Korg MS20M Monophonic Synthesizer Module Kit with SQ-1 Step Sequencer

The evolution of the MS-20, delivering even more powerful synthesis. A module that you assemble, with a step sequencer included.
The classic MS-20 analog synthesizer that appeared in 1978 has been reborn as a perfect reproduction of the original circuit, first in 2013 as the mini-sized MS-20 mini and now in 2014 as the MS-20 Kit that you can assemble yourself. The MS-20 Mini and the Kit were designed by the engineers who developed the original MS-20. At its introduction, the designers of the MS-20 wanted to create an interesting product quickly; the result was an enormous hit, but the designers felt there were actually a few things left undone. Now, after 37 years, the user-assembled MS-20M Kit has been completed.

The MS-20M Kit is based on the MS-20 with additional improvements; it's an analog synthesizer module where you can choose your preferences and assemble yourself. In addition to greatly enhanced synthesis possibilities provided by oscillator sync, FM, two filters (pre and post) and PWM, there are jacks such as a CV IN that'supports both Hz/V and V/Oct, making it play nicely with other equipment. You'll be able to immerse yourself in synthesis and with the inclusion of the SQ-1 step sequencer you can also create and play sequences.

Significantly powered-up synthesis
• SYNC ON/OFF switch allows oscillator sync
• FM ON/OFF switch allows frequency modulation
• FILTER TYPE switch selects two filter types
• PWM IN jack allows pulse width modulation
• EG2 NORMAL OUT expands your sonic possibilities
• TRIG SW button is a convenient way to audition the sound

Dramatically powered-up synthesis
Carrying on the distinctive synthesis of the MS-20, the MS-20M features additional improvements in both looks and functionality. Extending to detailed aspects of the design, the sound-creating possibilities have been dramatically boosted, making this sound module even more attractive and raising it to an even higher state of completion.

SYNC ON/OFF switch allows oscillator sync
Oscillator sync forcibly synchronizes the phase of VCO1 to the phase of VCO2, producing a powerful sound with complex overtones.

FM ON/OFF switch allows frequency modulation
The VCO1 waveform can be used to frequency-modulate the VCO2 waveform (FM or cross modulation), creating vibrato effects or extreme metallic sounds.

FILTER TYPE switch lets you select two types of filter
The original MS-20 used two different VCF circuits depending on the date of production and now you can choose either of these with a single switch. The earlier model (REV.1) has an aggressive character with distinctive distortion and self-oscillation, while the later model (REV.2) has minimal noise and a sweet, mellow sound.

PWM IN jack allows pulse width modulation
The PWM provided on the MS-10 of the past is now possible on the MS-20. By cyclically modulating the pulse width of the VCO1 square wave, you can obtain a distinctively fat sound.

EG2 NORMAL OUT jack expands your sound-creating potential
In addition to the previous EG2 REV OUT, they have provided a normal EG2 OUT that varies in the range of 0V--+5V.

TRIG SW button lets you conveniently audition the sound
Even on this keyboardless unit, the trigger switch lets you smoothly audition the sound while you edit the parameters.

A rich array of jacks to control a variety of devices
Numerous jacks have been added to the MS-20M, letting you connect it with any type of device.

All CV/GATE specifications are supported: Hz/V and V/Oct, S-Trig and V-Trig
From the time when it was originally produced, the CV standard used by the MS-20 was not the commonly used V/Oct standard, but rather the Hz/V standard that provided superior pitch stability. However, like the MS-50 of that time, the MS-20M Kit provides CV IN jacks for both the Hz/V standard and the V/Oct standard. For the TRIG IN jack that receives gate signals, jacks are provided not only for the S-Trig standard as on the original MS-20, but also for the widely used V-Trig standard. The MS-20M Kit supports any sequencer or controller that's equipped with CV/GATE output.

Three JUNCTION jacks
Three sets of the junction jacks once provided by the MS-50 are also provided. Output signals from the SQ-1 step sequencer or similar device can be converted from a mini-phone plug to a 1/4"" phone plug or those signals can be distributed to multiple destinations for a variety of possibilities.

