King KORG Analog Synthesizer, 3 Oscillators, 2 Timbres, 61 Keys & New MINI MS-20

[miscend]

Originally Posted by FilmNMusicman

The page where it was listed isn't even up anymore....

The End

Could be because they put it up too early in error.

[xanax]

it's actually quite plausible a dealer from a random country mistakenly leaked the info. thomann & others would definitely know better. the fact that the page was pulled actually gives it even more credibility. btw the site also appears to be a legit korg distributor .. and this all aligns with the upcoming winter namm..

[paugui]

I would rather have a reissued MS20 with proper keys, but even a mini version would be fantastic.

Just think they could have done some small upgrades, like having outputs for each oscillator available in order to do FM, Filter-FM and other things.
Nothing too drastic, like putting ADSR envelopes, but small extras could be a plus.

But the point previously made of using the case they've made for the MS20ic makes sense and just having the same possibilities as the MS20 sounds great already

Just hope if they are a success they produce the other elements of the series so it will be possible to have a small mini-MS system

I think MIDI and USB would be nice, but no need for anything to fancy.

[NoVi]

If they re-release a MS20(-mini) and even the sound is 90% of the original it is a sure buy for me. If Moog can do it with a Model D/ Voyager why couldn't Korg pull it off? They can not neglect the fact that there is a substantial market out there (looking at the popularity of devices like the Minibrute).

I must admit that the name KingKorg looks somewhat fake to me.

Originally Posted by danielb

It occurs to me that if someone had told me in 1985, when polyphonic synths were finally affordable, and everyone was excited about FM, Midi etc, that in 2013 people would be drooling at the prospect of a new monophonic analog synth with no memories and possibly no Midi, I would have thought they were completely mad

In 1983 I was glad I could sell my Korg MS20 because now polyphonic came in the reach of musicians with a tight budget. I bought a JX3P. Both great synths but of course should never have sold the MS20.

[xanax]

the fact it uses that same legacy mini controller does make me fear it might just be the iMS-20 in standalone format.. monotribe success is the only thing that gives me hope but a faithful full discrete analog recreation of the MS-20 in such a small form factor just sounds too good to be true tbh!

[xanderbeanz]

And it sounds plausible price wise, in that it's basically the guts of two monotribes with added high pass filters and a little mini keyboard (plus patchbay).

Plus they've already designed the UI and case with the legacy controller being similar.

This just makes too much sense to be fake, they could sell thousands!

[WDM]

Originally Posted by audioconsult

...
but am i the only one that finds argentina the most unlikely source for news in synth world?? why not papua new guinea ? is´nt that even closer to japan?

My wild guess would be it's because someone wants to be the first on new emerging market...

[projectwoofer]

I guess we will all find out soon...

[raffor]

I think to stick with an existing case, keyboard, and proven circuit will lower the R&D costs and thus the price and risk of such a synth for Korg. Taken into a account the success of the MiniBrute and recent Moogs, they might finally saw a market and gave in.

I would agree with comments above. The fact that all info vanished from the argentinean site just lends this rumor credibility.

[xanax]

namm is less then a month away... it's definitely rumor/leak season.. obviously this can mean fake info too but that argentinian site is an official korg distributor not some random blog/synth site. also it's not so far fetched as korg has released various recreations of the ms-20 through the last decade and has recently ventured back into real analog... i say it's true but exact specs is what i'm really curious about (i doubt we'll see full discrete & Pitch/CV implementation..)

[Liquid Legacy]

If it isn't leaked by James Jeffreys it's not legit.

[grasspike]

Originally Posted by audioconsult

but am i the only one that finds argentina the most unlikely source for news in synth world?? why not papua new guinea ? is´nt that even closer to japan?

my other hobby is photography, one of the major players in the photography world is Canon also out of Japan.

Several times over the past few years about a month or so before the major international trade shows some random website in some remote corner of the world "leaks" the new Canon DSLR by placing it in it's web site priced in some obscure currency. Then it quickly vanishes from said site.

This serves two purposes.

1.)Gets lots of free word of mouth marketing before said show

2.)People try to figure out the price in Euros or US Dollars and that allows Canon to get good market research on what the market would bear with regards to pricing

this move if real would be right out of the playbooks of the Japanese camera makers

[xanax]

^ yup actually for those familiar with rumor sites this is how most leaks happen for most electronic products (namely smartphones)

Originally Posted by Liquid Legacy

If it isn't leaked by James Jeffreys it's not legit.

actually i heard he got early release from his jail sentence ( BPAS hacker jailed for 32 months | World news | The Guardian ) maybe he relocated to argentina and learned to not paste his real name on leak photos?

