Kurzweil Music Systems has announced the PC3LE6, the first of its new PC3LE line of performance control keyboards.

The LE line includes the sound set from the PC3, in addition to many of the PC3’s most popular features like Setup Mode, Song Mode and Quick Access Mode.

The LE’s streamlined user interface has been designed to allow for a quick learning curve. This new, interactive U.I. provides a constant stream of useful information to players; move a controller and the LE will display the controller’s name, value and the parameter to which it’s been assigned. (Example – Knob 5: 43 Reverb Wet/Dry)

The PC3LE line also features USB thumb-drive storage, 16 independent arpeggiators, 16 simultaneous Riffs, 8 backlit impact-sensitive drum pads and high quality 24-bit D/A converters. The 61-note PC3LE6 will be followed shortly by the release of the 76 and 88-note versions, the PC3LE7 and PC3LE8.

Kurzweil has published a page of audio demos at their site.

The Kurzweil PC3LE6 retails for about $1,300.

PC3LE6 Features:

• Keyboard:     Fatar TP-8; 61-note semi-weighted action with velocity and aftertouch sensitive keys
• Display:     240 x 64 backlit LCD w/ dedicated back panel contrast control
• Polyphony:     64 Voice Polyphony, dynamically allocated, lightning fast performance
• Multitimbral:     16 parts (one per MIDI channel)
• Architecture:     PC3 sound engine, complete with anti-aliased VA oscillators and KB3 Mode. Important synth and effects parameters can be accessed and adjusted via the PC3LE6’s front panel knobs and buttons – user settings can be captured and saved with a single button press. Supports loading PC3 programs
• Factory Presets:     PC3 sound set, including Base ROM, Orchestral, Classic Keys, String Section, General MIDI set and over 70 KB3 programs with total of over 800 programs
• Factory MIDI Setups:     256 factory programmed MIDI setups. Up to 2048 user programmable MIDI setups, each with 16 independent zones, effects, triggerable pattern-based “Riffs” and arpeggiator settings. Dozens of user-editable patterns for both pitch and velocity
• General MIDI:     Standard
• User Memory:     2048 locations for user created preset programs, songs and setups
• Sequencer:     16 tracks; 960 PPQ resolution. Song editing functions include both event and track-based tools like quantize, swing, remap, controller scaling and more. Controller chasing and quick “set song loop point” functions are also included
• Effects:     10 insert effects distributed over 10 busses, one auxiliary send; featuring over 500 of our award winning effects – reverbs, delays, chorus, flange, phaser, EQs, distortions, rotary speaker simulators, compressors, and more
• Controllers:     Pitch wheel, modulation wheel, 5 front panel knobs (15 virtual knobs with a two-tiered shift button), 7 front panel switches (momentary or toggle, software selectable), 2 switch pedal inputs, 1 continuous control pedal input and mono pressure. Controller values can be “captured” and stored as part of a program. In addition to all of these, the PCLE6 also features 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads that can be used to trigger sounds, sequences, chords and arpeggiations
• Arpeggiator:     16 full-featured independent arpeggiators with multiple latch modes, selectable play order, velocity, duration, tempo, and sync functions as well as pre-recorded beats and musical phrases
• Riffs:     16 simultaneous “Riff” generators (used for triggering MIDI sequenced phrases, beats, or complete multi-track arrangments from notes on the keyboard and/or any on-board physical controller)
• Analog Outputs:     Two 1/4″ balanced TRS analog (24-bit DACs)
• Headphones:     1 rear panel 1/4″ headphone output
• Digital Outputs:     24-bit, stereo S/PDIF at 48K (internal clock)
• MIDI:     In, Out, Thru
• USB:     Host port for connecting a USB thumb-drive and a Device port that allows the PC3LE6 to load and save data directly to and from a computer, perform OS updates and send/receive MIDI over USB
• FREE OS Updates:     Flash ROM upgradeable via USB or thumb-drive

PC3LE6 Specifications

• Height:    (5.00″) (12.70 cm)
• Depth:    (14.50″) (36.83 cm)
• Length:    (41.50″) (105.41 cm)
• Weight:    (31.00 lb.) (14.06 kg)
• Power:     Internal AC power supply
• Automatic selection 90-250V AC operation

This is an unboxing and overview of the new Korg microSampler.

Sonic State’s Nick Batt does the dirty work of checking out Korg’s new sampling keyboard.

