MS-20

MS-20
Name	MS-20
Manufacturer	Korg
Dates	1978-1983
Related	Korg MS-10, Korg MS-50

MS-20 is a semi-modular analog synthesizer designed by Korg and released in 1978, featuring a unique combination of Voltage-Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) and a Voltage-Controlled Filter (VCF) similar to those found in the Moog Minimoog and Roland Jupiter-4. The MS-20 was heavily influenced by the designs of Don Buchla and Robert Moog, and its semi-modular architecture allowed for a wide range of tonal possibilities, making it a favorite among Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk, and Giorgio Moroder. The MS-20's impact on the music industry can be seen in the work of Brian Eno, David Bowie, and Iggy Pop, who all used the synthesizer in their recordings.

Introduction

The MS-20 was introduced in 1978, a time when analog synthesizers were becoming increasingly popular, with models like the Moog Micromoog and Roland SH-1000 already on the market. The MS-20's unique design and features, such as its patchbay and Envelope Generator (EG), set it apart from other synthesizers of the time, including the ARP Odyssey and Korg PS-3300. The MS-20 was also used by Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman, who were known for their extensive use of synthesizers in their music, including the Moog Modular and Hammond Novachord. The MS-20's influence can also be heard in the music of Gary Numan, Depeche Mode, and The Human League, who all used the synthesizer in their early recordings.

Design and Features

The MS-20 features a semi-modular design, with a built-in Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) and Voltage-Controlled Filter (VCF), as well as a patchbay that allows users to route signals in a variety of ways, similar to the Moog Modular and Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments. The MS-20 also includes an Envelope Generator (EG) and a Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO), which can be used to control the VCO and VCF, similar to the Roland Jupiter-8 and Korg Wavestation. The MS-20's design was influenced by the work of Don Buchla and Robert Moog, and its unique features, such as its ring modulator and sample and hold circuit, set it apart from other synthesizers of the time, including the ARP 2600 and Korg MS-10. The MS-20's patchbay is similar to those found in the Moog Minimoog and Roland System 100, and its VCO is similar to those found in the Korg MS-50 and Yamaha CS-80.

History

The MS-20 was released in 1978, a time when the music industry was undergoing a significant shift, with the rise of punk rock and new wave music, and the decline of progressive rock and disco. The MS-20 was popular among musicians such as Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, and Giorgio Moroder, who used the synthesizer to create new and innovative sounds, similar to those found in the music of Brian Eno and David Bowie. The MS-20 was also used by film composers such as John Carpenter and Hans Zimmer, who used the synthesizer to create soundtracks for films like Halloween and Blade Runner. The MS-20's influence can also be heard in the music of Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis, and Mike Oldfield, who all used the synthesizer in their recordings.

Technical Specifications

The MS-20 features a range of technical specifications, including a Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) with a range of 32' to 2', a Voltage-Controlled Filter (VCF) with a range of 24 dB/octave, and an Envelope Generator (EG) with a range of 10 ms to 10 s, similar to those found in the Moog Minimoog and Roland Jupiter-4. The MS-20 also includes a Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) with a range of 0.5 Hz to 20 Hz, and a ring modulator and sample and hold circuit, similar to those found in the ARP 2600 and Korg MS-10. The MS-20's technical specifications are similar to those of other synthesizers of the time, including the Korg PS-3300 and Yamaha CS-80, and its unique features, such as its patchbay and EG, set it apart from other synthesizers.

Models and Variants

The MS-20 was released in several models and variants, including the Korg MS-20M, which featured a built-in MIDI interface, and the Korg MS-20S, which featured a built-in sequencer, similar to those found in the Roland Jupiter-8 and Korg Wavestation. The MS-20 was also released in a range of limited edition models, including the Korg MS-20 Limited Edition, which featured a unique design and a range of additional features, similar to those found in the Moog Minimoog and ARP Odyssey. The MS-20's models and variants are similar to those of other synthesizers of the time, including the Korg MS-10 and Yamaha CS-80, and its unique features, such as its patchbay and EG, set it apart from other synthesizers.

Applications and Users

The MS-20 has been used in a wide range of applications, including music production, film scoring, and live performance, by musicians such as Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, and Giorgio Moroder. The MS-20 has also been used by electronic musicians such as Aphex Twin, Autechre, and Squarepusher, who have used the synthesizer to create new and innovative sounds, similar to those found in the music of Brian Eno and David Bowie. The MS-20's influence can also be heard in the music of Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis, and Mike Oldfield, who all used the synthesizer in their recordings, and its unique features, such as its patchbay and EG, have made it a favorite among synthesizer enthusiasts and music producers, including Hans Zimmer and John Carpenter.

Category:Synthesizers