[ukm]

Originally Posted by Analog Prophet

Why these mini keys from Korg? Makes a good instrument be a toy

n * (+1)

[cuckoo.old]

Originally Posted by NebulaZero

Oh boy the BIG 3 Roland, Yama, and Korg just don't get it do they? Seems like they don't understand what people really want.


Ne

Is it they don't understsnd what people want, or just people on this forum?

One of the big three could probably release a fully discrete 2 oscillator synth with proper VCOs, 16 voice polyphony, midi control, and 1 knob/slider per parameter all for under $1500 and people would still bitch that the filter doesn't sound as good as a Minimoog.

[Spectral Climax]

Originally Posted by Analog Prophet

Why these mini keys from Korg? Makes a good instrument be a toy

It makes it affordable for most musicians...$300-$500 could be a notable difference, especially in European market with high taxes etc...
I personally don't care at all for the size. I think most people who have an MS-20, doesn't perform with it like it was a Minimoog etc...MS-20 is more like an instrument for more experimental music with all of those patch points etc...it just need "triggers"...full keyboard is not necessary IMO. After all, it must have MIDI, so you can always control it with a premium keyboard controller.

[golden beers]

Originally Posted by xanax

it's actually quite plausible a dealer from a random country mistakenly leaked the info. thomann & others would definitely know better. the fact that the page was pulled actually gives it even more credibility. btw the site also appears to be a legit korg distributor .. and this all aligns with the upcoming winter namm..

+1


fingers crossed for real analogue.

even if VA could be great.

perhaps VA with analogue filters?

[recnsci]

Originally Posted by xanax

the fact it uses that same legacy mini controller does make me fear it might just be the iMS-20 in standalone format...full discrete analog ...

Originally Posted by xanax

...(i doubt we'll see full discrete & Pitch/CV implementation..)

Actually, it would be cheaper to put MS20 circuits in that casing than some iMS20 thingie.
MS20 is simple synth. It uses some discrete components and some ICs, not a lot of matching/trimming, no esoteric/obsolete parts. Critical stuff are matched resistor arrays around VCOs, but that's very non-issue these days. Another thing is V/Hz VCOs but that's nothing high resolution DAC and precision pitch CV paths can't solve today. $700-$800 street price is doable for Korg.

[PES]

Originally Posted by Spectral Climax

It makes it affordable for most musicians...$300-$500 could be a notable difference, especially in European market with high taxes etc...
I personally don't care at all for the size. I think most people who have an MS-20, doesn't perform with it like it was a Minimoog etc...MS-20 is more like an instrument for more experimental music with all of those patch points etc...it just need "triggers"...full keyboard is not necessary IMO. After all, it must have MIDI, so you can always control it with a premium keyboard controller.

I agree completely. The scale makes it more studio/transport friendly, while the UI/looks remain as they should.

[JEK3]

Anyway, it will not sound as good as the original! I had to say that, in order to anticipate the threads we'll have if that synth will be put on the market.
Jokes aside, It would be great if they would really start to produce a new MS-20 styled synth!

[WDM]

I am pretty much sure that it's going to sound as good as a mini original

[paugui]

I don't think the Mini MS-20 would be a VA since they said it's monophonic.
I think it would be stupid to do it as a monophonic synth if it was digital...


If Korg is indeed trying to test the market, I think they could make much more by introducing some small extra features and a decent keyboard, even thought they try to keep it as close to the original MS-20 as possible.
At least I'd consider paying more for one of those and probably even buying more than one to start a small modular setup with them

With mini-keys and the same design (which doesn't make it as modular as I'd want it), I'd say that's a fair price.
Unless I use it for strange sounds and effects or sequences, I'd much rather use have a decent keyboard and for proper playing I'll just have to use a decent keyboard to control it.
And with no dedicated output for each VCO I feel it's a bit limiting for the modular kind of use I'd want to give it...