The Korg microSampler offers sixteen-voice polyphony, reverse playback, editing operations such as Normalize and Truncate, and a Time Stretch feature that lets you change the tempo without affecting the pitch. Selectable sample rates of 48 kHz, 24 kHz, 12 kHz, and down to 6 kHz let you sample at rates beyond CD clarity or add in that Lo-Fi vintage vibe.

Michael Barron, guitar; Susan Mumford, vocals; Chris Thompson, drums; Joe Menacker, bass; and Bob Boilen, synth

NPR’s Bob Boilen (All Things Considered) shares an awesome synth-related story:

Besides a few aborted attempts as a teen to play guitar, I’d never played music before; I just loved listening to it. When I was in my 20s, I quit my job running a record warehouse and bought a synthesizer. Three months later, I’m on stage with my Arp Odyssey and a new band called Tiny Desk Unit.

I had no idea how nervous I was until I got on stage. A few minutes into the first song, sweat began to pour off my face and onto my Arp. With all my nervous energy, I hit the keys on my keyboard with dramatic force. A few minutes later, I noticed that, no matter what key on the keyboard I’d strike, it would play the same note. I had broken my synthesizer. My nightmare was my reality.

See the NPR blog for the full story.

Korg has released official specs for the new Korg microSampler sampling keyboard.

The microSampler offers multi-mode sampling, resampling, Pattern Sequencing and effects in a microsized keyboard.

The Korg microSampler offers sixteen-voice polyphony, reverse playback, editing operations such as Normalize and Truncate, and a Time Stretch feature that lets you change the tempo without affecting the pitch. Selectable sample rates of 48 kHz, 24 kHz, 12 kHz, and down to 6 kHz let you sample at rates beyond CD clarity or add in that Lo-Fi vintage vibe.

Each bank contains 36 samples (a maximum of approximately 160 seconds of recording time for monaural samples at a 48 kHz sampling rate) and sixteen patterns of sequence data; the microSAMPLER lets you store eight such banks in internal memory.

The Keyboard mode takes a single sample and assigns it chromatically across the keys for instant playability. With its recessed controls, bright LEDs and informative display, the microSAMPLER is designed to be fun to use and easy to operate.

The microSAMPLER Compact Sampling Keyboard will be available November 1, 2009, with a U.S. MSRP of $750.00.

Details below.

Keyboard:

37 Natural-Touch mini-keys, velocity sensing

Sampling Specs:

• Sampling Rates: 48 kHz, 24 kHz, 12 kHz, 6 kHz
• Bank Structure: 36 Samples per Bank (160 Seconds max.)
• Available Banks: 9 Total (8 User +1 ROM)

Polyphony:

16 voices

Sampling Modes:

One-Shot; Gate; Loop; Key Gate; Auto-Next
Resample in any mode

Keyboard Modes:

Sampling Mode: 36 Sample Playback Keys + 1 Audio Input
Keyboard Mode: Single sample assigned chromatically across the keyboard

Effects:

Structure: 1 Master FX
Effect Types: 21 (Compressor, Filter, 4-Band EQ, Distortion, Reverb, Delay, L/C/R Delay, Auto-Panning
Delay, Modulation Delay, Tape Echo, Chorus, Flanger, Vibrato, Phaser, Tremolo, Ring Modulation, Grain
Shifter, Pitch Shifter, Talking Modulator, Looper)

Pattern Sequencer:

Patterns: 16 Patterns per bank; x 8 Banks
Note Count: 64,000 notes total; 16,000 per bank
Resolution: 480 ppq (parts per quarter note)

Audio Connections:

Input: ¼” Jack (rear); XLR Balanced (top); with Mic/Line switch; Level knob
Outputs: L/Mono, R; ¼” unbalanced
Phones: ¼” Stereo Jack

Other Connections:

MIDI: In, Out
USB: Type B

Display:

Custom LCD; 37 LEDs above keys

Power Supply:

9 VDC (AC Adapter); 6 AAA Alkaline batteries – approx. 4 hours (sold separately)

Dimensions:

W x D x H: 20.31″ x 9.37″ x 2.56″
Weight: 4.19 lbs

microSAMPLER Editor Librarian Software:

Operating Requirements:
PC: Microsoft Windows XP (SP3 or later); Windows Vista (SP1 or later); USB port
MAC: OSX Version 10.4 or later; USB port

Swiss Army Sampling

Too many instruments simply offer sampling as an added feature. The microSAMPLER is all about sampling, in every creative form. Five distinct sampling methods allow you to work the way you want, to get the results you need. The microSAMPLER offers traditional One-Shot and Loop sampling, plus a number of creative sampling modes – Loop, Key Gate and Auto-Next. When it comes to sampling, the microSAMPLER has it all.

