KORG MS-20 mini - 37-Key Semi-Modular Monophonic Analog Synthesizer with USB-MIDI

KORG MS-20 mini - 37-Key Semi-Modular Monophonic Analog Synthesizer with USB-MIDI

The Korg MS-20 mini brings back the sound and workflow of the legendary 1978 MS-20 in a more compact form factor (approx. 86% of the original size), while maintaining its analog circuitry and the iconic character of its self-oscillating filters. Featuring two VCOs , two VCFs (high-pass and low-pass), two envelopes , and an LFO (Modulation Generator), plus a comprehensive patch bay and External Signal Processor (ESP) for processing external audio, this mono synthesizer offers a wide range of soundscapes, from aggressive basses and piercing leads to experimental textures. It features integrated USB-MIDI and MIDI In for control from sequencers and DAWs (note-only messages, no velocity), while maintaining the patch routing typical of semi-modular systems.

The 37-key mini keyboard is designed specifically for this model, making it easy to play and control parameters manually. On the main panel, you'll find the classic MS-20 controls: VCO waveform selection and mixing, pulse width adjustment, portamento , LFO/EG modulation, and the self-resonating high- and low-pass filters with the aggressive timbre that made the series famous. The ESP incorporates an envelope follower , trigger generator, and dedicated high- and low-pass filters for extracting control from external sources (synths, drum machines, microphones, etc.). Audio connectivity offers a mono mini-jack output and a stereo headphone output ; in the control section, you'll find multiple CV, Gate, and Trigger inputs/outputs with specified ranges to integrate the MS-20 mini into your hardware ecosystem.

Main features

• Recreated analog architecture of the MS-20: 2×VCO, 2×VCF (HPF and LPF with self-oscillation), 2×VCA, 2×EG, 1×LFO (MG).
• Keyboard: 37 keys (C–C), mini, designed for MS-20 mini.
• VCO1: Triangle, Sawtooth, Square with PW, White Noise ; PW adjustment.
• VCO2: Sawtooth, square, pulse, ring modulation; deviation ±1 octave.
• VCO mixer and master control with ±100 cent tuning and portamento (up to 10 s).
• VCF filters: HPF and LPF with 50 Hz–15 kHz cutoff and resonance up to self-oscillation ; modulation by MG and EG2.
• Envelopes: EG1 (Delay/Attack/Release) and EG2 (Hold/Attack/Decay/Sustain/Release) with times up to 10–20 s.
• LFO (MG): Positive sawtooth/triangle/negative sawtooth and square waves of varying width; range approx. 0.1–20 Hz .
• ESP (External Signal Processor): audio input with dedicated filters ( Low-cut 50 Hz–2.5 kHz , High-cut 100 Hz–5 kHz ), envelope follower , trigger and CV/ENV/TRIG outputs.
• Patch bay in 3.5 mm minijack with I/O for keyboard, VCO, VCF, VCA, EG, MG, modulation wheel , noise , Sample & Hold and modulation VCA.
• Modern connectivity: USB Type B (USB-MIDI) and MIDI In (note messages only; no velocity), mono signal out and stereo headphones .
• Includes: 9V AC adapter and 10 patch cables .
• Power consumption: 9 W; Dimensions: 493 × 257 × 208 mm; Weight: 4.8 kg.

User benefits

• Instant classic sound: Aggressive filters with self-oscillation and two oscillators that cover thick basses, leads and effects without the need for additional modules.
• Versatile semi-modular flow: Route signals and modulations from the patch bay to create complex, sequenced, or audio-reactive patches using the ESP.
• Modern integration: control and sequence from your DAW or hardware via USB-MIDI/MIDI In (note messages), while retaining the analog character.
• Compact and robust design: The 86% format makes it easy to transport without sacrificing dedicated, legible controls.
• Learning and creativity: ideal for understanding subtractive synthesis, routing CV/Gate, and experimenting with Sample & Hold , noise, and modulation VCAs.

Use cases

• Music production: analog basses, leads and synthetic percussion with extensive modulation and synchronization via MIDI from the DAW.
• Hybrid live sets and performances: Control filter cuts and patches in real time; process drum machines or vocals with the ESP.
• Education in a nutshell: clear architecture with accessible patching for sound courses and labs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it send/receive velocity via MIDI? No. The MS-20 mini sends and receives only note messages (no velocity) via both USB-MIDI and MIDI In.

Can I process external audio? Yes. The ESP allows you to inject audio, track its envelope, and generate triggers/controls to modulate the synthesizer.

What's included in the box? 9V AC adapter and 10 mini-jack patch cables .

Description for projects

Korg MS-20 mini semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer with 37-key mini keyboard; 2 VCO/2 VCF (HPF+LPF with self-oscillation)/2 VCA/2 EG/1 LFO architecture; VCO1 (triangle, saw, square PW, white noise), VCO2 (saw, square, pulse, ring); portamento, ±100 cent pitch; LFO 0.1–20 Hz; EG1 (Delay/Attack/Release) and EG2 (Hold/Attack/Decay/Sustain/Release); ESP with Low-cut 50 Hz–2.5 kHz and High-cut 100 Hz–5 kHz, CV/ENV/TRIG outputs; patch bay with I/O for keyboard, VCO, VCF, VCA, EG, MG, noise, S&H and modulation VCA; Outputs: mono signal (minijack), stereo headphone (minijack); control: USB type B (USB-MIDI) and MIDI In (note only); power supply DC 9 V; consumption 9 W; dimensions 493 × 257 × 208 mm; weight 4.8 kg; includes AC adapter and 10 cables.