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Korg MS20MINI Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer USB MIDI
Korg MS20MINI Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer USB MIDI
Korg MS20MINI Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer USB MIDI
Korg

Korg MS20MINI Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer USB MIDI

★★★★★4.5 (170 reviews)

A faithful miniature recreation of the legendary MS-20 with analog filters, a patch bay, and USB MIDI.

$899.99*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Korg MS-20 Mini is a scaled-down reproduction of the iconic MS-20 semi-modular analog synthesizer that shaped electronic music throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. Every element of the analog signal path has been faithfully recreated: two voltage-controlled oscillators, the distinctive self-oscillating high-pass and low-pass filters known for their aggressive, gritty character, and the envelope generators and modulation routing that give the MS-20 its versatile sonic range. The 37 mini keys make it significantly more compact than the original, fitting easily into desktop studio setups where space is limited.

What sets the MS-20 Mini apart from many modern synthesizers is its semi-modular patch bay. While the synth produces sound without any patching, the array of patch points lets you reroute modulation, feed external audio through the filters via the ESP input, and create feedback loops and unconventional signal chains. The addition of USB MIDI and traditional 5-pin MIDI connectivity brings modern integration to this classic design, allowing you to sequence the MS-20 Mini from a DAW, use it alongside other MIDI gear, or simply play it from its own keyboard for hands-on analog exploration.

Key Features

Self-oscillating high-pass/low-pass filters with distinctive distortion

External signal processor (ESP)

Flexible patching system

USB MIDI plus 5-pin MIDI

Voltage control oscillator is the source of all sound for the MS-20 synthesizer

Specifications

Brand
Korg
Model
MS20MINI
Type
Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer
Keyboard
37 Mini Keys
Oscillator
Voltage Control Oscillator (VCO)
Filters
Self-oscillating High-Pass and Low-Pass
External Signal Processor
Yes
Patching System
Semi-Modular Patch Bay
MIDI
USB MIDI, 5-Pin MIDI In
Hardware Interface
USB

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Genuine analog signal path delivers the raw, aggressive character the original MS-20 is known for.
  • Flexible patch bay enables deep sound design well beyond typical preset-based synthesizers.
  • Self-oscillating filters produce the distinctive screaming resonance that defined the original's sound.
  • Both USB MIDI and 5-pin MIDI connections make integration with modern and vintage setups straightforward.
  • External Signal Processor allows processing of outside audio sources through the analog filters.

👎 Cons

  • Mini keys feel cramped for players accustomed to full-size keyboards and limit expressive playing.
  • No patch memory or presets means every sound must be dialed in manually from scratch each time.
  • Monophonic only, so it cannot play chords or layer multiple notes simultaneously.
  • The compact patch bay uses mini jacks that can be fiddly to work with, especially in dim environments.
  • No built-in effects such as delay or reverb, requiring external processing for finished sounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a true analog synthesizer. The oscillators, filters, and signal path are fully analog, faithfully recreating the original MS-20's circuitry in a smaller form factor.
The patch bay allows you to reroute the internal signal flow using mini patch cables. You can connect modulation sources to different destinations, process external audio through the filters, and create sound designs that go far beyond the default signal path.
It functions primarily as a standalone analog synthesizer, but it does accept MIDI input via both USB and 5-pin MIDI connections. This lets you sequence it from a DAW or external MIDI controller. It does not transmit MIDI out from its own keyboard.
The MS-20 Mini uses 37 mini keys compared to the original's 37 full-size keys. The reduced key size is the main trade-off for the significantly smaller overall footprint.
Yes. The External Signal Processor (ESP) input allows you to route outside audio sources through the MS-20 Mini's distinctive high-pass and low-pass filters.

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