* Loop sampling for recording grooves and phrases, drum loops, etc.

* One-Shot sampling for grabbing and triggering single events such as drums, etc.

* Gate sampling for playing a sound musically across the keyboard

* Auto-Next sampling for capturing phrases as multiple samples. For grabbing a groove as separate samples on individual keys, choose the AUTO NEXT mode and use Tap Tempo to match the BPM of the source material. The microSAMPLER will automatically divide the sample equally across multiple keys. Each key can be set to capture anything from a 64th note to a full two measures. This method lets you automatically perform the same type of sampling as KEY GATE.

* Key Gate sampling is best for grabbing multiple samples from the same source. With Key Gate, you can take multiple samples from the same source or phrase and assign them to different keys as you play them! The individual keys assign the sample and enable recording all at the same time. This intuitive method of sampling, editing, and mapping in a single step is fun, interactive and fast.

In addition, there’s a resampling function that lets you play existing layered samples processed by an effect and played by the pattern sequencer – and capture it all as a new sample. You can even sample while playing, allowing the sampling process itself to become part of your expressive performance.

Sample anytime, anywhere – or anything!

The microSAMPLER can run on batteries, so you can perform on the go – or capture samples anywhere. Both line input and mic input are provided to allow a broad range of input sources including electronic musical instruments, CD, and voice. A gooseneck microphone is included so you can capture sounds with ease. The convenient caddies (located beside the mic jack) provide a cradle for your portable MP3/audio player when using it as a sample source. Truly, the world is yours to sample anytime and anyplace.

Pattern Possibilities

The pattern sequencer uses an overdub operating style that lets you continually layer your performances. You can switch between patterns during playback for seamless performances. Up to sixteen patterns (16,000 notes per pattern, or a maximum 64,000 notes) can be stored in each bank.

The KAOSS Effect(s)

Developed for Korg’s KAOSS PAD series, the effect engine serves up a great selection of effects – so important when editing samples. The twenty-one effects include not only traditional delay and chorus, but also ring modulator and grain shifter, and even a Looper that’s derived from the Loop Recording feature of the KAOSSILATOR Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer. The effects can be applied to any sound while resampling, allowing the effects to be used over and over again for more sonic expression.

Made to be Played

The microSAMPLER features our new Natural Touch micro keyboard, offering greatly enhanced playability and expressive power. By adjusting the proportion of the black keys and white keys, we’ve made chords easier to finger, and the touch has been improved so that rapid phrases can be played more easily – and with less fatigue. The box-shaped keys project a sense of quality, and also allow smoother glides and smears. The controllers you need for an exciting performance are laid out on the panel for intuitive operation. The status of the samples assigned to each key (and the item being edited) is indicated by the lit state of the LEDs running along the top of the keyboard, ensuring excellent visibility even on stage.

USB-eautiful

By using the free editor/librarian software for the microSAMPLER, you can manage a gigantic sample library that’s all your own. You can back up sample and pattern sequence data to your computer via USB, or load samples and patterns back in just as easily. . Importing and exporting of WAV/AIFF data on your computer is also supported. The possibilities are endless…

Description:

Inside a crumbling socialist office block in former East Berlin, synthesiser store owner Andreas Schneider preaches the way of analogue to a loyal following of infamous electronic musicians, who flock to his store, ‘Schneiders Buero’, for unique boutique instruments. His business has prospered against the odds throughout the digital revolution in music, and in parallel, through a period of huge change in East Berlin. His is a haven for maverick instrument builders and passionate collectors alike. But as the twin forces of capitalism and digital technology seep through the last bricks of the Wall, how much longer can this analogue asylum survive?

The film features an informed selection of inventors and artists alike, including Dieter Doepfer, Junior Boys, Cassy, Ken MacBeth, Anthony Rother, Jessica Rylan, Daniel Miller, Wowa Cwejman, Per Salzwedel, Ricardo Villalobos, Magda, Marc Houle, Max Loderbauer and many more.

You can preview a section of the DVD below that features Ken Macbeth, of Macbeth Studio Systems. Macbeth talks about what inspires him, his vision for the M5 synthesiser, and making noise.

