Korg MS-20 Module Review

korg-ms-20m-synthesizer-module

At the 2015 NAMM Show, Korg introduced the MS-20 Module Kit with SQ-1 Analog Sequencer.

The Korg MS-20 Module Kit lets you build a module version of the iconic MS-20 analog synthesizer, but with expanded synthesis capabilities over all of Korg’s previous MS-20 synths.

In this video review, via sonicstate, Nick Batt takes a look at the new Korg MS-20 Module:

The new MS-20 Module Kit features all the synthesis power of the MS-20, plus new oscillator sync and FM modes, a filter select switch (to jump between the original and later production filters from the original MS-20), and a comprehensive junction section for integration with SQ-1 and other CV-equipped analog components.

The MS-20 Module Kit with SQ-1 Analog Sequencer is priced at US $1,700 MSRP, or about $1,200 street. See the Korg site for details.

49 thoughts on “Korg MS-20 Module Review”

  2. I want the convenient V/Oct CV in and front panel PWM, osc sync of the module, but I want the keys too! Oh the dilemma of choice.

    I was just thinking, maybe Korg could just go ahead and release some cloned Roland gear, how about a $300 SH-101?? Roland doesn’t seem to have quite got the memo yet.

    Korg. Continuing to kick it out of the ballpark. That is to say, kicking it from an American football field, and across the adjoining baseball park.

    1. These Korg retro-synths meet a need – just like Arturia’s vintage synth clones.

      But I gotta give Roland credit for doing some interesting things in the last year. The Aira TR-8, TB-3, System-1 & the new mixer are all very powerful. They’re one third to a half of the price the full-size MS-20, but still have great build quality and a ton of power.

      And the JD-Xi looks like it will be a very interesting new synth. $500 for a 4-part multi-timbral synth with 129-voice polyphony? It looks like it’s going to run circles around just about anything in its price range. I’m hoping that they’ll do a version with the same specs, but with a full-size keyboard.

      2. I agree for the aira, they sound really nice and have a total hands on approach. I’ve only tried the tr8 for a couple of minutes and I liked the build quality and feeling of the controls.

        On the other hand I feel the JD-Xi is pretty crap for the use I could have of it.
        The idea is not bad and I’m sure it can be a lot of fun, I’m more worried about everything you do with it will kind of sound the same, there is not much to shape the sounds.

        Pretty much everything you find at this price is doing one thing only but much better.

    1. It doesn’t. Street price for this is $1200 where street for the keyboard kit is $1400. Not sure where the $1700 in the article came from (maybe MSRP?).

      1. Anyone else think the whole MSRP/Street Price thing is the stupidest thing ever invented?

        I guess that’s so you think you’re getting a good deal for $1200 – but when I saw the original $1700 price tag, I just thought that it was priced too high.

        1. It is so you but it thinking it is on sale.
          Remember Montgomery wards? The always had furniture on sale at half price, all the time

        2. it could be that the idea is to introduce the gear with a high price so it seems ‘out of your league’ then bring it down later so you get excited to think you now have a chance at this thing. – –

          1200 is still high i think! why not just add the sync and pwm features to a keyboard-less chassis the size of the mini?? with the mini’s average price these days dipping below 500, do we really want to pay double price and then some for sync and pwm? how can they try to up-sell so hard for two features that should be standards on most synths anyway??

          I also would’ve liked if they didn’t re-arrange the CV bay and remove a few input points… sure tweak the design but don’t take away something as important as separate oscillator controls, yikes

    3. I think the more relevant question is why this cost more than twice the mini? Is the build quality just that much better? More than twice as good? I mean, it does have some sensible additions but… really?

      1. > I think the more relevant question is why this cost more
        > than twice the mini? Is the build quality just that much
        > better? More than twice as good? I mean, it does have
        > some sensible additions but… really?

        You get:
        – Both revisions of both VCFs
        – Jacks and pots individually easily cost 3-4 times more than the Mini
        – More materials, bigger & heavier package
        – Inclusion of SQ-1 sequencer
        – Integral 1V/Oct CV converter and Trigger Converter (so this will integrate with Eurorack)

        … and yes, the quality difference is like night and day. I have the keyboard kit, and by panel mounting all the pots and jacks it almost feels like you could lift up the whole synth by one of its knobs!

      2. Defintely better build quality, (particularly the pots and jacks) made in Japan vs China, 1/8″ to 1/4″ junction, front panel is ready to accept jacks/pots for future mods, sequencer. I’ve got a mini, I like it, but I’d sell it to grab this. Korg should really consider making this a permanent addition instead of a limited one.

  5. looks great, sounds great, loads of functionality as well. only downside is the SQ-1 lasting only 5hours with no power supply, thats no good!

        1. Forgive me but I’m finding it difficult to think of a time when it is absolutely imperative that my batteries last more than 5 hours that doesn’t involve performing live… Unless I’m being held at gunpoint by somebody who really wants to hear a 16 step sequence repeat FOREVER and we are no where near a store that sells batteries.

