Korg MS-20 mini 5-stars 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.

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..

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.

After a week

I've been messing with this synthesiser for about a week now. I must admit it's a lot more to take in than i had expected. There's way too many features and ways to use this synth in retrospect to others within the same price range as well as ways to connect it to other gear you have.

Fully supportive of eurorack, i've got a beatstep connected to this as well as my Arturia Keylab49. I prefer the bigger keys of my arturia to be honest as well as the fact that i can control my ableton sessions from there as well. I have no problem with the small keys presented by Korg on the MS-20 mini but i like having more octaves for a quick switch up.

It comes with a booklet with multiple preset options to get you on your way and creating your own sounds. it also has some empty ones so while jamming if you happened to cross an awesome sound you can fill in the information and have it for when you wana come back to the sound.

3.5mm to 1'4" is a little weird for me, however the output signal is quite nice, you do need a mono cable though. It also supports USB for midi communications which is awesome if you don't use much analog gear.

Pros:

- Great look and feel

- Price range is perfect for all it's features

- Compatibility with setup is high

Cons:

- Plastic knobs

- Small keys

I would 100% recommend this synth to any professional, amateur and beginner musician. It's just a beautiful synth.

KORG'S FINEST

i bought this synth around 3 years ago ,only now am i coming round to review.

never thought of how much it would influence my production, this thing does everything leads bass drums anything you can think of can be programmed.

even as a mono synth there are ways to patch and change this! the unit gives you inspiration and variety

there are no cons from my end to tho my only preference would be not to have to use mini jacks for sensitivity issues

for anyone looking to get into the world of synthesis from all ranges of production the ms 20 is the synth to have

My workhorse

I couldn't be more happy with my choice!

Korg did a very good job with this machine. Now you can have that MS filter sound with the power of MIDI sequencing. Add to that the fact that you can have a lot of possibilities with the patch panel and you have now a synthesizer worth hours of fun.

It may not have patch recalling, onboard effects velocity or aftertouch, but you can't go wrong with its beautiful sound, great for bass lines, percussions, FX sound design, and much more.

Recommended!

A Nice Analog Reiusse and A Primer For Modular Enthusiasts

This is a great analog synth and for the price it's phenomenal! Nice build quality, so many knobs to mess with! Dual oscillators, large patch bay, great sounding filters.