Click here to view the embedded video.

via TotallyWired, Matrixsynth

Majic Conner doing an impromptu version of his song Bach Rock on his Roland AX1B.

via pacdream

Saturday Synth Porn: MacBeth Studio Systems’ Ken MacBeth mixes the MacBeth X-Series Synth Modules with a Korg CX3 and a Godwin….in HD, stereophonic glory.

via macbethsynthesizers:

‘I hope you enjoy my mediocre keyboard playing!’

These videos demo Emu Emulator II sampler library sounds.

Recognize the sounds of hundreds of 80’s songs?

Click here to view the embedded video.

via JMPSynth

The Casio CZ-1 was the top of the Casio’s CZ synthesizer line. The CZ series were a family of low-cost phase distortion synthesizers produced by Casio mid-1980s.

The CZ-1 synthesizer offered the classic CZ sound, but also featured stored splits and layers , velocity and aftertouch sensitivity. The CZ-1 also featured a backlit display – an improvement over the rest of the series.

There were eight models of CZ synthesizers released:

• CZ-101
• CZ-230S
• CZ-1000
• CZ-2000S
• CZ-2600S
• CZ-3000
• CZ-5000
• CZ-1

Additionally the home-keyboard model CT-6500 used 48 phase-distortion presets from the CZ line.

The CZ series were flexible synthesizers, and their price made programmable synthesizers affordable.

If you’ve used the Casio CZ-1, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Casio CZ-1 Resources

• Wikipedia entry for the Casio CZ series
• Casio CZ-1 at SonicState
• The Casio CZ-1 at RetroSound
• Cosmo’s Casio World
• Deep Synthesis on the Casio CZ-1
• Casio CZ-1 Banks for Kontakt3, Wav
• Casio CZ-1 Editor/Librarian and Virtualizer for Windows and Macintosh OS X
• Patchman offers patches for the Casio CZ-101, CZ-1000, CZ-3000, CZ-5000, CZ-1

Video via AnjelicasBaby:

Hi Paul Leishman from British new wave, dance, electronic synthpop and pop music artist Anjelicas Baby here.

Just been experimenting with a now very rare Casio CZ-1 Phase Distortion synthesizer in cubase. All sounds are off the Casio CZ-1 with the addition of modern computer FX and a house drum loop for added effect.

Angelicas Baby music now can be downloaded or listened to from the following sites: iTunes U.S., iTunes Australia/N.Z., iTunes Canada, iTunes UK/European Union, iTunes Japan, Rhapsody, Napster, eMusic, IMVU, Amazon MP3, Lala, Shockhound, Amie Street, last.fm, indiestore.com. In the near future there will be many more.

Many thanks for your ongoing support

This is a demo of the rare Moog Satellite, a classic Moog synthesizer from the mid 70’s, but one that was limited by a single oscillator and limited modulation capabilities.

Moog described the Satellite like this:

An electronic music synthesizer is disclosed in which the sound producing chain includes a voltage-controlled oscillator, band-pass filter, low-pass filter, and amplifier in which selected control currents are supplied to low impedance points within the synthesizer circuit from a resistor matrix.

The synthesizer produces sounds approximating different acoustic musical instruments or having different tonal qualities by the application of a predetermined voltage to one of fifteen input columns of the resistor matrix with selected other columns being grounded. The currents provided by the resistor matrix in combination with other externally generated currents control the center frequency and bandwidth of the band-pass filter, the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter, the gain of the voltage-controlled amplifier, the time constants of transient contour currents used to control the filters and amplifier, and the waveform produced by the voltage-controlled oscillator.

Specialized keyboard, waveshaping, contour generating and modulating circuits are also provided.

Moog Satellite Resources:

• Till Kooper’s Moog Satellite page
• Moog Satellite patent

via AnalogAudio1:

The Moog Satellite is the successor of the rare Minitmoog (not Minimoog). It is built around a solid woodframe – it looks great! It’s a monophonic synthesizer with presets, which can be changed (filter, modulation, LFO, envelope). The filter sounds great, although it’s not the famous 24 db Moog filter. It sounds a bit like the Minikorg 700 or the Farfisa Syntorchestra. I like the meaty, analog sounds of the Satellite, which come to life when using it with delay, phaser, flanger… I played the Moog Satellite with the Roland DEP-5 multi effects processor (for hall and delay).