[xanax]

Originally Posted by recnsci

Actually, it would be cheaper to put MS20 circuits in that casing than some iMS20 thingie.
MS20 is simple synth. It uses some discrete components and some ICs, not a lot of matching/trimming, no esoteric/obsolete parts. Critical stuff are matched resistor arrays around VCOs, but that's very non-issue these days. Another thing is V/Hz VCOs but that's nothing high resolution DAC and precision pitch CV paths can't solve today. $700-$800 street price is doable for Korg.

i'm no expert on synth building but somehow i doubt building a discrete component analog synth is less expensive then a digital chip running the iMS20 software, especially for a company like Korg who has moved into machine built mass production instruments. also the monotribes used surface mount components which imo is were this will be headed if they go the analog route, especially considering the shrinked dimensions..

[schmuck]

God I don't believe people already start moaning what it is NOT going to be.

I have to admit I thought it to be a fake initially, but maybe some dealer was indeed a bit early...it would be VERY cool to have a little ms20 for a grand!! Maybe I can upgrade my legacy controller!

[cresshead]

the most reasonable thing would be (if it's really coming out from Korg)that it's an updated re issue of the usb controller but cheaper and aimed at the ipad market and the iMS20

[JEK3]

Originally Posted by WDM

I am pretty much sure that it's going to sound as good as a mini original

lol

[Don Solaris]

Originally Posted by clusterchord

on the serious note, if that little ms20 is indeed fully analog that is certainly exciting news... i liked the vco and filter on monotron, just didnt like the terrible SNR, and of course how limited it was. but this may solve both. wow. agreed, would love a desktop only version, with a 8 or 2x8 step sequencer, instead of the mini keys. not to mention how the MS form factor is completely impractical for gigging/carrying arround... when put to a case its gonna take a LOT of space.. give us just a simple/thin desktop...so it can go as carry on baggage,,, its all SMD inside anyway,,they can pull it off.. instead of sticking to the "vintage" look at any cost. oh well..

+1

Korg, if you're reading this, please follow this advice from our expert member Tom Babic and you can't go wrong. I've met a lot of synth experts actually, but this guy quoted above is top of the top when it comes to synth knowledge. Period.

And another vote from my side for simple desktop version. If you're using the SMD them use it for its benefits. Stellar vintage sound certainly isn't one of them, but when it comes to small compact device, it's a ticket to go. Keyboard? Who needs it. We already have a keyboard. We're musicians / producers / sound designers. Simple MIDI/USB port is all we need.

Not to mention compact device is far cheaper than this "retro" MS-20 lookalike. You won't get buyers by its *MS-20 retro look, but by either: a) its SOUND; or b) its slim and practical design.



* You will just point them to the real MS-20 and prices will go even more up, just like they did after the MS-20 controller thing. I follow the market for near 10 years, so I know.

[recnsci]

Originally Posted by xanax

i'm no expert on synth building but somehow i doubt building a discrete component analog synth is less expensive then a digital chip running the iMS20 software, especially for a company like Korg who has moved into machine built mass production instruments. also the monotribes used surface mount components which imo is were this will be headed if they go the analog route, especially considering the shrinked dimensions..

You are mixing trough hole vs. surface mount "issues" with discrete/IC issues. If this rumor is true, of course Korg made it with surface mount parts. 2N3906 (NPN transistor in TH package) and MMBT3906 (NPN transistor in TH package) are very very very same things in different packagesm, and they are both discrete transistors. SM vs TH difference for active parts (diodes, transistors and Ics) is nonexisting, for resistors mostly nonexisting and only for capacitors there are issues here and there.

[SWAN808]

I should think they are having keys on there for the thriving live music market. Although I'd prefer a desktop also...this is a wow development. Several years ago everyone was saying none of the night guys would ever make an analogue again...

Next stop - Roland

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[xanax]

..out of all possible complaints i find it strange some would have an issue with korg being faithful to the original design i definitely welcome keys, even if mini..i find rack synth units uninspiring especially analog..

Originally Posted by recnsci

You are mixing trough hole vs. surface mount "issues" with discrete/IC issues. If this rumor is true, of course Korg made it with surface mount parts. 2N3906 (NPN transistor in TH package) and MMBT3906 (NPN transistor in TH package) are very very very same things in different packagesm, and they are both discrete transistors. SM vs TH difference for active parts (diodes, transistors and Ics) is nonexisting, for resistors mostly nonexisting and only for capacitors there are issues here and there.

like i said i'm no expert in analog synth build techniques but my main point was that it sounds unrealistic to me that making it analog (no matter what components/mounting) would be cheaper than digital..