          5 hours is pretty good battery life for 2 AA batteries. I mean it could be better if they didn’t include any lights on the damn thing… But my X-Station last half that time on 6 C batteries, and my MPC500 lasts maybe 2 hours with 6 AAs… so, yeah. 5 hours on 2 cheap batteries is above par in my book.

      2. Why not just use a power supply? it’s not as though you can go wireless. If you are trying to do an all-battery thing, consider one of those rechargeable battery packs with USB power outlet.

  7. This looks great. I’ve got a Mini and I would happily get rid of it for this, apart from the fact that my favourite patch for it uses the CV in for osc 2 only.
    I have to say I love the sequence Nick has running at the end of this.

  8. Its insane they didnt do this in mini version. If it makes it affordable and accessable – function over aesthetics i say! Id gladly pay £500 or so for a module version of the ms20 mini if it had the extras.

    2. “Its insane they didnt do this in mini version”

      And the next guy thinks it’s insane that they didn’t make a Euro version.

      There are already three versions of this synth available. Do you really want them to make another version?

      I’d rather see them make a completely new Korg analog synthesizer, with cutting edge features, rather than yet another MS-20 version. Something with a really great keyboard, pressure sensitivity and aftertouch, and much deeper synthesis options!

        1. It is insane, and heres why. They made 1000 of the MS20 kits (with keys). But they sold VAST quantities of MS20 minis. How many, 20,000? 70,000? Lots.

          Now they make a special edition MS20 module. How many? Who knows, but those tens of thousands of MS20 mini buyers won’t buy the Module because it uses different size cables and is a different form factor.

          If they made it mini, everyone would buy it. People with a Mini would have a 4 oscillator MS20, and anyone else gets a small desktop synth with patch points that match the eurorack.

          Thats why its insane. Its a really odd decision. But I can only assume this is a special edition, and next year they will release a mini version of it.

          1. My guess is that the MS-20 mini used the same tooling from that silly USB controller thing they did for their VST version years ago. The full-size ones need completely different tooling, so the overhead is much higher, and are hence being sold as ’boutique’ instruments (with the ‘unique’ ‘experience’ of being able to ‘build’ it yourself!). There will never be a cheaper, ‘mini’ module version because that, too, would require a completely different assembly process.

            1. Incorrect. I have the MS20 USb controller, its a totally different size to the mini. Slightly smaller case, much smaller keybed, knobs more or less the same, patch sockets are actually better, so its totally different. They share no parts in common, other than the very similar knobs. So theres no reason why there will never be a mini module. This apparently is limited edition, so I think its fair to assume a mini version is likely. Korg are not boutique, they can afford the retooling.

      2. This is exactly why I’m going for the Sub 37 first. This is an amazing piece of kit for sure, but I wan the modern features more than the replica.

    3. You’re right. A mini version will generate sky high sales for Korg. Maybe Korg doesn’t have at this moment the production capacity?

      1. I hope thats true. The response from the module has been more positive than the Mini and the Kit, so if they did a mini version of it I’m sure it would be a huge success for them.

      1. I can answer that:,
        SQ-1 CVA out into CV in of MS,
        CVB out into OSC 2 Pitch mod.
        Row a sequencer controls overall pitch, but row B the interval between OSC 1 and OSC2.
        For this to work, you need to engage FM so that the OSC are independently modulated.
        In the end sequence, I just had a single active step in CVA and switched between several different root notes that drove the CVB sequence…

  10. Hey want some of the sound real cheap hack a monotron, there is a load of articles on it.
    They are not as flexible but can get you into it.

  11. Hmm, which would win in a fight, $1200 MS-20M, or $1200 worth of littleBits. Cos that’s a lot of bits.

    Speaking of littleBits – this SQ-1 littleBits output, I see in the Korg documentation that it consists of a two-wire interface. Does anyone know if it’s pitch and gate info, or just pitch info?

  13. Jesus it sounds stunning…..I’ve been thinking about a Microbrute, and I like their less aggressive sounds, but this is the sound in my head…

    1. Probably the filter. Most people with this module tend to select the rev. 2 filter and forget it. The rev. 1 filter (the only option on the Mini) is definitely much noisier, less “round” sounding than the rev. 2.

  15. The new functionality is great and all, but it really should have gotten normal size keys! I mean, come on guys, the keys are just… TINY! Like, actually smaller than mini keys! I can’t even see them!!! What’s next Korg, no keys at all???

  16. Did anyone catch the Eventide’s exact model that is used in this video? Thanks in advance for letting me know.

    Yes, received my MS-20M with SQ-10. Great gear. Thanks again Korg!!

  17. My interest is to what extent I could use the CV-Gate to interface the MS-20M with a MS-20 Mini, and use the MS-20M sort of like an MS-50. I’d have preferred Korg to release an MS-50 Mini and an actual SQ-10 Mini , but if this could be used in a similar sort of way to increase the synthesis capability of the MS-20 Mini (which of course, I have) then that makes it very appealling.

    Also – the extra sockets at the front that are blanked over. Might Korg release an updated version with more of those used? Or instructions on how to Mod the MS-20M to use them?

  18. very impressive machine, as usual, but mostly blown away by mr. batt’s improvisations at the beginning and end…. sooo beautiful.

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