a great recreation and fun synth but its not for newbies, however it offers a good introduction to semi-modular synthesis. The mini jack output is a bit annoying as is the noise generated when plugged into usb. The mini-keys are workable but not ideal. I would say if you must have that MS 20 sound go for it but those new to synths might be better off with something like a Monologue.

Faulty product

Cannot go past 2 o'clock when modulating the pulse wave on osc 1. Need to send it back for repair. This is very annoying.

This aside, the sound from the MS-20 is sublime. I look forward to getting mine repaired, not looking forward to being without it..

This synth is a beast.

There's not much more to add to it - it's best for your ears to be the judge. The synth is noisy, so with both oscillators turned down you will be able to hear the hiss. However that is also the beauty (for some the drawback) of an analog synth like this. Great for lives and sound design.

Magical

Endless possibilities for a fair amount of money.

This synth can do almost anything, a must have for every synth collector.

Monster sound and versatile features

The ms20 has really surprised me with it's range of possibilities in sound design.

Even without touching the patchbay, the synth has a really wide range of sounds, from aggressive leads to spacey pads. The filters sound sweet and at high peak levels they produce some really interesting results.

I've been exploring the patchbay connections for the last months and i keep finding new interesting combinations. It might seem a bit intimidating at first, but i've found it to be a really useful tool to learn about synthesis.

My only issues with the synth are the build quality and the output ports. Having a 3.5mm jack as audio-out feels a bit cheap and ports that size wear out quickly. I've also had issues fitting the power cable and the midi cable on the back, the connection, especially for the midi one, is really loose and i find myself having to constantly check the back to fix the midi connection.