Image: Chris Randall

Audio Damage’s Chris Randall has posted a great story about restoring his Yamaha CS5 synthesizer:

For those not hip to the story, a couple years ago an AI reader in Seattle gave me this CS5.

To say it was broken is to do a gross injustice to the word “broken.” It was absolutely in throw-away condition. There were no end-pieces at all, everything was disconnected, several of the pots had failed, the metalwork (including the face panel) was bent all to hell, several of the ICs unique to the CS5 were burnt out, and worst of all, the main board, the actual synth itself, was broken, and many of the traces had failed.

But Stephen at Synthwood saw a challenge where others saw impossibilities.

I won’t go in to great detail on everything he had to do to get this thing in even barely working condition, never mind what it’s at now, because we just don’t have that kind of time. Highlights include dark walnut end-cheeks (and he had to fashion these en situ, as we didn’t have the originals to work from), fixing all the metalwork and the frame, full cleaning, replacement of all the busted parts, repairing the broken circuit board, replacing the power supply, swapping out the fixed power connector with an IEC jack, and giving it MIDI.

Do you have any synthesizer money pits, that you love anyway?

This is a demo of the funky Casio SK-10 sampler/synthesizer, by Liz Luttinger.

The SK-10 offers 1.4 seconds of 8-bit sampling goodness, along with some eightiestastic drum beats and synth tones.

If you’ve used the Casio SK-10, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Casio SK-10 Features:

• 9.38 kHz sampling frequency
• 8 bit
• 1.4 seconds of sampling
• holds one sample
• 32 mini keys
• 13 envelope shapes
• portamento
• vibrato
• 11 drum patterns: disco, rock, pops, march, samba, bossa nova, rhumba, 4 beat, swing, slow rock, waltz
• additive synth section.
• 5 PCM tones: piano, brass ensemble, trumpet, synth drums, human voice
• 3 synth tones: flute, pipe organ, jazz organ
• Sequencer: 400 steps of polyphonic programming or 99 step chord sequence with and 198 steps each of two solo voices.
• Loses all sequence and sample memory when turned off.

Casio SK-10 Resources:

• Casio SK-10 resource site.
• Details circuit bending photos of a Casio SK-10
• Highly Liquid carries a MIDI retrofit for the Casio SK-10
• Video demo via zachknows

This video is an official Roland demo video of the Roland C-230 Classic Keyboard at Musikmesse 2009.

via RolandChannel:

A treasure trove of classical organs and instruments in a compact cabinet, the new C-230 is an elegant addition to any home, church, or music venue. An instantly selectable library of instruments is onboard, including coveted classical organ and bass tones, harpsichords, fortepiano, celesta, and more. The internal amplification system provides high-quality output, with two satellite speakers and RSS ambience technology for immersive, rich sound.

One of the first images of the Beilfuss Step Synthesizer – a new synth design from the Beilfuss Synthesizer Company, described as “the world’s first step synthesizer”:

INTRODUCING THE WORLD’S FIRST STEP SYNTHESIZER

This thought-through system is the optimization of flexibility with controllability for keyboard. The step synthesizer brings new, never before heard, electronic sounds to music.

Unlike any analog or digital synthesizer’s controls, the patented tone control consists of sixteen steps simply outlining the waveform as set by the Signal Controls you see at the left of the control panel. Similarly, the envelope and filter contour transients and their time intervals are also set by the Signal Controls for rhythms or extended notes. You may easily add prompted, parallel voicings, combining settings of both sides for complex notes.There are 32 controls and 142 pushbuttons for direct programming. Dedicated LED pushbuttons always read out their side of the full eight octave, split keyboard. Five octaves of transposition are possible.

More images on Flickr. The images are of a prototype, as shown by Beilfuss Synthesizer Co. President Keith Williams at the SEAMUS 2009 National Conference held at Sweetwater Sound in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

If you’ve had a chance to check out the Beilfuss Step Synth, or if you have additional information on it, leave a comment with your thoughts!

This video takes a look at some of the (very) basics of getting started with the Open Labs NeKo.

via MakeItFunkyProds:

This video explains how to:

1. Turn on your NeKo / Miko studio.

2. Connect your external VGA monitor.

3. Play the Open Labs vsti’s in your software.

(BONUS: How to exit the Open Labs Shell.)

Synth pioneer Suzanne Ciani on 3-2-1 Contact demonstrating synthesizers and sound synthesis.

