Korg MS-20 FS Analog Synthesizer Keyboard Now Available to Pre-Order

Korg has surprisingly brought the MS-20 FS keyboard synthesizer to the NAMM 2020 show. This form has already existed before, since then in a kind of DIY kit with an edition of 1000 pieces. 

Despite Behringer’s challenge to Korg with the K-2 or precisely because of this, Korg is bringing the MS-20 in full-size, previously available as a mini, and in four colors: black, olive-green, blue, and white.
It has the same functions as the original but does not offer the capabilities of the MS-20-M, which has sync, FM, and switchable daughter board versions of the filter.

These four are also limited. How many were produced is not (yet) known. Back then there were 1000, with today’s density of MS20s it may be more difficult to get them to people after almost all variants have already existed.

The circuit is supposed to be “that of the original”, but it turned out, especially with the Mini, that the sound is similar to the MS-20-M, but the behavior of individual components does not always correspond exactly to that of the classic. This is due to the redesign of the VCAs and maybe parts of the filter that was normally equipped with the IC35. This is a simple circuit made of 5 transistors that were the core element at the time.

The Korg MS-20 FS features versatile patching options, two versions of analog filters, and the ability to process external signals makes this diminutive powerhouse very attractive to the analog synthesizer aficionado. The sound comes from an architecture featuring two oscillators (one with ring modulation) and envelope generators with hold and delay. The VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) maintains the basic design of the original but has been modified to produce less noise.

Additionally, external sources such as an electric guitar or vocals can be used to control the Korg gadget synthesizer or have the source manipulated by the filters. A flexible hardwired patching system provides nearly endless possibilities.

The synthesizer keyboard features a MIDI In jack for receiving note messages, and a USB-MIDI connector that can transmit and receive note messages (there is no velocity information over MIDI, but you can modulate signal amplitude via VCA patch points). Connecting the unit to a computer allows it to be triggered from a sequencer.

Korg MS-20 FS price and availability

Korg MS-20 FS keyboard synthesizer has been priced at $1,399.99 and is now available to pre-order on the Bhphotovideo.com website.

Recently, Korg has introduced Volca sample 2 – a next-generation digital sample sequencer based on its successful predecessor but brings numerous improvements and new features as a consistent further development.