Description of KORG MS-20 mini
If you’ve been searching for an instrument to spark your creativity and unlock your musical imagination, the KORG MS-20 mini is right there waiting for you, ready to reshape the way you think about sound design.
This model brings back the soul of the legendary late-70s synth, preserving its iconic personality but in a more compact body with modern conveniences. It delivers that same raw, organic sound character that made the original a classic, now in a far more accessible form. Expect the charm of vintage analogue tones, enriched with details every contemporary musician needs.
Working with this synth is pure joy. Straight out of the box the sound is bold and expressive, yet it responds easily to modulation, tweaking and exploration. It can be soft and airy one moment, then snarl with raw aggression the next – adapting seamlessly to your style and mood. Always alive, never fully repeating itself, it captures the very essence musicians treasure most. This isn’t a digital imitation; it’s a true analogue instrument, where every sound is born in the moment.
Why choose this model?
- Authentic analogue sound with remarkable width and depth
- Compact form factor, perfect for your home desk or studio setup
- Full modular patching capabilities for endless experiments and hybrid solutions
- Built-in filters with a unique character, immediately recognisable and inspiring
- Modern connectivity that lets you integrate smoothly into your current setup
Model Description
The magic of the KORG MS-20 mini lies in the fact that the original architecture has been preserved, yet refined for today’s workflow. Its sound engine is built on authentic analogue circuitry, giving it a naturally powerful, organic presence. It opens up a huge playground for experimentation not just with oscillators, but also with its famous filter section – now slightly more stable, but still retaining that gritty, distinctive bite.
The patch panel is just as exciting. It hands you full control: decide exactly how modules connect, which sources and modulators to use, and what routing paths to explore. It’s like having your own mini laboratory, where every patch can bring something completely new to life. By connecting cables you can manipulate pitch, amplitude, filters, external signals and much more – quite literally shaping your sound by hand.
The keyboard, although scaled down with mini-keys, still feels intuitive and comfortable to play. Quick to respond, it allows you to lay down bass lines, chord progressions, or dive into improvised solos with ease. Many musicians see this as the perfect balance between retro authenticity and modern playability.
To truly unleash its potential, simply hook up some external effects or sync it with sequencers and drum machines. With standard connectivity options, it works seamlessly alongside computers, audio interfaces, and even modular rigs. This makes it not just a reliable studio partner, but also a powerful live performance companion.
Who is this model for?
For beginners, the KORG MS-20 mini offers a clear and exciting gateway into the world of synthesis, helping you craft your first genuine analogue tones without the intimidation of overly complex setups. It feels approachable yet reveals endless depths as you keep exploring.
For seasoned musicians or composers, it brings a distinctive edge to your setup, adding that breath of life to your arrangements – something software instruments often struggle to capture. Its character always cuts through the mix, which is why many use it as their secret sonic ingredient.
For producers and sound engineers, it’s also a fascinating tool for exploration. It reveals the very essence of analogue sound and opens the door for creative routing experiments. The hands-on patch panel in particular provides both inspiration and a deeper understanding of synthesis.
Specifications of KORG MS-20 mini
- Synth type: Analogue monophonic
- Keyboard: Mini-keys, 37 notes
- Oscillators: Two VCOs
- Filters: High-pass and Low-pass, 12 dB/oct
- Modulation: Two envelope generators (EG1 and EG2), LFO
- Patch panel: 35 patch points for manual routing
- Connections: MIDI IN, USB Type B
- Audio output: Mono, 1/4'' jack
- External audio input: Included, for processing external sources
- Dimensions: 493 × 257 × 208 mm
- Weight: 4.8 kg