Synths spotted:

• Oberheim OBX
• Sequential Circuits Prophet 5
• Buchla 200 system

Anyone know what year this is from?

Roland RS-505 Paraphonic Keyboard Synthesizer

Description:

This is a quick demo of the Roland RS-505 Paraphonic Keyboard Synthesizer’s string, synthesizer and bass selections, with and without the 3 selectable ensemble effects (except strings always through ensemble).

Specifications:

• Full polyphony – Full
• 1 VCO per section (Synth, Bass, Strings)
• LFO in synth
• Filter w/ cutoff, resonanc
• VCA with ADSR in Synth, AR in Bass.
• 2 Preset Strings, 3 Preset Bass, 4 Preset Synth Waveforms
• 49 note keyboard
• VCF CV In, Trigger, Gate

If you’ve used the Roland RS-505, leave a comment!

Resources:

• SOS Synth Secrets article on early polyphonic synths
• Overview at Vintage Synth

via zibbybone

This is a quick demo of the Flashing Pitch & Mod Wheel upgrade for the Minimoog Voyager (Select Series & Electric Blue only).

Details at the Moog Music site.

This is a video demo of the Korg MS-10 monophonic analog synthesizer.

This was the most basic and the least expensive of Korg’s MS series.

The Korg MS-10 featured a 32-note (F-C) keyboard and semi-modular design. The MS-10 let you reroute the signal of some modules via patch cords, but you didn’t have to use patch cords to make a basic synthesizer sound.

A monophonic synth, the MS-10 had one VCO, one VCF, an LFO with multiple waveforms, an ADSR with hold controls, and knobs to control pitch, portamento time, external signal level, resonance, and pulse width. It also had one wheel, for pitch bend.

Specifications:

• Monosphonic analog synthesizer
• 1 VCO with mixable white/pink noise generator
• One LFO w/ multiple waveforms
• One lowpass VCF
• ADSR with Hold
• 32 key keyboard
• CV/GATE inputs

Resources:

• Korg MS 10 Monophonic Synthesizer Owner’s Manual
• The Korg MS-10 Rebuild Project
• DIY special – plans to add MIDI capability to the Korg MS-10 with the Synhouse MIDIJACK.
• The MS-10 at Vintage Synth

The Korg MS-20 is a patchable semi-modular monophonic synthesizer which Korg released in 1978 and was in production until 1983. It was part of Korg’s MS series of instruments, which also included the single oscillator MS-10, the keyboardless MS-50 module, and the SQ-10 sequencer.

Additional devices included the MS-01 Foot Controller, MS-02 Interface, MS-03 Signal Processor, MS-04 Modulation Pedal and VC-10 Vocoder.

Although the MS-20 follows a conventional subtractive synthesis architecture of oscillators/filter/vca, its patch panel allows some rerouting of both audio and modulation, and it includes an external signal processor. This flexibility led to its resurgence during the analog revival of the late 90’s.

The Korg MS-20 is a synth classic. If you’ve used the MS-20, leave a comment!

Used by:

The MS-20 has been used by bands and artists such as Astral Projection, Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft, Felix Kubin, Liaisons Dangereuses, Soulwax, Air, A Flock of Seagulls, Liam Howlett of The Prodigy, Simian Mobile Disco, Spleen United, Daft Punk, Digitalism, Shapeshifter, William Orbit, Electrosexual, Simon Posford, Skinny Puppy, Greg Anderson, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Eliot Lipp, Chicks on Speed, Severed Heads, Safety Scissors, Goldfrapp, Dubstar, Covenant, The Faint, Mr. Oizo, Kimouts, Zia McCabe of The Dandy Warhols, Foals, friendly fires, Klaxons, Royksopp, Legowelt The Presets and STIJN have also used an MS-20. Aphex Twin likes to put many of his sounds through the ESP (External Signal Processor), which is also used by Mira Aroyo of Ladytron.

Specifications:

• Monophonic analog synthesizers
• Oscillators – 2 VCO’s + noise
• One LFO w/ multiple waveforms
• 2 MultiMode VCFs: Lowpass, Highpass, Notch, BandReject; with ADSR
• 2 VCAs: ADSR + Sample and Hold with an envelope follower
• 36 key keyboard
• CV/GATE inputs

Korg MS-20 Resources:

• Wikipedia entry for the Korg MS-20
• Korg Monophonic Synthesizer MS-20 owner’s manual
• Korg MS-20 at Vintage Synth Explorer