Description of KORG Monotron DELAY
If you’ve ever wondered how to bring more creativity and a touch of raw energy into your sonic explorations, that’s exactly when the small, stylish and slightly rebellious KORG Monotron DELAY comes into play — a reminder that simplicity and the joy of music can be closer at hand than you might think.
This compact synthesiser, inspired by analogue classics, inspires from the very first touch. At first glance it might seem like just another beginner’s toy, but in reality, it’s a serious instrument that can unleash a flood of unexpected ideas. That’s why it’s loved by those seeking unconventional soundscapes: phrase doubling, spacey effects, hazy repeats and that distinctive warm analogue character that gives music a truly unique atmosphere.
This little unit can become your loyal companion for rehearsals and home jams, or a true catalyst for a brand-new track. It fits just as easily into a beginner’s learning process as it does into the production toolkit of experienced studio musicians. The best part? It’s incredibly straightforward to get to grips with.
Why choose this model?
- Minimal controls, maximum live energy: no endless menus or parameters, just instant sound creation
- A unique analogue filter adds warmth and character, enriching the sound with depth and overtones
- A built-in delay effect for generating distinctive spatial textures and creating real atmosphere
- Compact size — perfect for travelling, home practice and studio work
- An input for external audio sources, letting you breathe new life into familiar instruments
Model overview
When it comes to the KORG Monotron DELAY, it’s impossible not to mention its unmistakable voice, achieved through a fully analogue circuit design. There’s no cold digital sterility here — only the warmth and energy of old-school sound. Its strongest asset is the built-in delay effect, based on an analogue “bucket brigade” chip. It’s like a sonic time machine: sounds repeat with gradual artefacts, creating that magical, evolving texture.
Yes, it only has a handful of controls — pitch, filter cut-off, resonance, delay time and intensity. But that’s exactly its charm. You don’t need a hundred parameters if what you’re after is pure hands-on expression. Every tweak makes a noticeable difference, keeping you constantly in the thrill of discovery.
The real fun, however, begins when you plug in external gear. Try a drum machine, a simple synth, a guitar or even a music player — feed the signal through, and shape it with the filter and delay. The result will surprise you. Simple parts suddenly sound cinematic, sparking new musical ideas right away.
This is one of those instruments that doesn’t look intimidating, but with every press invites inspiration and fresh perspectives. Many pros use it to create unusual transitions and effects in electronic music, while beginners often fall for it as their first taste of synthesis, discovering how unique sounds are born.
Who is it for?
KORG Monotron DELAY feels right at home both in the hands of budding enthusiasts and on the desk of seasoned producers. For newcomers to synthesis, it’s the perfect entry point, offering a direct comparison between dry digital sound and warm analogue character. Even a brief session with this little box teaches you to listen to music more deeply.
In a production setting, it can act as a creative processor. Its quirky delay character is perfect for atmospheric transitions, broken textures and psychedelic noise. And in the hands of a guitarist or keyboardist, it instantly transforms into a compact analogue effect pedal that injects new life into a familiar setup.
For those who love writing music on the go, its portability is a real gem. It slips easily into a backpack, runs on batteries and powers up in seconds. Wherever you go, it’s a pocket-sized source of inspiration, always ready to add a unique spark to your sound.
Specifications KORG Monotron DELAY
- Type: Portable analogue synthesiser with delay effect
- Series: Monotron Series
- Keyboard: Ribbon controller
- Oscillator: VCO with pitch control
- Filter: Classic analogue filter with cut-off and resonance adjustment
- Effect: Analogue BBD delay with time and intensity controls
- Input: 3.5 mm mini-jack for external audio
- Output: 3.5 mm mini-jack for headphones or audio system connection
- Power supply: 2 x AAA batteries
- Dimensions: Approx. 120 x 72 x 28 mm
- Weight: Approx. 95 g without batteries