MIDI IN connector and USB connector

There's a MIDI IN connector that can receive note messages and a USB-MIDI connector that can transmit and receive note messages. You can perform using a taktile or other MIDI keyboard or perform sequences that you've recorded on your DAW.

User-assembled kit with luxurious wooden side panels
The full-sized body supports 1/4"" plugs and projects an aura of solidity. The side panels are luxurious wood, giving this unit some serious presence on your desk The MS-20M is a user-assembled kit. There is no need for any tricky soldering or knowledge of electronic circuits. Just by installing screws and fitting parts together, you'll get your very own analog sound.

SQ-1 step sequencer is included
The 2 x 8 step SQ-1 step sequencer is included. From the day you assemble the unit, you'll be able to immerse yourself in a limitless world of synthesis and sequencing.

SQ-1
Connect any type of device and control it freely. 2 x 8 step sequencer
When the classic MS-20 analog synthesizer appeared in 1978, it had a trusted partner in the SQ-10 step sequencer. Now, after thirty years, the MS-20 has been reborn as the MS-20 mini and the SQ-10 has evolved into the more modern SQ-1.

The SQ-1 is a compact step sequencer with 2 x 8 steps. It's wealth of connection jacks allows it to be connected to the MS-20 and a variety of other synthesizers. Vintage analog synths or the latest compact synths can be controlled from this single unit. You can also switch between a variety of synthesizer modes and use the step buttons to create performances overflowing with spontaneity, just as when using a volca unit. Liberate yourself from the numerically-bound parameter editing that's typical on a DAW; you'll enjoy truly musical inspiration as you train your ears and concentrate on what your fingertips are doing. Don't miss the experience of music that's driven by your instinct.

• Connect and control the MS-20 and many other types of equipment
• A variety of sequencer modes
• Step edit buttons inherited from the volca, providing excellent improvisatory possibilities
• Sturdy and compact body, with battery operation

Connect and control the MS-20 and many other types of equipment
Rather than the commonly used V/Oct standard, the CV design of the MS-20 always used the Hz/V standard that provides excellent pitch stability limiting the step sequencers that are able to correctly control the MS-20. As a descendant of the SQ-10, the SQ-1 supports the Hz/V standard, enabling it to perfectly control the MS-20 or MS-20 mini. It goes without saying the V/Oct standard is also supported and the voltage level of the CV output and polarity of the GATE output can be specified as appropriate for the device you've connected. This versatility will enable you to control a wide variety of other synthesizers as well.

As a connector, the SQ-1 provides two CV/GATE OUT channels, the standard MIDI OUT and USB MIDI, littleBits out (to connect to the littleBits synth kit by littleBits Electronics Inc.), plus the SYNC IN/OUT channel that allows you to connect to the volca series and monotribe. Compact and complete with all the functions you need, the SQ-1 is the ideal hardware sequencer.

Versatile sequencer modes
The SQ-1 provides two channels (A and B) of 8-step sequencer that can operate consecutively or be used in a variety of other modes. For example, you can run A and B following each other to function as a 16-step sequencer, ignore the order and make the steps play randomly or use A and B to control different parameters as they run in parallel. From simple sequences to complex changes, you can choose from a variety of modes to suit your needs.

Step buttons inherited from the volca provide excellent improvisatory possibilities
The 2 x 8 step buttons can be used in the usual way to turn notes on/off, but you can also use the MODE button to switch their function, opening up powerful possibilities such as letting you perform" the sequence itself, as on a volca unit.

Active Step" lets you skip steps mid-way through a sequence and Step Jump" lets you instantly play just the step that you press, producing irregular rhythms or effects that are reminiscent of short loops. Slide" produces an effect in which steps are connected smoothly; using this to control a synth bass is an easy way for anyone to generate an acid sound.

Sturdy and compact body, with battery operation
Packed with carefully selected functionality, the SQ-1 features a compact and very sturdy sheet-metal body. Placed beside the MS-20 series, you'll notice a sense of solidity that gives the impression they were manufactured in the same era. The unit can operate on two AA batteries or on USB bus power.

Other functions
• Sequence step resolution is selectable as quarter notes, eighth notes or 16th notes.
• You can specify the way in which the step knobs control the pitch. The knob values can specify the pitch directly or they can specify the closest note in a major, minor or chromatic scale.